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Tribute to Bernard and Alfie

BERNARD HIGGINS 1929-2010
 
Our dear friend and long standing member of Good Boy Dog School passed away on 21 July 2010 from prostate cancer. He had been quietly fighting it since 2005 when he had been given a life expectancy of about five years. But he decided to live life to the full for as long as possible. Until recently only a few people were aware of this situation.
 
The last time I spoke to Bernard was at the end of March, when he had just lost Alfie, and was devastated. He mentioned in conversation that he had just come out of hospital with kidney failure. He said he was too upset to say anymore, and not ready to speak to anyone.
 
By the time I rang again, he was too unwell to come to the telephone, and Mrs Higgins told me that Bernard was going into a hospice. I was shocked to hear that he had been battling with cancer all this time. He did not want anyone to worry!
 
I am sure many of you will have memories of dear Bernard, so please add any stories or comments you may have.
 
In the early millennium years, Bernard met Alfie,  a large, hairy,  strong, traumatised and difficult dog. He was a mixture of Wolfhound, Giant Schnauzer, Collie et al. He was impossible to rehome so Bernard decided to keep him.   With the help of Dima at the classes both at the RSPCA and privately they started on his rehabilitation. They worked hard until Alfie became obedient, calm and reliable. They continued to train for pleasure and eventually joined the Demonstration Team, where they showed their skills to the public at many shows. Bernard and Alfie also went on to the pass the Kennel Club Good Citizenship at the Gold Level. An achievement of which we were all very proud.
 
Bernard was buried in Manchester, but his Memorial Service took place of Friday 10 September at St Albans Church.  The church was absolutely packed, and it soon became clear how much Bernard was loved, respected and missed. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years Ann, who herself had recently been battling with cancer.

Good Boy Dog School have made a donation of £50.00 to Friends of Southridge RSPCA Centre as we know Bernard would have liked that.

The Camp is upon us, so not much to add for those who still have not decided.

Here's what we have in store for you:

Saturday 24th July - volleyball, Bonfire, Barbeque, sports and drinks. Many Russians and No Dog Classes!

Sunday 25th - Camp opening at 13:00. Arrival, Settling in. Guided Site walk with Camp rangers, Intro Talk, Training session. Take-away dinner delivered on-site.

Monday 26th - Horses - Riding lesson and socializing with dogs, on site; Nina Bondarenko of Canine Carers - Assistance dogs, training and behavioural science; and Barbeque Dinner on site.

Tuesday 28th - Working Trials Demo and workshop with Dave and Maureen Currier, then -  Lunch on Warmdale Farm and Clay Pigeon Shoot with dogs and Archery lesson - no practical dog training aspects, but a good fun! Lake-side Café dinner.

Wednesday, 29th - Good Citizens Dog Scheme Testing on Bronze, Silver and Gold level with Chris Bloomfield followed by Obedience and Behavioural problems Sorted! - Questions and answers session in the afternoon, Lunch delivered to the site, then Anna's and Laura's Treasure Hunt. Dinner at the Flying Saucer with dogs.

Thursday, 30th - Obedience Workshop and Demo with Dorothy Cullum, Lunch on site. Nose work / search play-type workshop. Dinner at the Ski Centre on Site

Friday, 31st - Sea-side walk and swim, Fish and Chips lunch by the sea. Agility workshop with Anna Giles, and Barbeque Dinner on site.

Saturday, 31st July - Games and challenges on site, Final competition and lunch. Camp closes at 2 pm. 

Hot news from our friends at Intelligent Horsemanship:
 
Witness unique lessons in the value of trust-based relationships and communication.
Monty Roberts, "The Man Who Listens to Horses"
Willing Partners Tour Oct-Nov 2009
 
30th October Friday – The Grange, Okehampton, Devon
31st October Saturday – Hartpury, Gloucester
November
7th November Saturday – Towerlands Park, Braintree, Essex
14th – Your Horse Live (Stoneleigh Park) The Monty Extravaganza with Special Guests!
 
Doors open at 6 pm for Intelligent Horsemanship Association members and maximum of 2 guests (due to Private Audience with Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks) and at 7 pm for General Public.  Demonstrations start 7.30 pm promptly except Your Horse Live Special Performance starts 6.30 pm with no Private Audience but tickets reduced to £20 for IH members and up to 2 guests.  There is a 30 minute interval, the evening finishes at 10.30 pm (9.30 pm Your Horse Live)   Advance tickets £25 (£30 on the door if available)  If you would like further details please ring 01488 71300 fax 01488 713783 email ih.office@virgin.net or go to www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk
Please mention the Good Boy Dog School when contacting them.
 

A large pup in need of home:
 
His is Fred; he is a 6 and 1/2 month old Rottie cross. Photo available on request as we do not like clogging up your mailboxes.
 
He is house trained. He is inoculated. He is very sociable and obedient. He gets on with all other dogs..
He is a lot of fun to be with...
 
In fact he's perfect...
 
He is looking for a new owner;
His new owner must be someone with a garden who can continue giving him the love and training that he is responding to so very well.
 
If you can offer Fred a new home please contact:  pam.holmes@archant.co.uk or phone 020 7433 6201
 
Pamela Gunsell
 

Urgent appeal:
 
One of our star pupils is in trouble – due to circumstances the family are unable to keep him. Over the past two years Tai was a demo dog at many of my private classes, and regular walking companion to our Canine Commune. And now he’s to be given up!

This is what the owners asked us to post:

“Tai is a labrador and staff cross (black in colour).  He is neutured and has a very friendly temprement.  He can do lots of tricks and loves to be challenged.  He is sociable with cats, children and other dogs and loves food.  Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control I am looking for a new home for Tai.  If anyone is interested, please contact Deniece on 07909904729”

Tai will probably stay with Dima for the time being, as seing him going back to kennels after about 3 years in a home would break his (and mine) heart! So PLEASE – consider giving Tai a home he deserves. I will help you with free classes and advise if needed as he’s nearly a family for us all…