Dog trainer is hoping to walkies off with top award
An Ayrshire dog trainer is in the running for a national award for her charity work.
And Martha Brindley needs your help to lift the Kennel Club Accredited Instructor Trainer of the Year Award.
The former classroom assistant returns to schools with her whippet Gilly, teaching children about safety around dogs.
Last year she worked with a staggering 6000 pupils across Ayrshire as part of her work with the Blue Cross Charity.
The Kennel Club is looking for people who train dogs and also help their wider community too.
And this Lugton dog trainer is thrilled to be nominated.
“It really is wonderful to have my work recognised,” said Martha.
“I am the only Scottish finalist and there has never been a Scottish winner and to be nominated due to, not just dog training, but my volunteer work for Blue Cross charity, means a lot to me.” A health scare saw Martha give up her full- time job and she decided to focus on her other passion, her dogs, animals that have always been a part of her life.
“I have always had a love of dogs, as long as I can remember,” said Martha.
“My involvement in dog training goes back over 40 years to when my grandmother owned a boxer.
“At the age of 14 I was handed the lead and instructed to take the dog to a local training class and this was the beginning of my love affair and passion for dogs and their welfare.
“For me, what I like most about dog training is watching the bond grow between human and dog.
“From the boisterous, young puppy to the lovely companion dog can be a long journey but an incredibly rewarding journey.
“I also love having children attend the class and having fun training their dogs.
“It is heart- warming to see our future dog owners learning to train dogs using positive reinforcement techniques and experiencing the joy of achieving their goals and expectations and I am fortunate to combine my love of dogs with my love of teaching children.
“My current dog is Gilly, is a six- year- old Whippet and sadly his buddy, Sam, left us in November.
“Gilly is a perfect companion. He has achieved The Kennel Cub Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze award and is working towards his Silver.
“I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my work.”
You can log on and vote for Martha now at www. thekennelclub. org. uk/ kcaiawards.
I always had a love of dogs, for as long as I can remember. I can’t imagine doing anything else Martha Brindley