10/05/2026
Hi to all my clients, current and former. You have probably heard that my van was stolen yesterday from Churchill Park in Launceston following Dog Trials at the dog club there. I had my three dogs in the van. I’m very happy to let everyone know that my dogs, which had been dumped by the lowlife thief, have all been recovered safe and sound. My van has also been found in the Launceston area. Tyres had been spiked but hopefully no more damage, which I will find out today. I have nothing but praise for the Launceston police who gave me huge support, particularly Constable Paris Cate, who was with me for a good part of the ordeal, keeping me updated and grounded.
Sadly I’m not able to run my Monday evening class. I will try to contact people in the class but I don’t have their details with me. If you’re in the current Training and Tricks class, can you message me or comment here so I know you won’t be turning up tonight at 7. I will also cancel my one on one sessions for this week to give my pups and me some time to destress following this very stressful time. All three are suffering from anxiety - sadly, as we had a successful day yesterday at the trials.
If anything can be called positive about the ordeal, it brought home to me how wonderful the dog sports community are in Tasmania. The social media sharing got our story out to so many people and contributed greatly to the successful return of my beloved dogs. And I was blown away by the efforts of a group of northern trialers who followed my van, alerting police to its whereabouts, and who then went searching for my dogs, finding them in a remote bushy area. Also to one of my fellow trialers who chased after the van as it careered out of sight with the back door raised and my terrified dogs in crates in the back. She then stayed with me till quite late at night, driving me to where my dogs had been found. I love you all. Collie, Monty, Mia and I will most certainly be providing ‘treats’ next time I meet up with you all at the next trials.
