New Forest Dog Owners Group

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WHO ARE WE?
We introduce the Principal Committee Members
who are working on your behalf.

Pauline Ludlow: Chair
Pauline is the founder member of NFDog. Conversations with other anxious residents prompted the first meeting in her lounge which 29 people attended. Her two black Labrador Retrievers, Susie and Sasha are mother and daughter. Susie is a working gundog and Sasha has now started her formal training. Pauline's distinguished work with numerous equine and horticultural groups has given her extensive experience of representing the views of animal and nature lovers.

Why have you established the Group?
"I started NFDog because so many New Forest residents knew of the rumours regarding "on lead" restrictions. I felt we had to first establish the truth, and represent their viewpoint to the authorities concerned."

David Dickenson: Ecologist
Having run a successful companion animal veterinary practice in Putney for 22 years, David now divides his time between his homes in the New Forest and Cévennes in Southern France. Apart from dogs, David’s main interests are flowers, photography and computer programming. He is currently combining all three in a computer-based flora database of the local species in the National Parks of both the New Forest and the Cévennes, with Growler and Pumples acting as photographer’s assistants.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
“The pleasure so many people derive from walking their dogs in this unique area should not be unfairly taken away by mindless bureaucracy and a misplaced desire to manage the New Forest and its residents.”

Sandy's Girls Sandy Gatward: Newsletter Editor
Dogs have always figured in a large way in Sandy's life, not least because her chosen breeds have included Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands and GSDs. Sandy's involvement in canine matters has included judging Bernese Mountain Dogs at Crufts in 1997, and character assessment for the Rottweiler Club. When not working as a special needs teacher, Sandy is kept busy running her own obedience school and puppy classes, and co-ordinating National Rescue for Bernese Mountain Dogs . Sandy's three Golden Retrievers, Elkie, Keira and Saffi, bring the number of dogs she has owned to 20.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
"I have two great passions in my life: my dogs and the New Forest. Being able to combine the two, and be helpful to others, is my idea of heaven."

Janine Redman: Veterinary Advisor
Janine was born in Blendworth, Hampshire, and moved to the New Forest in 1989 to take up her first job as a veterinary surgeon. Her versatile Border Collie Dee, enjoys agility, flyball and heelwork to music! New arrival Quiz hopes to follow in her footsteps. Janine stays very fit!! Although Janine moved away in 1991, she returned to the Forest in 1993 because she missed the unique life style and the open space available for dog walking.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
" So many of my clients complained to me about the restrictions on dog walking that I felt it was in the interest of the welfare of my patients to give the Group my support."

Ron Pearson: Treasurer
Ron has spent a lifetime in the medical profession, having qualified at Guys Hospital in 1964. His career has taken him all over the world, first working for the Save The Children Fund in Southern Algeria and then placements in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Bermuda. Back in the UK he was a Police Surgeon for 30 years. After 36 years as a practising GP in Havant, Ron is now retired apart from occasional cruises as a ships’ doctor, giving him more time to spend in the New Forest with Golden Retrievers Stormy and Drummer. Ron and his dogs are true all-rounders, participating in working tests, picking-up and showing. When time permits Ron also enjoys travelling and gardening.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
" To help encourage and nurture a harmonious relationship between dog owners and all the various groups who enjoy the forest and are involved in its management."

Penny Gayler: Membership Secretary
Born in Hertfordshire, Penny moved to the New Forest in 1971. She has owned dogs all her life, but was given her first Golden Retriever in 1977. She began showing in 1990, and has competed at Crufts several times. The current family includes Golden Retrievers Nina, Puzzle, Heidi, Fancy and Freya together with Seren, a Welsh Springer Spaniel "the resident maniac!" All the dogs enjoy gundog training, agility and obedience, and Nina is a PAT Dog who visits the Oakhaven Hospice.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
" Walking my dogs in the Forest is a great pleasure, and I could not sit back while someone spoilt my fun! I was appalled at the thought of being restricted to on-lead walking, and wanted to be actively involved in finding a solution to this conflict."

Kevin Hughes: Ornithologist
At a very early age, Kevin moved about as far south from his birthplace of Scotland as it is possible to get! He describes himself as a horticulturalist and amateur wildlife enthusiast, and his love of wild birds has lead him to spend 8 years studying the breeding patterns of Dartford Warblers in the New Forest. Although not a member of the committee, Kevin spoke, in his capacity as an ornithologist, in support of NFDog at the meeting in Lyndhurst. He enjoys walking in the New Forest with Alfie, his "bird friendly" Golden Retriever.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
"I dislike irrational legislation and discrimination against peaceful groups of people, and it is my belief that dogs and birds can co-exist in the New Forest."

John Cropp:
John and his wife were longstanding visitors to their New Forest holiday cottage, before they moved to the area permanently from London in 2003. Their canine family predates their human one, and currently consists of Cocker Spaniels Tommy (black) and Monty (blue roan).

Why have you become involved with the Group?
“The freedom to walk our dogs off-lead in an area of such outstanding beauty contributed to our move to the New Forest, and we hope to see this freedom continue so it may be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren.”

Tony Marshall: Retired Solicitor
Another NFDOG committee member who hails from Lincoln, Tony moved to the New Forest in 1993. Prior to his retirement, Tony enjoyed a lifetime’s work as a local government lawyer. Tony describes himself as an “active rotarian” and he and his wife Carolyn share their home with three Golden Retrievers; Jasper, Barnaby, and Dylan.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
”The open space available for dog walking was a large factor in our decision to move to the New Forest, and we felt it important to work against anything that might threaten this freedom.”

Kate Hurcombe
Born in Sway, Kate has been able to enjoy the New Forest all her life. She is also actively involved in a wide range of dog-related activities, including flyball, obedience training, working as a canine carer and assisting a local dog rescue group with home-checks and fundraising. Her canine family include Scooby, Sheba, Jim, Bubbles and Lily, all of whom are rescue dogs.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
Having lived the New Forest all my life, I believe that future generations should also be able to enjoy the Forest as I have done. My happiest childhood memories include playing in Boundway stream with our Labrador, and I would like my grand children and their families to have the same fun and share the same memories.

Christine Lemon
Christine grew up in Hertfordshire, and first came to Hampshire in 1973. She soon discovered the beauty of the New Forest, and travelled from Totton every day to walk her Irish Setters in the New Forest. Having spent a lifetime working in primary school education, Christine has now retired from full-time teaching but still takes part-time supply teaching work. Her enjoyment of the Forest is shared by her two elderly Irish Setters, Jessie and Chloe.

Why have you become involved with the Group?
The apparent growth of the “anti-dog” brigade gives me great cause for concern, particularly when so many of their accusations are not based on facts. I believe that dog owners must work together to make sure that a positive, pro-dog voice can be heard.

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