2024 In Memory
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Remembering friends who have passed away...
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Where dogs were concerned, anything Kathrin decided to do she did well. This started in the 70s when she appeared on TV's 'That' s Life, skipping rope with her first dog Gypsy, a small Tibetan Terrier!' She worked Gypsy at agility too. In those days, little dogs had to jump 2ft 6in like the big dogs. In 1991 they both qualified for the Mini Agility Challenge at Crufts and came 2nd. Since then Kathrin has qualified all her dogs over the years for either Olympia or Crufts - other than her second dog, a rather challenging Briard - achieving top 10 places and, at least, one win. She did, however, qualify her Briard for the flyball finals at Crufts around 30 years ago and made it through to the second day with a team comprising, believe it or not, of a Labrador, a Goldie, a German Shepherd and her Briard! She did however qualify her Briard for the Flyball finals at Crufts around 30 years ago and made it through to the second day with a team comprising, believe it or not, of a Labrador, a Goldie, a German Sherpherd and her Briard! Kathrin judged at Olympia, a very proud moment, but nothing quite matched running her dogs. She ran her own club, Millbrook Agility Dogs. During this time a significant number of people started their agility journey being trained by Kathrin. Many of them now run their own clubs, but hundreds owe their love of this sport to her. Millbrook always welcomed and encouraged members of all abilities and was particularly well known for being an 'all breed' club. One of the venues had some pigs in the adjacent field – she even managed to get one of them round a course although not all the equipment was attempted and KC rules were definitely not followed. Kathrin even introduced Search & Rescue lessons and Hoopers to the club. Her last proudest moment was being in the GB team with two of her dogs at IMCA/ PAWC last year, although this was a challenge as her health had begun to decline. Kathrin' s death came as a big shock to all her friends, club members and colleagues. The agility world has lost a wonderful trainer and the world a gentle person who lived for her dogs and loved to see her pupils move on. She will be greatly missed but has certainly left a lasting legacy. Debbie Palmer |
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From Hege Hurdwell...
I was shocked and numbed and overwhelmed with grief when I heard of the passing of Kathrin Tasker.
Kathrin was a very private person, but she did tell me of her illness which started some years ago. She fought hard and bounced back but got poorly again. This time it was a long and slow recovery. She was, however, positive and was looking forward to going away with the dogs, training and competing.
I joined Millbrook Agility Club 27 years ago and was immediately impressed by Kathrin's teaching skills. She welcomed everyone whether you wanted to compete or not. Her emphasis was on enjoying that special time with your dogs, learning new skills and always be supportive of everyone in the class. The number of people all over the UK and abroad whom she helped over the years was mind-blowing. Though she started agility in the early days, her training was always up to date as agility evolved. It didn't matter what breed or size of dog it was. Her knowledge and expertise were 1st class in everything she taught whether it be agility, hoopers, behaviour, search or scent.
Dogs loved her including mine.
She helped me to achieve so many goals that I never thought possible, and she did the same for so many others, too.
In addition to being an excellent instructor, she was an amazing handler, too. Every dog she brought out, she achieved with. She qualified for so many finals with her own dogs as well as dogs she ran for a few others. Winning Olympia with her dog Chi as well as numerous other wins with her in agility and the few Hoopers shows she went to she nailed, too.
Back in the day, when she judged, she was a firm favourite with many - especially the ABC handlers - because of her course design. Only a few people get invited to judge at Olympia, and Kathrin was one of them.
She qualified as a search & rescue handler. She and her Lurcher Winnie were called out on a real search. They found the vulnerable person and saved a life!
games in the water or just chilling with them at the field.
Over the years she put on many events for club members as well as others including training days, club BBQ with fun competitions, Christmas fun, guest trainers, club competitions at Loosley House and demonstration events. The list goes on.
Kathrin and I ran Fizz and Kefaah in a few Pairs classes, I remember I was so honoured she would run her Advanced dog with my Novice ABC dog. She then invited Kefaah and me to do teams with her, Pat Blair and Jenny Willis. And that's when I started travelling around the country for our Team runs. Such fantastic memories from this time.
I taught classes for her for many years but unfortunately when all the lockdowns happened, we had to sell up and move, leaving my dream training place and job. I was very upset and I know Kathrin was, too. It was a difficult time for both of us.
We kept in touch but not as often as before. My biggest regret is not sending her a message to check some weeks ago. She was my teacher to the end. I am sorry, Kathrin. Love you lots and there's only one Kathrin. She'd understand what I mean. If there's another place we go, I know she will have the biggest smile as she's greeted by her beloved dogs Gypsy, Zoe, Ozman. Fizz, Kaya, Chi and Winnie.
Thank you for everything Kathrin. And thank you for giving Charlie such a fabulous home. I know leaving him, Mole and Evie would have been a worry for you but I can reassure that they are all safe and in very good hands.
So long dear friend and so sorry I wasn't there.
Very sad news to hear that Pam Rawson has passed away.
Pam attended Jumping Jacks for many years with her good friend Iris. In later years, after a serious illness and a long time in hospital, she was still determined to do agility.
Her health problems meant she couldn't run anymore but, even with her oxygen tank, Pam and her dog Rory still maanged some spectacular wins which were very emotional to watch. Pam's determination to carry on agility and the bond with her dogs awarded her with the Special Partnership Award, voted for almost unanimously by our members.
Pam, you have been - and always will be - missed at the shows. Rest In peace.
Kate Theobald - Jumping Jacks Association
Pam's children Tracey Lavender and Robbie Axel Kaiser would like to thank everyone for their heart felt messages. They have been comforted to know how much loved she was.
Sad news today of the passing of Colin Fraser, a true legend of Northern Ireland agility with his German Shepherds and Border Collies.
Although he retired from the sport a few years ago, Colin was the winner of all the major trophies including the Irish Agility Dog of the Year, All Ireland Agility and Jumping Dog of the Year, Balmoral Agility and Jumping Championships and Eukanuba Team winner (Malvern).
He regularly gave up his time to judge at shows all over Ireland.
We will miss his wit and helpful advice on all things agility related such as 'If you were judging properly, you would have heard my dog get that contact ..! and on life in general 'You could pass that bus now. It's parked in the lay-by!'
It was our privilege to have known Colin and counted him as a dear friend and fierce competitor.
Maynard & Sheelagh Rea and Sharon Mcilmail
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