Crufts Dog Show 2005:
For Peter's account of this year's show, please
Click Here.
|
| A Lifelong Passion |
| Pets and animals have been part of Peter's life since he was a lad - his first dog
was a Spaniel named Rusty - and continue to play an important role. |
At home today Peter's family has recently increased to four dogs, the oldest, Kent, a
Newfoundland (9); and two Pekingese, Tilly (8) and Holly (8 on Xmas Eve). The newest
arrival is Hattie (15 weeks) a Standard Wire-haired Dachshund (pictured here at 8 weeks).
This little pup is the first hound we have ever owned, and she is proving to be an
absolute delight. Peter's wife Kathryn had a Pekingese when he met her and he soon
got used to the idea of living with these most un-macho dogs. Pekes are huge dogs in a
tiny, furry body. They have hearts like lions and are as brave as they come. The
smallest of the quartet, Tilly, is likely to remain the boss dog.
|
| Peter first started presenting at Crufts Dog Show
for the BBC in 1976 and has been principal Presenter and Commentator since 1989.
He has also presented and narrated many other animal programmes, including 65
editions of Pets Go Public for Channel 5, the
Discovery Channel's Breed All About It,
All About Dogs and Superdogs.
|
| He has been editor of the monthly magazine, Mad About
Dogs, is Vice Patron of Dogs for the Disabled
and President of The Canine Supporters Charity
and the Rugby Animal Trust. |
| Until recently he spent time promoting the new animal sport of Heelwork to
Music. Sadly he has recently resigned as President of that Association because
of the in-fighting and feuding of its members. |
| More widely, Peter regularly takes on the role of Official Commentator at
some of the largest shows in the country, including: |
| The Royal Show at Stoneleigh |
| The Royal Bath and West Show |
| The Great Yorkshire Show |
| Animals were, of course, also a feature of Blue Peter
as Peter recalls. |
|
| Peter and Petra |
"Petra was certainly the most famous of the Blue Peter dogs, but was a
very nervous dog. She was owned by the BBC, but producer Biddy Baxter
suggested that I looked after her at home so that she would feel she
was with a friend when she came to the studio. It was a good idea and
to a degree worked. she wasn't the best natured dog in the world and
hated other dogs, but she became my dog and lived with me and my family
until she died. I was very fond of her, and I think she was of me."
|
| Peter and that Elephant! |
"This is one of those pieces of television that everyone remembers - a real classic.
It all happened when Lulu, the baby elephant from Chessington Zoo, came on the show and
caused chaos. Lulu did the lot! She drank and she peed, poohed and generally
misbehaved - dragging her poor gamekeeper through the mess. Val gamely struggled
to keep us all on the script, but john and I could not stop laughing. It was
really Biddy Baxter's fault. She asked the keeper to do without the stick he
used to keep Lulu under control. Without it Lulu did exactly what she wanted.
Great fun - and you couldn't have written it."
|
| Links & Contacts to Charities |
|
|
| Peter is a great supporter of animal charities. Please use the information below to find out more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Rugby Animal Trust |
11 Elsee Rd, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3BA - Tel: 01788 576680
|
| Heelwork to Music Trainer |
| For more doggie info from one of the best
Heelwork to Music Trainers go to www.lindatopliss.me.uk |
| Dog Lost / Dog Theft |
|
I have been approached by a group called Dog Theft Action which has been
set up in the hope that there can be a national register, co-ordinated
and operated by all police forces and dog rescue centres, to ensure
that there is a better chance of re-uniting lost dogs with their owners than
there is at the moment. I, and Nick Mays of Our Dogs, are acting as advisors
to the group, and you can find out more about them and their aims on the following sites.
|
|
|
|
|
Crufts Dog Show - Peter's Accounts:
2004
2003
|
|
