Your Dog July 2025

I’m writing this just as we’re finishing putting this issue together. As I reflect on it, I really hope you find the content inspirational – in varying senses of the word. Firstly, our lead feature is an interview with Lucy Heath. She has been a long-time friend of the magazine ever since she first appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. Lucy has put heelwork to music and trick training in the spotlight and been an advocate for positive, reward-based methods. After finally becoming a champion at Crufts this year, she opens up in this interview about her journey which has been far from easy. It’s uplifting because for all the success she has enjoyed, you’ll see how it’s always been about spending quality time with her dogs. On the other end…

Nestled in Canterbury, New Zealand, you’ll find Lake Tekapo, a 32sq mile area of vibrant blue water, surrounded by the Southern Alps. The shallow water is home to a variety of birds, including the masked lapwing and white-faced heron. Grasslands nearby are equally rich in wildlife, most notably playing host to skinks and geckos. The lake has an association with dogs dating back to the nineteenth century. Scottish shepherds, and their Border Collies, were employed to work on the pastoral runs of the eastern South Island. To honour their work and help, a statue of a Collie was erected at the south of the lake, known as the Canterbury Sheepdog. Dogs are welcome on a lead all year round with some designated and fenced-off areas provided for off-lead walking where…

Lucy Heath is a professional dog trainer and star of Britain’s Got Talent, based in Grantham, Lincolnshire. She lives with her fiancé, Ross, their four-year-old son, Ethan, and seven amazing ‘dancing’ dogs. At Crufts 2025, Lucy pulled off an incredible feat with her dogs, Foxy and Trip, by winning the heelwork to music final, the freestyle final, and the international final. Her success is the culmination of years of training, determination, and dedication, and a far cry from her years working as a part-time post lady, delivering mail in all weathers, so she could get home to train her dogs. I caught up with Lucy to find out more about her journey, her beloved dogs, and her future plans… Q Congratulations on winning the triple! Is that something you ever thought…

“Grief is the form love takes when we experience loss.”- Katherine Shear Loss will be one of the most important experiences in our lives. However, unlike most important things we experience in our lives, the story of loss is often one left untold. Sadly, this is even more true of pet loss. Our pets are our best friends and family. They are loyal. They don’t judge us. They teach us to live in the moment. Our lives revolve around them. Unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and no false pretences – they offer their genuine selves to us without question and trust us to love, care, and provide for them. In turn, we can be real and genuine with them. How many relationships do you have in your life like that? Types…

The journey of losing our best friend is one we can never truly be ready for, and it often brings a whirlwind of emotions such as guilt, anger, anxiety, or even numbness. Seeking support during such a challenging time is a truly courageous step. Grieving is a deeply personal journey with no right or wrong way to navigate. While our loss will shape us and become a part of who we are, we have the ability to alter its impact on our lives and our relationship with grief. The connection we have with our dogs is unique and precious, deserving of being remembered, honoured and respected. If you are struggling to: - Express or manage your emotions following a loss - Function in daily life - Or want to find…

* Check before you travel. SPIRIT OF TENTERDEN FESTIVAL TENTERDEN RECREATION GROUND, KENT, 4 – 6 JULY The Spirit of Tenterden Festival is a weekend of family fun in Kent, with the added bonus of a fun dog show, too. Take part and your canine companion could be in line to win a variety of classes, including the waggiest tail, best rescue, the dog that the judge would most like to take home, and the most appealing eyes. Families can enjoy a range of street food stalls that will leave you spoilt for choice, rows of arts and crafts stalls, and live music all weekend. ● Visit spiritoftenterden.co.uk FUN DOG SHOW OLD DAIRY FARM CRAFT CENTRE, UPPER STOWE, 13 JULY Raise money for Animals in Need while having fun at…