Penny Draper with Delark Gavotte FS I (Secret)

Penny Draper lives in Lincoln with her partner Nick and three dogs: Jack (Flatcoated Retriever) 10, Tally (BSD) 5, and Secret (BSD) 4. Last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer which was followed by a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This meant she had a lot of time at home which she used for training and she attributed this to her success during last year when she won through to Advanced in Freestyle with Secret.

Penny started training HTM with Jack at Louth and District Dog Training Club in 2003 and then was joined by Tally a year later. Secret followed quickly and unexpectedly after a social visit to Tally's breeder. Penny found herself driving home with a puppy in her lap (she wasn't driving!)

Penny is a member of the Paws n Music Committee and the Newsletter Editor. She enjoys helping to run the shows, has taken and passed her "Requirements of a HTM Judge" exam and has judged at all levels throughout the country.

Jack, her Flatcoated Retriever decided that while dancing was not for him jumping into water was, and at Dash n Splash events he qualified as the British and European Champion and was asked to go to America to represent GB in their WorldChampionships.This trip was the highlight of his life.

Secret was not a very confident puppy, and for a long time it looked as though she would not compete, when all of a sudden something clicked and she began to enjoy herself. This renewed motivation lead to consistent placing in competition and Secret quickly won through the classes and she now competes in Advanced Freestyle.

Photograph courtesy of Allan Brown

Secret enjoys her walks and her training, and being chased by Tally. She hates being groomed and loves her weekly treat of tuna. Secret's favourite move is jumping and this features in the new routine that is being prepared for the World's.Penny was still recovering from the thrill of winning into Advanced and qualifying for the Crufts Semi Finals when she heard she had been selected for Team GB. She says she was excited and scared all at once!