Narooma personality Yve Robinson is to be congratulated for winning for the 2015 Susan Wilkins Achievement Award from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia. Yve was the stand out national winner, having dedicated more than 40 years to pet dog training, and to the care of dogs and handlers.
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“The pleasure I derive from seeing the happiness that well behaved dogs bring to people who may be stressed, lonely, sad or angry, is immeasurable,” Yve said.
She understands the vital role that dogs play in our every day lives and has an amazing wealth of knowledge and experience of the canine world. She gave 29 years volunteer service to the Brush Farm Dog Training Club in Sydney as canine examiner, committee member, trial secretary and instructor.
During this time she developed many positive training techniques, worked to phase out check chains, and always put animal welfare top of the list. In 1980 she was made a Life Member for her “dedication, bright personality and contribution to the club”.
Yve also formed the Parramatta International Agility Club, where she was the first president and agility instructor. The club acknowledged her contribution with the award of Founding and Life Member in 1998. She can be seen most mornings walking in the Kianga area with her rescue dog Tilly. Facilities for dog owners were scarce when she moved here 15 years ago, so she started a private obedience and agility group at her home.
It was about that time she began work with Animal Welfare League, first with the Far South Coast branch and then as a driving force behind the formation of the Eurobodalla branch in 2003. Yve was the first branch president (five years) and a carer (eight years), helping to re-home hundreds of dogs and puppies. She initiated the Tailwaggers Walk and was party to negotiations with the Eurobodalla Shire Council that led to the formation of the AWL Narooma Dog Training Club. Now a decade on, the club boasts seven instructors and around 120 members.
The list of Yve’s achievements goes on! She initiated a program of pet care at Wallaga Lake Koori Village, and in 2005 formed a local Pets as Therapy group. With Tilly at her side, Yve still visits residents at IRT Dalmeny and Estia Health twice a month. In 2011 she received Senior Volunteer for the South Coast Southern Inland Area. At 81 years young, Yve remains a caring, compassionate dog owner whose work and initiatives have made significant contributions to the welfare of both pets and people. She is an inspiration and a local gem to be treasured!