PAWS FOR THOUGHT
Erin shows new recruit Walter the ropes
As Strictly Come Dancing returns to our TV screens, an East Kilbride star who represented her country is settling down to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
Ten-year-old sheepdog Erin put her best paw forward last year on the European stage with the Elite K9 Dancers as part of Team Scotland.
It was the first time Scotland had ever been represented in doggy dancing on the international stage.
However, with the joints not quite what they used to be, ‘mum’ and handler Marie Docherty from Calderwood has decided Erin deserves to take it easy.
The canine capers aren’t quite over for Erin – she is making sure Marie’s new recruit, four-year-
old bearded collie Walter isn’t wagging behind in training.
But after years of working hard, Marie admits Erin has been a little barking mad that the duo weren’t able to try out for Team Scotland for the open European championship competition in Switzerland next month.
“It is with great sadness that I have had to retire Erin from working as unfortunately my girl has arthritis now and we weren’t able to try out for the championships this year,” she said.
“She has been an absolute star and ended her career in dog dancing on an absolute high by competing as part of the first ever Scottish team at the European championships in Belgium.
“I am so proud of all Erin’s achievements. She has been the best dog ever and we have done so much together. We have travelled all over to compete and perform dog dancing cabarets and demos for our own fundraisers to help other causes.
“I could not ask for a better soulmate and best friend.”
Marie went on: “She has the best nature and is still really willing to train.
“I still do some light work every day with her and my new boy Walter – just enough so that Erin is able to do it and to keep her as fit and agile as possible without causing her pain afterwards.
“She can still do everything but the joints aren’t so good afterwards, so it wouldn’t have been fair to push her. She is at her happiest when doing something and as soon as Walter is doing training, she is there like a shot to show him the ropes.
“To be honest, she wasn’t too interested in Walter – I think she was distraught at not competing anymore but she just can’t resist trying to get involved so they make a good team now.
“Walter likes to copy everything that Erin does and it seems to spur him on.”
Marie has been encouraged with Walter so far with the duo taking part in a new discipline entitled disc dog.
It sees dogs compete in events such as distance catching and choreographed freestyle catching of flying discs. along with their handlers.
“He is my adopted boy and has been in a few homes before me,” Marie added. “He is a cheeky boy and very sweet and come a long way in the six months that I have had him.
“I’m training him to dance and we were part of the role of honour demo team at the dog lovers show at the SECC in Glasgow. It was a big step for him and if he ends up half as good as Erin then he will be brilliant.”