In Memory of Dog Agility Pioneer Peter Lewis
Peter Lewis of Great Britain, a beloved founding father and pioneer in the world of dog agility, has passed away.
Peter was hands-on in the sport since its beginning in the late 1970s, while serving as head of the working trials and obedience council with The Kennel Club (of Great Britain). Not just a competitor and instructor as many knew him, Peter was instrumental in developing rules for competition that would form the framework for the sport today.
Peter is undoubtedly the most influential advocate worldwide in the sport’s history. Kenneth Tatsch, USDAA founder and president said, “I met Peter and his wife Carol at Crufts Dog Show in 1985 while visiting the U.K. Carol was exhibiting books from their publishing business, while Peter was busy in the ring. Despite being very busy, he took time to bring me ringside for an examination of the obstacles and a brief discussion.” Continues Tatsch, “While watching dog agility at Crufts inspired me, it was Peter’s enthusiasm and generosity with a wealth of information that compelled me to devote my energies to the founding of USDAA and promotion of dog agility in the United States. From that day forward, he put me in touch with people in the U.S. who had inquired about the new sport, and frequently communicated through exchange of letters and audio cassettes where he gave lengthy answers to questions explaining the rules. He took personal interest in our growth to see that dog agility worldwide would have common ground.”
Throughout the 1990s, Peter and his colleagues who headed the Agility Club of Great Britain conducted residency seminars at the Royal Veterinary College outside of London. More than half of the attendees each year were from other countries around the globe. On invitation, Peter and his colleagues traveled to the other countries around the world, including the U.S. to conduct USDAA-sponsored seminars on several occasions. He along with friend and colleague John Gilbert were judges of the Dog Agility Masters® Team tournament and Dog Agility Steeplechase® tournament championships at Fair Hill, Maryland. Into the 2000s, Peter continued to supply information and provide introductions to his international connections who would serve as judges for USDAA national tournaments, and invitations to participate in events abroad.
On USDAA invitation in 1999, Peter and Carol traveled to the U.S. to join USDAA in a New Year’s celebration event at the turn of the millennium, where he was inducted to the USDAA Hall of Fame and recognized as a Pioneer of Dog Agility. Tatsch added, “Carol more than a decade later told me that this occasion was one of the most memorable and meaningful times for Peter, providing a feeling of accomplishment in a life’s pursuit.”
“While Peter would years later retreat from active participation in dog agility, our relationship continued to grow through personal visits. Peter was not just a dog trainer and dog agility promoter, but he shared a love for music, classical and jazz, and gardening. This experience and relationship are the rewards of being a part of something bigger in life for which I am forever grateful,” said Tatsch.
We extend heartfelt condolences to Carol and their family in this most difficult time.