Dogs Trust meets The Duke of Edinburgh

Joanne Wilson, a Canine Carer at Dogs Trust Kenilworth Rehoming Centre, swapped work for a Palace for one day, as she attended a ceremony at St James Palace, London where she met HRH Duke of Edinburgh who was celebrating the success of people who had recently been awarded their City & Guilds Medal for Excellence.

Joanne had always wanted to work with animals, but it wasnít until she adopted a dog from the Kenilworth Rehoming Centre, that she seriously considered working with dogs. Almost a year later, she applied for the position of Canine Carer at the Rehoming Centre and was accepted. Even though she had plenty of experience of dogs, working at the Rehoming Centre was completely different.

As her confidence grew Joanne decided to undertake a Dogs Trust Groomer course and then undertook two projects on the Canine Physical Wellbeing course. The enjoyment and confidence she achieved on these courses spurred her on to complete the Profile of Achievement. Joanne chose to work with a nervous dog called Ember, who needed his confidence building up. It was a slow process, but with time, patience and effort, the whole project was successful.

Joanne was one of only 88 people from over three quarters of a million eligible learners to win a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence for her outstanding performance on her ëprofile of achievementí. Awarded annually since 1879, Medals for Excellence reward talented people who have displayed exceptional standards as a learner with City & Guilds, and whose portfolio and achievements stand out from the crowd.

Joanne was also selected by City & Guilds to be their regional representative for the West Midlands and was invited to meet the Duke.

Joanne commented:

ìThroughout the process of my training, I feel I have grown more confident in dealing with both dogs and people, which helps immensely on both a professional and personal level. Iím so pleased that I undertook this training as I feel I have gained so much from it. Iím proud of my achievement and to be invited to St James Palace and to meet the Duke of Edinburgh was truly amazing.î

Annette Chinn, Training Officer at Dogs Trust, commented:

ìJoanne has deservedly won this mark of special distinction. She has been a real inspiration to others by demonstrating that skills, combined with enthusiasm, can be the passport to fulfilling both oneís potential and dreams.î

Dogs Trust is the UKís largest dog welfare charity, caring for over 13,500 dogs annually at their 16 rehoming centres throughout the UK. For further information on Dogs Trust Kenilworth you can contact the centre on 01926 484 398 or visit the website: www.dogstrust.org.uk