15/09/2026
Thank you, Brian!
One of our own here at WLCC, Brian Pittaway, has decided the time has come to hang up his lead and enjoy a well-earned retirement.
To provide some background, Brian’s story with us started nearly 20 years ago, when he first came to the centre with his wife Pauline and their Red Setter, Rusty. Many of you will know Pauline too; she later became part of the team and still looks after our training clients today.
They weren’t exactly local either. Living a good 45 minutes away at the time, Brian clearly decided there was something about WLCC worth travelling for! Before long he was a regular face at the centre, and what had started with just a basic training course gradually became a much bigger part of his life. For Brian, the dogs and training became a real hobby. The centre was also somewhere he could spend time with like-minded dog people, and over the years many good friends were made here.
Brian and Pauline even moved to Formby, a reflection of just how much the centre had impacted them, along with the area and the friends they had made.
As the years went on, Brian progressed with his own training and developed a particular passion for agility. He also became involved with our dog display team at the time, travelling far and wide - which, conveniently, allowed him to indulge his other great passion in life, after Pauline, his family, and the dogs (not necessarily in that order!), his caravan!
It was Brian’s enthusiasm for it all, though, and his willingness to get involved that eventually led to something more. His dedication hadn’t gone unnoticed, and I offered him a role as part of our day care team, initially dropping off and collecting dogs each day; a perfect role, as he certainly had the gift of the gab when telling customers all about what their dogs had been up to!
From there his involvement just seemed to grow. Brian began helping with training classes, assisting on one-to-one sessions and, before too long, had found his way into just about every aspect of what we do.
There is something quite fitting about that. Brian first came through the gates wanting to train and learn with his own dog; in the years that followed, he went on to use that experience to help many other dogs and their owners, something I am sure will have had a lasting impact on their lives.
And, of course, more dogs followed Rusty over the years, all of whom deserve a mention: Charlie, Henry, Jet, Dipper, Ruby, and Herman. Each brought their own personality and, shall we say, varying degrees of challenge along the way! It's probably a good job Brian and Pauline are such patient people.
In more recent years Brian has had his share of health issues. Not that these did much to deter him! He continued to turn up and get involved where he could, showing the same unwavering commitment he had always shown.
Looking back over nearly 20 years, there probably isn't much that Brian hasn't had a hand in at some point. He has certainly done his bit.
Brian, you arrived here as a customer all those years ago and somehow ended up becoming part of the furniture and, more importantly, one of the WLCC family. Hats off to you, mate.
Thank you for everything you've done for me and the centre, and for all the dogs and owners you've helped along the way. I know retirement wasn't necessarily on the immediate agenda, but after everything you've put in over the years, your health has to come first.
Put your feet up! You've certainly earned it - provided Pauline says that's ok!
All the very best,
Craig
