Published on Mon Jul 11 10:49:51 BST 2011
TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-loved dog trainer from Skegby who has died at the age of 73.
Den Bradley, of Greenland Road, was known in Mansfield, Ashfield and beyond for helping train thousands of dogs as well as educate owners about their responsibilities and their animal’s needs.
Den, who died on 21st June, was chairman of the Kennel Club-accredited Sutton-in-Ashfield Dog Training Club, based at Clipstone Village Hall, and worked with countless dogs during his life.
Brother-in-law Dave Ellis, who lives in Sutton, said: “He would help anyone at anything. If anyone had a problem, he would come and help them – and they would help him.”
And Dave’s wife Sue added: “He was always happy to give rescue dogs a chance. You can get rescue dogs with real issues.”
Den was born in Kent but moved around when he served in the Army. He eventually moved to Ollerton before settling in Skegby with his wife Margaret.
His interest in dog training began when he became the owner of Chipper, a rough collie cross. At that time, the nearest training club was in Chesterfield so a group of dog lovers decided to set up the Sutton branch.
Sue, who is also a founding member of the club, has stressed the need for dog training – something that was very important to Den.
She said: “Dogs have a lot to cope with in today’s society. It’s like bringing kids up – they have got to be taught right from wrong and they have got to know the boundaries.”
Den also entered numerous dog shows and was a well-respected judge throughout the UK. After he died, messages of support flooded in from across the dog training community.
“It’s lovely to read them,” Sue added.
Den leaves behind his wife Margaret, son Kevin and daughter Kim.
