Lostock man and dog set to compete in World Agility Championships

Proud owner, Peter Schofield, is chuffed to bits with his pet qualifying for the team in the world agility championships in Belgium.

The 69-year-old from Lostock will be leading Lola in the champions at Sentower Park from July 18 to 21 – hoping to beat teams from America, Brazil and more.

And he wants to inspire other people his age to also take part in things they enjoy – not letting their age define their ability.

The retired dad bought Lola eight years ago for his daughter and after training it to do tricks, Peter decided to enter the pooch into competition.

And now after years of winning, the duo will take part in the world championships which has left Peter feeling ‘phenomenal’.

He said: “I bought my very first dog when I was 60 and it was bought as a family pet for my daughter, and this was after watching Pudsey on Britain’s Got Talent.

“Around that time, I was retiring, and I knew there would be someone at home to look after the dog, and so we got the dog, Lola, and I bonded with her really well, quite quickly.

“I had never had a dog before, even as a child I didn’t, so it was a completely new experience.

“Lola was very intelligent, and started picking up tricks and I decided to start doing some training things in the back garden with her and then we started doing some training in a local farmer's field with some home-made equipment and that went well too.

Lola with her awards (Image: Peter Schofield) “We decided to start entering Kennel club competitions and we started winning, and then three and a half years later we were in the semi-finals of the British Open Agility competition against dogs from all over the world. We came 18th out of 200.

“And fast forward to now, four weeks ago we were invited down to Derby to do a try-out for a newly formed senior agility Team GB, and I have just received notice that we have been selected for the team.

“This means I will be competing against others in my age group.

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“We will be competing against 29 countries including America, Canada, Brazil, and others.

“I am now 69 and to be selected to represent your country is a real fairy-tale and a dream come true.

“It feels like a bit of a rags to riches story.

“From having a family pet, a pet which I have never owned before to competing in national and international competitions is amazing.

Lola with all the awards and award ribbons (Image: Peter Schofield) “I have had a lot of imposter syndrome, thinking I shouldn’t be there, I’m not good enough, but here I am.

“We are not the fastest in the world but together we really do bond well and perform really well.

“From never having a dog to the world championships in eight years is pretty phenomenal.”

He added: “You’re never too old to start something new, and dogs are very good for your mental health too as they get you out and about and talking to other people.

"A dog can really help your physical and mental health and also just because you have got to 60 doesn’t mean you can't do something to represent your country.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.