GERMAN shepherds last Friday helped commemorate the life of a canine-lover from Balcatta.
A 10-dog guard of honour attended the funeral of 79-year-old James Anthony Richardson, affectionately known as Rick, who died at Joondalup Health Campus on Saturday, January 30.
Mr Richardson was devoted to dogs; he bred german shepherds for several years and was a member of the German Shepherd Dog Association of WA for 40 years, serving as president for 15 years.
He trained a variety of dog breeds in Spearwood, Gosnells, Wanneroo and Joondalup, and expertly judged canines at regular trials and competitions across Perth.
Leone Holdsworth, from the association, helped organise the 10-dog salute for Mr Richardson, her friend of 35 years.
Mrs Holdsworth described Mr Richardson as a noble former soldier, talented cartoonist and patient dog trainer.
“He had the most wicked sense of humour and his cartoons are unbelievable,” she said.
“He liked to see people and dogs form close bonds and he also liked to see the results of good, kind dog training.”
She believes he would have been “chuffed” to see the dogs at his funeral, which took place last Friday afternoon at Pinnaroo Memorial Cemetery in Padbury.