Obituary: Dog trainer Jayne Fuller, of Shipdham, dies at 58

As well as launching her own kennel club, Jayne Fuller, of Shipdham, travelled the country to countless dog shows and represented the UK at an event in Italy.

She dedicated herself to her field and completed a degree in dog behaviour during the  pandemic. She also rehomed dozens of Romanian dogs in the UK.

Born in 1965 in Basildon, Essex, to parents June and Jim, she was an elder sister to Jason who arrived four years later. Despite her “constant teasing”, they were incredibly close. 

As a youngster, she was good at sports and especially hockey which she played at county level.

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After school, she had a few jobs in Watford before moving to Norfolk during the mid-1980s where she found an office job at the John Innes Institute. 

She quickly realised this was not for her and turned to her then-hobby of competing in dog agility shows for a new direction.

This developed into a successful 35-year career.

Among her many accomplishments was giving advice to her friend Kathryn Cross as she established Centre Paws Norfolk, a canine centre in Wymondham.

Mrs Cross said: "There are really no words to describe how much she meant to all of us here and the role she played in turning a small business idea into the centre we have today. 

"Aside from her business acumen, Jayne was incredibly generous with her time, whether training at the very top level or giving complete beginners some foundation training.  

"She loved to see others doing well.  

"We are all devastated at her passing and I know that she will be missed by so many; her friends here, her agility family and of course Steve and her own family. Our thoughts are with them all." 

Away from her beloved dogs, she enjoyed "wild holidays" and time with her family, who described her as "kind, thoughtful, empathetic, generous, and above all, honest". 

She was a regular at the Railway Tavern in Dereham where she enjoyed taking part in karaoke, listening to loud music, playing darts and drinking gin.

Her niece, Sophie Fuller, said: "For me, Jayne was more than an auntie. She was like a second mum, my best friend, the person I would tell everything. 

"She was always so proud of me. My number one fan.  

"In return I was proud of her and admired her greatly, she really was so talented. 

"Jayne was the life and the soul of the party and would dance and sing without a care in world. 

"She really did touch the lives and hearts of anyone who met her." 

Jayne died on Saturday, June 3, after being diagnosed with cancer.

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Her family said: "We would like to unreservedly thank the palliative care team and Shipdam’s GPs who provided such wonderful support which enabled her to stay at home with her partner, Steven, and her beloved dogs until very recently. 

"Jayne spent her last few days at the Priscilla Bacon Lodge (PBL) where she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and her dogs who were nearby.  

"The family would especially like to thank the amazing PBL carers and staff for their patience and expert care, which was invaluable and much appreciated."

A celebration of her life will take place at Breckland Crematorium on Thursday, June 22, at 2pm.

Afterwards, everyone is invited to raise a glass, share memories and stories at the Railway Tavern, Dereham. 

• Donations in memory of Jayne are welcomed for PBL via https://www.priscillabaconhospice.org.uk/donate/ Please leave the comment "IMO Jayne Fuller" as a plaque in her memory will be installed if £1,000 is raised.