It is impossible for me to ignore the amazing events that are happening in my home town and although these are not the first London Olympic Games during my lifetime, I have to admit that I have little recollection of how the 1948 games went but at the tender age of four months old, perhaps I can be forgiven for that.

Watching dedicated athletes celebrate the recognition and awards, usually accompanied by tears and huge smiles, is inspirational but for me the most wonderful thing is to hear them all thank the team that have helped them to achieve so much. Whether it is direct team members where two or more people pull together or anyone from trainers to parents. The mark of a true achiever is to appreciate that no success can come without the equal devotion of others.

Games like these are one of the special results of modern human society; it provides people with perfect "substitute" tribal battles. Here, javelins are thrown at targets and not opponents If anyone believes the games aren't tribal just listen to the traditional British "impartiality" of the crowd whenever a competitor is introduced from Great Britain.

It always seems so sad that only a few can be the ultimate winners, as they have all sacrificed so much, worked so hard and done all that they have to do to in order to prepare themselves for this time. There are no excuses from them, no complaints just a sure knowledge that they are all achievers and winners in their own way, as is everyone who does all that they can to be the best that they can be. While we know that their amazing success will inspire and enthuse a new generation to take up a sport and to go for gold, there is another lesson here for us all and that is; to be the best that we can be, to improve every day in everything that we hold special and as most dog owners consider themselves as being dedicated to their dogs, let us all have the dedication and determination to be a better owner/carer for our dogs, as there is no doubt that they are always trying to do their very best for us.

So I say to all participants, many congratulations but with a special 'brilliant' to those British Olympians, (whether Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish or English) who have provided this nation with such pride.

Jan Fennell

8th August 2012