Autobiography

Qualifications

Kresta's Tail

Tanya's Tail

Round House Folk

Braille

Synaesthesia

Angelicles

A Tribute To Ronald Bayfield

Kresta, a yellow labrador, was born on November 14th 1998, at the guide dog centre in Redbridge. She then moved in with her puppy walker, Mrs. J. Skingle, in Brentwood Essex, who loved and cared for baby Kresta, and who prepared her for her future guide dog training. In 2000, Kresta moved to Maidstone Kent to undertake her advanced guide dog training, under the instruction of Lesley Story.

From the time she was a puppy until the point at which she qualified as a guide dog, Kresta starred in her very own video, later screned by Anglia television. The cameras followed Kresta from her early puppy walking stages, through her advanced training, to the day of her qualification. The film was intended to raise awareness of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, of the tremendous amount of work and dedication put into training guide dogs, and to remind us just how remarkable working dogs can be.

After qualifying as a professional guide dog with her owner Angela Purll, in August 2000, Kresta moved to London W1, to begin her undergraduate studies at Trinity College of Music. She very soon became a huge celebrity, and was even presented with her very own water dish. Kresta demonstrated a number of skills, performing especially well in Alexander Technique, where she was praised for setting a prime example to her fellow students. She also took part in many other activities at Trinity, including dance and drama, and was always an appreciative member of the audience.

Kresta spent much of her time guiding Angela through the complexities of organ lofts, including those at Rochester Cathedral and the Royal Hospital Chapel in Chelsea, as well as around the treasure troves of practice rooms. In her spare time, Kresta enjoyed visiting Oxford Street and Canary Wharf, as well as regularly attending concerts; amongst many other more relaxing activities, including enjoying the freedom of sandy beaches, and grassy fields.

In October 2001, Kresta, along with Trinity, joined the history books in sailing down the River Thames to Greenwich, in celebration of Trinity’s grand move from W1 to the Royal Navel College. Kresta had the privilege of enjoying a slow cruze lead by HMS Westminster, under Tower Bridge, accompanied by a string quartet.

In February 2002, Kresta made her first stage appearance at the Royal Festival Hall, presented by Sir Richard Stilgoe and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She was applauded especially for her outstanding performance, and for her contribution to the lives of so many who adore her.

On October 17th 2003, Kresta graduated with the award “Canine Worthiness”, and was presented with her prize certificate by HRH the Duke of Kent. Kresta was the first guide dog to ever graduate at Trinity, and indeed, the first guide dog to ever graduate with such an award in the entire country. Kresta then continued her postgraduate studies at Trinity with Angela, for a further two years.

In 2007, Kresta was nominated for the award “Guide Dog of the Year”, for her remarkable work as a guide dog, and for her outstanding dedication to Angela. She was awarded with her very own commendation certificate, and of course, lots of praise from all her family and friends!

On October 11th 2007, “World Sight Day”, Kresta accompanied Angela on a shampagne flight on the London Eye, courtesy of British Airways and the RLSB, (Royal London Society for the Blind). The “flight for sight” formed part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness for blind and partially sighted people who are unemployed, but who are willing and able to commit to full- or part-time employment. This was Kresta’s first time in the sky, 443 feet above London! It was a beautiful clear evening, so sites could be seen for many miles around.

During her working life, Kresta participated in many interesting activities, and has visited many exciting new places. She especially enjoyed her annual summer visit to Suffolk, where she accompanied Angela on a summer flute course, “A Breath of Fresh Air”; and holidays on the Isle of Wight. She also paid regular visits to some of her guide dog friends in Shropshire, Worcester, Ramsgate, as well as those in and around London.

Kresta retired from her duties as a working guide dog on August 4th 2008. Now in her spare time, Kresta enjoys sleeping in, strolling through the fields, and has taken up a new hobby, playing ball. She now awaits for what the future may hold, but it will certainly be a future full of happiness, adventure, and achievement, alongside her younger working colleague, Tanya.

Angela quotes:

“Kresta, you completely transformed my life, into one of independence and renewed self-confidence. I cannot praise you enough for your dedication to working so wonderfully, and for looking out for me, every step of the way. You truly deserve every award in the world, especially that of “The Golden Girl!””

Happy retirement Kresta!