Farewell to Rachel Page Elliott

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

Rachel Page Elliott, writer, researcher and world authority on dogs, has passed away in America at 96.
Having long crusaded in educating owners to the importance of recognising rights and wrongs in gait, Rachel had published, in 1973, "Dogsteps," which she also illustated along with Eva Andrade. This superb book on canine anatomy and movement was acknowledged a year later by the Dog Writers Association of America, as the Best Dog Book of the Year, and yet another year later, Rachel was honoured with the Gaines Award for Dog Woman of the Year.
In 1983, her updated edition, "The New Dogsteps," highlighted her new research in bone and joint motion, through the use of cineradiography (moving x-rays) at Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Anatomy. By 1988 her second edition was already in to its fourth printing, and along with the book she also made a Dogsteps video featuring over 70 different breeds and a DVD, "Canine Cineradiography."
An American based lecturer, she quickly became internationally popular and was to become one of the world's most respected authorities on canine structure and movement.In fact in October of 1980, Rachel lectured here in Perth, Western Australia, and allowed us the privilege of her knowledge.
With her dentist husband, Pagey, as she was known as, bred Golden Retrievers under the "Featherquest" prefix and they also raised Connemara ponies.
Reflecting on her rich and varied life, Rachel's memoirs, "From Hoofbeats to Dogsteps:A Life of Listening to Learning From Animals," was officially released at the Golden Retriever Club of America's National Specialty in September 2008, and in 2009, she was inducted into the Dog Writers Association of America Hall of Fame, in ceremonies in New York City.
Remarkably energetic, Pagey only took up dog agility training in 1996, at the age of 83, and quickly learned to handle her dogs through a timed obstacle course.In fact, she continued to enjoy this hobby until she was 91.
I am proud to have met and spent time with Rachel Page Elliot, and am glad that such a wonderful person blessed her many friends and family with so many years.

[Melinda Auld]

To my discredit, I've never heard of her. A sad day indeed for the dog world to have lost such a respected mentor. Agility at 83! That's impressive :) Is it still possible to get a copy of her book?

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

I would say "The New Dogsteps," is still available through Howell publishers. The Lane Bookshop in Claremont is excellent for ordering, or the UWA bookshop might be worth a try too. Boffins and Rellim also.
Otherwise, I guess Amazon.

[ursula wilby]

Dogsteps = A brilliant book! And I think one of the books I have used the most when it comes to reference. It sounds as if Rachel had a great and active life!

[Dee Rance]

I went to her lecture, when she was doing the rounds in to promote her book Dogsteps It was one of the most interesting lectures I have ever been to and felt very honoured to have been there, and I learned so much that has helped me through the years, 'in dogs' She has contributed so much to the good health of dogs. I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. She was a wonderful age. A very sad loss

[Susan Stone]

She must have been quite a character and had a wealth of knowledge. I greatly enjoyed the book and also her video Dogsteps showing movement 'on the inside'. I am sure she had a rich and fulfilled life.

[Carmel Murphy]

I have never heard of her either! What a wonderful woman! Agility at 83 is a fantastic achievement!! Will have to look for her book also!

[Anna Kazimierowicz]

Thank you, Myra, for sharing with us this information. That must have been great woman and great scientist and writer. I try to find her books.

[Tony & Bev Drinkwater (BRABROOK)]

It was way back in 1982 i had the pleasure of attending The Rachel Page Elliott seminar sponsored by Pedigree Chum i still have my notes that say "excellent presentation by Rachel, the subject of movement in dogs i found most interesting. As i show dogs i could listen and watch it all over again."
The seminar was held in Bristol England. By the time Rachel come to Bristol she had sold all her copies of the
vidio on movement however i did manage to buy a copy of the book Dog Steps that i still retain and and know from experience how much i learnt from the seminar and book. Sorry to hear of her passing.
God Bless Tony