Britain's Got Talent's Kate and Gin now - savage dog attack to incredible career change

Kate Nicholas, famous for starring alongside her dancing Border Collie, Gin, on in 2008, has faced many challenges in recent years. From TV fame to a savage dog attack, Kate’s life has been filled with highs and lows. Yet, her resilience and determination have led to a remarkable career change and new purpose.

Kate and Gin became national sensations during BGT’s second series, impressing audiences with their unique dance routines. Set to tracks like Moby’s version of the James Bond theme, their performances even earned praise from the typically cold Despite finishing behind dance group Signature, Kate and Gin's journey didn’t end there. Kate even published a book, Kate and Gin, detailing how she trained her dog to perform incredible tricks.

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However, after their TV success, Kate shifted focus from entertainment to a more practical career in animal management. She left a promising career to join the combining her love for animals with her desire for a meaningful role. This decision led to her serving as a military working dog handler during a tour in with the 1st Military Working Regiment.

While in the military, tragedy struck. In April 2024, Kate became the victim of a while walking her three dogs: Dash, Ice, and Zoomat a park near her home in Waberthwaite. The attack occurred when she encountered Stephen Cummings and his four lurchers: Boss, Fury, Chaos, and Caesar. Despite his attempts to control his dogs, the situation quickly escalated. The lurchers attacked Kate’s dogs, inflicting severe injuries.

When Kate tried to intervene, she was bitten multiple times. She suffered puncture wounds to her knee, hand, and arm. Dash was rushed to the vet, where it was unclear whether he would survive. Ice endured significant wounds, while Zoom required stitches after being thrown over a fence for safety.

Following the attack, Cummings was charged with four dangerous dog offences, and three of his dogs were ordered to be destroyed. Kate was awarded £3,969.74 for medical costs and emotional distress, but the psychological toll of the incident remains significant. She witnessed the trauma her dogs endured, something she deeply cares about.

Despite the trauma, Kate found strength in her new venture: dog training. Using the same techniques that once taught Gin to dance, Kate now trains dogs in real-world scenarios, focusing on obedience and behaviour modification. Her military background, combined with her experience as a dog trainer, has provided her with valuable knowledge, and she is now helping others prevent accidents like the one that nearly destroyed her life.

Kate went from a finalist to a member of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and now, as a dog trainer, she continues to help others and pursue her passion.

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