PROFESSIONAL HANDLER Q&A
Did I attend many shows during the pandemic? Yes, as many as I could. I attended the Learning Cluster in Oklahoma in June as well as several other shows since then. Have I had to supplement your income? In addition to handling, I have always taught in-home obedience lessons. Although business decreased during the pandemic, it was something I was able to con- tinue to do on a small scale to attempt to supplement the income lost from shows. What do I think of the many changes put in place at shows? There are a few of the changes that I think would be beneficial to keep. I especially like the entrance and exit gates to the ring and allow- ing exhibitors to pick up their own armbands from the table. The show-and-go concept has not really affected me, as I usually have multiple breeds to show, so leaving early is often not an option. I am really struggling with the mask requirements—I find it chal- lenging to breathe at outdoor shows while running and, especial- ly, when the weather is warm…and I miss seeing everyone’s faces and smiles! Do I have any expectations for the sport moving forward? I hope that, someday soon, we will be able to return to “normal” when we had choices of which shows to attend each weekend, and we worried more about closing dates than opening dates of shows. What are my clients saying about their plans for 2021? I actually haven’t talked much with my clients about 2021. I am waiting to see which shows are actually available and unlikely to cancel before dis- cussing plans with them. Am I planning to attend Westminster next year? Morris & Essex? I am not. Although the idea of Westminster in June is much more attractive to me than February, this year it is just not feasible for me. I have never attended Morris & Essex, and don’t plan on attending this year either. What ‘s the first thing I plan to do once the pandemic is behind us? I’m anxious to get back to a regular travel schedule for shows! LANE TARANTINO I live in Leona Valley, California. I have been involved in the sport my whole life. My grandmother has bred Parti-Color Cocker Spaniels since the late 1970s, and I always went to shows with her. I went out on my own about five years ago. I am not a member of the PHA or AKC Registered Handler Program. I am a member of the American Spaniel Club and the Cocker Spaniel Club of San Diego. Am I an AKC Breeder of Merit? Yes, I breed Parti-Color Cocker Spaniels. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? It’s not a hobby, per se, but I am very involved in the local 4-H group. I was a 4-H member for 13 years (ages 5-18). It was a very influen- tial part of my life that helped to shape who I am today. I love going back to help the kids with their different projects and to give back to the community. I worked for several different handlers during my time as an assistant, all of whom I am grateful for shaping me into a handler. The person whom I worked for the longest, and am most grateful, is Dick Schaefer. I worked for him for five years, and he really taught me the business side of dog showing; something I think new handlers need to learn before going out on their own. (It’s not all running in left-handed circles.) Do I specialize in certain breeds or Groups? I specialize in Cocker Spaniels, but I love all breeds of dogs! How has COVID-19 impacted my business this year? A lot of my clients want to watch their dogs be shown, however, because Califor- nia is still not holding shows, I have to travel out of state. Some of my clients don’t send their dogs for long periods of time to travel to shows.
Others are waiting for shows to start happening on the West Coast again. Obviously, this affects business. Did I attend many shows during the pandemic? I have attended any show that was going to be held during the pandemic—no mat- ter where in the country. I am grateful to the club members who are working so hard for us to be able to not only have a show, but also for allowing professional handlers like myself to make a living. I feel very fortunate that I have not had to supplement my income during these troubling times. I hope we keep some of the changes that have been put in place after we go back to normal. I love that we now have an entrance and an exit in rings. I also love that at some shows the numbers are laid out for exhibitors to pick up on our own. Splitting the Groups in half allows not only more space between handlers, but also more space to really exhibit your dog. I hope, moving forward from this year, people never take for grant- ed the hard work it takes to put on a dog show. What are my clients saying about their plans for 2021? My clients are looking forward to shows returning to theWest Coast, so they can watch their dogs without having to travel so far. Am I planning to attend Westminster next year? I am still decid- ing if I will attend Westminster, though I have my hotel reservation. Whether I’m there or not, I know it will be one to never forget! What’s the first thing I plan to do once the pandemic is behind us? See my family more. I live several hours away from them and, now that I travel out of state for work, I never get to see them. SCOTT YERGIN I live inWoodstock, Georgia. I started showing dogs 1969; started charging in 1975. I am not with any professional organization. Just never attempt- ed to join an organization after AKC no longer licensed handlers. I didn’t see the advantage. In which breed and all-breed clubs am I a member? I’m a charter member of the Jupiter Tequesta Kennel Club and a 30-plus member of the German Shepherd parent club. Am I an AKC Breeder of Merit? I have done very limited breed- ing, but have been very fortunate with the breedings I’ve done. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I love water and snow skiing. With whom have I worked as an assistant? I’ve worked for Ken Rayner Sr. and Douglas Crane. Do I specialize in certain breeds or Groups? I specialize in German Shepherds and Corgis (at times). How has COVID-19 impacted my business this year? COVID-19 has most definitely had an impact this year. Did I attend shows during the pandemic? I attended Specialties. Have I had to supplement my income? I did have to receive government help. What do I think of the many changes put in place at shows? I like the idea of entering the ring from one corner and exiting from anoth- er. I’ll leave it at that. What are my clients saying about their plans for 2021? They all wish to become involved as soon as this pandemic comes to an end. Am I planning to attend Westminster next year? Morris & Essex? Yes, assuming they have a show. What ‘s the first thing I plan to do once the pandemic is behind us? Ditch the mask. Anything else I’d wish to share? The pandemic, during an elec- tion year, has brought the worst out in people on social media. The dogs have always been a venue for dog lovers and a common ground for friendships. I hope that we can restore this idea and understand what’s really important in life. All of us are only passing through this time of life, so why not leave something good behind as an example?
194 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2020
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