2021 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB
INTERVIEW WITH WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB’S 2021 BEST JUNIOR HANDLER
“THE DOGS ARE REALLY MY WHOLE WORLD AND I CAN’T THINK OF A LIFE WITHOUT THEM AND THEIR OWNERS.”
5. You’ve shown several different breeds in Juniors. How did you choose which dog to show this year? This year, it was quite difficult for me to choose a dog to show in Juniors. I knew that I didn’t want to show my Cirneco, Deagan, in Juniors, because I wanted to focus on the Breed ring with him. So, I originally wanted to bring my Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Goose, that I had been working very hard to keep in shape all year to be able to show at Westminster. But two weeks before West- minster, Goose bloated. I was worried sick about him until I got the word that he was out of surgery and in stable condition. One member of the AWGPA found out what was going on with Goose and quickly found me his half-brother who lives only an hour and a half from the show site. Kate and Kendall DeStanto generously allowed me to have the decision to show Gunner in Juniors—and I said, “Yes!” 6. What does your dog mean to you now that you’ve completed this journey together? All three of my boys and their owners mean so much to me after this journey. Goose, Gunner, and Deagan have all helped me, and I cannot thank them enough for helping me get to “The Garden” and even supporting me while on kennel rest, getting better. The dogs are really my whole world and I can’t think of a life without them and their owners.
7. How has Junior Handling made a difference in your life? In your family’s life? Junior Handling has taught me so many life skills with people and how to handle certain situations. I have made so many won- derful friends and relationships through Juniors, and my mom has also met some wonderful Junior parents. I think this has made our lives more positive, even through COVID. 8. Can you offer any advice to Juniors looking to compete at Westminster in 2022? My advice to Juniors who are showing next year would be to just take whatever gets thrown your way, one step at a time, and just have fun with your dog because they always have your back. 9. Would you like to say a few words about this year’s judging panel? I think this year’s judging panel was wonderful with having judges equally from the East and the West Coasts. I think this was a great balance. 10. What’s next for Lily Bennett? Starting my own kennel, attending the World Dog Show, get- ting my college degree, helping younger Juniors start their careers, and showing my own breeding at Westminster—hopefully, very soon.
202 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2021
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