VICKI SEILER-CUSHMAN
Showing dogs in the 1970s and ‘80s, you traveled every day to a different city as AKC required that the clubs’ shows be held in the same city that a club represented. It was very hard on the dogs and the exhibitors. There were no clusters held in one spot as we enjoy today, so at the end of each day we were loading all of the equipment, driving in caravans to the next show site, and always stopping for dinner along the way. The shows began no earlier than 9 a.m., so we set up at the site every morning in the new location. There was a warm camaraderie in the group; in the ring we were competitors, absolutely, but still close like family. Barbara Alderman is someone I’ve known since I was 12 years old. I have always admired her. She’s been a great teacher to me in many breeds and also on judging. Today, she is still my mentor. Bill Shelton is a dear friend who is like a brother to me. Any questions on breeds, judging, breeding, and for many other con- nections in our lives, he is my go-to for “phone a friend.” Judy Doniere and I traveled together to Westminster and the Doberman National every year, and she was a constant mentor when we lived near each other in Ohio. She was a big influence in my Doberman career. Jane Kay was the woman in the men’s group. I had so much admiration for her as she was like a mother to all the assistants. She cared about them when most others just saw them as invis- ible. Plus, she had a wicked golf game and was a powerful force in what was then considered a man’s world. When I worked for George, Pam DeHetre was the up-and- coming Doberman handler. She was tough and successful. She has always been in my life, providing advice, support, and words of encouragement. Sylvia Hammarstrom has been a wonderful resource on breeding and conditioning dogs. I am lucky to have her as a friend and mentor. She is a fireball of energy and knowledge. Meredith Johnson Snyder’s knowledge and devotion to Cava- liers across the world was energizing. She always drove me to work harder and smarter. Many people associate you with Dobermans, but they were not your first breed. What breed did you begin with? I began in Siberian Huskies, when I was in grade school. We actually owned German Shepherd Dogs before then. George Rood always told me not to breed the dogs that were your main focus as it would be a conflict for your clients. So, I arranged many breeding programs in Dobermans; arranged for stud dogs and graded litters. I then owned Pointers with Michael Zollo as my own breed, then Golden Retrievers, and I co-bred Boston Terriers and, now, Chihuahuas. I own one Doberman that we plan on breeding this year. How many dogs do you currently house? Tell us about your facili- ties and how the dogs are maintained? I have three Chihuahuas that live at home, and I co-own three others that live with their co-owners. I own one Doberman with my son that we plan on breeding this year. Who were some of the most significant show dogs you were associated with over the decades? What moments stand out as the most memorable? There was a beautiful Chinese Shar-Pei, Ch. Grayland’s Star- light Margaret, that broke the BIS record, and the top-winning Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ch. Rattlebridge Masterpiece, that also broke the BIS record. I specialed a beautiful Group- winning Golden Retriever, Ch. Laurell’s Michaelangelo. I have shown many Giant Schnauzers over the past 30 years as a professional that were ranked No. 1, all bred by
96 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2021
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