JUDGE’S INTERVIEW WITH LAURIE KING TELFAIR, TELA GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS
What was your most memorable judging experience? My most memorable experience was the privilege of judging the Herding Group at the Kennel Club of Phila- delphia televised show in 2022. This was their 20th year of having the National Dog Show televised on Thanks- giving Day, and they know how to do it right. Everything ran smoothly, whether it really did or not. The exhibitors seemed happy to be there. The dogs were great. And my family was proud I was on television. I almost always enjoy judging. I consider it a privilege as I want it to be fun for the dogs, the exhibitors and, of course, for me. Finally, tell us a little about Laurie outside of dogs: your past profession, your hobbies. There isn’t a lot to tell outside of dogs. I grew up wanting to become a newspaper reporter and became one. After divorce, I decided to make a career change to something that would keep me out of the poor house. I went back to school, got an MBA, and became a stockbroker and certified financial planner. I retired in December 2013 and began showing my final German Shepherd, one of the few I didn’t breed myself. This is GCH Aljan’s Save The Last Dance For Me v. Pashen CHIC PCDX RI HIC FDC CGC TKA. Told you I loved titles!
So the main thing I would suggest is a change of attitude, with the pre- sumption that judges and aspiring judges are dedicated dog people who have decades of knowledge and experience. Devise interviews and exams that test that presumption and aren’t designed to eliminate candidates for judg- ing. Yes, I think communication between exhibitors and judges should be encouraged. However, I keep meaning to tattoo on the inside of my eyelids, “Keep your mouth shut.” What I don’t say won’t come back to bite me.
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