2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: BEST JUNIOR HANDLER
5. What does your dog mean to you now that you’ve com - pleted this journey together? Pineapple is my best friend and she has always meant the world to me—nothing will ever change that. It is an unconditional love. Pineapple meant just as much to me before we won as she did afterwards, because I will always think the world of her. I am always grateful to be at the end of her leash. I bred Pineapple, so I have been with her since the beginning and I fell in love with her from the start, though I never knew how large a role she would play in my Juniors career. 6. You’re a Breeder/Owner-Handler as well as a Junior. Is breeding something you’d like to pursue? I would love to pursue breeding Norwegian Buhunds. This will forever be my heart breed and to continue to help the breed strive would be amazing. 7. How has Junior Handling made a difference in your life? In your family’s life? AKC sports has had a large impact on my life and my family’s. I was a shy child, always hiding behind my Mother’s leg. The first time I stepped into a ring I left crying out of fear, but that day changed me forever. I went home that night thinking about what I could have done better and how I could change. I had a spark, and that continued and pushed me to become who I am today. Dog shows forced me to socialize and speak for my- self. They helped me grow into myself and I don’t know where I would be without them. I have learned so many life lessons from dog shows and assisting handlers, such as ethics, showmanship/ sportsmanship, time management, patience, and the drive to work hard. I have grown close with my Mom, as she is the one
who takes me to the majority of shows and is my biggest sup- porter. I’m so grateful for that. There are many places my family would likely not have traveled to if not for dog shows, and that has brought us all closer together. 8. Can you offer any advice to Juniors looking to compete at the AKC National Championship in 2024? I would just embrace the opportunity to compete against the best in the nation. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect and learn from other Juniors. This is a chance to put your best foot out there and give it your all. Don’t stress about the moment too much. Just have a good time with your dog and show to the best of your ability. 9. Would you like to say a few words about this year’s judging panel? There is always a phenomenal panel of judges for the AKC Na- tional Championship for Juniors. I had no idea what to expect, but I just put my all into my performance because that’s all you can do. There were so many talented Juniors that I definitely wouldn’t want to be put in the judges position. That is one hard decision to make. My sincere gratitude to Ms. Kasey O’Brien, my Preliminary Judge, and Dr. Adam King, the Finals Judge. 10. What’s next for Octavia Stensen? I am currently in college, majoring in Business and minoring in Chinese. I am also assisting a handler and hope to continue in the world of dog shows, but school is also a priority for me at the moment. I am excited to represent the United States at Crufts in the International Junior Handling competition in 2024. My last time in Juniors will be at Westminster in 2024 with Pine- apple. A bittersweet moment I know I will cherish.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024 | 197
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