AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP
7. How has Junior Handling made a difference in your life? In your family's life? Participating in AKC sports has made a huge impact on my and my siblings’ lives. I was very shy, and my dog was like a living security blanket to comfort me as I took on new chal- lenges, and forced me to overcome my shyness by focusing on my dog’s needs. I have learned so many essential life skills, like responsibility, time management, ethics, hard work, persever- ance, good sportsmanship, how to set boundaries, patience, and so much more. I think these lessons will help me my whole life. I am grateful for the scholarships offered that have helped to defray the cost of higher education. I am also so thankful for the tremendous kindness, support, and encour- agement from the dog show community from the very begin- ning. Without their help, this would not have been possible. I have found an extended family for which I am extremely blessed. I would like to say a special thank you to Gwen DeMilta and Carissa Shimpeno for everything they have done for me and my family. I want to thank Lovey's breeders and co-owners, Deirdre and Timothy Rahn, for trusting me with their beautiful dog. I want to thank my amazing family too, for through anything and everything they have always been there for me every single step of the way. I give all the glory to God. When I was in the ring, this Bible verse was running through my head the whole time: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." With God, all things are possible. 8. Can you offer any advice to Juniors looking to com - pete at the AKC National Championship in 2022? Setting goals like competing at the AKC National Cham- pionship in 2022 is an amazing goal to strive for, but I have found, for me, setting smaller, more focused goals has helped me to become a better handler. Sometimes a big victory at a dog show doesn't include a ribbon. Sometimes it is when I fi- nally trust myself and my dog enough to try something in the ring that we have been practicing—and he nails it.
Don't worry about the wins and losses. Instead, focus on do- ing one thing better each time you’re in the ring. The best prize is having that unforgettable bond between you and your dog. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, and listen to those who want to help you. There are so many people in the dog show community with giant hearts who are glad to help and share their knowl- edge with you. Qualifying for AKC National Championship is such an honor... just enjoy every moment of your time on the blue carpet. 9. Would you like to say a few words about this year's judging panel? I was really touched by how passionate the Juniors Judges were. They really seemed to have fun and they put their heart and soul into their assignment.They have such a tough job. (Every person in the Juniors ring is amazingly talented, and I wouldn't want to be the one to have to choose.) A special, huge “thank you” to my Preliminary Judge, Miss Kimberly A. Langlands, and the Finals Judge, Mrs. Debbie L. Melgreen, for this great honor. 10. What's next for Emma Rogers? My career in Juniors is coming to an end this January when I turn eighteen. Westminster will be my last time competing in Junior Showmanship, as they allow you to compete if you qualify before you turn 18. Normally, the winner of Juniors at the National Championship is invited to represent the United States at Crufts. Sadly this year, due to COVID, the Junior Showmanship part of Crufts has been cancelled. While I would have loved to experience Crufts as the United States’ repre- setitive, I will cherish my last time in Juniors at Westminster. While it is bittersweet to be ending this amazing journey, I am looking forward to the future. l am excited to apprentice with a handler and continue to learn all that I can. I am looking for- ward to trying something new with my pets such as Trick Dog and Agility. I am also continuing my education in college. I am not sure what my future career will be yet, but I know that I will always be a part of the dog show world.
202 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2022
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