“IN MY AREA, THE TERRIER GROUP IS OFTEN PACKED WITH WELL-KNOWN HANDLERS ON BEAUTIFUL DOGS. I’VE NOTICED THAT WE GET MORE CONSIDERATION IN THE NOHS GROUPS, AND IT’S MUCH MORE LIKELY TO FIND OURSELVES IN THE RIBBONS THERE!”
7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed(s) as an Owner Handler? Bedlingtons are very Owner Handler heavy, with many seasoned and skilled Owner Handlers, so the breed ring can still be very competitive. This is especially true once you get to the Group ring—not only is the breed not one usually considered for Group placements, but we end up against many professionals! In my area, the Ter- rier Group is often packed with well-known handlers on beautiful dogs. I’ve noticed that we get more consider- ation in the NOHS Groups, and it’s much more likely to find ourselves in the ribbons there! 8. Are you intimidated by the Professional Handlers? By the Judges? If I said I never was, I would be a liar! Now that I’m more familiar and comfortable in a show environment, they aren’t as scary anymore. They’re just people—skilled at their craft and deserving of respect, but people nonethe- less! I’ve gotten many helpful tips and comments from both Handlers and Judges. I’m even happy to call some Professional Handlers and their Assistants my friends. 9. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? My dogs’ breeders, Gaby Gilbeau & Laurie Zembrzuski, have taught me nearly everything I know. Their success in Bedlington Terriers, especially as Breeder/Owner Handlers themselves, needs no explanation. I have also been very lucky to glean bits of valuable advice from Lydia Frey, Margery Good, and Brendan Coleman. The rest of Team Goodspice have also been a huge help over the years, including, but not limited to, my good friend, Amanda Ross. 10. How important is the Owner Handler to the future of the dog sport? Owner Handlers make up a significant number of the folks I see at any given show. Many find their start in our sport as an Owner Handler. Without these dedi- cated folks, I can’t imagine where we would be! 11. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? Is there a vic- tory that has eluded you? Specifically, as an Owner Handler, I’m still aiming for an NOHS Best in Show! My current special definitely has what it takes... we’re just patiently waiting for our time to shine. Other than that, a regular Group place- ment and another Specialty win are my next goals. 12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your expe- riences as an Owner Handler? At Morris & Essex last year, our club held our Founder’s Specialty, and we went all-out with fun prizes and beau- tiful rosettes! I remember standing ringside after Puppy Sweepstakes, and a gentleman was in the ring, address- ing the crowd. I assumed he was saying something about the Veteran Sweepstakes, which was next. But the next thing I knew, he and others were calling my name! I came into the ring, and I was handed a hat box full of goodies, plus a small crimson rosette—I had won Best Hat! It’s a beautiful navy blue tricornered-style hat with a fabulous, large feather adorned on the side. Friends later joked that I ended up winning the Breed that day because of my hat—clearly politics at work!
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022 | 171
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