LINES FROM LINDA AYERS TURNER KNORR: ACCOLADES FOR DIEGO GARCIA, AKC RHP HANDLER OF THE YEAR
Mr. Garcia secured a ticket to the United States for Diego to begin working for Michael Shephard in Texas. After spending six months there, he dreamed that one day America would become his home. At age 27, with only a suitcase, Diego returned to the United States. He had the “will!” Now he was ready to “prepare.” The handlers’ methods of show- ing in Argentina and in our country were quite different. Here, we run slower and use more gentle techniques in handling our dogs. Diego had to slow down, change his posture, and basically rethink his handling techniques. Diego shared with me, “I remember when I was in the same ring with James Moses, he kept talking to his dog and that was very impressive! I wanted to be one who would show with passion and dignity and good sportsmanship.” America is truly the land of opportunity, and United States Citi- zen Diego Garcia is proof that here dreams come true! He is now rec- ognized as one of the top Professional Handlers in this country. His handsome looks, big smile, and charming personality have afforded Diego and his beautiful wife, Eve, a world of new friends, success, and a new hometown in Lillington, North Carolina. Congratulations to Diego Garcia for being selected as the AKC Registered Handlers Program’s Handler of the Year for 2022. He was presented the award by American Kennel Club Vice President, Judg- ing Operations, Timothy Thomas during the AKC National Champi- onship Show in Orlando, Florida. Other members of the team present were AKC Field Coordinators Larry Cornelius, Mark Desrosiers, and Mary Dukes.
Always smiling Diego and Eve Garcia
MEMBERS OF THE AKC RHP INCLUDE:
Adam Peterson Madeline Peterson
Ania G. Kelly Laura L. King Tara Krieger Hartman Peter S. Kubacz Ernesto Lara Angelo L. Lloyd Karen M. Mammano Lisa A. Miller Kathryn A. Mines Roslyn Mintz-Fosco Elizabeth Leesa A. Molina
Jason W. Bailey Elizabeth Barrett
Bekki L. Pina Gabriel Rangel Ivonne Rangel
Doug G. Belter Adam Bernardin Katie Berndardin Kerry M. Boyd Robert R. C. Carusi Paul D. Catterson Marianne “Tuni” Conti
Annmarie C. Ruggieri Lori G. Sargent LVT Celso Schneider Tara J. Schultz Dave A. Slattum Valerie A. Stanert Clifford W. Steele Hiram T. Stewart Greg O. Strong Debbie Struff Christina Ulberg Meagan A. Ulfers Alissa A. Welling Linda M. Whitney
Geoff S. Dawson James R. Dickson Kaki Fisher
Lori A. Mowery Frank J. Murphy Patricia Murray
Robert A. Fisher Lisa M. Gallizzo Diego F. Garcia Sara J. Gregware Deanna “Dee” B. Hanna Stephanie J. Hentschel
Dave Musto Kathy Musto Mary Norton-Augustus Kimberly A. Pastella-Calvacca
A. Clark Pennypacker Matthew S. Perchick Sarah Perchick
Shane A. Hooper Lydia Hovanski Erin H. Karst
Kellie Williams Linda Williams
For more information about the AKC RHP, contact: handlers@akc.org , 919-816-3884
94 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2023
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