CORNELL VETERINARY STUDENTS TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO FINGER LAKES DOG SHOW WORLD
above: Students observe a competitor. right, top to bottom: Vivian Shum; Alanna Horton
WATCHFUL OBSERVERS There are students present from each class year in the veterinary program. The event also functions as a way for them to get a fuller picture of what path—large or small animal—they might like to take when they’re done with school. For many, the Wine Country Circuit will be the first shows they’ve ever seen. “I had only watched the National Dog Show on television Thanksgiving Day, so I had no idea what to expect,” says Michelle Greenfield, D.V.M. Class of 2023. For Greenfield, the high point of the day was soaking up knowledge from her mentor, Ereign Seacord, president of the Finger Lakes Kennel Club and chief ring steward for the Friday show. “She was phenomenal,” Greenfield says. “She not only took the time to explain all the intricacies of winning points and becoming a champion, but she also pointed out the various dog breeds so I could become more familiar with them—and there are so many.” Indeed, there are 197 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club that participate in these shows. Seacord also enjoyed the mentorship experience. “We visited the perfor- mance venues to see how much fun owners can have with their dogs,” Seacord says. “I’m hoping that Michelle and the other students appreciated the bonds that exist between handlers and owners and their purpose-bred dogs.” Although Greenfield wants to become an aquatic veterinarian, she found there were principles from the show she could apply to other situations. “It was a unique experience to have as a veterinary student, and I’m truly thankful for the opportunity,” Greenfield says.
212 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2021
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