Why I Handle

I was first introduced to the sport of showing dogs when I was 10. I wasn’t born into a family of dog handlers. I was just a kid who loved her dog that desperately needed a job. I joined a local 4-H Club with my first Golden Retriever, Tikki. At the time, he was two years old and we both had no clue what we were doing. Him not having any manners, and I not knowing how to tame that goofy, two-year-old, we practiced and practiced.

We worked together every day that year leading up to the County Fair. We scored the highest in Obedience and placed Best Junior Handler in Conformation!!! I was completely overjoyed at our accomplishments. We then went on to the State Fair, obtaining perfect scores for my handling portion of the competitions. Later that day a lady approached us to congratulate us and she asked if I showed in Junior in AKC. She explained what it was and I looked into it. Even though I knew Tikki didn’t have a pedigree full of champions, we continued on to AKC anyway with our heads held high!

I went to every show I could attend as I got older. Everyday was a new journey as I walked through the show site asking every person I came across if they had a dog that I could show.  I gained as much knowledge as I could and got my hands on every dog possible.

I gained many friends and mentors along the way.  I would go for months and sometimes years without getting into the ring, as sometimes life happens.  Then out of the blue, a friend would invite me along to help for the day and it was always magical.  The connection I have with the dogs are instant and as we walk into the ring we perform like we have been a team all along.

As Your Handler, I Promise This

To be as patient as I was the first time I put that goofy, two-year-old on my lead.  To build confidence where confidence lacks.  To seek knowledge when I am unsure.  To groom as if we are walking the red carpet at The Oscars and to perform as if every ring we step into is Westminster.