Page 286 - ShowSight - November 2019

WHEN THE
OWNER TAKES THE LEAD
1. Place of residence? Profession? Passion (outside of dogs)?
2. How long have you been in the sport? Original breed?
3. What’s the toughest part of being a breeder? The best part?
4. Do you feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs?
5. What’s more important to you, an all-breed win or a specialty win?
6. If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special?
7. Is fitting your show schedule into your “regular” life a constant balancing act? How do you manage?
8. To gain more recognition for owner/handlers, AKC instituted a program and points system particular to you. How has the NOHS program affected you?
9. What advice would you give a newcomer to breeding?
10. And for a bit of fun: What’s the funniest thing that you’ve witnessed, experienced, or heard about at a dog show?
ANITA BAK
I live in Mt Laurel New Jer- sey, professionally I’m a Cor- porate Accountant. Outside of dogs, I enjoy photography.
My original breed is the Am Cocker Spaniel and I’ve been in the breed for 15 years.
I have always loved the breed, and when my husband and I decided to add a new family member the number one on our list, was of course a Cocker Spaniel. Camille, the
sweetest and happy girl, never met a stranger in her life and was a true ambassador to the breed. She was the reason we got involved in this sport. She lived to be 15 when she past this past August. Over the years we finished many champions, and our dogs were showed in many countries. Our pride and joy is our current special, Danzel, GCHB Ania’s Celebrity Profile who ranked #1 Cocker Spaniel in NOHS, all varieties, lifetime with multiple Best in Show Owner Handled. He is also top ranked black Cocker Spaniel in both breed and all breed with regular Sporting Group wins and many group placements, always breeder, owner handled.
The best part of being a breeder? It’s very rewarding as a breeder to see the dogs I bred succeed in the conformation and performance rings, as well as preserving the breed for generations to come.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? The owner/handlers usually have a very good bond with their dogs, which could be an advantage. However, it takes a quality, well-trained dog, in good show condition for the dog to be recognized, and ranked at both breed and all-breed level.
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? Both are equally important to me. I have a great pride to be a Breeder/Owner/Handler of a dog that is recognized in both the “Breed point list AND the All-Breed point list”
Is fitting the show schedule into my “regular” life a constant balancing act? Balancing a full time job and actively showing in conformation is not easy. Showing Am Cockers requires a lot of
grooming to make sure that as an Owner Handler I present my dog in the best condition. It means, spending full day at the office, and going home to bathe, groom and take care of the dogs. Using most of my vacation time to go to dog shows, sometimes considerable distance away, and be back at work the next morning, but I love it!
How has the NOHS program affected me? It’s a great feeling to be have OH top ranked dog. My current special is ranked #1 Cocker Spaniel NOHS, all varieties, lifetime. As his breeder I’m extremely proud what we have accomplished.
What advice would I give a newcomer to breeding? Find a mentor, or mentors, educate yourself. Find the best specie in your desired breed you can. Attend as many dog shows as you can. The glory doesn’t happen overnight, you have to work hard for it.
SANDRA BETHEA
Sangeo Bedlington Ter- riers, Sandra Bethea married 33 years to George Bethea. We are owned by three Bed- lington Terriers. Hunni who is 12 years-old, Rion, who is eight and his daughter Bella Mae who is 31⁄2. We enjoy competing in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Barn Hunt, Agility and Lure Coursing and many other events. It keeps us healthy and happy.
I live in McHenry, Mississippi and I’m a National Certified Master Groomer. Outside of dogs, I enjoy cooking.
I showed my first Bedlington Terrier in England 54 years ago at the age of five. My original breed is the Bedlington Terrier.
What’s the toughest part of being a breeder? Everything. The best part? Seeing how your pups take on certain traits of each par- ent.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? Yes, it’s tTeam work. Even the hairs can com- municate.
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? Both are great achievements. I Love seeing and competing with all the exhibits from around our country and world. If I had to choose, it would be a National Specialty Best Of Breed win.
If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special? Yes indeed. I wish Breeder Owner Handler were recognized for being a greater accomplishment.
Is fitting the show schedule into my “regular” life a constant balancing act? I feel it helps me keep focused, in better health and motivates me to stay in better shape.
How has the NOHS program affected me? I have seen so many beautiful NOHS exhibits and exquisite Best In Show lineups, pre- sentations and performances. NOHS has given me dreams that adventures and achievements can come true.
What advice would I give a newcomer to breeding? You should do health testing on both parents, study the pedigrees and attend as many Specialties and National Specialties as you can so that one can see all the different dogs and styles.
What’s the funniest thing that I’ve witnessed at a dog show? I entered my two Bedlingtons in a Brace class years ago. I thought I had them trained to perfection. When we arrived to the show
284 • ShowSight Magazine, noveMber 2019