Page 294 - ShowSight - November 2019

Breeder Owner Handler Q & A
Terrie Crawford continued
the responsibility of caring and showing the dogs. Plan, plan, plan! Our schedule is usually planned at least three months in advance.
How has the NOHS program affected me? I think any type of recognition is positive, but I would like to see the point system reviewed at some point. You get Owner Handler five points even if you are a single entry. I know entries in some parts of the country are hard to come by, but giving points for just “showing up” may not be recognizing the quality that is normally in the Owner Han- dler ring. There is no perfect system, but since the Owner Handler entries have grown it may be time to revisit the point system. The quality of the Owner Handler group continues to get better and better and I’m proud to be a part of it!
What advice would I give a newcomer to breeding? First get a qualified mentor. If you purchase a show puppy from someone who you trust and is a successful breeder learn everything you can from that person. Ask questions, try to go to shows with your mentor to watch ringside, attend your National Specialty and participate in any seminars that will improve your knowledge. New folks will be successful if they start off with the right dog and the right mentor.
The funniest thing that I’ve witnessed at a dog show? I saw this just recently, an exhibitor was showing and her lead broke. She was very “flustered” and went around the ring looking for assistance, and the dog gaited next to her perfectly. The dog was so well trained did not even need the lead! And ended up winning the breed from the classes!
ROBIN GATES
I live in McKinney, Texas and am a Healthcare Consul- tant. Outside of dogs, I enjoy travel and Time with family and friends.
I’ve been in the sport for 25 years, off and on and my origi- nal breeds are Manchesters and Bostons.
The toughest part of being a breeder is being as prepared as possible and still losing a puppy. It never gets easy. The
best part is watching our wonderful puppies grow into pets and loved family members.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? The bond an Owner Handler has is very spe- cial but where an owner handler has an even bigger advantage is the chance to focus on just one dog if they choose.
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? Specialty wins are always the best because finding competition in Manchesters is difficult. Being able to compete and win against other beautiful dogs in my breed is so rewarding.
If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special? My current special is 100% BOH by me and every win is special. We are so connected and the way she looks at me when we work together always makes me smile.
Is fitting the show schedule into my “regular” life a constant bal- ancing act? Managing shows and work is always difficult but can be done. I have to make plans months and sometimes a year in advance to ensure I can get it all in.
How has the NOHS program affected me? The opportunity to show multiple times a day is just more exposure and practice for us. What advice would I give a newcomer to breeding? Be prepared for anything and everything. It is a labor of love but the rewards far
outweigh the heartbreak.
The funniest thing that I’ve witnessed at a dog show? When a
friend and I were so excited to get to a show but then realized we
forgot chairs, the grooming table, a grooming arm, we forgot to reserve grooming and booked our hotel wrong. We still managed to have a great time but we triple check now.
CHRISTY BROWN HALE
I live in Hendersonville, Ten- nessee and I’m a florist. Outside of dogs, I enjoy my family.
I have lived in Hendersonville my whole life and married for 26 years. My children are grown and married and I love being able to travel and show the dogs. I have met some amazing people and friends along the way!
I started in 1982 and my orig- inal breed is the Shih Tzu.
The toughest part of being a
breeder? I’m not a breeder.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their
bond with their dogs? Not necessarily, I’ve seen many dogs that are bonded more to their handlers than their owners—it’s all about time spent with them building a bond.
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? Two totally different situations. Both are equally as important to me.
If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special? Competing as an owner Handler, I have had some exciting memorable wins that I will cherish forever.
Is fitting the show schedule into my “regular” life a constant balancing act? Yes! I am very lucky to be able to participate as much as I do but the trade off is, constant catch up at work to be able to leave again.
How has the NOHS program affected me? The NOHS has enable me to compete at all levels of the show. Without it there would be many days that I would be done after Breed. NOHS has given me the opportunity to be in multiple groups and compete for best in show.
What advice would I give a newcomer to breeding? I wouldn’t, I am not qualified to give any advice.
The funniest thing that I’ve witnessed at a dog show? In over 30 years, way too much to even remember!
JANICE HIGHTOWER
I live in central Florida and am a clerk for our county school system.
Outside of dogs, I enjoy Jeeping with my husband, going out with friends, travel- ing to see friends in Tennessee.
I’ve been in the sport for 44 years and my original breed were Dobermans but had Brittanys growing up as hunting dogs.
The toughest part of being a breeder? Breeding and almost losing a good bitch but still having to spay to save her life which is most important. The best part is having puppies to find good homes and hopefully show homes for some. Keeping old bloodlines going also. The one I almost lost is also the most titled Liver-Roan Brittany in the history of the breed
and first CHIC liver roan.
292 • ShowSight Magazine, noveMber 2019