Page 168 - ShowSight - June 2020
P. 168

                JUDY AGNEW
I live in Ocklawaha, Florida. My breed is Kerry Blue Terriers and I’ve been in dogs since 1962.
Outside of dogs, I’m a retired RN from the recovery room. I also enjoy reading, quilting, horses and skydiving.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? Since 2014.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? I take handling classes and enjoy seminars when offered.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes, when offered.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I enjoy competing against my peers and always bring my A game.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? My mentor, Lou Perry Cunningham of Tontine’s Kerry Blue Terriers.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? As a breeder, I look forward to specialities and enjoy the all-breed shows. Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I enjoy the Owner-Handled series, but wish the all-breed shows would imple- ment Bred-By Exhibitor Groups for all bred-by exhibitors, even
finished champions.
The funniest, most memorable moment at the end of a success-
ful Brooksville circuit in the Owner-Handled Terrier Group was on our last go around. I mistakenly dropped Brit’s lead (to the shock and horror of the judge and spectators), with Brit presenting herself to perfection, proving to all that having a handler at the end of her lead is a mere necessity.
I’d also like to share that I enjoy the sport and the camaraderie, and consider some as my extended family.
KAREN BENENATI
I live in the mountains of Colorado. My breed is Newfound- lands and I’ve been in dogs for 47 years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? I enjoy hiking, photography, baking, cooking, and drawing.
How long have you been competing as an owner-handler? On and off for about 43 years.
Have I taken handling classes? Yes.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? I did when it was first introduced: “Believe” was the #1 Newf in the NOHS, but I no longer participate in NOHS.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? It’s about the dogs, so I just strive to have good dogs that can compete in quality competition whether they are owner-handled or professionally-handled.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? Some handlers I admire are Heather Johnson, Michelle Scott, Wendy Oelrich, and Karen Mammano—they present dogs so beautifully, they make it look effortless. Wonderful teamwork, that’s what it is about. That’s so important to me. My dogs and I, we are a team in and out of that ring.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I like them both for different reasons, so I don’t have a preference. I just love showing my dogs!
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I think so, yes. There is nothing like sharing the ring with your own dog; best feeling!
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? This was funny, it made me laugh and also feel good about the way I present my dogs: A friend had asked me to take her little puppy into the 4-6 month competition because her breed was going on
at the same time, so she couldn’t show her. I was excited to show the puppy for her and started working with her outside the ring. A friend of my friend asked her who was taking her puppy in and when she said that I was, her friend said, “Oh no, she can’t, she’s a handler. I see her in the Group ring all the time.” My friend said, “No, she isn’t. Those are her own dogs she shows.” I had to laugh, but again, it made me feel good.
I am so grateful for my involvement in purebred dogs. It has given me the best friendships and experiences. Of course there have been heartaches and disappointments, but anything worth doing usually gives you your highest highs and your lowest lows. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Sharing the ring with your own dogs, nothing better!
As the saying goes, “Dogs aren’t our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.” They sure do!
CHERIE REITZEL
I live with my amazing husband in St Clair Shores, Michi- gan. Our breed is Basenjis. I have had Basenjis since I was seven years old.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? We enjoy boating and offshore powerboat racing. My husband has raced offshore powerboats since the 1980s, so we are very competitive people! One reason I love dog shows and lure coursing.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? Four wonderful years!
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? Yes, I’ve attend handling classes and always take advice from anyone who is willing to give me advice and use what works best for me and my dogs.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes.
What are your thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I enjoy it! I learn so much from watching them. They are really amazing with how well they can present a dog in the show ring. Just wow!
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? Many! Too many to list, but some who come to mind: Tad Brooks, Ciara Cassell, Brenda Cassell, Jan Kahl, Veronica Predale, Michael Work, Katie Campbell, Kim Brown, Sue Kite, Laurie Owen, Kelly Hart, Suzanne LaCroix, Natalie Sherwin and Kelli Harmon.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I enjoy both.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? Yes, absolutely! Reach for the stars!
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-han- dler? When my Basenji, Peyton, had her tail caught up in my show lead as I was stacking her and I had no idea it was caught in the lead as I was looking up at the judge. So her curly tail was sticking straight up and stuck in the lead—I had no situational awareness of what was going on. But a good friend did manage to get a picture of it! A picture is really the only way to show how funny it was. It was humbling for sure!
CECILIA BOZZO
I live in Wilmington, Delaware. My interests outside of breed- ing and showing dogs would be my work. I have been a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse for 28 years. I have tremendous passion for the babies we care for. As a bedside nurse, I’m an advocate for very sick, tiny babies and their families.
I have been in the sport for just under 11 years. I have always been an owner-handler. I began participating in the NOHS in 2014. My Chihuahua, BIS MBISS GCHP Dartan Diamonds are Forever at
166 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020
OWNER-HANLDER Q&A
























































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