Page 171 - ShowSight - June 2020

BRIELLE MARIE DUPRAT
I live in Southwick, Massachusetts. I have been showing dogs in UKC and AKC since I was 4 1/2 years old. When I turned nine, I was finally able to officially start my junior handling career. I have Havanese that we breed and show, Whippets, and Powder Puff Chi- nese Cresteds that we also show.
Outside of dogs, I love to dance and make art projects. I also love to compete in barn hunt with my Whippets.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? I have been competing in the owner-handler competition since I was nine years old. The first time that I got owner-handled was with my Whippet and we also got an owner-handled Group One!
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on handling? I go to handling classes on Wednesday nights at Dave’s in Agawam, Massachusetts, with Ms. Cathy Figuroa. I also go to junior clinics and seminars on handling.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? I do compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series. My Whip- pet, Oreo, and I made it to the finals last year, and we got to com- pete in the Top Ten Finals in Orlando, Florida!
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I personally love competing against the professional handlers, because it gives me a chance to put myself out there. Plus, it makes winning that much better!
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? I have a lot of big role models when it comes to handling dogs: My grand- ma is definitely one; Mr. Ernesto, Mr. Jason and Miss Meagan, Mr. Cliff and Miss Laura, and also Miss Kay. They have been really big role models to me and my handling career.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I do not really have a preference between specialties and all-breed shows. But, if I had to choose one, I would say all-breed shows because a lot of my friends and role models compete at the same shows. At the speciality shows, I would not really get to see them as much.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I do think that the future looks very bright for all of the future owner-handlers. I really encourage people of all ages to do this amazing sport. I am an AKC Junior Mentor and I have several juniors that I am mentoring right now with the program. I also love helping others with their handling skills when they ask me.
The funniest thing that has ever happened to me as an owner- handler was when I got an O-H Group One. We had just got the picture done and the judge gave me a compliment on my outfit, but then told me my gold, sparkly shoes tied it all together!
MARIE ANN FALCONER
I live in Athens, Tennessee. My breeds are the Siberian Husky, GSDs and Whippets. I’ve been involved in dogs for 52 years.
Do I have any hobbies apart from dogs? No, dogs are my life.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? Since it became available, my time period of ex-professional handler had been exceeded, per the guidelines.
Have I taken handling classes or seminars on handling? Yes, on both accounts.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes, I do, but not at the AKC Championship show (due to affiliations). My reason is to inspire and educate Novice and Owner-Handler participants of today’s era.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? The guidelines are set up as “no professionals.” However, I believe students, assistants and young family members should be able to compete, even if they work for a pro.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? We are, the senior exhibitors who have been in dogs all our lives. We have a lot to teach and help educate the new people or owner- handlers—if they choose to listen! Too many times instead of mak- ing it a learning experience, folks get their dander up and miss self education.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? Both, specialties are very important to breed preservation!
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I personally feel this class should have been Breeder/Owner-Handled! We are push- ing out the breeders and, without them, the whole sport will suffer.
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? Not funny, but a proud moment; when a young girl whom I was mentoring went and beat me and went on to best Owner-Handled in Show. So proud of her!
Anything else I would like to share with the dog show commu- nity? Take the time to respect everyone’s day in the limelight, and be so awesome with genuine congratulations!
LESLIE JASEPH
I live in Crownsville, Maryland. I grew up with Airedales, my mother bred them. I have been in dogs personally since I got my first Sealyham Terrier in 1972 when I was 11 years old; so, 48 years, but I bred my first litter in 1976.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? I have always been involved volunteering for local nonprofits that provide clothing and food assistance to people in need. I also love traveling and reading.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? I have always been an owner-handler, and breeder/owner-handler. I started showing my first Sealyham in Junior Showmanship when I was 13 years old. My mother told me if I wanted to participate, I needed to learn to groom her as well. That started me on my path and I have never looked back.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? I have never taken any formal handling classes or attended seminars on handling.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes, I started competing with NOHS five years ago, mostly for ring practice and experience for my dog. I found it was also a great way to get others to see my small number breed and realize that owner- handlers could groom and show their own Sealys. My dogs have had wonderful success in NOHS; the one I started with is in the Top 50 All-Breed Lifetime, #1 Sealyham Lifetime; my current dog (Bred- By) is currently #1 this year and #4 Breed Lifetime. Both have also been very successful in the “regular” show ring, as Specialty win- ners, and Terrier Group winners/placers.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I have always competed with top professional handlers in my area and have had success in doing so. However, I make sure my dogs are always competitive in the show ring, from grooming to training. I think this is one thing that I cannot stress enough as an owner-handler. A dog in top condition, one well-prepared and pre- sented, will always be noticed regardless of who is holding the lead. No, an owner-handler will not always win, but the reason should never be the lack of preparation of the dog. If you want to be a successful owner-handler in this sport, plan to work harder than everyone else, and follow through.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? I have been fortunate to observe so many wonderful professional and own- er-handlers in my many years in dogs, I am hesitant to name any specifically for fear of forgetting names, and because some are now judges. I will say that I have learned much by sitting ringside and observing to this day, and in various breeds. I admire those who
OWNER-HANLDER Q&A
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020 | 169