Page 172 - ShowSight - June 2020

OWNER-HANLDER Q&A
I think the future does look bright for owner-handlers and breeder/owner-handlers. Most dogs are exhibited by an owner, and they are usually the ones who will be approached at a show when someone wants to know more about their breed and are looking for a puppy. We have an opportunity to present the sport and our breed in incredibly positive ways.
have that obvious relationship and connection with their dog; it is much more than simply an entry on the lead. Add to that those who prepare a dog without taking grooming shortcuts, they garner the most respect from me.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? Sealy- hams have few specialties or even supported entries. I do value com- peting at those when possible, because my dog is being compared to larger entries than we normally see. But I enjoy all-breed shows as well; competing against other breeds in the Group, and then in the Best in Show ring. It is always an honor knowing that your dog is the representative for their breed and being evaluated by those who are well respected.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I think the future does look bright for owner-handlers and breeder/owner- handlers. Most dogs are exhibited by an owner, and they are usu- ally the ones who will be approached at a show when someone wants to know more about their breed and are looking for a puppy. We have an opportunity to present the sport and our breed in incredibly positive ways.
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? It may sound strange, but the funniest experience was having a judge in NOHS who did not know I was exhibiting a Sealyham Terrier.
I would like to share that I would really like to see owner-han- dlers realize how important they truly are in the sport of dog shows. They are often breeders, producing the next generation of show dogs. Owner-handlers need to realize professional handlers are not the adversary; they too are often breeders, and they have a wealth of information that they will share with others when approached. There is so much that can be learned from them when they have a break, but building walls in this sport and making it “us vs. them” will not provide anything of benefit for the future.
JAY LIVESEY
& BRENT STREGE
We currently live in Brussels, Wisconsin. Our breed is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We currently own four. We have been show- ing for nine years, but have owned other dogs throughout our lives: Clumber Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels.
Do we have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? We both have an interest in gardening, real estate and winter activities, such as cross country skiing and snow shoeing.
How long have we been competing as an owner-handler? We have been competing as owner-handlers since 2016. We have owned two dogs that have ranked in the top 10 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel since 2016.
Have we taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? We have attended handling classes in Minneapolis and
Duluth, Minnesota, as well as Green Bay, Wisconsin. We attended a Norma Smith handling seminar in the Twin Cities.
Do we compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? We competed in the 2018 National Owner-Handled series in Orlando, Florida, and hope to be able to attend in 2020.
What are our thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? It is good to have competition in a sport, whether from a professional handler or owner-handler. The more competition in the ring, the more meaningful the award. Plus, we have met some great professional handlers.
Who are our role models when it comes to showing dogs? We are not sure that we can say that we have a particular role model when it comes to showing dogs, but what really comes to mind is aspiring to be a good sportsman and model after other professionals who are kind and respectful of others in the ring.
Do we prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? All- breed shows are much easier to attend as there are many held within our vicinity. Specialties require much more travel, but usually have higher entries (which rewards with more competition).
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? The AKC con- tinues to improve their National Owner-Handled Series as well as judges who consistently award the dog.
The funniest thing we’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? One of my funniest memories was at a show in Duluth, Minnesota. I was showing a Cavalier in the breed ring that slipped out of its lead. Shortly thereafter in the Best of Breed competition, the same thing happened. The judge (Mrs. Barbara Dempsey Alderman) said she would never let me live that one down!
We would like to share that we look forward to returning to the ring safely for some fun competition and to see many friends whom we have missed.
PATTI MURPHY
I live in Croton-On-Hudson, New York. My breeds are the Bel- gian Tervuren, Australian Shepherds, and Irish Red & White Set- ters. I’ve been involved in dogs for 20 plus years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? All dog related; I compete in agility, obedience, rally, Fast Cat, Cat, Herding, Scentwork and we do therapy dog visits.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? For 20 plus years.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on handling? Yes, many classes and seminars. I now teach classes for Taconic Hills Kennel Club in Yorktown Heights, New York.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes, I have been in the top 10 for at least five years.
170 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020