Page 180 - ShowSight - June 2020
P. 180

                hit the intended target knocking the butterfly just a little off its flight path. This was all Taylor needed as she leapt five feet in the air bringing it down in her mouth. The butterfly fluttered as she held it. Immediately, all of the other dogs gathered around her in a circle as they could not believe what they were witnessing. How was it this skinny Airedale pup had accomplished some- thing in her short existence that they had yet to achieve? The older dogs began to taunt her, so I carefully removed the cap- tured trophy from her mouth. Since this was a once-in-a-lifetime event, I decided it would be only fitting to preserve the quarry by doing a taxidermist’s mount that involved enclosing it in a nice picture frame with a soft white matte as the background. At the bottom of the display we identified both the quarry and the hunter with a nice inset plaque. We hung it in our trophy room along with all the other animals and fish. After that day Taylor was looked upon by the other dogs as a bigger than life legend. The older Airedales who had picked on her now followed her around the fields apparently hoping to learn more about her hunting skills. Many years have passed since that hot summer day, but it is still as fresh in my memory as if it happened last week. As hot as the summers are here, the winter nights are also cold, damp, and long. Often those nights will find me in the trophy room with several of our houseguest Airedales. With all of the many different mounts to look at they are always drawn to the butterfly mount and stare at it often. It’s like they still remember the day Taylor bagged the ultimate quarry.
NANCY NYKAMP
Nancy Nykamp lives in Great Falls, Virg- nia, with her husband, Ken, and their children: Olivia, James and Hugh. She takes great pride in being a third generation Airedale owner, and car- rying-on the Meadowaire kennel name which was established in the 1950s by her parents. She enjoys breeding, training and showing her Airedales, and supports her children
as they routinely participate in conformation shows and Aire- dale Club events.
I am a third generation Airedale owner/breeder. My grand- parents owned Airedales, my parents bred, raised and showed Airedales under the kennel name “Meadowaire,” and now my children, husband and I are carrying on the Meadowaire tradi- tion. I live in Northern Virginia, just outside of DC. I am a retired U.S. Army Officer, and presently serve as a Senior Execu- tive in the Department of Homeland Security.
Besides breeding and showing dogs, I am very active in Scouts with my children. I am also a strong advocate for the advancement of women and children. I serve on the Boards for Women Executives at TSA, and Women in Homeland Securi- ty. In this capacity, I sponsor: youth STEM (Science Technol- ogy Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities; activities to help prevent Domestic Violence; and LGBTQ events during Pride Month.
What is it about the Airedale Terrier that makes the breed so appealing? Airedales have always appealed to me because they are practically perfect in every way! They are smart, loyal, clever, and charismatic.
Can I speak to the breed’s versatility and trainability? Aire- dales are highly versatile and highly trainable, and can do most anything. They are easy to train, as long as the trainer keeps in mind that they can get bored rather easily.
Do I compete in Performance Events with my dogs? In addi- tion to conformation, I have trained Airedales in obedience, rally and as therapy dogs. Next challenge—agility or maybe dock diving!
How much care does the Airedale’s coat require for the show ring? Getting an Airedale in show condition is a bit of a lift. Once in good show condition, it typically takes me four to six hours a week to maintain.
Any suggestions when it comes to sparring in the ring? Keep sparring natural. Let your Airedale lead and lean into the spar, and focus on the other dog. Always keep a respectful distance between dogs.
What are some best practices for keeping an Airedale in good condition? It’s important to keep your Airedale physically and mentally fit through regular exercise, training and play. This is important throughout the Airedale’s life, and especially true for Airedales on the show circuit.
Anyone who is thinking about sharing their life with the “King of Terriers” should be ready for a dog that can and will do anything with style. A style that is very versatile, from highly regal to downright clownish!
AIREDALE TERRIER Q&A
 Anyone who is thinking about sharing their life with the “King of Terriers” should be ready for a dog that can and will do anything with style. A style that is very versatile, from highly regal to downright clownish!
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