Page 252 - ShowSight, November 2020

THE
OWNER-HANDLERS
1. Where do you live? What is your breed? How many years in dogs?
2. Do you have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs?
3. How long have you been competing as an owner-handler?
4. Have you taken handling classes? Attended seminars on handling?
5. Do you compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series?
6. What are your thoughts about competing with professional handlers?
7. Who are your role models when it comes to showing dogs?
8. Do you prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows?
9. In your opinion, does the future look bright for owner-handlers?
10. And for a bit of fun: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler?
LISA LEADY
We live in Genoa, Illinois. I have had Smooth Fox for 28 years. All my life my family bred and showed Borzoi.
Do I have any hob- bies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? Groom- ing seminars and teaching other groom- ers to improve their skills. I judge groom- ing competitions all over the world.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? I have always been an owner-
handler, but I started competing in the Novice Owner-Handled Series since it started.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? Yes to all! It is a wonderful way to hone your skills. I have also taken private handling lessons.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? On the one hand, I love the challenge, it makes me try harder. On the other hand, it is very hard to beat the professionals.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? Karen Fitzpatrick, Lee Whittier, and Norma Smith.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? Both.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I would like to think that it does.
LAUREL MEDLEY
I live in Dunnellon, Florida. My breed is Vizslas and I’ve been in dogs for 14 years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? Who has the time?
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? I’ve com- peted as an owner-handler since 2008.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? Yes, I’ve taken handling classes.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I do okay.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? My role models are the owners and handlers who exhibit grace and kindness.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I compete at both.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? Of course!
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? My first time ever showing a dog, I tried to give back some of the ribbons. I thought the judge had given me too many.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional handlers? On the one hand, I love the challenge, it makes me try harder. On the oth- er hand, it is very hard to beat the professionals.
248 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2020