Page 253 - ShowSight, November 2020

OWNER-HANDLER Q&A
What are my thoughts about competing with professional handlers? I do not mind at all. I feel very confident and have had great mentors to teach me. I really enjoy showing with professional handlers as I know my dog is as competitive as theirs.
JEANNE ROMANELLO
I live in Fort Myers, Florida. I have Brussels Griffon, and have been in dogs for 20-plus years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? I enjoy beach time and traveling.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? I have competed as an owner-handler for two years now.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? Yes! I take classes that are offered from my kennel club, the Greater Fort Myers Kennel Club.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Yes, I compete in the NOHS with my Brussels Griffon, Corky.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I do not mind at all. I feel very confident and have had great mentors to teach me. I really enjoy showing with professional han- dlers as I know my dog is as competitive as theirs.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? I have been lucky to have had some great role models, including Mark and Sally George (Sally bred Corky and is—and has always been—there for us), Barbara Kennan had taught me a lot when I was showing my Westie, and also some really awesome Griff breeders, Cheryl Stevens and Heather Stants. It’s so nice how they take the time to educate me in the breed.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I love doing both types, if the show is fun. Specialties are great; I love to see all the Griffs, and how everyone’s breeding program is doing. Also to learn more about the breed and talk to other breeders.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? Yes, I real- ly think the owner-handler program will get bigger each year. It is so much fun showing with other owner-handlers and their beautiful dogs.
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? At her first show, my Standard Schnauzer, Lemme, jumped in the mud. (I’d decided to wear a light-colored dress.) Lemme decided that my dress needed muddy paw prints all over it just as we were getting ready to go into the ring.
KENT WEINHEIMER
I live in Holden, Massachusetts. I have an Australian Cattle Dog, Brisket, right now. He just turned 18 months old. I have had dogs most of my life, but I first started showing dogs about 12 years ago when I had Mastiffs.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? I enjoy riding motorcycles and driving my 1939 Chevy Pickup in my spare time.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? When I was showing Mastiffs, there was no owner-handled competition, so I have only been involved in the owner-handling competition for a year.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on handling? I have taken handling classes at Champion Kennels in Sterling, Massachusetts. They have been very helpful in keeping me on track.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? I just started competing in the National Owner-Handled Series a year ago. Brisket just completed the 2020 year ranked #4 Austra- lian Cattle Dog!
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I have no issues competing against professional handlers. Quite often you can pick-up things just by watching them.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? Over the years, I have been very lucky to have met some great profession- al and owner-handlers who have been very helpful and supportive. Also, Brisket’s breeder has been there with us every step of the way.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? Bris- ket has done incredible at both specialties and all-breed shows. But the specialties are fun because of the number of dogs in your breed that are there.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I think that the National Owner-Handled Series will continue because of the com- petition, camaraderie, and the friendships.
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? The very first time I went into the ring with a dog; I was doing the down and back, and on the way back towards the judge, somehow the leash became unhooked and the dog trotted out of the ring.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2020 | 249