Page 186 - Showsight December 2020
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                Do I specialize in certain breeds or Groups? Not specifically; a lot of Miniature American Shepherds come my way.
How has COVID-19 impacted my business this year? Before the pandemic, I began a successful canine transport business that has increased greatly with COVID.
Did I attend many shows during the pandemic? Not until Flor- ida started having shows again; Tampa and the numerous clusters in Ocala.
Have I had to supplement my income? Yes.
What do I think of the many changes put in place at shows? Some are helpful (COVID or not), like one gate for entry and one for exit. This should cut down on dogs passing each other during a busy, stressful time. However, I think a lot of it slows everything down and lacks organization. I’ve watched a lot of new judges/ foreign judges have confusion because they are left to their own devices without a steward close by to help. I know it’s for social distancing, but no venue is big enough to allow six feet for us all comfortably and in a manner that still promotes a good flow for the real reason we are all there.
Do I have any expectations for the sport moving forward? The government impact and lack of consistency is making it hard for the sport to move forward at this time.
What are my clients saying about their plans for 2021? They are showing where I’m going. They have dogs to finish and promote.
Am I planning to attend Westminster next year? Yes. Morris & Essex? Possibly.
What’s the first thing I plan to do once the pandemic is behind us? Lick everyone’s face.
DARYL MARTIN
I live in a northern suburb of Chicago. I am second generation as a breeder and as a professional han- dler too. My mother, Rena Martin, was an AKC licensed all-breed han- dler in the days of Len Brumby. In those days, you also had AKC assis- tant licenses, which I held until I was of age to be a licensed all-breed handler as well. That was over 50 years ago.
No, I am not a member of PHA nor the AKC Registered Han- dlers Program. I was a member of the Handlers Guild. Years ago, after AKC stopped licensing handlers, they had a program called the Certified Handlers Program, which I was a member of—anoth- er program of the past.
I am a member of the American Maltese Association for 50 years, and have had the honor of a Lifetime Achievement Award too. I have held many offices throughout the years. Currently, I am the Chair of the Education Committee. I also am a longtime mem- ber of the American Shih Tzu Club and a former member of the Lhasa Apso Club of America. I am currently secretary of the Little Fort Kennel Club of Waukegan. I am a former member of Chain O’Lakes Kennel Club and Park Shore Kennel Club, in which I held offices and my mother started and founded the kennel club.
I am an AKC Breeder of Merit and also recipient of the AKC TOP TOY BREEDER 2020.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Yes, visiting with friends constantly (during the pandemic on the phone) and going to the theater.
With whom have I worked as an assistant? As stated before, I was an AKC licensed assistant to my mother. In those days, you could not show anyone else’s dogs other than who you were an assistant to.
I specialize in drop-coated breeds and other Toy breeds like Chi- nese Crested. I have shown Best in Show, Best in Specialty, Number One dogs, Group-winning & placing, top-rated dogs, and champi- onships in many breeds in several Groups.
COVID-19 impacted my campaign this year on my top dog, BIS BISS CH Martin’s Time Bomb Puff. In 2019, he was the Num- ber One Maltese all-breed in the same year he finished and was not shown throughout the year; 2020 was going to be his year to travel all around the country. He started with a bang but, due to the shut- down of Louisville, it came to a halt. With the shutdown of shows, my very dear client, Joann Kusumoto, did not want me traveling at all with COVID ravaging throughout the country. Her concern for my health and the dog’s health is far more important than boasting of a #1 dog. He is Number One in her heart, so it doesn’t make any difference. She is a true dog person of yesteryear, which hardly exists in today’s caliber of exhibitors. Of course, I had other dogs that would have been shown too, but that didn’t happen. This is the first time in my lifetime I have been at home this long, ever!
Did I attend many shows during the pandemic? No, I only attended two weekends after the shutdown; one when I stayed with a very close friend, and the other when I was able to stay at home.
Have I had to supplement my income? No, I have not had to supplement my income as I have a very gracious client, and also I have always been prepared financially to be able to exist and not need a handout from anyone.
What do I think of the many changes put in place at shows? The changes have put a different twist to showing dogs, but also they do affect showing dogs. The outside venues are not good for the people who don’t have RVs if the weather is bad, like during the winter or if you have coated small dogs. The idea of not being able to see the competition will affect the education of breeders to compare dogs or those who want to learn. Part of showing dogs is discussing compe- tition, watching competition, being around others to possibly learn. However, for the new people showing (who don’t even watch the end of breed judging and leave as soon as they lose) it won’t make any difference to them.
Do I have any expectations for the sport moving forward? It is hard to say what the future brings.
What are my clients saying about their plans for 2021? They’re looking forward to when it is safe to continue; and to showing great dogs and winning. I have people and dogs waiting, whenever the time is right and it is safe.
Am I planning to attend Westminster next year? Morris & Essex? I have been to the beautiful venue over 30 years ago, showing at Tuxedo and Westchester. Great anticipation to seeing it again.
What’s the first thing I plan to do once the pandemic is behind us? Nothing different; do the best I can for my clients, the future generations of dogs, and being there for those who care!
LYNDA & DAVE O’CONNOR
We live in El Cajon, California, near San Diego. How many years in dogs? For Lynda, 45 years at least and 54 years for Dave.
How many as a professional handler? Lynda, 40 years, and about 50 years for Dave.
Are we members of PHA? We are both members of PHA. Lynda is a Board Member. Why? We want to represent and be part of a professional organization.
In which breed and all-breed clubs are we members? We are members of the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association (the parent club) and Del Sur Kennel Club.
Are we AKC Breeders of Merit? Yes, Lynda is a Breeder of Merit.
Do we have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Just Dogs!
PROFESSIONAL HANDLER Q&A
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