10 Questions ...

Profession: Professional all-breed dog handler

Dog-sport involvement: Third-generation breeder/owner/handler of various breeds, most notably Otterhounds and mini Bull Terriers

Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Astrological sign: Capricorn

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?  

Not really a superstition … but I use the same set of three rubber bands for armbands for the entire weekend/cluster.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

I tend to watch more streaming services than actual TV, so it’s usually finding something I like and binge-watching it. At the moment it’s old episodes of SNL or Bob’s Burgers.

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?  

As president of AKC I would make Junior Showmanship classes free at all dog shows.

4. Most valued material possession?

Aside from my dogs, the possessions I spend the most time and energy on are my fish tanks and house plants/succulents.

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

In high school I was on the 2001 Ohio State championship fencing team. Many do know that if I weren’t showing dogs I’d be cooking in a kitchen somewhere.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

I don’t know who I would compare myself to … there are many people I have known that have great qualities that I try and emulate, but no one person in particular.

7. What are you “famous” for?

I guess I’m “famous” for being “the Otterhound guy with the bow ties and sunglasses.”

8. What website do you visit most often?

The tabs that never close are Canine Chronicle’s events calendar and the Dog News “New Stories” page.

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?

The big wins are always great and always memorable, but sometimes the bad beats stick with you and leave more of a mark. I have had great success at Westminster, placing twice in the Hound group with my own home-bred Otterhound, but it’s also where some of the most disappointing losses have taken place. It’s the thought of that next big win and the possibility of what could be that keeps you coming back!

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

Please ask about my breeds. Both Otterhounds and Mini Bull Terriers can be a little misunderstood. I’m always happy to talk about my dogs and have them meet new people.