10 Questions ...
Profession: Dog handler
Dog-sport involvement: Conformation and herding
Hometown: Morgantown, West Virginia (lived in Orlando for the last six years)
Astrological sign: Gemini
1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?
Yes, for certain dogs I have lucky outfits, but I also am crazy about what I wear. I have to have my pocket square, fun socks and my ring. I know it sounds crazy, but I absolutely won’t go in the ring without the complete package. And certain dogs have to show on a certain lead — I am very superstitious when it comes to that.
2. TV-show guilty pleasure?
I love watching old episodes of “Gilmore Girls” and binge-watching “Glee.” Probably because of my musical-theater background, and, yes, I randomly sing along.
3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?
Oh, that’s easy — free entries for one and all. I bet entries would skyrocket!
4. Most valued material possession?
Tough one. I think my pictures are probably one big thing. I’m obsessed with keeping pictures, whether in an album, on a computer or framed.
5. What is something no one would guess about you?
I have a degree in music and athletics from West Virginia University. All through my young life and college, I was a band dork. I would be there for Friday-night halftime performances, then get up Saturday morning and go to dog shows with my grandmother. The best of both worlds!
6. Who would you compare yourself to?
That’s tough! I don’t really compare myself to others that way; I compare traits and talents. I used to compare myself to other handlers all the time but then realized: Why? This sport is tough enough without comparing yourself to the Joneses. Yes, I have handlers and breeders I idolize, and some I strive to be like, but I think we all do that — we should! Some of my dog role models I definitely wouldn’t be the same without, whether I know them personally or not.
7. What are you “famous” for?
That’s easy — I’m the rare-breed dog guy. What makes rare breeds even more important: They are not always in the spotlight but still need attention and to educate the fancy so they don’t disappear. If it’s weird, I have probably shown it. The thing I’m most known for I’ve heard across the country… “the Pyr Shep guy.” Pyrenean Shepherds are my breed and my passion, and I will never stop educating and shining a light on this misunderstood French breed.
8. What website do you visit most often?
Besides Infodog, Chewy, akc.org and Amazon? That’s all I need to survive!
9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?
I think my most memorable wins are two particular days. The first was first time I won the Pyrenean Shepherd national. It was my first national win, and to win under a highly respected French judge made it great, but what was most special was that I won the breed with my 11-year-old best friend from the Veteran class, Clipper. I will never forget every detail of that day. The other was also winning the national specialty but with a young dog I bred that was starting his specials career. He won the breed under the only breeder-judge in the country. It wasn’t the most ideal conditions: a green special just starting and a breeder-judge who had been out of the breed for a decade or more. I will never forget that feeling when she pointed to my little boy and him jumping into my arms as if to say, “See, I did it.”
10. What do you wish someone would ask you?
I always hope someone would just ask me and never make assumptions on their own on what they think they know about someone. The drama, gossip and games are one big thing that’s wrong with this sport across the country. If you think you know, you probably don’t. Oh, and help … I always need help — I would greatly benefit from a clone or two.