10 Questions ...

Profession: College student

Dog-sport involvement: Owner-handler, past Junior handler, and I LOVE to ring steward

Hometown: Houston, Pennsylvania

Astrological sign: Virgo

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

Oh, yes, I ALWAYS use three rubber bands to hold my armband. If it is a good day with those rubber bands, I use them throughout the weekend. If it is a not-so-good day, I get three brand-new rubber bands to use the next day.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

Anything on the Food Network. I would say primarily “Chopped.” I would love to appear on “Chopped” one day!

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

A few things, with the first being digitize the history archives of the AKC. I love history, and I think knowing history is so important as it is how we learn and how we build. I think the history of the AKC, and dog shows overall, needs to be more available on a digital platform. Second, I would cut down the sheer number of dog shows because there are simply just too many. Lastly, have more benched shows. I know they are not people’s favorite, but they are so important for an educated general public.

4. Most valued material possession?

I have several hand-written letters from very prominent people in my life that I will cherish forever.

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

I am actually a rather shy and reserved person. That is, until I get to know someone, then I will be more open and outgoing with them.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

Oh, that’s hard. I do not really know. Anyone who lives a life ladened with sarcasm! I’ve been told on many occasions I am a 70-year-old trapped inside a 19-year-old’s body.

7. What are you “famous” for?

I guess some people know me for my love of dog-show history, particularly Westminster Kennel Club history, but I would in no way call myself “famous.”

8. What website do you visit most often?

Since I am at college and cannot attend as many shows, I visit Infodog to check catalogs and results often. Or Amazon — I am known to dabble in online shopping.

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

It was only the third dog show I had ever been to, and I was still in the Novice Senior Class for Junior Showmanship showing a 6-month-old, rather naughty, puppy. I won Reserve Best Junior that day, and that win will stick with me forever because it was sort of my first “big win” in dogs! Losing happens, but I try to not get disappointed. I take every loss as a learning experience of how my dog and I can get better.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

Anything about history, dog shows or even better when you combine them into dog-show history. I do not get enough dog talk being at college. I miss it!