10 Questions ...

Profession: Professional handler specializing in Terriers, and hand-stripping them.

Dog-sport involvement: I was born and raised in the sport. My mother and I bred Standard Schnauzers. I showed in Juniors and started working for handlers when I was around 14. I have learned from the best. I went on my own more than 26 years ago. I have bred Westies and now currently breed/own Miniature Schnauzers.

Hometown: Hicksville, New York

Astrological sign: Virgo

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?  

I have two: I pick up my armbands unless I ask someone, and even that is rare. No knots in the leashes.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“Outlander” and “Bridgerton.” Any period history series.

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

I would work with education in the elementary schools. Getting the schools to have their own Meet the Breeds. Have them meet a service dog or guide dog. Let the children learn that purebred dogs have a purpose, besides being our pets.

4. Most valued material possession?

I don’t have one. I have lost rings and broken so many things that I thought I held dear. My most valued possessions are my two children. Devon and Austin are my everything.

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

I did everything and anything to avoid going to the dog shows. I joined cheerleading for football and and basketball seasons, basketball, swim team, I skated with the hockey team, and yet here I am.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

I used to call myself Roz-a-rella … Like Cinderella, but the ball was out with my friends. The dogs were my evil stepsisters, but the prince ended up being a frat boy who I am married to for 21 years. To this day, I hate dust, dishes in the sink and laundry. The crate corners have to be clean — here, have a toothbrush.

7. What are you “famous” for?

Always smiling in the ring, win or lose.

8. What website do you visit most often?

Amazon.

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

I don’t have a most memorable win or defeat. They are all important in one way or another. When I would win, woo-hoo. When I would lose, I would take a lesson on what could I do better with the dog, if it was grooming or movement or just not the right dog for the judge of the day.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

If I would ever take this path again.