10 Questions ...

Profession: I dedicated 40 years of my life to biomedical research in the fields of biochemistry, molecular genetics and cell biology, 30 of them as PhD staff scientist in the Genetics and Biochemistry Branch at NIH. I retired in December 2022.

Dog-sport involvement: My wife Oksana and I have owned Beagles since 1994. Over the years, we have established a small but competitive breeding program. In most cases, our Beagles are owner-handled. I was approved to judge my breed in 2017 and currently I judge 23 Hound breeds, with a goal to one day complete the whole Hound Group.

Hometown: I was born in Kunyn, a tiny place in western Ukraine with a population of just 700 people. Currently, I live in Darnestown, Maryland.

 Astrological sign: Sagittarius

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

Too many to list! And, yes, as an exhibitor I have a lucky necktie and lucky socks.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

While I flip TV channels occasionally, I have no obsession with any show. Thirty years ago, the answer would have been “Beavis and Butt-Head.”

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

I would add one minute to the judges’ time allowance per dog and would obligate them to provide a short written critique of every dog judged. Essentially, I would adopt some elements of the FCI judging system. That would help new exhibitors in evaluating their dogs and would make judges more accountable for their decisions.

4. Most valued material possession?

The strong bitch line in our breeding program.

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

Аs a teenager, I enjoyed knitting. Even now I would probably be able to knit up a pair of socks.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

A pilgrim. I came to this country 33 years ago with $1.25 in my pocket and with hopes for a bright future.

7. What are you “famous” for?

For numerous attempts to miss my ring/my class as an exhibitor, one way or another. And it even happened at the Westminster KC show!

8. What website do you visit most often?

Amazon.com

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

The most memorable was winning the 50th Beagle Club of America national specialty as breeder-owner-handler with my homebred 13” bitch.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

“Now that Vladimir Putin is dead, how do you see the future of Russia?”