10 Questions ...
... asked of Deirdre Rahn
Profession: Psychotherapist, farm manager at Rahndell Farm
Dog-sport involvement: Breeder, owner, judge, show chair, club officer
Hometown: Pine Forge, Pennsylvania
Astrological sign: Libra
1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?
It’s always a good sign when my armband is a prime number.
2. TV-show guilty pleasure?
Anything sci-fi.
3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?
I would start a public-education push to highlight the importance of purebred dogs. I’ve been working on a four-week educational module for K-12 that uses dog-show examples to teach basic core education skills. It ends with a club-sponsored field trip to a Friday dog show. I would offer that nationwide.
4. Most valued material possession?
I don’t really value material possessions, but I’d have to say I value the fact that I’m blessed with our little farm, all my heritage-breed livestock, and our beautiful hounds.
5. What is something no one would guess about you?
I know Kung fu. That’s not a joke. I trained with a grand master.
6. Who would you compare yourself to?
I don’t compare myself to anyone, but my husband compares me to Christine Dyker of Labyrinth Dalmatians. She started breeding in 1942 and was my mentor in all things dogs and dog shows. She was brilliant, opinionated, tireless in her efforts toward anything she loved, and her teachings made me the dog woman I am today. If people think I’m at all like her, that’s a huge compliment.
7. What are you “famous” for?
I don’t think I’m famous for anything. I think I’m well known for being surrounded by a bunch of Bloodhounds or volunteering at dog shows in many different roles.
8. What website do you visit most often?
AKC.org.
9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?
There are no losses in dog shows, just opportunities to learn and spend time with your dog. Wins? It wasn’t my own, but having a junior, Emma Rogers, win Best Junior Handler at the Royal Canin, with one or our Bloodhounds, was one of the happiest moments of my life.
10. What do you wish someone would ask you?
I am anxiously awaiting the day I’m asked to judge abroad.