10 Questions ...

Profession: Owner of Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, the world’s #1 online resource to learn everything dog show, and brand manager for Chris Christensen Systems

Dog-sport involvement: Junior handler, assistant to the one and only Susan Hillman, professional handler for 25-plus years (even though I look much younger!). Former president of the Canadian Professional Handlers Association, former vice president of the Canadian Kennel Club Foundation, former Junor Handling representative for the CKC, currently licenced conformation judge and all-round dog lover and supporter of purebred dogs

Hometown: The beautiful Sidney By the Sea, British Columbia, Canada

Astrological Sign: Aries!

1. Do you have any dog-show superstition?

Soooo many. We used to play “Eye of the Tiger” on our way to the venue in the morning — when I showed Ch. Dawin High Falutin to #1 dog all breeds I had a lucky purple bra …

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

I think “Deadliest Catch” is the best TV ever – buried somewhere on my Facebook is a video of my sister and I “crabbing” on a “tin tippy.” The video is call “Least Deadliest Catch.”

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

I would limit dog shows to Saturdays and Sundays only for the next two years to a) see if that brought up entries and b) let professional handlers enjoy life at home!

4. Most valued material possession?

A framed piece of white paper with my son’s footprints in paint running across it — he was two. It is the only thing I would take out of my house in an emergency.

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

My first name isn’t Allison?

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

Someone once told me that I reminded them of Dharma from “Dharma and Greg,” and I think I am a little weird like her. I am a yoga instructor, I like dogs …

7. What are you famous for?

Certainly not my cooking — but I am working on it!

8. What website do you visit most often?

Any one I can shop from!

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

The first time I won an all-breed Best in Show I was 14 and it was on an Afghan my mom bred and owned; the next day I went Best of Opposite Sex in the breed. I think the high and the low really etched into my brain that every day is a brand-new day.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

My favorite question is always “How is Jamie?” (my son). I do get asked it often, but it is still the question I like the most.