10 Questions ...

Profession: Director of safety/risk and compliance 

Dog-sport involvement: Owner and handler of Pomeranians and Newfoundlands

Hometown: Hamilton Square, New Jersey

Astrological sign: Aquarius
 

1. Do you have any dog show superstition?

I have a few but firm dog-show superstitions. Must have three rubber bands. If they were winners, you keep them for the next show; if not, toss them and get new ones. I also must always have and wear my healing crystal bracelets. Without these, as the idiom goes, "Everything goes to hell in a handbasket." 

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“Gilmore Girls” is my guilty pleasure. Just good ole wholesome feel-good TV. A little romance, relatable small-town-life story line, with some wit. 

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

Promote more opportunities for Bred-by groups. Without breeders, none of us would be where we are today in dogs. So many of them are some of the hardest-working people I know. Bred-by groups are not a frequent enough offering.

4. Most valued material possession?

Growing up in an age that predates digital photography, photographs from my childhood are my most valued material possession. There is just something incomparable to the nostalgia of a printed photo — the smell, the feel, the texture that evokes so much emotion of the moment captured, whether it be a momentous life event, an unforgettable place or an influential person.

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

I've played the cello and piano since I was five. I modeled for a short while during college. I also have a black belt in Korean martial arts.

6. Who would you compare yourself to? 

My development in anything would only ever be compared against a past version of me. 

7. What are you famous for?

For being "that tall Asian chick" and for my nickname, "Yummy." Being a 5-foot-10 Korean gal certainly can draw a bit of attention. I was dubbed Yummy one Westchester Kennel Club evening when first being introduced by a friend who couldn't remember my name. It soon caught on like wildfire. I answer to it in all its variations with love and without hesitation. 

8. What website do you visit most often?

A tie between Safer/FMCSA and Google. 

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

My most satisfying win would be my most memorable. Winning not my first, but my second group. Why not the first? Because the second told me that it wasn't just a lucky break; it validated the hard work both me and my dog put into conditioning and training. Additionally, I shared that ring with dogs and handlers who I admire and looked to as mentors; sharing in their congratulatory embrace was extra special. 

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

Them: “Let's go have a spa day!”

Me: “Hell yes!”