10 Questions ...

Profession: Professional dog handler

Dog-sport involvement: Professional handler, co-breeder of Golden Dome Golden Retrievers, and dog mom to Cookie and Ripp

Hometown: Enola, Pennsylvania

Astrological sign: Taurus

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

Absolutely. My current Clumber Spaniel special, Houston, has his own royal blue comb engraved with his hashtag, #HoustonNoProblem. I carry it with me every time he steps into the ring; it's our good-luck charm.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

Reality TV. All the “Real Housewives” shows and “Married at First Sight.”

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

I would focus on empowering young and aspiring handlers by providing education on the business side of the profession. Things like bookkeeping, taxes, insurance and how to effectively run their operations would be beneficial. While many of us learn invaluable skills from experienced handlers, including grooming, breed-specific knowledge, and handling techniques, the business side is often overlooked. Offering workshops and seminars tailored to these needs would help set the next generation up for long-term success.  

4. Most valued material possession?

My Micah Parsons-autographed Cowboys jersey, and my original painting of my two heart dogs, Cookie and Jersey.

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

I was a fine-art major in college, concentrating in painting, drawing and photography. 

6. Who would you compare yourself to? 

As a handler and professional, my benchmark has always been Katie Bernardin—without question. I worked for her for nearly a decade, from college through age 27, and she shaped every part of the professional I am today. Katie taught me how to care for dogs with excellence, respond swiftly in emergencies, groom and train at a high level, win and lose with grace, and understand even the most complex dogs—all while staying grounded and kind. I owe so much of my success to her and continue to look up to her as a role model in our sport. Also, my mother, Lynne, who taught me what it means to be a strong, independent woman— someone who never lets obstacles stand in the way of her goals. Her determination and resilience continue to inspire the way I approach both life and my career.

7. What are you “famous” for?  

Although famous is a word I have trouble associating myself with, my involvement in the Clumber Spaniel breed for the last 10 years or so is what I would say. I've had the privilege to show three top-winning Clumbers, winning many Bests in Show and specialties, along with prestigious wins at Westminster, American Spaniel Club, AKC National Championship show, and the Sporting group at the National Dog Show. I am very lucky to have the best partner in their owner Jacquelin Hickey. I am also grateful to have the support of one of the top kennels in the world, Clussexx, behind these dogs. Breeders Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard's support and faith in me has taken me on journeys I never thought possible with the beautiful dogs they shared with Jackie and I. Their support and guidance are immeasurable and made such a huge impact on my career. 

8. What website do you visit most often?

Infodog.com, raudogshows.com and, of course, Amazon!

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

I would say my most memorable win was winning Best Junior Handler at Westminster as one of the youngest to ever win at age 14 in 2005. There is a great story behind it as well. At American Spaniel Club in January 2005 I showed my English Springer Spaniel in Juniors to the legendary handler Linda Pitts. She gave me Best Junior in a large talented entry of Juniors. When I was getting my win photo taken with her, she said to me, "There is one thing I want you to work on, and if you fix it, you will win Best Junior at Westminster one day." She asked me to be conscious of how I moved around the ring and used my right arm for balance, swinging it back and forth. She said if I fixed it there was no stopping me. I went home and worked on it and practiced. One month later almost to the day I won Best Junior Handler at Westminster under judge Dr. J. Charles Garvin. I will never forget what she said to me that day and the path it took me on. 

10. What do you wish someone would ask you? 

I wish someone would ask what it’s really like to balance the demands of constant travel for work with maintaining a strong home life, relationships and family. My husband, Martin, isn’t part of the dog-show world—he’s a real-estate agent in our town — and his support and help at home are the biggest reasons I’m able to do what I love. Learning to navigate it all as a professional, wife, daughter, friend and aunt has been one of the most important — and ongoing — parts of my journey. At the end of the day, family always comes first.