LenoreHedemark

Junior Handler Interview

Could you tell our readers about your entry into the world of dogs and dog shows?

Unlike many juniors, I don’t hail from a show family. I wasn’t brought up in a show ring, but I did spend every

February watching the Westminster Kennel Club. When I was around ten, my sister and I realized that we could show dogs just like the people we saw on television. I got my start by showing my aunt’s retired racing Greyhound, which was registered through PAL. Through this experience, I met some terrier handlers and breeders, who offered me the opportunity to show and co-own a Cesky Terrier. I’ve been enamored with terriers ever since.

Who were your mentors when you started your journey with dogs, and do you have the same or additional mentors now?

TerrieHouckandStacyZimmermanweremymentors from the start. Terrie Houck is a breed-specific Miniature Schnauzer handler and breeder, and I have been showing and learning to groom Schnauzers with her since I was eleven. Stacy is a Rat Terrier breeder from whom I’ve had the privilege to learn about the Rat Terrier breed. As I grew up knowing them, they have become like a second family to me. Alongside Terrie and Stacy, I have also worked with Ariel and Sarah Cukier. I wanted to diversify my knowledge by learning how to condition and present a wider array of breeds.

Which breed or breeds have you handled?

My primary breeds have always been Miniature Schnauzers and Rat Terriers. Although these are my mainstays, I’ve had the pleasure of showing many other breeds and dogs, thanks to my handlers/ mentors. I’ve won the best juniors title with more than ten different breeds. Most recently, I’ve shown an Ibizan Hound, a Doberman, a Pointer, and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Are you currently a breeder, and do you see yourself breeding dogs in the future?

As my parents don’t permit me to keep any more dogs in the house, I’m not currently breeding. However, I have assisted breeders with their litters. I’m hopeful to have my first bred-by litter of Rat Terriers on the ground soon, in collaboration with my mentors. I certainly envision breeding as part of my future.

In your opinion, what is the purpose of dog shows?

The main purpose of dog shows is to assess the breeding stock to ascertain which dogs are the best representations of their breed.

Do you find it challenging to balance your personal life, school, and dog shows? How do you manage to fit everything in?

Balancing school with dog shows has always been a struggle for me. I’m currently in a CCP program at my local community college, which is essentially an early college program that enables high school students to attend college classes. I take almost all my classes online to facilitate my travel and assistance to handlers. My homework gets done wherever and whenever possible – be it during ring-times, while the dogs are in x-pens, or even at dinner. I also catch up on a lot of schoolwork during long road trips.

What career do you aspire to have as an adult?

Even though I’d love to be a handler, my parents and mentors have always emphasized the importance of an education and having a backup plan. I’m considering a career in mathematics or business, particularly something related to statistics.