INTERVIEW WITH JUNIOR HANDLER

Amelia taught me everything I know about handling, and her tips echo in my mind every time I step into the ring. I hope to someday possess the same determination, talent, and, most importantly, the willingness to help others that my sister embodies.

If you could be an assistant for any handler, past or present, who would it be and what do you hope to learn from them?

I would choose to assist Maripi Wooldridge. Her understanding of terriers and their conditioning is truly inspiring.

Is there a particular dog, from any point in time, you wish you could handle and why?

Do you prefer handling table dogs or larger dogs?

That’s a tough question. I feel most comfortable handling table dogs, but I enjoy the challenge posed by larger dogs and stepping out of my comfort zone with them.

Is there a certain type of coat you prefer to prepare for the ring?

My favorite coat to prep for the ring would have to be a stripped/wire coat. I also enjoy drying and prepping Skye Terrier coats. I find something rather peaceful about preparing the higher-grooming breeds.

Which professional handlers or owner handlers inspire you?

When asked who inspires me the most in the dog show world, I’ll always mention my sister, Amelia Hedemark. Our Mini Schnauzer, Otto, was her first show dog, and they accomplished so much together.

From the current specials, I’d definitely pick the Kerry Blue Terrier, BIS BISS GCH Kilgawny Take My Man “Jolene”, currently being shown by Dana BrysonBenn. Dana has her in such beautiful trim, and there’s just something eye-catching about Jolene. She’s a real showstopper.

Do you show your own dogs in breed competitions? If so, what breeds?

I show my Rat Terrier in breed competitions and have shown some of my Schnauzers in the past.

What have been some of your greatest achievements in the breed ring?

My greatest achievement in the breed ring was winning Best Of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club this year with my Rat Terrier puppy, making him the youngest Rat Terrier to ever win the breed there. I also had the honor of guiding him to #1 Rat Terrier across all systems.

If you couldn’t show your own dogs, what handler would you ask to show them?

If I couldn’t handle my own dogs, I would love to see Diego Garcia take on the task. His handling is like an art form and it’s always a pleasure to watch him with each of his dogs.

You recently had a great placement at the AKC show in Orlando. Could you please share this experience with our readers?

My Rat Terrier, Hunter, and I placed 3rd in the National Owner-Handled Series Finals, making history as the first Rat Terrier to ever place in the group there. That was my last time showing him after our four-year partnership, so it was a very bittersweet moment. He was my first successful dog in the breed ring and taught me so much during our years as a team.

What is your favorite show of the year to attend, and why?

My favorite show of the year is definitely the local show in Raleigh, NC. The kennel clubs are incredibly supportiveofjuniorsandofferagenerousscholarship for the Best Junior Handler in Cluster. That was where I first participated in Junior Showmanship, so I have many great memories there. It’s also one of the only shows that my parents are able to attend each year.

Have you been to any shows outside of the USA? If not, would you like to?

I haven’t attended any shows outside of the USA yet, but I hope to do so eventually. I have a junior friend in Brazil whom I’d love to visit someday. I find it intriguing to observe the differences between dogs here and foreign-bred dogs.

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Is there anything you wish judges understood better when it comes to judging Junior Showmanship?

I wish judges in Junior Showmanship would give more consideration to the conditioning of the dog presented to them in the juniors category. In many of my breeds, conditioning is a significant factor in their presentation, and I often see juniors being rewarded for presenting dogs that are under-groomed. Conversely, I also see juniors with beautifully conditioned dogs being overlooked entirely.

Junior handlers are the future of the sport. Do you feel that you and other juniors are generally treated with the respect you deserve to keep you inspired in the sport?

There will always be those who dismiss or refuse to support juniors. I’ve encountered a few gruff and unkind individuals before finding caring and encouraging people who are ready to share their knowledge with the next generation. However, I do feel that some exhibitors treat juniors more as a nuisance than the future of this sport.

Do you have any pastimes outside the world of dogs?

I enjoy swimming and photography when I’m not showing dogs. I’ve been involved in competitive swimming since I was five. Although I can’t practice as much as I used to, I still enjoy competing with my friends during the summer. As for photography, I primarily shoot pet dogs, but I’ve also done a lot of portraits for covers and ads in show magazines.

What are your personal future goals in the world of dogs?

Idreamofwinningabreedatoneofmybreednational specialties or at the Montgomery County Kennel Club someday. Also, breeding my first bred-by champion is a significant goal of mine.