Junior Showmanship is a
great sport for kids to get into, and for one has helped change my life.
About 4 years ago my mother died of cancer and I needed something to
keep my mind off
 of
everything and just get me out of the house. That same year a certain
sheltie waltzed into my life, and showed me how powerful a relationship
with a dog can be. I then heard about Junior Handling and felt it was
perfect for us. Its a place for us to work as a team and just show off
our hard work together. She loves to please me, and I the same for her.
You need a bond like that for juniors; one where you are a true team. It
doesn't matter if you place or not. What does
matter is you enjoyed being with your best friend. Use the time to your
advantage, have fun and just go out there and do your best. In the
beginning I used to take juniors so seriously and got nervous every time
I showed (well I'm not as bad anymore <G>) and didn't really enjoy
it. Now I realize that while it is competition, winning isn't
everything. Just have fun! You have your whole life to win ribbons and
titles, right now use your experience as an advantage to learn and
prepare yourself for the future. I have been showing for a year and a
half now and can't see my life without the dog show world. I have been
lucky enough to meet a lot of great friends, mentors, and breeders who
have just been so encouraging. For the past year I have had the chance
to work with Joe and Terrie Breen from Takara Akitas, and have loved it.
It was such a switch from Shelties to Akitas, but one which I have
really enjoyed. I have learned new handling techniques, and how
different and unique the Akita really is. Its nice to know there are
people out there willing to help Junior Handlers with their dreams.
Juniors are the future of this sport, and we would be no where without
the time and effort of great breeders and handlers. I only hope that
when I am older, I will be able to help guide someone starting out in
return. Much like the domino affect, if one person helps mentor another,
they in turn might guide someone else, and it all starts with that one
person to make a difference. |
