We are an aging sport.  When you are at your next dog event, look around.  Pay close attention to how many 30's and under you see participating.  I bet you won't see a lot.  I bet you will see a sea of wrinkled faces.  You will most likely see the same people you have seen the past thirty years.  It's also likely you probably know the names of most of the people you see.  As comforting as it is to be around familiar people, it isn't healthy for our sport.

Luckily, I bet you have some talented juniors in your area that are excelling in their knowledge of dogs and skills in the ring.  Many Juniors go on to become Professional Handlers. At your next show, try to pick them out of the crowd.  It shouldn't be hard.  They are the ones with fresh faces, adoring looks toward their dogs, feet that aren't flat from many years of running around uneven ground in all kinds of weather.  You may see them camping in tents, sleeping in their car/van/truck and hitting the bathrooms early to get bathed.  Where they get to sleep and eat depends mainly on how many dogs they will be handling that weekend.

The Young, Talented, Professional Handlers are paying their dues.  Many have worked for other Older Experienced Handlers and they may get recommendations from their old teachers and mentors.  Many times, they are hoping that

they are displaying their talent in the ring with their current dog clients in hopes of winning more business.  They will take on a freebie sometimes to prove themselves.

I have had the pleasure to work with a fabulous young lady, named Chris Pollen.  We met her just by chance and fell in love with her.  Like so many other Young Talented Professional Handlers, she grew up in the sport.  She was a successful Junior and she had the opportunity to work with great breeder/judges.  She genuinely loves each dog and her relationship with the dogs.  Chris took on our girl, Abby, at a fairly large show

Chris winning pic of Abby's Championship

weekend to finish her Canadian Championship.  Until Chris took Abby into the ring, she had only been handled by my husband, Lyle.  Believe me, Chris earned her money that weekend with Abby.  But, no matter what Abby threw at her, she handled her with patience, gentleness and understanding to go BOB and finish her in a tough lineup of dogs.

We have laughed at Chris because she has been known to stay in a tent setup she lovingly calls, "The Turtle", but Lyle and I call the "Sweat Lodge".  Fortunately, due to hard work and building a client base, she has been able to move up to motels.

 I know she has stayed out on the road for long stretches, to go home, sleep in her bed a night or two, do laundry, kiss her handsome Canadian Military Husband and take off again.  She is very serious about her career.

Chris also is a fabulous dog photographer.  She took this photo of our girl, Daybreak's Design Inspiration, Cara. 

Daybreak's Design Inspiration, Cara.  Photo by Professional Chris Pollen

She has a real eye for how to best capture your dog's essence and beauty.  She has worked hard to hone this talent.  She has taken thousands of candid shots ringside.  I hope I can schedule some more time with her before she gets so busy, she can't work me in.

I hope you will look for the Young, Talented Professionals in your area.  If you can, help support them.    If you see them camping, perhaps you can invite them to have dinner with you.  I'm sure you can find a zillion of ways to offer them support.  Most important is to get to know them and when you can, recommend their service.

These kids are our future.

Here are some Young, Talented Professionals in Ontario!

Hailey Griffith

She is well known in these parts. Hailey comes from a dog show family and is making a name in her own right.  She shows Canada/USA and maybe special assignments in other foreign and interesting locations.  Contact her on Facebook or phone her at 905-933-8412.

Chris Pollen

You just read all about Chris. She shows Canada/USA. Chris can handle from Afghans to Xoloitzcuintli with precision and gentle hands.  Her winning attitude makes her a BIS every time.  She is also a talented dog photographer, so you may want to give her a call for your next advertising photo.  Contact her on Facebook or email her springsport_handler@yahoo.ca  or phone her 613-401-7135.

Cody Longworth

Cody was raised with animals, especially in the Quarter Horse arena.  He was involved with Horse Shows all his life.  He made the decision to switch to dogs a few years back and has become a great young talent.  He still works full-time as a vet tech, and handles on the weekends.  You can contact Cody on Facebook.

Remember to Scoop your Poop!  

We want to be invited back to show venues and hotels.

Remember to watch for "Nice Deeds".  They are happening all around us.  Let's talk about the people helping others.   Send your "Nice Deeds" to me at djenkins@shaw.ca 

Be sure to go to Canuck Dogs, http://www.canuckdogs.com, to see all the upcoming events and to check stats.  You should  bookmark it.  That's where you will find my blog. 

                                                                     XXXOOO