Carolyn,
I know change is hard. But, instead of saying you can't do it...can you think
of ways that might accommodate you and others? It's one set of events...just
futurities. I'm talking about making futurities educational instead of
competitive. You can still hire your handlers and go to as many shows as your
heart and budget desire!
As someone said, just like in politics- there are those that want to
accommodate and be inclusive and those that do not.
I think showing your own dog changes SO much. I know this is an AKC forum but I
show UKC conformation. It has come a long way and has NICE dogs of all breeds.
No professional handlers allowed. The atmosphere is just different. It is SO
freaking fun that it is ridiculous! It is SO supportive and everyone cheers on
their "competitors". Removing the handlers just creates a whole different
"feel". And...rings are small and most shepherds gait on loose leash next to
owners side and...the judge can still manage to determine correct movement.
Breeders approach each other, compliment dogs, ask to see the dogs out of crate
for future breeding decisions and people accommodate.
I feel like with professional handlers....whenever money is involved...things
just become competitive. We have a chance to try something different with
Futurities as a start. What is the harm in trying?
We are just talking about changing ONE event- a Futurity. It is just a start.
If the thought of changing one event is this difficult for established breeders
than we are in trouble.
Sarah
On Jan 2, 2017, at 2:33 PM, Carolyn Martello <marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
HI Sarah;
It sounds WONDERFUL.....but so is Disney World.
Do you ever look around you and see the age of some of the best Breeder/
Exhibitors in this Country?
AND....by the way....almost every single successful breeder/ exhibitor HAS
handled their own dogs in the
ring in tough competition!! Futurities AND AKC Shows! Can we do it from
the 1960's ALL THE WAY
THROUG 2017.........NAW....not most of us anyway. Except Raul Carillo
.........<G>
( I believe Dave Rinke and Ann Schultz belong to a small club that handled
their own Grand Victrix's... )
Ask Evan.......MOST of us would LOVE to still be able to get in the ring
again....but there is always that
little thing called reality......or.....arthritis....heart issues....weight
issues...conditioning issues....and years!
( years and time wins! ) <G> We would all love to be young enough to
fulfill your wishes........but ALAS
reality says NOT. I hope you stay in this sport long enough to see it from
many years also. That would
be our best wishes for you and all the young enthusiastic people that love
this Breed too!
What I do NOT understand is why those who bring this point up......think that
EVERYONE has to handle their
own dogs to make it work? When we did handle our own....we were up against
TOP HANDLERS then also!
Why not just handle your own if you want....and enjoy it as will many others.
I have never figured out why some
think it requires a special class or special rule??? Used to be you would
see parents AND their kids handling
in the ring with all the top handlers. They never asked for a special rule
or a special class. They showed their
young dogs, their Champions...their long coats....Futurities &
Shows...whatever they wanted...asking no favors.
Nothing stops owner handlers from participating!! Almost all of us did it
once..........JUST DO IT!!
Carolyn marhaven@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.marhaven.com
