The Juniors Perspective

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294 – July, 2023

By Jessica Braatz

S everal weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the 147th annual Westminster Kennel Club. While I was wowed by the venue and ease of the entire experience, I was also impressed with both of the preliminary junior showmanship judges: Lydia Frey and Rachel Robertson. After watching them each select four finalists from impressive competition, I reached out to them for an interview. Both judges gave eloquent renditions of their time judging and some words of advice for the younger generation about the future of our sport and beyond. I am honored to have been given an inside look into their minds and to share that now with the fancy. Without further adieu:

What is your background in dogs?

Lydia: I am a first-generation dog show fancier. I got my first show dog as a ninth birthday present from my mom. After growing up watching every dog show on TV, I was convinced it was what I had to do with my life as I was so obsessed and in love with shows. So, after years of begging, she gifted me a Standard Schnauzer. She was sure I’d forget all about dog showing and she wanted a breed she’d enjoy. Unfortunately for her, I never stopped.

Rachel: I don’t come from a family that showed dogs. My mom grew up showing horses, but my grandparents’ best friends are long-time Sheltie breeders. When we were looking for a pet when I was around three or four, we ended up getting a sheltie from them. I was always the kid who watched dog shows on TV, but I hadn’t realized it was something I could do. In second grade, my teacher, a long-time pug breeder, called my mom and said my dreams could become reality. She eventually brought us to our first dog show. I was seven, then, and I took the next year-and-a-half to go to handling class before I started showing our Sheltie in juniors. Clair Pocavich, my teacher, was my mentor all throughout my career. She was there at my first and last time showing in Juniors, and she was my first call once my Westminster assignment was announced. She is a wonderful person, and I think we need more people like her: people who see the potential in a young person and stay with them as a mentor throughout their career.

How do you feel your background prepared you to judge at Westminster?

Click here to read the complete article
294 – July, 2023

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