In the Spotlight: Owner Handler Antoinelle Vulpis

Join us for an interview series where we get to know some of our most successful owner-handlers in purebred dogs.

How did you get started in the sport of purebred dogs, and how did you acquire your first show dog? 

Growing up I was your average spectator, someone who enjoyed watching the dog shows that were televised. It wasn’t until I got a job in the AKC Publications Department in 2014, that I really was introduced to the extensive world of purebred dogs. That year, Larry Cornelius was campaigning a Skye Terrier and after seeing them in person at a local show I became completely mesmerized by the breed. I did my research on Skyes to see if they were a good fit for me and discussed them with some of my co-workers. When I made my decision, I contacted the Skye Terrier Club of America to see if they could put me in touch with a reputable breeder. They sent me to Michael Pesare & Maida Connor of Gleanntan Skye Terriers located in Gettysburg, PA, and our relationship started from there! I finally got my own Skye in February of 2017.

If you are currently juggling a career and a show schedule, tell us what you do for a living and the challenges you face doing both. 

I work from home as a graphic designer, and I’ve expanded my role to include portrait photography and win photography—fields that complement my daily work creating dog advertisements. Balancing professional/personal life while attending shows can be tough, but I believe that knowing which events are a priority allows for better planning to avoid conflicts. At the peak of my showing schedule, I attended 60 shows in one year, aiming for two weekends a month to remain competitive. I also had the opportunity to work with RC Carusi and his team whenever our schedules aligned, which not only helped me afford to attend shows, but also taught me invaluable lessons on conditioning, presentation and care.

Share a brief story of a special memory or experience you have had while competing with your dog?

So many of my ring moments are special to me, but this past Montgomery tops them all. Winning the National from the Veteran Class was incredible. Then, advancing to the final Group ring and having the chance to show to a judge who has witnessed both my dog and I evolve from a novice team to a mature one over the years was a truly full-circle moment. But winning Best in Show at Montgomery County? Now that was an achievement I never imagined possible. It was the highest honor, an inexplicable feeling, and a day I’ll never forget.

Have you participated in the NOHS competition? If you don’t compete in NOHS anymore, share your thoughts on it whether positive, negative or both?

My first year of showing I did compete in the NOHS. I was very new at all things dog show and it was such a valuable experience for me and my dog to have an extra opportunity to be in the ring. I only stopped because I soon realized the extent of my dogs energy on a given show day. Competing in Breed, Group and then NOHS Group can be a lot to ask from a dog with short legs!

What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you started competing? 

That there is no single “right” way when it comes to grooming, conditioning, or showing. So, experiment and try different methods! Once you find what works for you and your dog, focus on that and try to perfect it. Never hesitate to ask questions – there’s a supportive community of experienced people eager to help. Every chance you step into that show ring, is an opportunity to improve. 

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Posted by Liz on Nov 6 2024. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.