JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP
Where Are They Now
Since 1934, The Westminster Kennel Club has bestowed the title of Best Junior Handler to one deserving recipient. These talented handlers, who are between the ages of 9-18, come from all across the country to be judged on their dog handling skills, with eight advancing to the finals competition. These dedicated dog lovers spend countless hours training, grooming, and perfecting their ring techniques throughout the year to qualify for a chance to show at Westminster. Each year, approximately 100 qualified Juniors make their way to New York City for the most prestigious junior handling competition in the sport. The Westminster Kennel Club congratulates these Juniors for their continued involvement and future success in the sport of showing dogs and beyond.
1970 WESTMINSTER BEST JUNIOR HANDLER
PATRICIA H. HAINES
How did you become involved in showing dogs? I became involved with showing dogs at the age of 10 when our family purchased an Irish Setter puppy as a family pet. Since that puppy had a champion sire, when we saw an ad for the Cincinnati Kennel Club puppy match, we decided to attend and show our puppy. At that event we met an Irish Setter breeder and judge who befriended us and offered to co-own a better puppy. From there became involved in a training club where another mentor offered a Golden Retriever puppy to co-own and show this was Ch. Bardfield’s Lindsay Laurell, CD, the dog I showed in juniors at Westminster. Lindsay and I qualified for juniors at Westminster the next year.
What were you most nervous or excited about showing at The Garden? I remember winning the semi finals under Lina Basquette, and then entered the large ring that evening under Frank Sabella. Initially my dog and I were both very overwhelmed, but Lindsay loved being a show dog and quickly she took over, showing her heart out. I believe I just went along with her as Frank told me years later he always just saw my dog, didn’t really notice me handling her, she was just always presented. I was 12 years old when I won the award, in my first year of qualifying.
Describe what you remember from showing in the Junior Showmanship Finals at WKC. Since Westminster was the epitome of juniors, I ended my juniors career after that win, but continued in dogs, working for handlers at shows, breeding and showing Goldens. I had thought I wanted to pursue a handling career but all of my mentors encouraged me to further my education.
How has winning BJH affected your career? I graduated in Animal Science from the College of Agriculture at The Ohio State University and while in the program, I made the decision to apply to the College of Veterinary medicine as it was the next step in centering my life on animals. I met my husband in the college of agriculture and in 1979 we married, I was accepted into veterinary school and we purchased our farm. I still remained active breeding and showing Golden Retrievers, and introduced my husband to all of my dogs, slowly. Winning the junior competition at Westminster encouraged me to continue a life which centers on animals. It gave me the confidence that with focus on responsibilities and hard work, you will achieve any goal. The win opened many doors in the sport to meet and work with the top handlers and breeders and who have been lifelong friends in the sport. Along with the enjoyment of the competition side of the sport, Westminster also gave me the appreciation of involvement in the club side of the sport. I have always been active in clubs, all breed and specialty, including the same Cincinnati Kennel Club that started my path. When elected as the club delegate to the AKC, I progressed to serving on the American Kennel Club board of directors for 3 terms. In addition, this appreciation led to my involvement in my professional organizations, resulting in serving as the president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association.
How has it affected your love of showing dogs? Along with the enjoyment of the competition side of the sport, Westminster also gave me the appreciation of involvement in the club side of the sport. I have always been active in clubs, all breed and specialty, including the same Cincinnati Kennel Club that started my path. When elected as the club delegate to the AKC, I progressed to serving on the American Kennel Club board of directors for 3 terms. In addition, this appreciation led to my involvement in my professional organizations, resulting in serving as the president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association.
What is the best advice you could give to Juniors showing at WKC? Junior competition gives youth the understanding of competition. Our sport is so unique that a child can compete with the top professionals and achieve success. The sport encourages the development of people skills but most of all the appreciation of animal husbandry. The care of dogs in the process of achieving success brings a level of responsibility to juniors that few today achieve or appreciate. Winning juniors at Westminster was a life step that has impacted me throughout my life and still today.
