I've been involved in dogs since 1997, when we got our first show dog, Ch. Wayback's String of Pearls. What started as spending time with my husband's family camping at dog shows soon became my new hobby. I had grown up showing Arabian horses since I was 7 yrs old, and really missed doing something competitive. It's amazing the number of ex-horse people that are involved in showing dogs. So in my early 30's I jumped into the world of dog shows. I now find that I am "hooked" on showing.

Why do I show? I LOVE competition and competing against other handlers. I am still learning different ways to present my dogs better and maximize their good points. I love the challenge of taking a dog and making the most of my 2 minutes in the ring. In the past several years, I feel that I have really grown as a handler, being challenged by different dogs and the little things each one needs in order to be presented to its best. I try and understand the unique needs of each dog to improve our chances in the ring. Not every dog can be shown the same way.

Do I think I am a big time handler? NO! I like to refer to myself as an owner/breeder/handler with experience! I'm going to dog shows with or without client's dogs, this is not the way that I make my living. I'm a Professional Clinical Counselor providing mental health counseling. Showing dogs is my hobby.

I understand that not everyone likes to show or feels that he or she has what it takes to show their own dog. That is where I think I can be of help. I love to show and have been doing it since 1997. I have finished 4 of my own personal dogs, as well as finished several other dogs for friends and family. I tend to show more in the Sporting group ( German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraners, German Wirehaired Pointers, Vizslas, Irish Setters, English Setters, Goldens, Labs, and Brittany's) but have experience with some table breeds: Dachshunds and Boston Terriers. I have also been working with Komondork's from the working group.

I work with my partner, Damon Lumpkins. He and his wife Sue own Country Star Kennels, and together Damon & I  make certain that all dogs are covered and make it to the ring. I travel with my own personal dogs, and any client dogs traveling with me are treated just like my own. The comfort and safety of mine, and anyone else's dogs are of paramount importance. Dogs are kenneled in my fifth wheel or Damon's box truck, air conditioned, and spend as much time as possible outside in x-pens. Dogs are never left unsupervised while outside.

RATES

I want to be reasonable for the average person to afford to send a dog to a show.  I enjoy showing and do not want to gouge owners for many different fees. I hope the average owner who wants to hire a handler will find these rates acceptable. I will be honest with you on whether or not I can help your dog win. Please use the "RATES" button to see a listing of fees and charges. If you are interested in discussing if I can help your dog please contact me at mailto:waystar@waystarkennels.com or call 937-475-6696.