AKC Jr. News -- November/December 2004


	November/December 2004

A Message from Mari-Beth O'Neill
The response for this years AKC/Eukanuba Invitational, is over whelming! 105 Juniors have met both the wins and the grade point average criteria. This year's event will be two days. The preliminary classes will be judged on Saturday and the finals will be on Sunday. The annual luncheon sponsored by the AKC Gazette will be held on Saturday; additional information will be mailed to those participating.

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Junior Versatility

by Marinda Dillon
My name is Marinda Dillon. I am 13 years old and I show in Conformation, Junior Handling and Agility. I began showing dogs in conformation when I was six. I have two Afghan Hounds, a Powder Puff Chinese Crested and a Border Collie. Last year I began training my Powder Puff Crested, Howser, for agility. We ran our first trial in May of this year. I loved it!
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Agility for Life

by Meredith Garrett
All of my life I've loved learning about dogs and their relationships with people. Reading every book I could find about breeds and basic training was a priority. One day when I came across the sport of Agility on television, I became intrigued and convinced that this was the sport for me.
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Fancy and Treasure

by Jessica Hanson
Hi, my name is Jessica Hanson, and I am 14 years old. My four Siberian Huskies, Kodi, Fancy, Daria, and Jasmine, and one Golden Retriever, Treasure, are the center of my life. I show them in agility, obedience, conformation, junior showmanship, and I have also done some therapy dog work.
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Is There Life After Junior Showmanship?

by Adam King
Your eighteenth birthday is approaching, a day that most people look forward to with anticipation. It's when you become an "adult," you receive more responsibilities, and a time where most people strike out on their own, either to college or into the work force. However, for Junior handlers, another feeling is mixed in. Once they turn the magical eighteen, they are no longer allowed to show in Junior Showmanship.
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See photos from shows around the country.

The Jack Onofrio Junior Achievement Challenge

by Lauren McIlwraith
My name is Lauren McIlwraith. I am thirteen years old and I have been participating in the Jack Onofrio Junior Achievement Challenge (JAC) for the past three years. This experience has taught me that you can always learn something new!
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A Love for Vizslas

by Emily Meyer
My experience with purebred dogs began when I was 14 years old. On October 3, 1999, a bouncy Vizsla puppy named Ruger came to live with my family and me. Finally, I was no longer a spectator in the world of dogs, but reaching this point was the result of a long journey: from deciding on the perfect breed to finding a caring, committed breeder to puppy kindergarten and beyond.
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The Irish Setter Nationals

by Susan Schafer
This past June I attended our Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty held in Olympia, Washington, which is near Seattle. The site was gorgeous and I had a wonderful time with everybody there. The day before the junior classes were held there was a seminar.
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An AKC Education

by Kristy Siefkin
My involvement in the world of pure-bred dogs began at age 9 when I joined a local 4-H dog care and training club in an attempt to "tame" my 105 pound German Shepherd Dog, Bruin. At my first 4-H obedience class, I hoped that Bruin would not knock me to the ground and run out of the ring. One year later, Bruin and I walked away from our first 4-H Dog Show having won first prize and High in Trial.
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Editor's Note