The Northeast Regional Junior Handler Competition was held at the South Windsor Kennel Club show on November 22, 2008. The concept of the Regional competitions was based on the original State of California Competition that is held in conjunction with the Sun Maid Kennel Club show in Fresno, California. There are now Regional Competitions conducted throughout the country, where the eligibility requirements are determined by the host club, and usually two wins in Open with competition. These events are offering Scholarships as awards to provide support to Juniors once they have aged out in their pursuit of a college education.

Best Northeast Junior Handler: Joanne Thibault handling her Portuguese Water Dog, Second was Christopher Martin, handling a German Shepherd Dog, third was Catherine Pikul handling a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and fourth was Alison Broome handling her Scottish Terrier. The Finals judge was Patricia Jenner and the preliminary judge was Annemarie Ruggieri.

Best Northeast Junior Handler: Joanne Thibault

Regional Events for 2009:

Midwest Region Top Junior Handler in conjunction with the Land O’Lakes Kennel Club, January 3, 2009 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The California Sate Top Junior Handler Competition held in conjunction with the Sun Maid Kennel Club show, January 31, 2009.

Northwest Regional is in conjunction with the Dog Fanciers Association of Oregon, January 17, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

The South East Regional in conjunction with the Louisville Kennel Club on Sunday March 15, 2009.

The Central Regional held in conjunction with the Wichita Kennel Club on Saturday April 4, 2009 in Wichita, Kansas.

Please check the Premium List for the event for eligibility requirements and details for each of these events. Check your Premium List for additional events later in the year.