I was seven years old and stood only a few inches taller than the top of my dogs head when I first entered the show ring. My dog weighed 150 pounds and I only weighed 50 pounds. I couldn't reach the left rear foot, so my mentor, Kim Griffith, told me that there was no rule that said you have to stack your dog from the right side. So the next time I went around to the other side to stack the rear foot. Kim was very instrumental in getting me off to a good start. One of my most memorable moments in dog shows was when my dog placed second and Kim's dog placed third. As I walked out of the ring I had a huge smile on my face and shouted to my mom, "I just beat Kim!" I had three years of handling experience in the breed ring before I was old enough to compete in Junior Showmanship.

During my years in Junior Showmanship, I acquired many skills to enhance my ability to present any dog that was given to me, but most importantly I made friends and memories that will remain with me throughout my life. Showing dogs has shaped who I am today. I used to be very shy, and would hide behind my mom when people would come up to us at dog shows. Now I am more than willing to talk to anyone who has any questions about my dogs.

My trips to Westminster and the Newfoundland Nationals have allowed me to see more of the nation than most people my age.

There have been numerous people who have supported me over the years from Southem California and across the country. Many things have changed since the time I could barely see over my dogs head to becoming one of the 2008 AKC Educational Grant recipients.

Currently my future plans in the sport of dogs are to continue showing dogs professionally with my sister, Adrienne, under the New Point Kennel name. I would also plan to continue breeding Newfoundlands.