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ELLIOT SPIX |
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I
am a Senior Open Junior Handler. This will be my
first time showing at a National show. When I decided to take up
Junior handling, I spent a year researching what breed I wanted for my Jr.'s dog
and decided on a Border Collie. Since my mom and I were novices at this
when we started, I got a young pup instead of a finished dog.
I spent many months training my Finnigan and was able to finish his championship in a little over a year. Finnigan was not the
easiest dog to show since he really did not like the confirmation ring.
I had to work all the harder to make the dog look happy about the
ring. I have also been training Finnigan for herding and agility
(which the dog loves much better). Recently, to earn service hours for my
Eagle Scout, I began working with Finnigan as a therapy dog and we go to a local assisted living home.
Junior handling has been an incredible experience for my me. I haven't won an award as an open Junior handler, but that's not what it's all about. I have learned so much, made many new friends both young and old, but have built up my self esteem. My mom says, "Elliot is a great sport, always willing to help others and just an all around nice kid. I personally feel that he is an excellent example of what the program promotes."
Page Updated 10.22.2007