I have been a dog lover and owner most of my life, although I have only recently begun to handle dogs professionally. My first purebred dogs of my own were Norwegian Elkhounds. I still have Wolf, who will be 12 years old this year and is as active as a dog half his age. Gypsy made it to the ripe old age of 16, and left us in the fall of 2007. While I had always been fascinated by dog shows, and even entertained the idea of showing Wolf when I first brought him home, it was not until my wife Brooke and I purchased our first Basenji that I found myself beginning to show a dog for the first time.

Thanks in no small part to the friendship and kindness of a great dog man, the late Tommy Mohr, I was instantly taken with every aspect of the show world. Tommy taught the handling class that first my wife and then I attended, sponsored by the Champaign Illinois Kennel Club. When my wife began taking the class I thought "great, my wife will show our dog. This will be fun". Little did either of us know that she would lose interest while I would find one of the greatest passions of my life! Tommy also handled Henry for us the first few shows, and took me under his wing and helped me really understand how much dogs have to offer.

Being bitten by the show bug, I set about to acquire a quality show Basenji. This began my association with Tad Brooks of Meisterhaus Basenjis and Whippets. I finished two Basenjis purchased from Tad entirely on my own, in just over a years time. The following year, Tad sent two pups home with me, that I trained for show, and begun showing. In 3 months, I put 2 majors on the dog, and 6 singles on the bitch, Ally. The dogs returned home for the winter, and the following summer, 2008, I picked Ally up and finished her championship quickly with 3 majors. I also handled her littermate for the owner, earning 4 points in just over a month. Ally (CH Meisterhaus-Undercover Airtight Alibi) has stayed with me, and is currently in Top 25 all systems, Top 10 all-breed. She already has won multiple Group Placements in her short career as a Champion.

Throughout 2007 and 2008, I showed my dog PJ, CH Meisterhaus Xecutive Decision. PJ was BOS and/or AOM at several specialties, and has earned multiple Group Placements. I have also continued to show Basenjis for various owners and breeders.

In 2008, I began working with German Shorthaired Pointer breeder Debbi Koeberlein, Windrivers GSP, and have begun to really understand and appreciate the breed. I have shown two pups for her, and we will be working on their championships this year!

Other breeds I have handled or am currently showing include the German Pinscher, Ibizan Hound, Whippet, Chinese Crested, Bloodhound, and Siberian Husky.

Also in 2008, I had the opportunity to attend both Seminars offered by George Alston. These provided an invaluable chance to learn directly from one of the best handlers of all time, and were the catalyst for me to begin to understand what being a professional dog handler means. George embodies the great tradition and history of dog shows in America, and is a great teacher and is such a great inspiration to me. I could write a book about what I have learned from George, and learned to apply through real-life situations. I have also been fortunate to receive advice or counsel from many other experienced handlers and breeders in the dog world, including Tad Brooks, Joe Caton and his daughters Kathy and Kelly, Tim Huff, Wanda Pooley, Katie Campbell, Holly Hamilton, Colleen Woodcock, Robin Haggard, Jim Kuehl, Sylvia Lofrano, Karen and Rick Wegner, Del Dahl and many others.

Competing in the ring with a top quality dog is a thrill unmatched. Because I could never own as many dogs as I would like to show, I enjoy the opportunity to handle dogs owned by others. My goal as a handler is to provide excellent care and an enjoyable experience for the dog, and to present the dog perfectly and in flawless condition to emphasize breed type in conformation and movement. I believe my job as a handler is to present the dog to the judge in such a way that they clearly see the attributes that best represent breed type. I have learned a lot in a short time, and I will always be learning more. I look forward to meeting many more new friends, clients and dogs along the way of this exciting journey that is the world of dog shows!