Page 143 - K9 News - Issue 15 - March2021

in the finals. I also won the Semi Finals in 2019,
but this time handling my homebred Long Coated
Chihuahua Lellie, Ffionchi Christmas Candle. I
was delighted to be awarded Best Junior Handler
at the Weimaraner Open Show in 2017 and 2018
with Keira, Gunalt Sugar Plum at Rhydawel and
we also came 2nd in the JHA Gundog Semi-finals
in 2018.

We were introduced to our first Chihuahua in
2010, when Lillie, Copymear Cameo Apperance
joined the family. In 2014, when I was twelve
years old I was amazed to be awarded my first
Reserve CC, and we also won our class at Crufts.
She was our first dog to gain a studbook number,
and another of our Weimaraners bred by us has
gained a Reserve CC too. Together with my mum,
we have showed and bred Weimaraners under the
affix Rhydawel, and Chihuahuas under the affix
Ffionchi. Handling 3 different breeds has certainly
had its challenges, however I truly believe that
handling each breed has helped me become a
more accomplished handler in the others. When I
get asked to handle other people’s dogs, I always
feel privileged that owners entrust me with their
dogs, and I learn something new from every dog
I handle. Weimaraners are so loyal, and are a
dream so show. There is never a dull moment in
the ring, especially when they misbehave!

I have served on the committee of Aberystwyth
and District Canine Society for many years, after
starting on the Junior Committee a few years
before. It has been an amazing experience to
enhance my knowledge of the showing world, and
gaining advice from others. I will always cherish
the friendships I’ve made through showing, and
I would always look forward to meeting up with
them at the shows. I aspire to gain more judging
experiences, as well as continuing to progress
with showing my dogs. If any upcoming junior
handlers ever want any advice, I’m always more
than happy to help. Handling has taught me so
much about myself, but also the important morals
in life. Respect is a key element I have learned
through showing, and also to win with pride, but
lose with dignity. Dog showing has played such a
large part in my life, and I will forever be grateful
for all the opportunities I have received.

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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / MARCH 2021