Visit and play fetch with us @ www.woofpatrol.com
In 2007, 9-year-old Sydney Lee told WOOF Patrol that she wanted to show at The Westminster Kennel Club. On February 9th, Sydney and Kala, her Rhodesian Ridgeback will enter ring 4 at 12:15. She's not going in as a junior handler. Instead, Sydney will show competitively as a composed and focused young adult. Expect the glances shared between this Rhodesian Ridgeback and its handler to reveal the art within the sport of showing dogs. It's an art composed of mutual honor, respect and dedication to one another.
Sydney and Kala have always worked as a team. When they enter a show ring it's with a spirit that evokes true sportsmanship and pedigree. When they're both on their game what's showcased is a loving bond that goes beyond words.
WOOF Patrol has a very personal connection to this year's WKC. Sydney is family and so is Kala. Tony Conza, Blimpie Founder and WP's Little Bites writer, and Carol Pompeo are siblings. Sydney is Pompeo's oldest Granddaughter.
Carol Pompeo: Sydney's dream is to be the first child to win at Westminster.
Pompeo is not a stranger in the world of showing and handling dogs. In 1983 as owner/handler, Carol showed Ebu, a prized Rhodesian Ridgeback, at The Westminster Kennel Club and won Best of Breed.
WOOF Patrol: What does Sydney and Kala showing at WKC 2009 mean to you?
C.P.: When I showed it was about the dog - the dog winning. For me this is about Sydney winning. It's about her winning confidence, discipline and a sense of interaction with other others that builds compassionate leadership and fair play. She'll be able to take these valuable skills with her and apply them to the rest of her life.
W.P.: What's most striking to you about Sydney and Kala?
C.P.: Kala loves Sydney and wants to work for her. Their strength in the ring is their bond. They look good together. And, they move in a harmonious rhythm. Their connection is gentle as well as focused. When Kala needs a correction Sydney's voice takes on a tone and quality and she'll say: "Okay puppy let's go." Or – "Puppy look at me." Kala dotes on her. He understands they have a job to do in the ring. He delivers. Sydney never stops showing in the ring. Every second she's there its about making Kala look good.
On May 20th, 2007, Linda Berberich, an AKC licensed judge, awarded Sydney her first "Best of Breed", "Hound Group I" and the prized "Best Adult in Match Show" at the Palisades Kennel Club AKC Match in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. WOOF Patrol contacted Linda for her thoughts, impressions and possible advice for Sydney Lee's WKC debut.
Linda Berberich: The dog and the handler must be on their game. They need to stick to the business at hand.
When we tell Linda that Sydney, age 11, is showing as a young adult, not as a junior handler, there's a second of awed-silence. Linda then gets back to the business at hand. As she explains to us that an invitation to WKC is no small accomplishment – this is big time.
L.B.: The Westminster Kennel Club Show is the ultimate. How can I put this: it's the Dog world's answer to the Superbowl. Walking onto the floor of the Garden is going to be a moment she'll remember for the rest of her life. Its breathtaking.
Determination was what set Sydney apart from the others in her 2007 win at the Palisades Kennel Club. Linda had said to Sydney after the match, "You wouldn't give up. You were determined."
C.P.: What matters most to me is that Sydney has fun. Kala was not purchased to show but was intended to be a family pet. Soon after we brought him home Sydney asked if I'd teach her how to handle and show Kala. The little girl with the big dog clicked. It reminded me of my relationship to Ebu.
W.P.: What's it like for you when they enter a show?
C.P.: My heart races so much. When I handle the dog I have control but when she's handling Kala I have no control. I want her to do well, not for me, but for herself. It's up to her and Kala.
W.P.: What advice do you give to Sydney?
C.P.: Don't ever stop showing the dog. Move him, turn him, bait him, and be constantly aware. Always keep his focus and have fun. You should see them showing, they are both so happy to be there. It's heaven on earth watching them together.
The Westminster Kennel Club is a storied sporting event. It captures and embraces the human-canine bond. To win at WKC your dog and you must be able to seamlessly move and think as one. Trust in one another is mandatory, not optional.
As Madison Square Garden's house lights dim to a sold-out crowd, silence will swallow up inside the auditorium. Seven Group winners will enter the dramatic spotlight. Only one pair will move to the exact speed and locomotion of one another. Both will be in synch and in tune with one another. Their combination of talents will create an undeniable ring presence. And, the Best In Show title will be theirs.
Be sure to look out for the little girl with the big dog!
Back to all Woof Patrol Extraordinaires