Rachel's Page.

Junior Handling is a great way for children to meet and to overcome shyness.  Rachel started showing an Irish Wolfhound when she was 6 years old and Tess [the dog] was 2.  Sadly little children showing big dogs is frowned upon in Open shows.  Most show people have a retired show dog which they are only too willing to give to a Junior to use.  After trying a couple of breeds , Rachel settled on a Basset Hound. 

Joanna and Bonnie of Bonjovie Bassets in Alberta were delighted to let Rachel have one of their young puppies. 'Bonjovie's Martina McBryde' a.k.a.  "Gummi" to use as her juniors dog.

Basset's are really big dogs with short legs and are surprisingly heavy, and so are very difficult for young children to 'stack' [ man handle into the standing position]

It has been a learning curve for both Rachel and Gummi, but they are inseparable in the show ring and out of it.