Going back to 2010, fair to say my initial foray into the show ring was not an experience I enjoyed - I was nervous, so much so I was shaking at the end of the lead, and actually vowed I would never set foot in the ring again!

However with thanks to a push from friends whilst I may have still had a handler on my own dog I eventually found myself being chucked a lead at a Malamute Club Show and found myself back  the ring - and actually, when it wasn't my own dog it wasn't so bad!

It took me another year before I would actually brave taking one my own dogs into the ring but over a period of time I found myself with a variety of different dogs at the end of the lead, initially just with Alaskan Malamutes, and then other sled dogs and eventually onto other Spitz breeds (from Norwegian Buhunds through to Akitas)!

Over the years I stepped further out my comfort zone and it has been a delight to find myself at the end of the lead to a variety of breeds, largely in the Working & Pastoral Group (ranging from Mastiffs & GSDs down to Pinschers & Pumis) but happy for the opportunity to help out with others (Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs & Glen of Imaal terriers, to name a few)!

Over a decade later, I have delighted in handling dogs of varying ages and experiences, from CC winners & veterans in double figures through to 6 month old puppies at their first shows. I am proud to say that I have taken multiple Best In Show, BOB, CCs / CACs & Group shortlists / placings - alongside class wins and Crufts qualifying places – but most importantly of all, me and the dogs have had fun!

I keep this gallery going alongside photos of my own dogs as a memento of how far I have come - and a reminder that no matter how shaky a start, nothing is insurmountable!