Above : Tara Richardson and multi-Group , multi-SBIS , JCCA National Specialty BIS GCh . Desert Jade Fabel-Mi Flying Dragon , ‘ Bodhi .’ Middle : Nancy Martin and record-breaking multi-BIS , multi- SBIS GCh . G Pem We-syng Lucky Mi , ‘ Mimi .’ Above right : James with the homebred “ Mimettes ,” Group-winning , Junior World winner GCh . Fabel-Mi Lucky Star , ‘ Madge ,’ Ch . Fabel-Mi Marry Mi , ‘ Marri ,’ and Ch . Fabel-Mi So Lucky Too , ‘ Miso .’
as a professional ballet dancer with American Ballet Theatre under the direction of Mikhail Baryshnikov . He is a great balance for me because he spends his life dedicated to taking care of his patients ( children ) and often reminds me that if exhibitors had to tell a parent that a child was terminally ill or counsel a parent who has lost a child , then winning at a dog show might not be that important after all . As much as we love it , a BIS ribbon is not a cure for cancer or anything else for that matter . Of course , he is right .
DIR : Frenchies are wildly popular these days and Chin have developed a huge following . There is probably a great international demand for Fabelhaft dogs . What are your policies for selling show and pet puppies ? Are all show prospects co-owned ? Will you sell to foreign buyers whom you haven ’ t met in person ? JD : Yes , I do have a constant demand both here and abroad for my dogs . Sometimes it ’ s overwhelming . I simply couldn ’ t produce enough even if I wanted to . However , I am very particular about placement , and here in the US , all show puppies are sold on a co-ownership contract and all companion puppies on a spay / neuter contract . I have sold very few dogs outside of the US and only after extended communication and personal meetings with the buyer here at home .
DIR : You are now also judging . How are you enjoying it , and has it changed your philosophy of breeding and showing dogs in any way ? JD : Yes , I am now judging , and I enjoy it tremendously and look forward to applying for more breeds . It comes naturally for me , and as someone who has been a breeder / owner-handler , I can appreciate everything from the standpoint of the exhibitor . I have strong opinions on my breeds and look at judging as another way to contribute and give back . As well as the US , I have judged in Australia , Mexico and Brazil , and it will be a great honor for me to judge the French Bulldog Club of America National Specialty in 2017 .
As [ a judge ] who has been a breeder / owner-handler , I can appreciate everything from the standpoint of the exhibitor .
DIR : Do you have time for any activities or hobbies outside of dogs ? JD : I do not have much time for hobbies outside of dogs , but I do serve on the board of the Southern Ohio Museum and have been involved in fundraising for the Red Cross with my involvement in the “ Dancing With the Stars ” event . I also enjoy antiquing and gardening , though I haven ’ t had much time this year !
DIR : If you could change one thing about our current dog show scene , what would it be ? JD : I think there are many things that need to be changed . I would like to see the AKC take a stronger role in curbing unsportsmanlike behavior both at shows and on social media , which I know is a hot topic . I would also like judges who are completely incompetent to have breeds taken away that they have no business judging , especially at our major shows . The cost of competing today is high , and exhibitors deserve better . I would also like to see stronger action on protecting our breed standards from DQ colors and unscrupulous breeders .
DIR : If you were starting over in dogs today , is there anything you would do differently ? JD : I don ’ t know that I would do anything differently . I believe that life takes you on the path you were meant to travel , and I try to embrace that rather than complain , though I do on occasion . As I get older , I want to enjoy life , the sport and my friends and family , and leave something behind for the future generation . I arrived in the United States all those years ago with nothing but my suitcase and my education , and I have been truly blessed . It has been an amazing 12 months , having won SBIS at the Afghan Hound , Japanese Chin and French Bulldog Club of America National Specialty shows , plus Best of Breed in a huge French Bulldog entry at Crufts this year . I do not take that for granted and hope that I can in some ways pay it forward . Thank you so much for taking the time to ask my opinion .
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