Dogs In Review Magazine September 2016 | Page 87

Defining Success with Ed Fojtik A Q&A with the 2015 Winkie winner for Best Owner-Handler Dogs in Review: Tell us a little about yourself. Was/is your family involved in the sport? If not, what sparked your interest in showing dogs? And how did you begin in Giant Schnauzers? Ed Fojtik: My mother and father began breeding Giants in 1969. The Giant Schnauzer Club of America was founded in 1965, so they have been involved almost since the beginning. They also bred Arabian horses, and we traveled the country showing our horses. I was 3 years old the first time I showed in an Arabian class on my own. Paul Booher showed dogs for my parents and their partners, Jack and Joanne Butell. When I got a bit older, I wanted back into showing, and I almost went with horses but decided to start my own breeding program of Giants. DIR: Talented owner-handlers seem to do well with Giants at the all-breed level. Why do you think that is? EF: There certainly have been some very good dogs handled by their owners. Giants take a tremendous amount of work — and when someone can put the work and effort into a good dog, it is appreciated and it shows. DIR: Who have been your mentors and role models in the sport? EF: I have had many! I remember when I was first getting started, I followed Bill McFadden around an entire weekend trying to get some grooming tips. Steve and Robin Fox were also tremendous help to me, as well as Scott and Susie Kipp. When I thought I was becoming a pretty good groomer, Gabriel Rangel would show up and make my dog look like a shag carpet! So he inspired me to get better. My grooming and breeding program went to the next level when Maryann Biseglia of Ingebar Giants took me under her wing. Ken and Virginia Murray have been great friends, and I don’t know what I would do without Laura King — I’m surprised she hasn’t changed her phone number yet! 84 DOGSinREVIEW.com 84x86_OHQA.indd 84 8/16/16 7:20 AM