ETCETERA
by BONNIE GUGGENHEIM TNT Advertising Director & Associate Editor DOLLARS & CENTS
T he average show dog does not have a wealthy person behind it, but has a dedicat- ed owner who is either an owner/handler or has a job making it possible to pay the handler and photog- raphers. Exhibitors frequently say they are looking for or need a back- er, but as a rule financial backers are interested in top-winning dogs or those with the potential to be a bigwinner on a national level. Between travel expenses, handling fees and entries, the average cost to campaign a top special is above what the average person would earn in a year. It goes up from there and if you really want a big winner, you need to have your dog shown at 150 to 200 shows a year. You must have a dog with winning potential and the stamina to compete on circuits at the big- gest and longest running shows in the country. With Toy dogs it is even harder since they have a more difficult time holding up under stress, but it is done all the time with the correct care and proper handling. In general, a planned campaign will be for two years with the first year a starter year and the second aiming for the very top. Handlers expenses include
the obvious like grooming, entries, trav- el, veterinary care and often include the cost of vans, motor homes and on occa- sion, air travel. Sponsors are well aware of the cost of a campaign and nearly always work with some type of contract but that varies with the person, the handler and the situation. Trust is an important part of any arrangement and critical to the success of devel- oping or creating a top winner. Looking at sponsors of top-winning specials in all breeds, it seems most of them have strong connections with pro- fessional handlers who have had earlier success with dogs they either bred, owned or simply fell for when watching them in the ring. Every dog person loves seeing a fabulous entry going around the ring and sometimes they want to be a part of making that particular dog number one and they enjoy looking at a beautifully put together animal. Remember you need to have the dog out and winning where people will see it, you need to
be looking at your dog! Most sponsors are pretty much in the background and are rarely in win photos—they go to dog shows to relax and see their dog win! Maybe they will be looking at your dog! Specialties are going on everywhere so I hope you win and send those win pics to Top Notch Toys . Our designers are the best in the business—give us an opportunity to create a fabulous ad to promote you and your dog. Call, text or email and remember inquiring minds want to know! Bonnie bonnie@dmcg.com 863.738.8848
know the dog has a show temperament and then you hope that elu- sive sponsor will
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours—faithful and true to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to be worthy of such devotion”. author unknown
(Photo courtesy of Gina Schag, ChulaChihuahuas.com)
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