Blaine Crowder shares a Best Junior Handler win at the 2025 National Dog Show, reflecting on family support, hard work, and goals ahead.
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Blaine Crowder: Thank you! Yes, it truly is a dream come true!
Blaine Crowder: The experience was amazing! I enjoyed every part of this show. I met new people, made new friends, and made many memories. I also got to experience a new show site. The clubs did an amazing job with all the prizes and ribbons. It was such an amazing cluster!
Yes, I was very busy that weekend. The busiest I’ve ever been at any show.
Blaine Crowder: My mom! She has always been my biggest supporter. My mom can’t attend every show, but is supporting me from home. When I called her, it was very emotional for the both of us.
Blaine Crowder: Me and some friends went out to dinner… I may have brought back a little something for Phasma.
Blaine Crowder: I try to show a different group of dogs every year, this year being the Working Group. I chose this Group because my grandma has been showing in it for 40-plus years.
Having shown Phasma for the past year, with the bond that we share, I knew she was the one I wanted to show.
Blaine Crowder: You know, win or lose, she will always be my best friend. I will love her no matter what. She always gives me 110 percent.
Blaine Crowder: It has definitely altered my life; being gone from home for months at a time, it isn’t always easy. To become successful in this sport, you have to be gone for months at a time. But, I have met many extraordinary people who have not only helped me grow as a handler but also as a person.
It’s sometimes hard to do family things, with me being on the road all the time, but when I’m home, we make every minute count.
Blaine Crowder: Yes, this Judge was very kind, pleasant, and patient. Her interactions with the Juniors and their dogs was great. I feel like she gave all the Juniors enough time to present their dogs to the fullest. You can tell she obviously loves what she does. It was an absolute pleasure to show to this judge!
Use every opportunity, win or lose, to learn and grow. The skills that you gain in the ring will serve you for a lifetime. Just enjoy every moment.
Blaine Crowder: No matter what, have fun! Work hard and put in the effort. Just give it all you got.
Blaine Crowder: Only time will tell. I have a lot of goals as a Junior that I would like to accomplish before aging out.
Meet the Junior Handlers
Junior Handler Jemma Panzarino shares her journey in the sport, memorable wins and experiences, and goals for the future with purebred dogs.
