Raven’s journey began with a love for dogs and an incredible mentor. Between playing hockey and showing her Silken Windhound, Zelda, a non-AKC dog breed, Raven and her mother, Leigh Alexander, were fortunate to befriend a sassy little Dachshund, Zoom, and her owner, Robin Mathews, at their weekly show handling class at Bayshore Companion Club in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Even with all of the things in a busy 10-year-old’s schedule, the highlight of her week was working with Zoom at class on Wednesday nights.
It was at their first show in Freehold, New Jersey, that these two really shined and a beautiful partnership was born. They loved being in the ring together and hanging out the rest of the day with friends at the shows. It was then we knew they had something special.
Raven: I love being with Zoom.
Raven: I am excited to stay in the hotel room with her and spend time with her at the show.
Raven: It is in New York City and it is on TV! I started watching it with my Mom every year and we talk about how beautiful the dogs are and how cool it is to be able to show your dog there.
Raven: I have never been to a dog show in a city before and to go to NYC for a show feels almost magical. I imagine lots of lights and dogs and people everywhere. The best part, besides going into the city, is that I get to miss school and my class is going to be watching us and cheering us.
Raven: I am excited to be a part of it. Everyone keeps talking about how long this show has been going on and that it has been in NYC for so long—and now I get to be there! Plus, my family and friends can watch on TV.
Raven: I loved being in the ring in front of all these people with Zoom and all of these other great dogs.
Raven: I loved that Zoom was number 30 because that it is the number on my hockey jersey.
