From the April 2019 Issue of ShowSight. Click to Subscribe.
1. Full Name? How many years in Weimaraners? Do you judge? Also tell us a little about yourself: Where you live, what you do for a living, what you do outside of dogs?
2. Who was your mentor and what did he/she teach you that you value most highly?
3. What is the biggest health concern facing the breed today, if any?
4. What’s more important to you, a win at an all-breed show or at a Specialty?
5. What’s your favorite dog show memory?
6. Anything else you would like to share?
Laurie Sales
I’m Laurie Sales of Venture Weimaraners. We’ve been in Weimaraners for 25 years. We live in east center Wisconsin on Lake Michigan. Although I do not judge conformation, I am an AKC Scent Work judge.
Being retired from law enforcement allows me to spend all of my time with my dogs—we take part in conformation, obedience, scent work, and hunting. This is a versatile breed as Weimaraners enjoy a variety of venues. There is no “outside of dogs” for me. When I am not working with my dogs, showing or trialing, I am teaching K9 Nose Work, AKC Scent Work, tracking classes and running trials.
My mentor was Marianne Reder and I am very grateful to have been able to spend time with and learn from both Marianne and her dogs. She taught me that health, temperament, and breed standard are of the utmost importance. I continue to abide by these values while improving upon them.
The biggest health concern facing the breed today: I am concerned that breeders are not taking full advantage of available health testing. The declining state of out environment affects both humans and dogs; bad food, bad air, and bad water are causing more health concerns.
What’s more important to me, a win at an all-breed show or at a Specialty: in terms of showing, a win is a win whether an all breed or specialty show. I am proud and grateful when the judge points to one of my dogs.
As it is with most dog owners, my best memory is of my first show dog earning their first blue ribbon! Additionally important and memorable is my first home-bred champion. That feeling, that thrill, never goes away
Taking part in multiple dog sports has allowed for me to meet so many wonderful people, visit many new places and learn so many new things. Without being in the sport of dogs, I would not have had these opportunities and I am so happy to have taken part. Sometime, it can be very hard on the heart, but overall, breeding and showing dogs has been positive and very fulfilling.
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