Local Arizona Ridgeback Breeder and Owner/Handlers, Kathryn and Donald Blumenfeld-Jones (of KaKily Ridgebacks) are in the top 10 RRCUS Owner/Handler Program. This is a program which encourages members of RRCUS, who are amateur owners, to participate as handlers of Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs owned or co-owned by them. An “amateur-owner-handler” is a person who is the registered owner of the dog and who has not at any point in time been a professional dog handler or employed as an assistant to a professional handler.

We are very proud of Kathryn and Donald and their accomplishments as breeder/owner/handlers. Kathryn, who handles Dina (CH Kakily Starry Night of Pumamere-Coprdg, JC, RN) has had numerous Best of Opposite Sex and Best of Breed wins. Dina is currently #13 in Breed Points and #1 Bitch in the country. Kathryn and Dina have also participated in the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship show in 2007 & 2008 (which are an invitation only event) and placed first in the very competitive Bred-by-Exhibitor class. In 2008, Dina went on to a Group 2 win!

Shaka (BISS CH Kakily Shockwave of Pumamere-Coprdg, JC RN) is handled by breeder/owner/handler Donald. Shaka recently won Best in Specialty Show at the Orange Coast Rhodesian Ridgeback Specialty with an entry of over 90 dogs. Shaka has also won numerous Best of Breed titles and he is currently #7 in Breed Points.

Both Donald and Kathryn will be traveling to Lansing, Michigan to compete at the RRCUS National Specialty which takes place May 25-31st. Both will be in the Top 20 and Best in Breed classes. We wish them the best of luck!

If you are interested in becoming an owner/handler, check for a local handling class or ask a local breeder for a recommendation. At these classes, you will learn basic “show ring etiquette”. You can also go to www.akc.org for more information on handling and dog shows.