2021 • MRS . PATRICIA CRAIGE TROTTER OF CARMEL , CALIFORNIA
• BEST IN SHOW JUDGE •
WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE BEST IN SHOW AT WESTMINSTER ? Naturally , I was overwhelmed ! It is such an awesome responsibility to become a permanent part of the exciting Westminster tradition . This classic dog show has always represented the epitome of what our sport is all about . It is humbling to think I will attempt to walk in the footprints of those icons of the past such as Mrs . Dodge , Mrs . Godsol and Mrs . Clark-operative word “ attempt .”
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL BE THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THIS JUDGING ASSIGNMENT ? Hoping I get it right ! Trying to select from seven super stars the one that on the night signals “ I could excel at the job for which my breed was developed .” And does it with total aplomb . Such a superb athlete will be fit , in great form as well as light up the ring-no matter its size or breed .
AS ONE OF THE TOP OWNER-BREEDER-HANDLERS IN HISTORY , YOU HAVE WON THE HOUND GROUP AT WESTMINSTER AN AMAZING 11 TIMES . HOW WILL YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE BEST IN SHOW RING AS AN EXHIBITOR AFFECT YOUR JUDGING DECISIONS ? In the past my responsibility involved one dog requiring all of my concentration . In my anticipated 12th appearance in the Westminster BIS ring , there will be seven superior representatives of their breed requiring my total focus and study . Each one must be carefully evaluated for its near perfection when compared to the ideal described in its breed standard . This is an awesome task for anyone and definitely one not to be taken lightly . Certainly , I will empathize with the runners-up and trust they will get the same supreme satisfaction from their great group wins that I did .
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There is truth to the concept that if hard work doesn ’ t kill you , it will keep you going .
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PATRICIA TROTTER
22 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2021