AGILITY TRIAL JUDGES
MS . RONDA BERMKE of Greenleaf , Wisconsin has always had canines and the sport of purebred dogs as a big part of her life . She grew up participating in dog events with her mother and , apart from college life , has never been without a dog . Her first AKC licensed show was the 1979 American Shetland Sheepdog Association National Specialty held in Milwaukee , WI where she was entered in Junior Showmanship with her Sheltie named “ Fella .” Since then , Ms . Bermke has established her own kennel , White Ridge , located just outside of Green Bay , WI . She is involved and titled her dogs in multiple AKC sports , including conformation , agility , obedience , rally , scent work , and earthdog . In 2011 Ms . Bermke became an agility judge with highlights including the AKC Agility Nationals in 2016 and 2017 and the finals at the AKC Agility Invitational in 2019 . This is her first judging assignment at Westminster .
MR . BEN GIBBS of Kingsport , Tennessee picked up Deacon , a fuzzy little German Shepherd Dog puppy , in 2005 and how his life would soon change . During a basic obedience class , the sport of agility was introduced to Mr . Gibbs and Deacon , and a new passion was born . Deacon was the perfect agility partner , introducing him to a whole new world of people , friendships , and a shared love for an amazing sport . In 2007 the sport of agility also introduced Mr . Gibbs to the love of his life , Rhonda , and they were married in 2011 . Deacon went on to earn a PACH , several Obedience titles and was a Therapy Dog .
Mr . Gibbs ’ love of agility sparked an interest in judging , and he was licensed to judge in 2015 . He says , “ There is only one thing more thrilling than seeing a team run a course like it is a dance and working together to accomplishing goals … and that is when I get to run !” He and Rhonda live in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Kingsport , Tennessee , with four Toy Poodles and two Border Collies . This is his first judging assignment at Westminster .
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