Fri, 05/19/2023 - 10:52pm

10 Questions ...

... asked of Vickie Venzen

Profession: Department of Defense, Army civilian (environmental compliance), during the week, and professional handler on weekends

Dog-sport involvement: Professional handler, Cane Corso breeder and vice president of the Cane Corso Association of America

Hometown: Pylesville, Maryland

Astrological sign: Cancer

 

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

Absolutely! I am adamant about listening to gospel before I show. It's an absolute must in order to do well, so I play it on my drive to the shows and while I groom.

 

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“Lucifer.” I absolutely love the series, even with the cheesy, predictable story line.

 

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?

I'd change the current rules for Reserve Best in Show and allow points to be allotted for RBIS placements. A RBIS placement is essentially the second-best dog in the entire competition, yet the dog awarded the win receives no points for the placement; only BIS gets points. I feel that is such a disservice to the dog that earned the RBIS. So I'd have RBIS be awarded all points minus any dogs counted via the group the BIS dog falls under. So, basically, if the dog that won BIS is a Working dog, then the RBIS winner would get points for all dogs defeated minus any Working dogs.

 

4. Most valued material possession?

My Beats wireless headphones, which were a gift from my husband.

 

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

That I work out to slow jams and country music. There's something about it that helps me focus and power through tough exercises.

 

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

Ever since I was a kid I was told not to compare myself to others; instead I was told to focus on my own life, and to be confident in my own skin, while being happy for others and their accomplishments, even if they exceeded my own.

 

7. What are you “famous” for?

Recently, I'd say it would have to be for the outfits I've been wearing to the shows, which are usually unique and "over the top." Everyone seems to love that I have so much fun with what I wear; I love it!

 

8. What website do you visit most often?

Facebook, hands down.

 

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?

My most satisfying win was winning the breed with my Leonberger bitch special, Vixen, at Westminster this year. This particular win broke the proverbial glass ceiling for Leonberger bitches everywhere, making history as the first Leonberger bitch to ever win the breed there.

 

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

"If you could turn back time and redo a moment in your life what would it be?" That way I could talk with them about how I wouldn't change anything, because all my choices and experiences, the good and the bad, helped me become who I am today, and I'm thankful for it.

 

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