10 Questions ...
Profession: Data-strategy consultant
Dog-sport involvement: My main breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Hometown: Medellin, Colombia
Astrological sign: Virgo (whatever that means!)
1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?
Positive thoughts result in positive outcomes.
2. TV-show guilty pleasure?
I still love watching “Friends” — it never gets old!
3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?
Since I moved to the U.S., I have been amazed about how the AKC has used technology to keep me (and I guess many more people) engaged from home with educational webinars and online breed seminars, to name a few. So, going back to your question, I would make sure the AKC keeps expanding this source of learning.
4. Most valued material possession?
Maybe some old dog books and old pictures of my first years attending dog shows. They just bring back amazing memories.
5. What is something no one would guess about you?
Before I got into dogs, I was a national chess champion (within my age category). By chance, I got involved in showing dogs, and I was so hooked that I quit chess. My parents were very unimpressed with my decision.
6. Who would you compare yourself to?
I don’t think I compare myself to anyone, but there are many people I do look up to. There are many breeders, judges and handlers who I admire and strive to learn from.
7. What are you “famous” for?
Instead of “famous,” I think I am “known” for being approachable and trying to find the positive side to each situation.
8. What website do you visit most often?
The Canine Chronicle to look at the show results.
9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?
Winning BIS at the Scottish Kennel Club in 2014 under Andrew Brace. There were more than 10,000 dogs, and my Cavalier was the third Cavalier in the history of the breed to win at that level in the U.K. — and the last one to have done so.
10. What do you wish someone would ask you?
“What is behind that dog?” I love talking about pedigrees and trying to understand what each dog or bitch is producing. It gives me a better understanding of the dog I am looking at.