Pure Dog Talk

Anne Katona on judging, retirement, owner handlers Anne Katona in 2005 awarding a Kerry Blue Terrier in the group. Long time judge Anne Katona shares her insights about judging, announces her planned retirement in January 2021 and offers encouragement for owner handlers. Famous for her greetings in the ring, where she reminds every exhibitor that "wiggles are allowed," the perennially cheerful Katona noted that she's "never known a wiggle to hurt bone structure. Why do they have to be little robots?" "I want everybody who walks out of my ring to say, I didn’t win, but it’s ok, I had a good time" Katona said. Tips for Owner Handlers Katona's history as a breeder and owner-handler of Kerry Blue Terriers leaves her with an affinity for new folks and owner handlers. Her tips for them: New people in the ring: Stand up straight, take a deep breath, and realize every person in this ring has been in your place. In the group – take care of your dog, play with your dog, have fun, don’t just stand there with the