and Drew. Marie and Drew were awarded the major on Saturday to finish his championship and then Marie and Homer were awarded the major on Sunday. The first nonBoston that Marie showed (again in 2010) and finished was Dutchess, a black Briard that was almost as big as Marie. There have been many since then of all different breeds and Marie has loved showing them all. These accomplishments are even more impressive when you add that this was done while attending one of the toughest high schools in the country (Henry M. Gunn High School). Marie was also a member of the Gunn Cheer squad and the Lacrosse Team. In her spare time she would volunteer with one of the local dog rescues. During the last three summers, when most kids are going to the beach, Marie worked as a full-time assistant to earn money for college. It was extremely hard work and she has learned to groom everything from a Norfolk Terrier to a Standard Poodle. Marie has now aged out of Junior Showmanship and Mojo has a little grey face and is retired. At the writing of this, Marie is 2 weeks away from High School graduation and only days away from starting college at Purdue University.
This was the first activity Marie had true passion for, so her Dad and I decided to get Marie a special present for her 11th Birthday, a 4 month old puppy named Mojo. Their bond was immediate. It hasn’t always been easy, trying to show a naughty puppy can be very challenging, especially when you are barely big enough to get him on the table. Marie and Mojo’s first show was in Greyslake, IL when Mojo was barely 6 months old. The first day Mojo was a WD and the next day Marie and Mojo went BOB from the classes. What an amazing start for the young team. Marie and Mojo grew up together in the show ring. Every time they went to a show they would be a little better, a little smoother, more of a team. Over the years, they have amassed numerous accomplishments: #1 Boston Terrier Junior Handler: 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2014 #1 Non-Sporting Junior Handler: 2012 & 2014 #1 Non-Sporting Junior Handler (National Championship Year): 2012 & 2016 2013 Westminster Kennel Club: BOS 2014 Harvest Moon Junior Classic: Best Junior in Cluster 2015 California Junior Handler of the Year: Awarded a $1250 scholarship In addition to showing in Junior Showmanship Marie has had the honor of showing several other dogs to their championships, in addition to showing and training her families Bostons. Dane and Jason were kind enough to let Marie show two of their Bostons in July of 2010, Homer
Marie is on the verge of starting the next chapter of her life, this is a very exciting time, Marie’s only sadness is that her precious Mojo can not go with her. He has been her faithful companion for the past 8 years, loving her unconditionally. But the confidence and work ethic Marie has obtained as a result of Mojo and dog shows has given Marie the skills she will need to be successful.