SHOWDOGS: Can you share some of the highlights in your years of handling?
Cait: Wow, so many! An important one is the first time I qualified for the Junior Handler Competition at the KUSA Nationals. I was 12 and I was actually short-listed and placed 4th. That was a really amazing experience since I was really young compared to the other Juniors. It doesn’t have to do with Junior Handling, but when I won Best in Show with my Shiba in 2004, that was awesome! Then obviously, my first time at Crufts. There is no way of explaining that place. The only way you’ll actually understand what all the fuss is about is by going there yourself! The absolute pinnacle of my handling was winning at Crufts. I mean, you can’t go any further than that! I was so happy for the dog community in South Africa because it’s a great way for it to get the attention it deserves.

SHOWDOGS: What is your favourite breed to handle? Do you own the dog that you handle the most? And next favourites?
Cait: My favourite breed to show is the Australian Shepherd. They’re so glamorous and boy, they can move! I love a dog that can really move around the ring, kinda like they own it, you know?! The best dog in the world to handle (ie Aussie) does not belong to me, he belongs to Maurice and Sue Ridsdale from Amanzimtoti. I love that dog so much. Most, if not all, of my success is because of him! I adore my Shiba - they’re also great to show. One day I would like to show Akitas and Samoyeds, I really like both those breeds.

SHOWDOGS: Which breed or group of breeds do you find the most challenging to handle?
Cait: Wow, I'm not really sure! I haven’t exactly shown every breed. I get really nervous when I handle Toys though! They’re so tiny, I'm always so afraid I’ll break one of their legs or something! I find Staffies quite challenging because they’re so strong. If I have to single out a group, I’d have to say Terriers are the trickiest, simply because they have so much attitude and if they don’t feel like doing something, they won’t.

SHOWDOGS: You’ve represented South Africa twice at Crufts. What were the most noticable differences between each trip? Did you meet up with anyone who was also there for a second or third time?
Cait: This year was about a thousand times better than last year! The people I met this year were totally amazing! I have made a friend for life! The girl who represented Australia this year, Emma, and I bonded really well! I think it was because we’re both so loud! There were about 5 or 6 people from last year who came again this year. Last year, the girl from New Zealand and I really got on well and are still in email contact today. I think the fact that it was my second time and I was more relaxed made a huge difference. I was a lot more friendly with the other Juniors and so, had a lot more fun!

SHOWDOGS: Tell us about Cait, the person. Do you have other interests? What are your career plans?
Cait: I’ve been told im eccentric by my friends! I'm really loud and laugh all the time! I absolutely LOVE drama and I'm very involved in cultural activities at school. My passion, I guess, is film making. All I want is to be at the Academy Awards one day. My mom gets so fed up because I watch the same movie over and over and know all the words! I absolutely love movies and I'm hoping to study Film Production at AFDA Film College in Cape Town. So, as you might have guessed, I love going to the movies and watching movies with my friends. I just love spending time with my family and friends and of course, I love dog shows. After winning Crufts, I was actually offered a professional handling job in the UK next year. Nothing's been confirmed though, but it would be a great way to spend my gap year.

SHOWDOGS: Do you have some solid advice for other Junior Handlers?
Cait: Just enjoy it. I know that’s the corniest thing I could ever say, but it’s true. Your dog will perform better if you’re enjoying what you’re doing. If you’re hoping to do really well, you have to handle as many breeds as you can. Don’t take it too seriously, that just ruins it for everyone. Use handling as an opportunity to make friends with people who have the same interest as you do.

SHOWDOGS: Do you have any amusing judging anecdotes to share with us?
Cait: Not really. Except for the first time I entered my Shiba in the breed ring. During my triangle, he stopped in the middle of the ring and peed for about five minutes. Seriously, it was so long that people started clapping!

SHOWDOGS thanks you most sincerely for speaking with us, Cait, and we wish you a bright future with your dogs.

And Cait had this to add:

Crufts 2006 was probably the most amazing experience of my life so far. I’m sure I will never forget it. I met the most fantastic people and was able to handle an amazing dog. I would just like to thank everybody who has ever supported me. Support is what got me this far. Thank you, Gail Green, who offered her help, time and dogs to me all those years ago. Without her, I would not have been able to even get started in this sport. I would like to thank Lois Wilson, who not only introduced me to one of my favourite breeds, but has also given me invaluable help, advice and guidance throughout my handling career. To Tony Williams, who shared with me his knowledge and expertise and gave me the chance to handle Corgis and Tibetan Terriers, thank you. To Mark and Gerla Anderson, who have been so supportive of my handling. To Maurice and Sue Ridsdale, for letting me handle their marvellous Aussie. Sue, thank you for your amazing grooming, for getting to the shows early just for me, and to both of you, thank you for your wonderful love and support. Thank you to everybody who has ever let me handle their beloved dogs, you helped me gain the experience that I needed to win at Crufts. Thank you to my awesome family and friends who make my life worth living. Lastly, thank you to my fabulous mom. If it weren’t for her love and passion for dogs, I would never have been able to accomplish what I have. Thank you for getting up early, putting up with me at shows and for your awesome love, support and encouragement. Thank you to the dog community of South Africa, I was honoured to represent you and this success is just as much yours as it is mine.

To the future junior handlers of South Africa, I wish you all the success in the world for your futures, go out there and make us proud, guys!