Kim Oatway, the owner of a four-year-old performance dog from St. Catharines, was pleasantly surprised when her rottweiler named Shield was selected to compete in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. Despite never having considered entering the show world before, Oatway embraced the opportunity to showcase Shield’s star quality in the working dog category. This category focuses on dogs with active personalities suited for tasks like guarding property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues, rather than rigorous performances like jumping through hoops or over hurdles. This new experience marks a departure from Oatway’s past involvement in dog sports like agility and obedience.
Shield, bred by Esmond Rottweilers in Little Britain, was originally trained in obedience and agility at Jane Book’s Dog School. His journey to Westminster began when Oatway was sidelined with a knee injury and missed the Canadian Rottweiler Nationals in 2023. At the competition, Shield won two awards – the national specialty and regional specialty awards – which caught the attention of handler Bonnie Fisher. Fisher suggested applying to Westminster, leading to Shield’s acceptance into the prestigious show amongst 23 other rottweilers and 2,500 other dogs. Oatway credits Fisher for bringing the idea to her attention, as participating in Westminster was something she had never considered due to its reputation as a showcase for the “best of the best”.
In preparation for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Oatway will once again entrust Shield to the guidance of handler Bonnie Fisher, as nerves may get the best of her. However, Oatway will be anxiously watching ringside, hoping to see Shield make a memorable appearance in the competition. She expresses her excitement at the prospect of having Shield compete at such a prestigious event, especially since she has never attended something like it before. The experience of watching Shield showcase his talents in the show ring will be a new and thrilling adventure for Oatway and Shield alike.
The opportunity to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show represents a significant milestone in Shield’s journey from a young pup undergoing training to a potential star on the show circuit. With the support of Oatway and handler Bonnie Fisher, Shield has the chance to shine amongst his fellow competitors and demonstrate his skills and personality in the working dog category. While Oatway may not consider herself a “show person”, she is excited to see Shield’s performance in this new setting and hopes for a successful showing at the prestigious event. The experience of competing at Westminster will undoubtedly be a memorable and rewarding experience for both Oatway and Shield.
The unexpected opportunity for Shield to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show serves as a testament to his talent and potential as a show dog. Despite Oatway’s initial reservations about entering the show world, Shield’s success at previous competitions and the encouragement from handler Bonnie Fisher paved the way for his acceptance into the esteemed event. The journey to Westminster showcases the dedication and hard work of both Oatway and Shield, as they navigate the challenges and excitement of the competitive dog show world. As they prepare to take the ring at Westminster, Oatway and Shield are poised to make their mark and represent the best of their breed on a national stage.
