A Growing Experience
By James Clark

My name is James Clark, I am eighteen, and I live in Indianapolis, Indiana. I have been involved in purebred dogs for a substantial part of my life, and have been seriously showing in Junior Showmanship and Conformation for three years. My smooth Collie, Phoenix, has been my show dog, and we have been ranked in both Juniors and Breed standings.

Competing in Junior showmanship has been a monumental growing experience for me, and it has prepared me for my future as a handler and breeder. Through Juniors, I've learned how to deal with stress, nerves, how to present myself in addition to my dog, and the importance of commitment, perseverance, and good friends.

In addition to Juniors, I have also been involved in my local 4-H dog program, volunteering and competing, and I have gotten Rally Novice titles with two dogs.

In the future, I plan on becoming a professional handler and a breeder. Collies will always be my breed, and I will always be involved with the Collie Club of America.

There are many people that I would like to thank tor helplng me achieve all that I have. Firstly, my parents for all that they have done to support me in all my endeavors. I would also like to give a big thank you to Mary Jane Anderson and Susan Calvert, for breeding Phoenix, and to the entire Indiana Collie Club for all of their support.


James Clark is a recipient of the AKC Junior Showmanship Scholarship.