TARRYTOWN, NY – Isabella “Izzy” Eaton, 14, of Clinton, an eighth-grader at Tahanto Regional Middle High School, was competing with professional handlers at the Westminster Dog Show this weekend, some of whom have been showing dogs there since before Izzy was born.
More:Izzy Eaton (in white dress, #7) showing a French bulldog at the Westminster Dog Show.
Izzy showed two dogs, both of which she co-owns. On Saturday, she took her turn in the ring with French bulldog, Jaime.
Her mother, Jocelyn Eaton, said she was proud of her daughter.
“In French bulldogs, she was pulled out for the initial cut, which was an honor to be out there with the top dogs,” she said.
Breeder and co-owner Gale Golden posted a Facebook summary of the day, praising Izzy’s performance:
“Today this young lady checked something BIG off her bucket list. Izzy Eaton showed her juniors dog in the breed ring at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This is significant because Izzy was showing with world class professionals and world class dogs. Fourteen year old Izzy represented Morgan Manor well, bringing her charge to the final cut of eight dogs, under respected judge Mr. David Kirkland, demonstrating her poise, expertise and grace under pressure.”
Golden noted that Izzy is not just a a co-owner in name only, but takes an active role in training Jaime.
“Izzy was not handed a finished champion dog trained by a professional. Izzy has worked with him since he was a puppy finishing his championship and then earning a grand championship. She picks him up from us when he is entered, cares for him at shows under adult guidance, and comes over to bath and groom him, too. We couldn’t be prouder of her and believe she will be rocking the ring for many years to come,” Golden posted.
On Sunday, it was time for Izzy to show her Great Dane, Riddick.
More:Izzy Eaton (#9 in black dress) showing her Great Dane, Riddick.
“In Great Danes, she was awarded an Award of Merit,” her mother said. “Awards of Merit are awarded at breed specialties, and large prestigious shows. They are given out to dogs the judge feels are the most worthy in the ring, behind the breed and select dogs. There were Great Danes in the ring competing from as far away as Costa Rica.
“Izzy had an amazing time showcasing her dogs, and spending time with friends she doesn’t get to see too often,” Jocelyn said. “Cheering on your friends makes the experience that much more fun. It was such an honor to be able to show at the Lyndhurst estate, such a change from the downtown city venue, but certainly something for the Westminster history books.
“As her mom, there is nothing that makes me more proud than seeing her excel at something she truly loves,” Jocelyn said. “I am her biggest fan; she blows me away with her poise and confidence.”
