Two times junior national dog handler excited to go international
Local junior national handler dreams of going to England to represent South Africa, again.
Sixteen-year-old Anita Schoeman is a two-time Kennel Union of Southern Africa Junior National Handler dreaming of representing South Africa during the Crufts Championship in England in March next year.
Anita and her family, who have lived in Honeydew for six years now, are appealing to the community to help raise funds for her journey to England.
She is extremely excited to participate on the international stage and bring home the rosettes.
“I have been working with and handling dogs since I can remember,” explained Anita, adding that she trained herself and is excited to be able to represent her country and community at Crufts again next year.
“How it all works is, we go and they give us an option of two breeds to handle. We then get about five minutes to meet the dog and see their personality before we are ushered out in the show ring with the dog in tow,” she noted that she is assessed by her and the dog she is showing’s body language towards each other as well as her interactions with the dog to keep it in line with what needs to be done.
“We sometimes have to walk in an L, reverse-L, and T patterns to show the dog. We have limited contact with the animal beforehand so you are never quite sure what you are dealing with.”
Anita’s passion for dogs and handling them runs through her blood.
“My little sister is following in my footsteps and my mom also took part in the shows,” she chuckled.
Apart from her handling, Anita also enjoys playing netball and is currently a member of the Representative Council of Learners at her school, Roodepark High School in Discovery.
“I received my provincial colours for handling in 2019, 2021, and 2022 and am hopeful to receive my 2023 colours later this year,” she exclaimed.
Her mom, Debbie Cronje, appealed to the community to help sponsor her daughter to reach her dreams in England next year.
“Anita will be wearing a jacket during her shows at Crufts and we want to put all the names of her sponsors on it to show our appreciation for their support.”
If you or someone you know would be interested in helping Anita go to Crufts, contact her mother, Debbie on 084 846 5684.
