Kim Oatway, the owner of a four-year-old performance dog named Shield, from St. Catharines, was surprised when the rottweiler secured entry into the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. Shield will be competing in the working dog category, which highlights animals with active personalities suited for tasks like guarding property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues. This would be a first for Oatway, as her previous dogs have been focused on performance activities like agility and obedience, rather than traditional dog shows. Shield, bred by Esmond Rottweilers in Little Britain, started his journey to Westminster with obedience and agility training at Jane Book’s Dog School.
Shield’s path to Westminster began when Oatway, laid up with a bum knee, did not participate in the Canadian Rottweiler Nationals in 2023. Despite this setback, Shield excelled at the competition, winning both the national specialty and regional specialty awards. Encouraged by handler Bonnie Fisher, Oatway decided to apply for entry into the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. After submitting a resume detailing Shield’s points and awards from other competitions, luck was on their side as officials at Westminster confirmed their entry. Shield will be among 23 other rottweilers and approximately 2,500 other dogs competing in the show held between May 11 and 14.
Due to nerves, Oatway has entrusted Fisher to handle Shield during the competition, while she watches anxiously from the sidelines. Despite not being a show person, Oatway is thrilled at the opportunity for Shield to participate in such a prestigious event. She hopes that Shield will at least make it to the lineup during the breed competition, and she is excited and grateful for the chance to experience the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the first time. This opportunity has opened up a new world for Oatway and Shield, showcasing their talents and potential on a grand stage.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is known for featuring the best of the best in the dog show world, making Shield’s entry into the competition a significant achievement. Shield’s active and intelligent personality suits the working dog category, where his skills and abilities can be highlighted. The training and preparation that Shield has undergone, along with his success at previous competitions, have led to this moment where he will compete alongside other top dogs from around the world. Oatway’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone and embrace this new experience reflects her dedication to Shield and their shared journey to Westminster.
The journey to Westminster for Shield has been a testament to Oatway’s dedication and Shield’s talent and potential as a show dog. Their success at previous competitions and the encouragement from their handler have paved the way for them to compete at such a prestigious event. The excitement and anticipation surrounding Shield’s participation in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show highlight the hard work and commitment that Oatway and Shield have put into their training and preparation. This opportunity not only showcases Shield’s abilities but also opens up new opportunities for growth and recognition in the dog show world. As they embark on this new chapter, Oatway and Shield are ready to shine on the grand stage of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
