Hannah and Pokey compete in AKC (American Kennel Club) Junior Showmanship events, which take place throughout the United States. To qualify, they had to earn five first place wins in the Open division. Showmanship is an event that judges both the dog and the handler as they present in the show ring. Hannah and Pokey are currently ranked #1 in the country in the Junior Basset Hound breed standings. Last year they fell one win short of qualifying for the national championship.

What makes this story so special is the fact Pokey was adopted by Hannah from Gainesville Pet Rescue. Hannah has had a passion for animals all her life. The family already had a dog, but when Hannah joined the Gator Paws 4-H Dog Club she decided she wanted her own dog to show. So she saved up her money to adopt one, and on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2005, Hannah and her family went to Gainesville Pet Rescue and found Pokey. In only a year and a half of life Pokey already had three owners. Hannah and Pokey immediately fell in love, and Hannah became Pokey’s fourth, and final, owner. With a lot of love and training they have formed a winning partnership in and out of the show ring.

Please think of adopting a pet from your local shelter, there are tons of animals waiting to be saved by You! Every day thousands are put to sleep. Did you know that almost every breed of dog has a rescue league? Help the animals by having them spade and neutered.