Bryce Towle was recently announced as the AKC 2006 number one Junior Handler in the country for Curly-Coated Retreivers. Towle and his dog DownDaTrail It’s My Fantasy, better known as “Fancy,” competed in AKC dog shows throughout the year. They showed against other kids ages 9-18 years old. The kids are judged on the way they handle, present and show their dogs. Many long hours of practice and preparation go into this sport, as well as traveling to out of state competitions.

Towle, a sixth grade honor roll student at Fayette Middle School, has been successfully showing dogs since he was seven years old. He says he enjoys dog shows because his whole family can be involved. Everyone helps out and supports him. Towle points out that dog showing is a team sport. “You’re in the ring with your best friend - what could be better than that?”