Published: October 28, 2009 10:12 am      

County teen shines as dog handler

Rush Springs' AKC Junior Handler Laur'en Jordan is one of only two Oklahomans who qualified to compete in Junior Showmanship at the 2009 AKC Eukanuba National Championship Invitational and The American Kennel Club’s 125th Anniversary celebration in Long Beach, Calif.

The invitation-only event is set for Dec. 12-13.

The AKC National Championship requires a specific grade point average as part of the eligibility criteria. Top junior h, 9 to 18, are invited to demonstrate their expertise for an opportunity to receive a $2,000 scholarship.

In addition, the top 25 dogs in every AKC recognized breed and variety, every Bred By Exhibitor Champion, Best in Show winner, and the winner of each breed’s National Specialty show during the qualification period, are also invited to compete.

Jordan, 13, is the daughter of Dan and ElizaBeth Jordan and granddaughter of Anne and the late Manuel Jordan, all of Rush Springs, and granddaughter of Dave and Betty Thomas of Chickasha.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is one of the most highly competitive events in dog shows. The culmination of a year of canine competition, it is simulcast on Discovery and Animal Planet and will be broadcast Jan. 30 on Animal Planet & Discovery Channel. Check local listings for exact time.

Nearly 2,500 of the world’s top canine competitors from 50 states and 40 nations will vie for Best in Show honors and a total of $225,000 at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

The show is held in conjunction with the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC Obedience Invitational, making for a combined entry of nearly 4,000 dogs competing in the three events over the two day period.

This year, the inaugural Eukanuba World Challenge will also be held. This international competition will feature top dogs from 40 nations and six continents competing for $20,000 in prizes.

For Americans, this is an especially important show because the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship serves as the only all-breed qualifying show in the United States for entry into Crufts — the world’s largest dog show held annually in the United Kingdom.

Laur’en had an amazing 2009 show year. She has handled more than 25 different breeds of canines in the open classes, winning many championship points and even guiding a few canines to their champion titles.

Laur’en has earned five best junior awards and more than 15 first class placements in the open intermediate juniors ring.

Beside training and showing canines, Laur’en also enjoys being with her family and friends, reading, riding horses and helping with the youth activities at church.

She participates in the school’s high school band, junior high softball team and track. Laur’en is active in the schools Gifted and Talented program, academic team. She is an 8th grade student council representative and on middle school honor roll.