The Power of Junior Handling and Stella’s Journey to Shine
February 14, 2026
When Stella turned eight, she didn’t ask for a big birthday party with her classmates.
She asked to go to a dog show.
There were balloons and streamers decorating the setup, and cupcakes shared ringside. Fellow Juniors sang "Happy Birthday" during competition. She wore a birthday shirt before changing into her ring dress, and in between celebrating, she did what she loves most.
"Going in the ring," Stella says simply, when asked what she enjoys most about Junior Handling.
That love for the sport has grown quickly. Stella began in PeeWee at six years old and finished the 2025 season in Junior Open. In just two seasons, her confidence has soared, something her mom, Rianna, has witnessed firsthand.
"Junior Handling has been night and day for my daughter’s confidence," Rianna says. "First season to second season she’s a whole new kid. Her personality has bloomed and her confidence has grown so much."
The ring hasn’t always felt easy. Stella remembers her first time vividly.
"The first time was really scary and I cried," says Stella.
Now, the nerves are still there, but they feel different.
"Now it’s still scary to go in the ring, but it’s like an exciting scary. I’m excited all day for my turn, but I still get nervous."
That shift didn’t happen alone. Rianna describes a conformation community that shows up for its Juniors in ways big and small.
"The conformation community as a whole wants to see the kids succeed. In every situation, adults are ready to step up on behalf of the kids. Offering dogs, making them aware of ring times, offering encouragement. I’m not sure if other exhibitors know how much those tiny interactions mean to the kids." 
She recalls one pivotal show when Stella was still finding her footing. After reaching out for advice on encouraging a young Junior, the response was overwhelming.
"At that show, adults sought her out to tell her how gorgeous her dress was. Another Junior brought her a glittery bag with grooming tools, a little apron, bubbles and candy. When we went ringside someone started playing Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, Stella’s favourite song, so by the time she went into the ring she was grinning ear to ear and strutting like a queen."
"That was the turning point," says Rianna.
From that moment on, Stella begged to attend every show and handling class. When she chose to celebrate her birthday at a dog show, the community once again stepped in, decorating, celebrating, and making the weekend unforgettable. Rianna also speaks passionately about the mentorship Stella has received.
"Our rep, Bonnie White, has answered a million and a half questions. Her daughter Madison checks in with Stella every show and talks kid to kid about things to do in the ring. The kids look out for each other, encourage each other, calm each other’s nerves."
Even when things don’t go as planned, support is immediate. At one specialty, a dog offered to Stella proved too rambunctious.
"Another handler stepped in before I could even blink. She had Stella pep talked and a new dog to go back out with so fast there was no time for it to be anything but a good experience."
For Rianna, that safety net means everything.
"As a parent I love that feeling of knowing someone always has the kids’ backs if something doesn’t go as planned."
Stella has already handled Miniature Poodles, German Wirehaired Pointers and Golden Retrievers, and has practised with spaniels. Her favourite remains the Mini Poodle.
"I have fun with the hairdo," she says proudly. Looking ahead, she is "really excited to go to Zones for the first time" and is determined to earn a Best Overall Junior ribbon.
"I got a Reserve, but I don’t have that giant one yet," she says. "So, I’m going to try to get one of those this year."
For parents wondering whether to get involved, Rianna does not hesitate.
"Absolutely do it. I can not believe the difference a single season of showing made, let alone how much she grew in her second season. It doesn’t matter if you don’t own a dog or have never shown before. The community will help guide you. Everyone watches out for the kids and wants them to have good experiences and succeed."
Junior Handling has given Stella more than ribbons and ring time. It has given her mentorship, friendship, courage, and a place where she feels completely at home. And for one determined eight-year-old in New Brunswick, that ring has become a space where she can shine.
Stella’s story is just one example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to step into the ring and discover what they’re capable of. Through the Canadian Kennel Club’s Junior Handling program, children across Canada are building confidence, forming friendships, and finding their own place to shine.
If your child is ready to try something new, we invite you to explore Junior Handling and see where the journey could take them.
Find out how to get involved by clicking here.
The opinions expressed by authors on the Canadian Kennel Club Blog and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of the Canadian Kennel Club or any of its employees.
Les opinions et les commentaires exprimés dans le blogue du Club Canin Canadien sont ceux des auteurs et ils ne reflètent pas les opinions du Club Canin Canadien ni de ses employés.
Maddie Demarte
Maddie Demarte is the Social Media and Communications Lead at the Canadian Kennel Club, where she leads social media strategies and content creation. With a strong background in communications, Maddie previously worked as a Communications Officer at the Georgetown Hospital Foundation, focusing on newsletters, social media, and marketing campaigns. Before that, she spent over five years with Rogers Sports & Media, including roles as a Reporter/Editor and Reporter/Anchor, where she honed her skills in journalism, social media best practices, and content production. With a passion for effective communication, Maddie brings expertise in social media marketing, written communication, videography, and online engagement to her role at the CKC.