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.: About Ivan Fabina and Fab Handling
My name is Ivan Fabina and I am currently enrolled in my fourth year at the University of Guelph, Honours B.Sc. Biological science program. From an early age I have owned and loved dogs, but I really got involved in purebreds about four years ago when I bought my first purebred Labrador Retriever puppy. Even though he turned out not to meet the standard, he was the best dog that I ever had and allowed me to get more involved in purebred dogs. Interested in the show ring, I took some classes at a local kennel club, where I had met some of the most amazing people. Little did I know that through my love of dogs and the influences of the members, my love for the conformation show ring would blossom. This winding path came to a sharp turn in my life when my beloved dog passed away suddenly from a heart attack, and in turn crushed my heart moreso. Although I knew he was a poorly bred purebred, I never expected for him to be gone so soon as he was never diagnosed with any heart problems. |
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Thanks to the generosity of the many wonderful breeders I have met while being part of the local kennel club, I have been fortunate enough to broaden my horizon and meet other breeders, vets, groomers and handlers. Currently I co-own 4 Shelties. One with Heather Walton (Aberdale Shelties) and three with Cyndy Ermel (Cermel Shelties); Reece, Daisy, Suzi and TJ respectively.
I want to give a big thanks to all those who have helped me, and allowed me to show their dogs. I have learned so much about feeding, inheritable genetics, testable hereditary disorders, whelping, AI, vaccinations and of course dog showing. In the past, I have also helped organized CERF eye clinics. Even though sometimes we don't understand why people and animals come into and leave our lives, I truely believe that there is a reason for everything. For me there was no positive outlook of my Lab passing at the age of four, and there is not a day that goes by that I wouldn't give everything I own to have him back. He came into my life and enriched it for four years, introduced me to the world of dog showing, and allowed me to meet some of the greatest people that I can truly say are my best friends.
The current dogs, that I am absolutely honoured to handle, are all companions first and are treated no different when they are here with us being shown by Fab Handling. Win or lose in the show ring, its about having fun! Too often, people lose sight of the joy of owning and showing a dog, and become focused on winning. From someone who has lost a big part of myself, please know this...
‘Whether you take home a big rosette or a white ribbon, know that you have already won because you take home the greatest prize of all; a dog that only has love, happiness and the desire to please to offer.'
-IF
Watch for me at dog shows, and don't be shy to come introduce yourself/meet me. I promise I don't bite!
Ivan Fabina and the Fab Handling Team | | |
