My first introduction to the world of purebred dogs was with my mom's Standard Schnauzer, Hogan. Hogan was, in my mind, the perfect first dog. He introduced both me and my mom to dog sports, drawing us into conformation, agility, and obedience. While he was my mother's dog and she carried the burden of training, he, in turn, became my teacher. At nine, I was old enough to be registered through the American Kennel Club as a junior handler and join my local club as a junior member, although I had already been attending and watching meetings, shows, and classes with my mom for years prior. I remember my nerves of my first junior handler class and my first agility run, but Hogan helped calm my nerves and held my hand through it all. Ever since, I have been hooked on dog sports and the joys of owning my purebred dogs. My foundation in dog training, handling, and behavior set me on the path of pursuing a professional career working with animals. Along with my passion for horseback riding and horsemanship, this made that decision an easy one. Later, I developed a desire to direct that passion toward veterinary medicine. Middle school created the initial spark, I had the chance to see behind the scenes of my local veterinary clinic and gain a real understanding of what veterinary medicine involves, and I was set. Subsequent visits, shadowing experiences, and an eventual part-time job helped me see the passion that every single employee in the veterinary field shares, and I knew I had to be part of it. The ability to help those who cannot advocate for themselves is a powerful tool, and one that I believe few can succeed in. My biggest hope is to be an impactful part of that community and help others have the best and healthiest experience with their animals. Education is a crucial component in maintaining and promoting healthy populations. Sources like the AKC Humane Fund and other AKC-sponsored veterinary outreach and education programs are vital in promoting veterinarian-client education regarding purebred dogs, breeding, ethics, and responsible ownership. If knowledge about the benefits of owning purebred dogs, such as predictable temperament, health, and behavior, were more widespread, I believe purebred dog ownership would be much more common. An important aspect of that is emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible breeding practices and addressing the stigma that currently surrounds the practice. Supporting responsible and ethical breeding and ownership will not only help preserve purpose-bred dogs but also create a safer environment for all dog owners through better understanding of behaviors and needs that align with their lifestyles and capabilities. My own successes and experiences in owning, training, and showing purebred dogs have given me a nuanced perspective on animal ownership and management, which I believe would benefit others if given the resources and opportunities to learn. This perspective helped lead me toward a career in veterinary medicine, and I hope to use my future profession to help others understand the importance and benefits of purebred dogs.