Local dog handler is best in show

OCALA — Larry Cornelius has received a steady flow of phone calls wishing him good luck from friends and colleagues around the country as they learn he is one of five nominees for a top award recognizing professional dog handlers.

"It feels great to be nominated, but I was not expecting it," Cornelius said. "It feels satisfying that people have noticed your hard work."

Cornelius will find out Feb. 7 if he'll take home the top honor when the Purina Pro Plan annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards are announced in New York City.

The event, scheduled prior to the start of the Westminster Kennel Club Show, is coordinated by Dogs In Review magazine. Allan Reznik, editor-in-chief of the magazine, said the professional handler of the year is one of five award categories known as the "Winkies."

The nominees were chosen by a panel of five judges.

Reznik said once the nominations are made, it is then up to magazine readers, mostly those in the dog show community, to vote for their top choice in each category. Ballots are printed in each Dogs In Review and must be returned by Jan. 5.

"Larry is someone who's proven himself in the show ring over the years," he said. "That they have seen fit to nominate Larry is a compliment to him."

In 2007, Cornelius was the handler for Willy, a Tibetan terrier who earned Best In Show at Crufts in England, the largest international dog show in the world. At the time, Cornelius said he felt like a cheater since it was his first time showing a dog at Crufts.

As for the nomination for Best Professional Handler of the Year, Cornelius was surprised to receive the notification in the mail. The full list of nominations will be annonuced in October.

"I know all of the past recipients of the award," he said. "It's something you don't get usually until later in your career. So to be nominated now is an honor."

Cornelius, who has been showing dogs since age 8, will have five dogs entered at Westminister.

While the show will be a busy time, Cornelius said, he has not given winning the top handler award much thought.

"But everyone is wishing me good luck," he said, "It's nice."

Harriet Daniels may be reached at harriet.daniels@starbanner.com or 867-4125.