War Hero Competes in the National Dog Show

This year, the 2011 National Dog Show Presented by Purina will have a special competitor; war hero US Army Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum will be showing her Gordon Setter. BG Cornum is a decorated service woman, renowned for her service to her country during the Gulf War. This is BG Cornum's first time competing in the National Dog Show, and Petside had a chance to talk with her before she walks on to one of the biggest stages in the dog show world.

Petside: You have had a distinguished 33-year military career. You've also had a career in the world of showing dogs that pre-dates even your military career. What made you decide to start showing dogs?

BG Cornum: As you know, my dog showing long pre-dates my military career. It began when I read many books, all about Irish Setters. I honestly just thought it was a great idea, and so I started showing dogs. Those books were sort of an inspiration, and I haven't looked back since.

Petside: Are there any skills that translate from your military career into the world of showing dogs?

BG Cornum: I would definitely say that military skills transfer over into the dog showing world. In the military, we have some basic principles. I will always place the mission first. I will never quit. I will never accept defeat. In dog shows, I think its important for competitive handlers to remember these things. Things will happen during a show that will jolt you, or that will throw you off your game so to speak. You can't get discouraged. You can't beat yourself up over things that are out of your control. Its lessons like these that the Army helped teach me that are definitely applicable to dog shows.

Petside: The National Dog Show is one of the biggest stages in the dog showing world. This is your first time showing your dog in it. What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

BG Cornum: Honestly, what I'm hoping to gain from this experience is...experience. I've never been to the show, and so I'm interested in finding out what exactly goes into being in the show. I'm hoping to learn the dos and don'ts of the National Dog Show, and use these learnings to come back a second time next year.

Petside: You have served your country and received a number of much deserved distinctions. What would it mean to receive a distinction at the National Dog Show with your Gordon Setter?

BG Cornum: Well, it's a totally different experience. The military profession and serving my country is what I do as my job. It is completely rewarding, but dog shows are a side passion of mine.

When I was deploying a lot for the military, I took a 10-15 year hiatus from showing dogs. I recently got back into it in 2000, and it made me realize how much I missed the sport. Truly, I am passionate about it, and that's why receiving a distinction would be such an honor.