Tim Thomas first became involved with pure bred dogs at the age of ten when his parents 

purchased their first Akita. From there, his family soon fell victim to the draw of the dog show 

world. Tim grew up at the dog shows, developing his handling skills through showing his 

parents Akitas, Norwegian Elkhounds and Shiba Inu as well as apprenticing for over six years 

with a professional handler. He has handled professionally since 1990. Tim graduated from the 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1991 with a B.S. in Mathematics Education, but fate led 

him to a life with the dogs. Tim presents breeds representing all seven of the groups. He has 

been fortunate to have handled All Breed Best in Show winners in four of the seven groups. He 

has also handled multiple dogs to National Specialty Best in Show, National Specialty Best of 

Opposite Sex and Westminster Best of Breed Winners. Tim resides in Slippery Rock, 

Pennsylvania with his wife Lisa, their two Jack Russell Terriers, “Kramer” & “Olive”, and their 

Clumber Spaniel “Giggles”. Growing up in the sport he learned the value of a local kennel club 

and still is extremely active with the Beaver County Kennel Club being a member since 1987. 

He has served on the Board of Directors for most of his time in the club and during that period 

has chaired many committees and has also acted as Show Chairman for the club’s fall show in 

1997 & 1998 and has been Show Chairman for its summer show in Canfield, OH as part of the 

Steel Valley Cluster since 1999.