2025 Sally P. Sullivan Handler of the Year Award Recipient
Aurelia B. Carter
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Aurelia, a retired first-grade teacher, met Sally Sullivan at a hunting test nearly 40 years ago, and they quickly formed a close friendship. Aurelia eventually relocated to Sally's cherished Borderline Plantation, where they engaged in daily training sessions alongside many others. She became a dedicated mentor to new amateur handlers, guiding several to success at the national level, many of whom are present at the 2025 Master Amateur Invitational.
Aurelia's experience in teaching young children, her unwavering desire for continuous learning and improvement, and her innate kindness have fostered strong connections with both dogs and their handlers. She particularly excels in working with puppies. Furthermore, Aurelia has served on the board of the Tallahassee Hunting Retriever Club in various capacities, including as president, and is also a member of the Wiregrass Hunting Retriever Club. As a junior, senior, and master judge, she has played a vital role in supporting and running hunt tests at all levels. Dogs are her passion; she has participated in and qualified for Master National events, as well as the Master Amateur competition. Her beloved Borderlines Irish Whiskey is honored in the Master National Hall of Fame. At the age of 87, Aurelia handled her dog at the 2024 Master National in Paducah, Kentucky, and has made the journey to Maine to run her dog, Duncan. It is with great honor that we recognize Aurelia as the recipient of the inaugural Sally P. Sullivan Handler of the Year award. I am confident that Sally would be proud. |