Dog shows are a celebration of beauty, talent and the deep connection between humans and their canine companions. But beyond the glimmer of ribbons and the accolades, a powerful movement is unfolding — one that puts safety, education and respect center stage. That movement is SHOW-SAFE.

In just one year, SHOW-SAFE has emerged as a transformative force in the world of dog shows. What started as a spark of fury ignited by injustice has become a national non-profit rooted in courage, community and a deep commitment to change.

How It All Began

The story of SHOW-SAFE begins not with an organization, but with a woman — Carissa Shimpeno. A respected professional handler and 2019 AKC RHP Handler of the Year, Carissa should have been basking in the glow of achievement. Instead, she felt an unsettling imposter syndrome that she couldn’t shake.

In a candid conversation with her mentor, Carissa shared her buried truth for the first time outside of her closest circle: She was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Her daughter had just turned eight — the same age Carissa was when the abuse began. That moment was a mirror, reflecting a past she could no longer ignore.

The grief, the rage, the memories of staying silent when others were hurt — all of it came rushing back. And Carissa’s friends, without hesitation, took action. AKC RHP handlers were soon required to complete SafeSport training, a small but significant first step.

But Carissa knew that wasn’t enough.

A few months later, when news broke that a professional handler who had been convicted of sexually abusing his young assistant was returning to the dog-show ring after serving a 12-year prison sentence — and was being welcomed by some members of the community — Carissa’s heartbreak turned into outrage. When some people said, “He paid his debt to society,” “He won’t do it again,” or “He deserves a second chance,” she and others were told to move on. Instead, Carissa took to Facebook and wrote a post that resonated across the sport. The tipping point had arrived.

What Carissa didn’t yet know was that, far from her own circle, another group of dog-show friends had been talking. What began as casual Zoom trivia nights during the pandemic often ended with deep discussions about the state of the sport and the need to support survivors. They were professionals, community leaders and dog lovers who knew they had the resources, professional connections and the drive to make real change.

A Movement Finds Its Momentum

When an AKC judge was arrested for allegedly distributing child pornography in March 2024, these two forces converged.

Adam King — who, just a few months before, had judged Junior Showmanship at the iconic National Dog Show in Orlando — was arrested based on evidence that provided probable cause of a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A, related to child pornography, including the creation, distribution and possession of such material.

When news of his arrest broke, the dog-show community was shaken. Shock quickly gave way to a deep sense of betrayal and outrage. Many couldn’t believe that someone so recently entrusted with judging young handlers at one of the sport’s most prestigious events was alleged to have committed such horrific crimes. For others, it was a painful confirmation of long-held concerns that had too often been dismissed or ignored.

This moment marked a turning point — a collective realization that silence was no longer an option. The time for quiet discomfort had passed. It was time to take action.

Conversations began. Alliances formed. A movement was born. The dog-show community experienced a wave of urgency and resolve. Calls were made. Ideas shared. Angela Lloyd introduced Carissa and Lindsay Fetters to Kiki Courtelis, Idi McConnie and Lynn Fitzgerald. What followed was a whirlwind of determination, planning and purpose.

Lindsay and Idi spent an intense weekend crafting a letter to the AKC board of directors calling for bold, preventative action. Despite never having met before, they connected instantly — as if they’d always been teammates and lifelong friends. Meanwhile, Kiki jumped into action, handling the incorporation, bylaws and non-profit registration, and launching the organization’s website.

At the American Pointer Club (APC) National that same week, word spread quickly. Members of the APC came forward, ready to help (which is why the Pointer community is highly represented among the board of directors). The community was waking up.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Strategic thinkers Idi and Lindsay quickly began marathon late-night sessions to craft SHOW-SAFE’s mission, vision, core values, strategic plan and organizational structure. Kiki laid the foundation for a sustainable, impactful organization. Julian McConnie prepared the IT infrastructure. Lynn brought the reality checks and her team-forming expertise. Angela began curating a powerhouse executive board representing survivors, social workers, handlers, professionals, technologists and advocates. Carissa ensured that everyone kept the momentum going.

When recruiting the board of directors, Angela, Kiki, Carissa, Idi and Lindsay set out to bring together respected figures from the dog-show community — individuals whose diverse strengths and experiences would provide the sustainability and respectability SHOW-SAFE‘s mission needs. This is a group hand-picked not just for their reputations but for their readiness to act. Their collective expertise spans across handling, judging, strategic planning, social work, management, operations, leadership, policy development and more, equipping SHOW-SAFE with the resources to make a real, lasting impact. In a sport where credibility is everything, this team is essential for ensuring that SHOW-SAFE’s message is heard and respected. Their presence not only lends SHOW-SAFE the legitimacy it needs but also propels the organization forward with the momentum to change the culture of the dog show community for good.

The Problem Is Bigger Than Us — But So Is Our Resolve

Nationally, the statistics are sobering: One in five girls and one in 20 boys will experience sexual abuse, with most victims between the ages of seven and 13. This problem extends far beyond the dog-show community and encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional and psychological harm. Elder abuse, harassment and bullying are also pervasive issues in many spaces, including our sport.

While the dog-show world is not immune to these harsh realities, this group understood that they were uniquely positioned to lead the charge in change. Rooted in tradition, trust and family values, the dog-show community has the foundation to build a future where safety, inclusion and respect are prioritized just as much as the standards upheld in the ring. By standing up now, SHOW-SAFE and its supporters are shaping a legacy where every participant — especially our youngest handlers — can feel secure and valued, knowing that their well-being is a shared responsibility.

SHOW-SAFE’s mission was built on unwavering core values that guide every decision, program and conversation. At its heart are Integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability to build trust within the community; Respect, which celebrates the dignity of every participant and the diversity of voices in the sport; Safety, prioritizing an environment where everyone, especially Junior handlers, can participate with confidence; Advocacy, focusing on education and the promotion of policies that actively deter misconduct; and Collaboration, forging partnerships to create a safer and more inclusive future for the dog-show community.

As Kiki Courtelis, chairperson of SHOW-SAFE, puts it, “These values are not just words on paper; they are the foundation upon which we stand. They drive everything we do — from how we educate the community to how we advocate for meaningful change. This is about creating a space where every individual is valued, safe and empowered to thrive.”  

What Is SHOW-SAFE Doing With Your Support?

Every dollar donated to SHOW-SAFE supports strategic, life-changing initiatives designed to protect, educate and empower the dog-show community. These initiatives include Educational Workshops and Digital Resources, offering training through webinars, podcasts and workshops on safety, respectful conduct and bystander intervention; Immediate Support and After-Care Services, providing real-time assistance and healing pathways for those affected by abuse in the community; and Leadership Development, which cultivates a new generation of leaders committed to safety, equity and excellence in the sport.

Angie, who leads the Leadership Development program, emphasizes, “Our goal is to nurture a pipeline of leaders who will carry forward the principles of respect, safety and integrity. By investing in their growth today, we are ensuring a stronger, more responsible dog-show community for tomorrow.” SHOW-SAFE ensures transparency by investing donor funds directly into these essential programs, building a foundation for a future where everyone in the sport is empowered and protected.

What About Reporting Offenders?

A common question we receive is whether SHOW-SAFE reports offenders. The answer is NO — SHOW-SAFE is not an enforcement agency. Our mission is victim focused, and protecting the privacy of survivors is paramount. We believe that by prioritizing the needs and healing of the victims, we can foster a safer and more supportive community. Our role is centered on prevention and empowerment. We provide resources to help participants recognize grooming behaviors and abuse red flags, empowering individuals to take appropriate action through event officials, AKC channels or law enforcement when necessary.

SHOW-SAFE’s goal is not just to support survivors but to create an environment that deters abusers. By demonstrating our commitment to protecting victims, we send a strong message that misconduct will not be tolerated. 

“We want to make abusers uncomfortable — let them know that the dog-show community is a place for safety, not exploitation,” chairperson Kiki Courtelis says. “When they see we are here to protect victims, we change the game.”

Focusing on the abuser is the responsibility of law enforcement and the proper authorities. Our focus remains on building a culture of healing, support and prevention. Documenting offenders or concentrating on their identities detracts from our mission to create a culture of healing and respect, where victims are supported and protected.

How You Can Help

Whether you’ve been part of the dog-show community for decades or are just starting out, there’s a place for you in this movement. By becoming a member of SHOW-SAFE, you become an essential part of a collective effort to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all. Membership gives you the tools and the platform to actively engage in our mission, allowing you to take a stand and make a real impact. Once you’re a member, you can volunteer at events or educational initiatives, contributing your time and expertise to empower others and spread awareness. Your donations are also critical — every dollar helps fund vital programs and resources, ensuring that SHOW-SAFE can continue its important work of education, advocacy and victim support. Educating yourself through SHOW-SAFE’s accessible online tools allows you to foster a culture of respect and safety within our community. And most importantly, you can advocate by spreading the word, standing up when something feels wrong, and being an ally to those who need it most.

 “Becoming a member and volunteering is not just about supporting an organization,” says Remy Smith, SHOW-SAFE’s membership director. “It’s about becoming part of a collective effort to ensure that no one is ever alone in their fight for safety and respect.”

A Future Fueled by Hope

Best-selling author Dan Heath once said, “Big problems are rarely solved with commensurately big solutions. Instead, they are most often solved by a sequence of small solutions.”

SHOW-SAFE embodies that truth. One conversation led to one post. One post led to one team. One team sparked a movement. Join SHOW-SAFE in this mission to protect the most vulnerable and make our community stronger for everyone. Because every handler, every Junior, every breeder, judge and spectator deserves to feel safe.

Today, SHOW-SAFE stands as a beacon of what’s possible when courage meets community. This isn’t just about stopping abuse — it’s about building a culture where integrity, inclusion and safety are the standard, not the exception.

This is how change happens. And SHOW-SAFE is just getting started!