Stephanie Batchelder shows Willie.

Paula Lovett and Willie will be competing in Conformation at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championships scheduled for this weekend, Dec. 4-5, in Long Beach, Calif.

As a way of acknowledging Alaskans' incredible achievements, this week the Dog Blog is introducing some of the Alaska competitors in a Q&A format.

Here's Paula and Willie, true teammates who make each other look good in the ring.

Dog's Registered Name: White Oaks Willie Nelson

Call name: Willie

Breed: Australian Shepherd

Dog's Age: 4

Hometown: Kenai

Handler/owner: Paula Lovett

Occupation: Procurement Specialist

Event you'll be competing in at the AKC/Eukanuba Nationals: Conformation

How long have you been showing/competing with dogs? 10 years

Always same breed? Yes

Top finishes/titles/honors: Group 2 win

Best features/attributes: Willie's best attribute is his loving nature and he loves to show!

First time to Eukanuba Nationals? Yes!

Goals for the show? To experience everything! and maybe an Award of Merit.

Anything else people should know about you and your dog? Willie manages to make me look good as I am a awful handler. We are a team!