By CCA Shining Star Committee
Co-Chairs: Corinne Boon and Deborah Gates
Committee Members: Candy Ardizzone, Danyall Benavides, Susie Green DeLorenzo, Candace Hunter, Lois and Bill Hall, and Jerry Sulewski.
Hailey Stoner serves as the committee liaison to the CCA Board of Directors.

Every year, the Collie Club of America selects the Shining Star Ambassador from entries submitted by Collie owners throughout the world. The awards program is open to any Collie that works in any of five categories: Service Dog; Therapy Dog; Library/Education Dog; Search and Rescue Dog; and Protector Dog. A Protector Dog has done any exceptionally good deed for his family or the community.

All the Shining Star applicants should be proud of all their accomplishments with their Collies. This year we awarded medallions to the category winners. All applicants meeting the Shining Star criteria receive a frame-worthy certificate.

The Collie/human team that is selected as the Shining Star Ambassador team is the representative of all the Shining Star nominees. You can read more about the CCA Shining Star Awards program at www.collieclubofamerica.org.

The Collie Club of America takes great pleasure in introducing the Shining Star Ambassador Team for 2025: Jared Wadley and Bree.

Jared Wadley is the lead public relations representative for the University of Michigan. Mr. Wadley volunteers extensively in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors of Therapaws of Michigan. He is an editor of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs Newsmagazine.

Here are Mr. Wadley’s words:

For more than 15 years, the velvet-soft presence of Collies has been the enduring symphony of my life, bringing excitement and compassion as dedicated therapy dogs. Therapy dog work has been a family activity. My two sons were certified junior handlers with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and they teamed with our second loyal Collie, Legend, on visits to the public library and VA Hospital.

As Legend neared the end of his decade-long service in 2022, our family found itself on a mission to identify a successor who could carry forward his noble legacy. And then, as if by some divine serendipity, we came across Bree – a delicate, angelic, and precociously wise white rough Collie with a blue merle head.

From the moment Bree bounded into our lives, her training evolved into a graceful dance. Our days were a mosaic of focused training sessions and laughter-filled walks. The crisp weekends entwined with her prancing through home improvement stores and pet-friendly shops for socialization exercises, with evenings committed to refining her obedience. She blossomed, and by her first birthday, there was no denying her calm and compassionate nature, rendering her an exceptional candidate for therapy work.

Bree’s innate therapy dog skills were proven beyond any doubt during a poignant chapter at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. On a somber February 13, 2023, evening, tragedy struck as a mass shooting unfolded across two campus buildings. A heavy silence fell as three students lost their lives and five others were wounded. The community was urged to shelter in place, transforming the vibrant campus and nearby city sections into zones of caution and concern. A swift and unified response by hundreds of law enforcement officers at all levels underscored the severity of the situation. In the aftermath, the gunman was discovered, having taken his own life, leaving a campus in mourning and a community seeking solace and answers.

We spent many extended hours on the MSU campus following the shootings. Bree’s tranquil presence amidst hundreds of grieving and anxious students, faculty, and staff became a healing balm.

Bree has illuminated countless lives with her loving presence, clocking more than 400 therapy visits (in-person and virtual) in the past two years. Her magic isn’t just in her obedient and gentle demeanor; it’s in the playful spirit that flickers in her eyes, igniting joy in everyone she encounters. Her distinctive markings make her endearing, fashioning her into a charming ambassador for the Collie breed, sparking smiles and satisfying conversations.

At Detroit Metro Airport, apprehensive travelers and diligent TSA staff look forward to seeing Bree through the Therapy Dog Program. She is a frequent participant at airport special events, including children with life-threatening illnesses getting a free plane ride.

Her trips to Mott Children’s Hospital transformed the emergency room and extended care floors into havens of hope, lifting the spirits of young patients and soothing their minds and bodies. In addition, the nurses and doctors find relaxation when Bree makes an appearance.

Bree’s compassion also extends to the brave warriors within our community. Her involvement with First Responder Therapy Dogs, fortified by rigorous additional training, has made her a beacon of tranquility during emergencies. At police and fire departments, ambulance services, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the county sheriff departments, her interactions with first responders have mitigated stress and depression. Her role expanded to community events, such as participating in five “Shop with a Cop” events, where children delighted in holiday shopping sprees with law enforcement officers, as well as learning about the grace and beauty of the Collie breed.

In the heart of 2024, Bree found herself deeply woven into the fabric of volunteer community efforts alongside first responders. During this profound journey, she attended two solemn funeral services: one for a brave officer who died in the line of duty, and another for a dedicated firefighter who succumbed to his battle with cancer. Bree offered a tender touch of support, wrapping hundreds of grieving family members and loved ones in a warm embrace of comfort during their most trying times. Her unwavering kindness served as a glimmer of light, gently reminding everyone of the strength found in unity and the healing power of a compassionate heart.

Through the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Animal Visitation Program, Bree brings elation to our dedicated veterans. She is often the sole therapy dog in veterans’ parades, proudly wearing her therapy vest as thousands of spectators wave their hand-held flags. During quieter times, she is eagerly welcomed at the regional VA Hospital and a military base. Bree provides a relaxing presence at “stand-downs,” where hundreds of veterans receive essential resources.

On the campuses of the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, Bree is a harbinger of peace. At U-M, she provides a calming escape for students navigating the challenges of exams and looming deadlines. Over at EMU, her appearances at demonstrations, student activities, and community gatherings, such as a Thanksgiving food drive, radiate happiness and foster togetherness during pivotal moments.

Bree’s tender spirit holds a special place for young minds, whether they are college students or little ones just learning the ways of the world. One sunny summer, she was in the jubilant company of children – many of whom had never seen a Collie – at a Safety Town lecture and Bike Rodeo. For the latter, the kids’ faces lit up with excitement as they received free bike locks and helmets, but they also learned about the importance of caring for their furry friends.

But Bree’s compassion didn’t stop there. She also brought her gentle spirit and empathy to a local school that had recently faced unimaginable sorrow. Two beloved classmates had tragically lost their lives to a drunk driver, leaving a void in the souls of their friends and teachers. Bree visited the memorial event, as well as the school, one week later. She spent time with more than one hundred grieving children, listening with genuine care. She gently reminded them that, even in the darkest times, they were not alone.

Her magic transcends the physical world, reaching across screens through Pets On Call, where she forms lasting bonds with individuals in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers nationwide. The patients learn about the breed and Bree’s many therapy adventures. Her appearances often evoke nostalgic memories, reminding many of the beloved “Lassie” they once adored on TV.

Bree has also participated in various community activities to champion significant causes. She lent her support to the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air event, where more than 500 first responders climbed the stairs of a baseball stadium to raise vital funds. Additionally, she participated in the American Heart Association Walk, a 5K event at a community college that inspired people to embrace healthier lifestyles. Through these events, Bree united the community in a beautiful display of solidarity and care.

Bree’s noble deeds have graced several news articles – including the Lansing State Journal (MSU Memorial) and MLive Media Group (Superheroes) – and TV appearances. Her social media presence (Instagram: @bree_the_therapydog) has been welcomed by thousands of followers. With daily posts featuring her playful antics, adorable expressions, and therapy visits, Bree’s account is a source of positivity.

Through every waltz and smile she has inspired, Bree has epitomized that Collies are not just wonderful companions, but exceptional therapy dogs. Her loving endeavors have brought boundless energy and comfort, capturing the minds and healing souls wherever she goes. Bree’s journey is a radiant testament to the unmatched love and solace a Collie can offer, embodying the unspoken language of the heart.

The Shining Star Committee has awarded Medallions to four Shining Star category winners:

  • Our Service Dog Medallion winner is Laurel Cain with Ember from Bossier City, Louisiana
  • Our Library Dog Medallion winner is Cindy Skelton and Deanna Skelton with Tazee from Wooster, Ohio
  • Our Therapy Dog Medallion winner is Judy Karrberg with Kona from Sea Girt, New Jersey
  • Our Protector Dog Medallion winner is Brittany Holmes with Rowdy from Nortonville, Kentucky

LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

Six years ago, the Collie Club of America kicked off the “Lifetime Service” Award to honor Shining Star Ambassador Collies who had passed away. Often, the Shining Star Ambassador team is recognized “mid-career.” The Committee determined that the Ambassador team often continues their extraordinary work for many additional years and formal recognition was appropriate. At the 2019 CCA National Specialty show, the CCA President presented the first Lifetime Service award in the show ring.

This year the CCA formally recognized the 2018 Co-Ambassador teams with the Lifetime Service award. The work of these recently deceased Collies touched the lives of thousands of people and enhanced the reputation of the Collie breed over their long careers.

The CCA’s first 2025 Lifetime Service honoree team is Debbie Taylor in memory of Scotty

“Scotty” was Milas Beam Me Up Mr. Scott CGC CGCA CGCU RN RA RE THDD TKN TKI TKA TKP
4/10/ 2013 to 10/28/2024
Breeder: Lynn Butler

Scotty was born April 10, 2013, about the same time Debbie had lost her second service dog. He was a male white rough Collie with a sable head. Scotty was picked by his breeder as a pup that would excel as Debbie’s new service dog.

Here is Debbie’s description of Scotty’s work as a service dog: “Scotty gave me the greatest gift in the world – the gift of independence. He performed tasks for me that I am unable to do myself: getting my clothes out of the dryer and putting them in the basket; picking up any item that I drop (because I can’t use my hands, I continually drop everything); bracing me so that I don’t fall and helping me get up if I do happen to fall. He was constantly by my side, always ready when I needed him. He accompanied me everywhere that I went and remained unseen until needed.

“When I shattered my femur, Scotty worked with me in the hospital through four surgeries. Scotty was with me through rehab, learning how to walk again.”
Debbie is so passionate about the role of service dogs that she travels throughout the region conducting educational seminars and presentations. Debbie and Scotty performed these seminars and presentations at military facilities, governmental offices, businesses, and schools.

In addition to his work as Debbie’s service dog, Scotty was a certified therapy dog with Pet Partners, Paws for Comfort, and Fidos for Freedom. Scotty worked in many schools and libraries helping young children to learn to read or to become better readers.

Scotty was a Red Cross volunteer who visited the wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Debbie and Scotty demonstrated how a service dog can mitigate a disability and make one feel whole again. Scotty even did a command performance for Senator Bob Dole! Soldiers with devastating physical injuries received smiles and hope from Scotty and Debbie. Since a dog is non-judgmental, soldiers are accepted 100%, regardless of missing limbs or deformities. Debbie tells them of the confidence and independence she has gained by having a service dog at her side.

Because of their work at Walter Reed, Debbie and Scotty were selected to participate in the CPAWW Study (Canines Providing Assistance for Wounded Warriors) with the Department of Defense and University of Colorado. This study compiled data to measure the impact of a service dog on a wounded warrior. The study required 120 missions at Andrews Air Force Base, including greeting returning troops at airports, as well as hospital visits.

Debbie presents similar programs to local businesses and schools. Debbie and Scotty educated others on disability awareness; how a service dog can help a person with a disability to achieve their full potential; and the differences between a service dog and a therapy dog. Scotty provided hope to the hopeless, and peace and joy to everyone that he met. He worked with young students, helping them to become better readers. Scotty achieved his AKC Distinguished Therapy Award, having completed more than 1,100 therapy visits.

Being a Renaissance Dog, Scotty received accolades for his other achievements. Debbie has a wall of blue ribbons for Scotty’s work in Rally, Obedience, Nose Work, and Herding. Scotty always excelled in any task that was asked of him.

Scotty’s particularly special task was to train his successor service dog. As Debbie states: “Scotty excelled at training my young Collie “Teddy” to do all the tasks that I need for the time that Scotty would not be able to do so. He taught Teddy to retrieve all my dropped objects, to brace for me, and to alert me when the doorbell rings without barking (I am mostly deaf without my hearing aids). Scotty excelled at this awesome task much to my amazement. But then everything that Scotty accomplished in his life still amazes me.

“Scotty not only enhanced my life but saved it as well by getting help for me when I was not able to do so myself. Without Scotty I might have been alive, but I wouldn’t have had a life.”

We can all agree that Scotty left behind quite a legacy!

The CCA also honored Mary Ann Campbell, in memory of Duncan
“Duncan”
GCH CH UKC-CH SNITCH Sylvan Argent Creston’s The Highlander BN RE PT FDC NAP NJP BCAT SWD SWME SHDME THDX OSD CGCA CGCU TKA ATT CCSS-LCHET CCSS-LEX CSWE CCSS-L5 ATD OSD
6/15/2012 to 4/28/2024
Breeders: Gail Currie, Connie DuBois, Cindi Bossart DVM, and Jennifer Mosing

Duncan was first certified as a therapy dog; he undertook additional training to be certified as a HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response dog. During his long life, Duncan touched the lives of countless numbers of people.

Duncan and Mary Ann Campbell began their adventure in therapy work when they were certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2014. They became members of R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) the same year. This was one of Duncan’s favorite things. When he arrived at school and realized where he was, he had a spring in his step and a grin on his beautiful face. He loved lying quietly beside the children and giving occasional kisses. Duncan was featured in a piece about R.E.A.D. by the Fox affiliate in Tampa.

In 2015, Duncan and Mary Ann joined Dade City Dogs in Court. Duncan traveled to Dependency Court to provide comfort to children in difficult, uncertain, and often frightening situations. Duncan’s calm, steady presence helped soothe the children and bring much needed smiles. In October 2017, the ABC Tampa affiliate did a special program on domestic violence and featured Duncan in a segment on Dogs in Court. The following week the TV station held a live follow-up segment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrvw2ccekZE&feature=youtu.be

In 2015, Duncan and Mary Ann became a HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response team. Extra training, continuing education, and yearly background checks are required to earn and retain HOPE certification. Over the years, Duncan and Mary Ann provided comfort to first responders and victims of natural and manmade disasters. Some of the events they attended as HOPE representatives include:

Yellow Ribbon Events for the Air Force Reserve and Coast Guard. Yellow Ribbon events connect military personnel and their families with resources, both post- and pre-deployment. Duncan brought stability and normality to a stressful situation. Duncan and Mary Ann also attended “Stand Down,” an event that puts veterans in touch with available services and resources.

Yankeetown, Florida, was hard-hit by Hurricane Hermine. Duncan and Mary Ann visited their Community Center where Duncan received many hugs and gave out kisses.

After Hurricane Irma, they visited FEMA Disaster Relief Centers and comforted people who were there to sign up for disaster relief.
After the Pulse nightclub shootings, they visited Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Communications Department 911 dispatchers. Some of the dispatchers were on the phone with victims during the shooting. One dispatcher sat on the floor with Duncan. She whispered in his ear, and he gave her a gentle kiss. Whatever transpired between them was private. When she got up to leave, she had tears in her eyes. When she saw him later, she had a huge smile and said in a loud, happy voice “There’s my new best friend, Duncan.” Several people commented that the dogs brought the first laughter that they’d heard in a week.

In October 2016 the Orange County Sheriff’s Office awarded HOPE an Award for Excellence for their efforts. Duncan and Mary Ann were honored to accept the award on behalf of all the teams.

When dispatchers were asked how the one-year anniversary of the shootings should be commemorated, the first thing they asked was to have the dogs back. The dog teams were honored to return. The ABC affiliate in Orlando did a piece on the dogs’ visit as part of the commemoration of the Pulse nightclub shootings. (http://www.wftv.com/news/local/comfort-animals-visit-emergency-dispatchers-who-took-mass-shooting-call/532297463)

Mary Ann and Duncan also attended St. Leo University’s Pizza & Pups. The university provides pizza and therapy dogs for students during finals week. There is a constant stream of students and staff. It is a fun event with a lot of laughter, smiles, and hugs.

Duncan worked at the Meet the Breeds booth at the AKC National Championship in Orlando. Hundreds of people attend. Duncan was always calm and friendly throughout the event.

Over the years, Duncan and Mary Ann competed in agility, Fast CAT, obedience, herding, and scent work. On November 23, 2022, Duncan became the first Collie to ever earn a Scent Work Detective title.

Duncan was always a perfect gentleman who brought smiles to all. Adults would call him Lassie and talk about a dog they had when they were younger who was “exactly like Duncan.” Everyone Duncan met came away with an appreciation and positive feeling towards our wonderful and versatile Collie breed.

Over the next year, the Shining Star Committee plans to enhance outreach activities by again staffing a table at Sunnybank with the Committee’s professional permanent display poster board. The display board contains photos of our Shining Star Ambassador and our Medallion winners; our Shining Star category certificates are displayed along with the medallions.

The Committee will make the display poster board available to Meet the Breeds programs across the USA. Two permanent display poster boards (and transportation case) were donated to the Committee.

We believe that the CCA Shining Star Awards program enhances the reputation of our beautiful and versatile Collie breed as well as confirms the value of purebred dogs. We all feel privileged to work on this program for the Collie Club of America.