Panhandle Collie Club of West Virginia Ringside Conversation
April 25, 2026 – Specialty Show
The Panhandle Collie Club of West Virginia held a “CCA Ringside Chat” on the day of their collie specialty April 25, 2026, at the show site in Morgantown, WV. The group gathered at lunchtime with a couple of pizzas for lunch and enjoyed fellowship with each other. The Ringside Chat was moderated by long time successful breed icon Marcy Fine of Overland Collies. Marcy shared her vast knowledge of showing dogs and willingness to learn something new. Experience sometimes teaches you something new and you must be open minded. She spoke with the newcomers in the audience to not be afraid to approach the breeder/exhibitor but always be mindful of the timing (not when they are getting a dog ready to go in the ring). Maybe offer to hold a dog ringside if they are showing several. Also, plan to do some kennel hopping and visit breeders and once there do not overstay your welcome! She also spoke on the topic of not being a fault finder when watching dogs in the ring and focus more on looking for the virtues. And if your dog doesn’t win that day it isn’t necessarily “the judge hated them or you” take a unbiased look at the dog that won and look for those virtues.
The event was well attended by the collie exhibitors, those new to showing dogs as well as the more seasoned experienced exhibitors with decades of experience sharing what they have learned and encouraging those newer to the sport of showing dogs to feel welcome, ask questions, and grow. We all started at the beginning at some point in our lives and remember we are always learning.
Mary Lee Shingle
