Welcome to our News Archive dated April, 2007
Bob and Laddie take part in the Collie Club of America
National Specialty Show
Bob and Laddie go to the
Collie Club of America
National Specialty Show
Concord, NC March 28 – April 1, 2007
We flew out of LAX in Los Angeles. As usual, the very
handsome Laddie attracted a lot of attention. Upon arrival,
we were met by retired Navy captain, Jack Ahart, who
escorted us to the USO Center that happened to be located in
the Charlotte, NC airport. A beautiful suite, it truly was a
home-away-from-home for our troops and their families,
complete with a room dedicated to children. Although the late
hour prevented a large gathering of people, we still met
some volunteers and visitors. Bob enjoyed his cup of coffee
and Laddie was more than satisfied with a heaping plate
of sliced turkey. Laddie and Captain Ahart posed for photos in
front of a colorful and impressive array of flags. Thanks to
Captain Ahart and his staff for a refreshing experience.
Our driver then met us and made the trip to Concord an easy one. We were touched by his commitment to rescue
collies. Thanks, John, for all your good work.
Once at the Wingate Inn in Concord, we were pretty much set for sleep and anticipating our first big working day
at the National. Laddie started his day with some scrambled eggs, compliments of the hotel's complimentary breakfast
bar. Off to the Carbarrus Arena we went, accompanied by Bob's daughter Mary Duxbury and her mother Claire Cone.
They had accomplished a yeoman's job in setting up the two areas where Laddie and Bob would meet people, pose
for photographs, and provide autographs.
Bob stamped every photo with the original pawtograph that Rudd Weatherwax had made from Pal's (the dog who
portrayed the original Lassie) footprint. The footprinted stamps have been in the Weatherwax family for almost
sixty years.
Besides photos, Bob and Laddie had brought quite a sample of collie merchandise and a lot was snapped up over the
course of the next few days. Tee-shirts, watches, pins, plush dogs, jewelry, prints, figurines, and other collie
memorabilia went home with people from all over the world.
Bob and Laddie also made two special appearances in the main ring of the arena. On Friday, they put on a unique
presentation, demonstrating several of the behaviors an entertainment dog can exhibit to convey emotion as well as
action. Bob also answered some questions that attendees had asked. On Saturday, Bob and Laddie participated in the
highly emotional collie rescue tribute. Led into the center ring by a bagpiper, rescue collies and their owners from the
local area were presented to the audience. Each dog's story was told. It was impossible to hold back tears. Then Bob
and Laddie entered to offer a special sash to each dog and a handshake to each owner. In a special surprise for
Jean Smith, president of Collie Rescue of the Carolina's, a plaque inscribed with heartfelt prose was read, and then
Bob and Laddie presented it to her. Thanks to Sharon Frampton for wanting Bob and Laddie to take part in this salute.
During the days of the show, host club show chair Janet Robinson seemed to be everywhere, making sure that
everything ran smoothly. Lenell Nix, who was in charge of special transportation, also seemed to be in charge of
special guests. He made sure that Bob and Laddie had time for breaks as well as time for lunch. We so enjoyed his
good humor and his attention to detail.
One evening, Bob was the guest of the
Quarter Century Collie Group (CCA members of
25 years or more duration). Their banquet was held
at the famous Lowe's Motor Speedway, and we had the
opportunity to view the racing oval where some cars
were taking practice laps. Thanks, Pat Atkins,
for the invitation and special seating.
So many new and old friends made this collie event
and our appearance possible and memorable.
Carbarrus County provided the host club with a
grant to fund our entire trip. The Wingate Inn staff made
our stay easy and enjoyable. Laddie had a great time
taking walks in the nearby fields and going up and down
on the elevator. We appreciate the efforts of every officer
of the CCA and committee member of the host club to
put on this national specialty – one of the largest in collie
club history.
Thanks to Tom Frampton, show superintendent,
for supplying the posing bench for Laddie and his fans.
Special thanks to Mary and Claire. Above all, a humble
thanks to all the collie people and the people of
North Carolina who welcomed us.
Nothing was finer than being in Carolina.
Laddie shows off his training in the main ring at the
Collie Club Of America's annual gala event
Each of the dogs in the nine generations of Collies, trained by
Bob and his father Rudd to portray
the fine qualities of "Lassie" have
fully enjoyed their work as well as
the spotlight! Here Laddie takes
center stage at a dog show for
breed champion Collies, and doesn't he appear to be right at home?!?
Well done, Laddie.
Time to head home...
Photo credits for this page:
Gerie and Chris Smith
Thnak You!
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