June 2001 More News

Wellston - In Buffy's world the Stanley cup playoffs are nothing but a cat fight.  In Buffy's word capitalism is a laughable concept.  In Buffy's world cute little puppies tremble when they see her on judgment day.     Buffy an 8 month old white collie, recently shook up the competition at the Collie Club of America's Robert Zimmerman's memorial Dog Show in Louisville, KY.     The under-dog took home the first place honors in the Open White Class at the show, despite the presence of animals from several nationally recognized collie breeders. Barb Naughton wa admittedly surprised by her "daughters, "especially since it was Naughton's first show since 1994.     The 68 yr. old Naughton, who maintains a kennel complex behind her home, has breeding collie for over 20 years.  She became fascinated with collies, especially whites, when she read albert Psysouterhune's books as a child.     Buffy, who enjoys the attention she receives at the shows, has reignited the Naughton's competitive flame.     "I realize now before I die , that I want to have a champion white (dog)."  Naughton said.     Buffy just might give her a chance.  Her blood lines go back to the 1950's and are strong.  Four other whites from Buffy's line have taken awards in the prestigious Zimmeran show.     "We entered Buffy into the open class because we thought maybe she could take a third." Naughton said.  "When they announced she won I couldn't believe it.  I couldn't hold the camera still enough  to film."     The Naughton's currently have eight dogs between their kennel and home, most of them collies.  All of them, according to Naughton, have their own personality and appearance.  "I love all the dogs I have bred, they are just missing the look." Naughton said.  "Buffy has the look.  That is why she was able to do what she did."     "She is compact.  The arch of her neck makes her look alert.  She stands really regal."     Although breeding collies can be a profitable, Naughton does not see dollar signs in her animals. Breeding collies for her is a hobby.     "I've sold an entire litter of potential award-winners as pets before." Naughton said.  I probably wont do that again though." Her potential show dogs carry a price tag of between $100 and $800.     Buffy will begin showing more regularly over the next few months.  Naughton hopes that getting more exposure For her kennel will help get the champion she is looking for.         Despite that, she is out spoken about taking an unconventional approach to breeding her dog.

"I breed dogs for their disposition.  that makes me different then most breeders."     The dogs can be a lot of work however, and that is where her husband Mike comes in to the picture.     "Mike is great.   He helps me with everything.  He loves these dogs as much as I do," The Naughton's love of collies goes way beyond their living breathing animals.  They have created a cemetery near their kennel the holds the remains of their deceased dogs.    Inside their home you will find a collection of collie memorabilia and selves of books, many of them out of print publishings by Psysouterhune's work.     And they have their home itself because of the dogs.     "I wanted to breed dogs and I  couldn't where we were at in Grand Rapids because of the rules,"  Naughton explained. "So we called up here and talked to some people to make sure we could have a kennel. That is why we are here."     They have been through the best with their dogs and have experienced the worst. during one road trip to a show, Naughton lost grip of a dog's lead while walking it around an Indiana City. With her wrist injured from the incident, she was unable to retrieve the animal.     Depressed about loosing the animal, she packed her van and headed home. Several miles later, the van caught fire and burnt to a crisp. To make matters worse, the blizzard she was driving through was not letting up.     She was able to make it home despite the setbacks, to hear the good news that the dog had been found, unharmed, and would be returned to her.     The Naughton's have seemingly dedicated their lives to their collies. But Barb is quick to point out that they aren't animals.     They are family.