Congratulations to our 2025 Novice/Novice Champion and Reserve Champion!
Novice Novice Champion: Robbie and Lisa McPherson
by Lisa McPherson
Robbie’s registered name is Robbie Burns but he goes by many different variations – Marmaduke, Big Bruce and some people have heard “Robert!” when he’s naughty. He was born October 29, 2019 out of Mary Thompson’s talented dog Teagan and Ron Maddison’s Blaze. He is the spitting image of his Mom albeit a lot bigger!
Photo credit Lisa McPherson
Robbie is my fourth border collie and the second border collie I have herded with. Grace would do it because I asked but she lacked teamwork and I lacked knowledge. When it was time to get another dog, Tracy Hinton suggested Mary to me. She thought a Teagan puppy would be the perfect fit. With expert advice from Mary, Robbie was added to our home. What a dog! From the moment he came into my life we have had a very special bond.
Robbie is the perfect dog for me. He forgives my mistakes, often subtly fixing and adjusting for my lack of experience and wrong flanks. He’s a natural at the pen. I often joke that I am an overpaid doorman as he just knows where to be. I enjoy the teamwork we have built and I enjoy Robbie as a house dog. I often say he’s my right-hand man and he really is. He’s always ready for the next big adventure and no job, herding or not, is too small.
I would like to thank everyone who has encouraged us to get to where we are today. So many people have helped us and cheered us on. Special thanks go to Mary, for convincing me Robbie was the one, for all of the pep talks, all the lessons, all the patience and most of all, for your mentorship and friendship. I would also like to thank Tracy - for our conversations, your guidance, friendship and oh, for getting me hooked in the first place! Of course, none of this would be possible without all of the trial hosts for 2025. The novices had a huge number of trials to attend this year and it was fun travelling Ontario from one beautiful farm to the next.
Now the hard work begins for Pro Novice. We’re going to keep working towards the next challenge and I know we are in good hands to get there!
Photo credit Francois Leblanc
Novice Novice Reserve Champion: Lassie and Mike Crellian
by Mike Crellian
photo credit to Norma de Rose
Lassie was born on December 3, 2022, and was bred by Amanda Milliken. I have admired Lassie’s dam, Dar, since she was a puppy and continue to enjoy watching her work today.
While returning home from the USBCHA Finals in Nevada, Dar happened to be in heat, and the sire, Ross—owned by Michelle Prescot-Guderian—was along the way. After watching Dar’s sister, Tui, run and becoming familiar with the family, I casually mentioned that I would be interested if a puppy ever became available.
At that time, I had bred my own dog, Ellie, but sadly lost her when she went to whelp, leaving me without a dog. Shortly afterward, I received a call from Amanda letting me know that a puppy was available.
That is the history behind Lassie. I would like to sincerely thank Amanda for breeding such a wonderful dog, my late father for helping with chores while I was working, and everyone who supported me along the way.
