Overview
This award is open to ANY PUREBRED COLLIE who works as a Service Dog; Search and Rescue Dog; Therapy and/or Comfort Dog; Education/Library Dog; or has acted as a Protector for his/her family or member of their community. The owner does not need to be a CCA member, nor does the dog need to be bred by a CCA member. There are many dogs who would qualify for these broad criteria and we would love to hear their stories.
Fastpath
> Overview
> 2024 Ambassador Team
> 2023 Ambassador Team
> 2022 Ambassador Team
> 2021 Ambassador Team
> 2020 Ambassador Team
> 2019 Ambassador Team
> 2018 Ambassador Teams
> 2017 Ambassador Team
> 2016 Ambassador Team
> 2013 Ambassador Team
> 2010 - 2015 Awards
Overview
This award is open to ANY PUREBRED COLLIE who works as a Service Dog; Search and Rescue Dog; Therapy and/or Comfort Dog; Education/Library Dog; or has acted as a Protector for his/her family or member of their community. The owner does not need to be a CCA member, nor does the dog need to be bred by a CCA member. There are many dogs who would qualify for these broad criteria and we would love to hear their stories.
> Guidelines and information for applicants (PDF)
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2024 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Bill and Lois Hall and K9 Calder
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Bill and Lois Hall and K9 Calder as the 2024 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
If there is one word that describes Calder, it is versatile. His range of training and accomplishments form the diverse foundation for his community service. Bred by Leslie and Don Jeszewski of Highcroft Collies, Calder has earned over 100 titles ranging from obedience to scent work, agility, parkour, rally, herding, farm dog, stunt work, acting, search and rescue, tricks, and fitness. His therapy dog work includes visits to seniors, assisted living, memory care, hospice, crisis shelters, youth homes, hospitals, libraries, scouts, veterans, 4-H and community outreach events.
Among the many activities they are involved in, both Bill and Lois Hall are Tester/Observers for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Calder assists with the handling phase of testing for the applicant Therapy Dog teams. During the observed visits, Calder demonstrates activities, and models skills, necessary to function as a successful therapy dog.
> Read the full 2024 report (originally printed in the Summer 2024 CCA Bulletin)
2023 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
John DeSantis and Ingrid
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected John DeSantis and Ingrid as the 2023 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
John and Ingrid average about four visits per week, completing more than 400 visits in less than two years after being certified. Their adventures also include bringing out the first pitch at a minor league baseball game and recently doing the ceremonial puck drop at a Reading Royals hockey game. Ingrid has previously been awarded the Good Dog Gold Medal for service and won the "Cutest Pet" contest in County Lines magazine this past summer. Igrid has been dubbed "Chester County, Pennsylvania's Most Famous Dog" and "Chester County's Once in a Lifetime Therapy Dog."
> Read the full 2023 report (originally printed in the Summer 2023 CCA Bulletin)
2022 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Rita Doyle and Maverick
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Rita Doyle and Maverick as the 2022 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
Rita is an Army nurse who served our nation during the first Gulf War. At Rita's side is Maverick, a five-year-old male sable Rough Collie. Maverick's breeder is Melanie Adkins whose kennel is Adair Springs Collies of Kentucky. As a Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response Team, Rita and Maverick were deployed to the Surfside Condo collapse in South Florida where they comforted families and first responders. The Kroger Supermarket chain paid for Rita and Maverick to comfort employees and families following the employee shootings near Memphis, Tennessee. The CFO of Kroger proclaimed that Maverick was a "Hero of Kroger" after witnessing Maverick's ability to provide comfort. Rita and Maverick were deployed to the flooding Mississippi River at Waverly, Tennessee; the first team at the scene. Maverick and Rita comforted 1500 people over three days, 500 people per day. The Red Cross formally recognized Rita and Maverick for their extraordinary work at the Waverly flooding disaster.
> Read the full 2022 report (originally printed in the Summer 2022 CCA Bulletin)
2021 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Phil Cox and his service collie, Crookshanks
This year, the Collie Club of America (CCA) Shining Star Committee received 19 applications for the Shining Star program.
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Phil Cox and his service collie Crookshanks as the 2021 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
When Phil's first service dog retired due to health problems, Phil reached out to Clear Path for Veterans, in the Syracuse, NY area. The mission of Clear Path for Veterans Canine Program is to provide healing therapy for PTSD veterans through the bonding process of handler and partner. Phil's search for a replacement service dog ended with the introduction of a smooth collie named Crookshanks. Over the course of one year, Phil and Crookshanks completed extensive service dog training at the Clear Path for Veterans facilities.
Phil Cox is a military veteran with military service connected disabilities and Crookshanks is Phil's rock. Crookshanks has been trained to provide physical support as well as emotional support to his owner. Crookshanks has even saved his owner's life on a number of occasions.
> Read the full 2021 report (originally printed in the Summer 2021 CCA Bulletin)
2020 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Marian Leerburger and Remy
This year the CCA received 13 applications for the Shining Star program. The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Marian Leerburger and her Collie, Remington (Remy) as the Shining Star Ambassador Team for 2020.
"I acquired Remy when he was 10 weeks old. When he walked into my house, he immediately bonded with my 12-year-old Collie, Cole. Cole had been acting strangely for a few weeks. Remy would herd him (again, at 10 weeks old!) out of the woods by his ankles, would pull him by his tail to get him out of the bathroom (where he was seemingly lost) and would not eat unless Cole ate. It turned out that Cole had Alzheimer's. Remy continued to be his guide dog, putting his head underneath Cole's hips to help lift him up the stairs and staying by his side."
2024 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Bill and Lois Hall and K9 Calder
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Bill and Lois Hall and K9 Calder as the 2024 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
If there is one word that describes Calder, it is versatile. His range of training and accomplishments form the diverse foundation for his community service. Bred by Leslie and Don Jeszewski of Highcroft Collies, Calder has earned over 100 titles ranging from obedience to scent work, agility, parkour, rally, herding, farm dog, stunt work, acting, search and rescue, tricks, and fitness. His therapy dog work includes visits to seniors, assisted living, memory care, hospice, crisis shelters, youth homes, hospitals, libraries, scouts, veterans, 4-H and community outreach events.
Among the many activities they are involved in, both Bill and Lois Hall are Tester/Observers for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Calder assists with the handling phase of testing for the applicant Therapy Dog teams. During the observed visits, Calder demonstrates activities, and models skills, necessary to function as a successful therapy dog.
> Read the full 2024 report (originally printed in the Summer 2024 CCA Bulletin)
^ Menu
2023 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
John DeSantis and Ingrid
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected John DeSantis and Ingrid as the 2023 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
John and Ingrid average about four visits per week, completing more than 400 visits in less than two years after being certified. Their adventures also include bringing out the first pitch at a minor league baseball game and recently doing the ceremonial puck drop at a Reading Royals hockey game. Ingrid has previously been awarded the Good Dog Gold Medal for service and won the "Cutest Pet" contest in County Lines magazine this past summer. Igrid has been dubbed "Chester County, Pennsylvania's Most Famous Dog" and "Chester County's Once in a Lifetime Therapy Dog."
> Read the full 2023 report (originally printed in the Summer 2023 CCA Bulletin)
^ Menu
2022 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Rita Doyle and Maverick
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Rita Doyle and Maverick as the 2022 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
Rita is an Army nurse who served our nation during the first Gulf War. At Rita's side is Maverick, a five-year-old male sable Rough Collie. Maverick's breeder is Melanie Adkins whose kennel is Adair Springs Collies of Kentucky. As a Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response Team, Rita and Maverick were deployed to the Surfside Condo collapse in South Florida where they comforted families and first responders. The Kroger Supermarket chain paid for Rita and Maverick to comfort employees and families following the employee shootings near Memphis, Tennessee. The CFO of Kroger proclaimed that Maverick was a "Hero of Kroger" after witnessing Maverick's ability to provide comfort. Rita and Maverick were deployed to the flooding Mississippi River at Waverly, Tennessee; the first team at the scene. Maverick and Rita comforted 1500 people over three days, 500 people per day. The Red Cross formally recognized Rita and Maverick for their extraordinary work at the Waverly flooding disaster.
> Read the full 2022 report (originally printed in the Summer 2022 CCA Bulletin)
^ Menu
2021 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Phil Cox and his service collie, Crookshanks
This year, the Collie Club of America (CCA) Shining Star Committee received 19 applications for the Shining Star program.
The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Phil Cox and his service collie Crookshanks as the 2021 Shining Star Ambassador Team.
When Phil's first service dog retired due to health problems, Phil reached out to Clear Path for Veterans, in the Syracuse, NY area. The mission of Clear Path for Veterans Canine Program is to provide healing therapy for PTSD veterans through the bonding process of handler and partner. Phil's search for a replacement service dog ended with the introduction of a smooth collie named Crookshanks. Over the course of one year, Phil and Crookshanks completed extensive service dog training at the Clear Path for Veterans facilities.
Phil Cox is a military veteran with military service connected disabilities and Crookshanks is Phil's rock. Crookshanks has been trained to provide physical support as well as emotional support to his owner. Crookshanks has even saved his owner's life on a number of occasions.
> Read the full 2021 report (originally printed in the Summer 2021 CCA Bulletin)
^ Menu
2020 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Marian Leerburger and Remy
This year the CCA received 13 applications for the Shining Star program. The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Marian Leerburger and her Collie, Remington (Remy) as the Shining Star Ambassador Team for 2020.
"I acquired Remy when he was 10 weeks old. When he walked into my house, he immediately bonded with my 12-year-old Collie, Cole. Cole had been acting strangely for a few weeks. Remy would herd him (again, at 10 weeks old!) out of the woods by his ankles, would pull him by his tail to get him out of the bathroom (where he was seemingly lost) and would not eat unless Cole ate. It turned out that Cole had Alzheimer's. Remy continued to be his guide dog, putting his head underneath Cole's hips to help lift him up the stairs and staying by his side."
2019 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Rose Marie Hutches and Fibber McGee
This year the CCA received 21 applications for the Shining Star program. The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Rose Marie Hutches and her Collie, Fibber McGee as the Shining Star Ambassador Team for 2019.
After adopting Fibber, an untrained, high-energy dog in 2013, Rose provided him with gentle, knowledgeable care and training. Fibber quickly earned several competition obedience and performance titles and was certified as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International. Today, Fibber provides comfort and courage to 13 facilities in central Illinois each month including senior assisted care and independent living facilities, a state mental health hospital, a shelter for abused women and their children, and several other facilities including hospital pediatric units, where he provides love and solace to children and their families.
2018 CCA Shining Star Co-Ambassador Teams
MaryAnn and Duncan
Duncan and MaryAnn 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 is one of Duncan's favorite things. When he gets to school and realizes where he is, he gets a spring in his step and a grin on his beautiful face. He loves 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. His impact is evident in all of the happy faces.
In 2015, Duncan and MaryAnn became a HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response team. Extra training, continuing education, and yearly background checks are required to earn and keep HOPE certification. They provide comfort to first responders and victims of natural and manmade disasters.
Debbie and Scotty
Scotty started working with the Red Cross as a Therapy Dog when he was only 8 months old. he was certified as a Delta Pet Partner Therapy Dog at 12 months old. The AKC recently awarded Scotty the title of Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD), which requires a minimum of 400 therapy visits.
As a volunteer team for the Red Cross and working with the Department of Defense and the Walter Reed National Military Hospital, Scotty and Debbie regularly visit the wounded warriors. Soldiers that have received devastating physical injuries are given smiles and hope from them. Since a dog is non-judgmental, soldiers are accepted 100% regardless of missing limbs or deformities.
Debbie and Scotty perform seminars at Walter Reed on how having a service dog can help the wounded return to a normal life, by performing tasks that they can no longer do themselves. She tells them of the confidence and independence she has gained by having a service dog at her side.
2017 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Ace Mask and Kane
With over six years of volunteerism, Kane well represents the characteristics of the noble Collie breed, and as a certified therapy dog has touched many lives. Kane has provided comfort and calm to children who suffer from brain injury, hospitalized children in the ICU and those receiving cancer treatment, those who have been victims of abuse, young students preparing for stressful academic tests, and young library readers. Kane has spent an equal amount of time with seniors in assisted care facilities (including Alzheimer’s patients) and has been called upon by families to be present during the final stages of an elderly loved one’s life.
For over five years, as canine ambassador for the Orange County Animal Care, Kane has worked extensively with volunteers in a program designed to teach responsible pet ownership to preschoolers through 6th grade throughout Orange County. Kane provides “hands on” experience to children, who learn about all aspects of caring for a pet. He has received commendations for this work from various county representatives, including the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
2016 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Corinne Boon and Forte'
Born 10-10-10, Forte' was selected to be the first dog for a young family. One of the boys was diagnosed with Leukemia (now a 7-year Survivor). During this time I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. I started training him and hoped that he would eventually go to his family but it became clear he would become my service dog. I use him for mobility support. He helps me walk on uneven ground and steadies me when I get up. He helps me take the stairs up or down, we have no boundaries. Together we have traveled to Westminster dog show, planes, trains, monorails, buses, taxis, ferries, and even subways are no obstacle. This was a dream come true. Forte's titles include GCH, RN, CGC, BN, PT. He enjoys pulling his cart and loves showing off his many tricks. At dog shows you can usually find him sitting in his chair studying the lovely collie girls in the ring. We were very honored to be selected the Collie Club of America Shining Star Ambassador Team for 2016. Promoting our beautiful breed, the versatility, loving nature and giving heart of the Collie.
2013 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
K-9 Deker and his owner-trainer handler, Lois Hall
> Page 1 > Page 2 > Page 3 > Page 4 > Page 5
Past Awards
> 2013 Shining Star Annual Report
> 2012 Shining Star Annual Report
2019 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Rose Marie Hutches and Fibber McGee
This year the CCA received 21 applications for the Shining Star program. The CCA Shining Star Committee has selected Rose Marie Hutches and her Collie, Fibber McGee as the Shining Star Ambassador Team for 2019.
After adopting Fibber, an untrained, high-energy dog in 2013, Rose provided him with gentle, knowledgeable care and training. Fibber quickly earned several competition obedience and performance titles and was certified as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International. Today, Fibber provides comfort and courage to 13 facilities in central Illinois each month including senior assisted care and independent living facilities, a state mental health hospital, a shelter for abused women and their children, and several other facilities including hospital pediatric units, where he provides love and solace to children and their families.
> Read the full 2019 report
^ Menu
2018 CCA Shining Star Co-Ambassador Teams
MaryAnn and Duncan
Duncan and MaryAnn 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 is one of Duncan's favorite things. When he gets to school and realizes where he is, he gets a spring in his step and a grin on his beautiful face. He loves 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. His impact is evident in all of the happy faces.
In 2015, Duncan and MaryAnn became a HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response team. Extra training, continuing education, and yearly background checks are required to earn and keep HOPE certification. They provide comfort to first responders and victims of natural and manmade disasters.
Debbie and Scotty
Scotty started working with the Red Cross as a Therapy Dog when he was only 8 months old. he was certified as a Delta Pet Partner Therapy Dog at 12 months old. The AKC recently awarded Scotty the title of Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD), which requires a minimum of 400 therapy visits.
As a volunteer team for the Red Cross and working with the Department of Defense and the Walter Reed National Military Hospital, Scotty and Debbie regularly visit the wounded warriors. Soldiers that have received devastating physical injuries are given smiles and hope from them. Since a dog is non-judgmental, soldiers are accepted 100% regardless of missing limbs or deformities.
Debbie and Scotty perform seminars at Walter Reed on how having a service dog can help the wounded return to a normal life, by performing tasks that they can no longer do themselves. She tells them of the confidence and independence she has gained by having a service dog at her side.
> Read the full 2018 report
^ Menu
2017 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Ace Mask and Kane
With over six years of volunteerism, Kane well represents the characteristics of the noble Collie breed, and as a certified therapy dog has touched many lives. Kane has provided comfort and calm to children who suffer from brain injury, hospitalized children in the ICU and those receiving cancer treatment, those who have been victims of abuse, young students preparing for stressful academic tests, and young library readers. Kane has spent an equal amount of time with seniors in assisted care facilities (including Alzheimer’s patients) and has been called upon by families to be present during the final stages of an elderly loved one’s life.
For over five years, as canine ambassador for the Orange County Animal Care, Kane has worked extensively with volunteers in a program designed to teach responsible pet ownership to preschoolers through 6th grade throughout Orange County. Kane provides “hands on” experience to children, who learn about all aspects of caring for a pet. He has received commendations for this work from various county representatives, including the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
> Read the full 2017 report
^ Menu
2016 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
Corinne Boon and Forte'
Born 10-10-10, Forte' was selected to be the first dog for a young family. One of the boys was diagnosed with Leukemia (now a 7-year Survivor). During this time I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. I started training him and hoped that he would eventually go to his family but it became clear he would become my service dog. I use him for mobility support. He helps me walk on uneven ground and steadies me when I get up. He helps me take the stairs up or down, we have no boundaries. Together we have traveled to Westminster dog show, planes, trains, monorails, buses, taxis, ferries, and even subways are no obstacle. This was a dream come true. Forte's titles include GCH, RN, CGC, BN, PT. He enjoys pulling his cart and loves showing off his many tricks. At dog shows you can usually find him sitting in his chair studying the lovely collie girls in the ring. We were very honored to be selected the Collie Club of America Shining Star Ambassador Team for 2016. Promoting our beautiful breed, the versatility, loving nature and giving heart of the Collie.
^ Menu
2013 CCA Shining Star Ambassador Team
K-9 Deker and his owner-trainer handler, Lois Hall
> Page 1 > Page 2 > Page 3 > Page 4 > Page 5
> Watch the video
^ Menu
Past Awards
> 2013 Shining Star Annual Report
> 2012 Shining Star Annual Report