AWCA Honors Dogs

The AWCA AWARD OF MERIT (A-AOM). This honor may be issued to a dog several times in its lifetime if several achievements are deserving, such as appearing in an extraordinary number of TV commercials; making an unusual number of Social or Therapy visits; completing an unusual or extraordinary job bringing honor to the Collie breed; being credited with a documented act of heroism, or being the first Collie of its sex, color or variety to earn an important title or certification. AOM’S are placed after the dog’s name, adding II, III, IV, etc. to indicate how many earned. AOM’S are not considered a point toward Versatility titles because points will have already been given for the accomplishments.

 The AWCA HALL OF FAME (A-HOF). This supreme honor shall be reserved for extraordinary “Lifetime Achievement” to be awarded to outstanding Collies who have brought honor to the breed, and who are retired from work or deceased, in which case the honor shall be awarded posthumously. The A-HOF shall be placed in front of the dog’s name.

 AWCA's Award Winners

Award Of Merit  

1985

Karenthia’s Spun Gold.  Bitch owned by Jane Scholl.  For heroism displayed in alerting her family to a household fire.

1987

Can. OTCh., U-CDX Mo’s Superstar, CDX, VB, TT, HC, STDds, HTD, VCX.  Bitch owned by Monika Hole & Ray Miesch.  For being the 1st Collie to earn the ASCA STDs title, as well as the 1st to earn AWCA’s HTD title.

1988

Missy ( OTCh. Sunrise Diane’s Delight).  Bitch owned by Diane Hemphill.  For her many and varied obedience titles and accomplishments.

1995

Ch., VCH “Gentleman Cole”.  Dog owned by Jean Levitt.  For outstanding service and noteworthy recognition from the AKC, CCA, Delta Society, and the CBS Evening News for his work as an Assistance Dog, a Social/Therapy Dog, and Ambassador for Working Collies (posthumous).

1996

Amie (U-AG, Ch. U-CD Victory Hill Moonlight Magic, UDX, CC, CGC, PPI.  Bitch owned by Ed Bechtel.  In recognition of her career as a TV star who has made 150 TV commercials and the first female Collie to earn the AWCA CC title.

1996

Mellow (U-R The Dawn Of The Hill, CD, HC, TT, TDI, BPD, CGC, CC, CERF, VCX).  Dog owned by Megan Loe & Shirley Ibara.  In recognition of his 9 years of service as a Social/Therapy Dog in nursing homes, for being the first rough Collie to earn the AWCA CC title, and to honor the very special achievement of completing his CD at the age of 11˝ years.

1998

Lassie, (Generation #8).  Dog owned by Robert Weatherwax; TV and movie star.  Lassie has been involved in numerous community service drives, most recently as the spokesdog for the American Library Association in 1997.  He also works for children’s charities and is involved in the hospital visitation of sick children.

1998

Foxxi (HC Pokies Winterset Foxxi, CD).  Bitch owned by Judy Garbarino; first Collie to earn AKC Herding Championship, Aug. 31, 1997.

1998

Harley (Ch. Montara Beyond The Blue Neon, HS, PT, TT, CGC).  Bitch owned by Rebecca Henson, Hildy Morgan, Karen Meyers.  First Herding Titled Best In Show Collie; first BIS of any breed to have a Trialing Title; AKC’s first HS/BIS dog.

1998

Shasta ( Am./Can. Ch. Trailsend Joker’s Silhouette , Can. CD, CDX, TT, HIC, CRT, VCX, OFA, CERF, BP, CGC, TDI), (4/18/84-4/20/96).  Bitch owned by Lori Tackabury.  Was one of the first champions with multiple titles in her time; Can. CD with 3 firsts, Can. Ch. On a 10-day circuit; HIT’s for American obedience; drill team demonstrations for 1˝ years; therapy dog for 5 years.

1998

Brillante (Rockettes Brillante, Am./Can. CD), (1966-1977).  Bitch owned by Marion Lawliss.  Multiple high scores during years of obedience.  Brillante went to school with her owner/teacher from the time she was a puppy.  With her owner she taught children obedience, handling and showing.  There was a dog show each year, and all children participated.  She was also involved in 4-H for 10 years teaching the above, and it was in this capacity that she started a 10-year therapy career, making regular visits to a nursing home.  She attended rare breed exhibits at the Linden Co. Fair giving demonstrations there.  Brillante was a pioneer of an American Working Collie before the current titles systems.

1998

Zippy (Ch. Nirvana’s One Step Higher, UD, HI, n/e).  Dog owned by Sherry Moss.  Only Collie to win both High In Trial in herding and obedience at the CCA National Specialty shows; High In Trial Herding, 1994 Niagara Falls; High In Trial Obedience, 1997 Reno.