Friends of the Old Farm Collie, Bulletin #2
written by Linda Rorem Pacifica19@aol.com].
October 1995
A few more leads are still being followed in the search for the Old Farm Collie. Meanwhile, two possible sources for foundation dogs have come to light: Lynne Bourdages from Ontario, Canada writes of an old-fashioned type Collie she owns. This dog, a 5-yr.-old female, is a Canadian Kennel Club-registered Rough Collie from an old line who appears to be a throw-back to the earlier type of collie. In appearance she is very much like the photos of Collies from the turn of the centurey. She has a litter of puppies due shortly, but after the puppies are weaned will be available for a reasonable price to someone interested in breeding collies of the old-fashioned type. Lynne is interested in helping the cause of the Old Farm Collie, but due to other commitments will not be able to actively breed these dogs, so would like to place Tracy with someone who would be able to be active in the program.
Lynne writes:
I grew up in the English countryside as a child and saw many of these dogs' ancestors (English Shepherds perhaps?) I believe I was told they were "Scotch Collies." On coming to Canada in the early seventies, I saw very few of these dogs. Today, they are all but extinct. In my possession I believe I have one of these said dogs. She is what I call a genetic 'throwback' to the original Old Farm Collie bloodlines. I've seen B & W photos of a late 18th century Collie standing beside its master who is in a Scottish kilt.[Note: possibly 19th century was meant--g.s.b.].. My dog, Tracy of Fordwich, is an exact replica. She is Reg'd as a Rough Collie... I've had many people comment on her, claiming that she is the Collie dog of their childhood (as seen on their grandparents farms)."