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Local Collie Competes At Westminster Dog Show

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A collie breeder from Butler County has three dogs competing in the famed Westminster Dog Show in New York.

Monday morning, Heather Luster took a young collie called Marilyn Monroe through her paces, as judges looked on.

The dogs were bred by Heatherfield Collies, at L&L Kennels in Jackson Township. Manager Ron Luster, Luster's stepson, says they are the offspring of a mild mannered collie named Bridget.

"Litter of three," Ron Luster said. "All three made champion. All three have moved on to Westminster to compete in probably what is the most prestigious all breeds show in America. We're told that this is the first time an entire litter has gone to Westminster and competed together."

Dogs need a blue ribbon resume just to get into Westminster.

Heatherfield Collies has won dozens of them. Marilyn eventually places fourth in the long hair, or rough collie breed, impressive for an initial appearance at Westminster.

Luster says the dogs have "what they refer to as the 'X factor.' The Hollywood factor, liking to show off and prance, and 'everybody look at me!'"

Their mother, 4-year-old Bridget, knows what to do in center ring, but she's never been thrilled about performing.
She'd rather just stay home and make beautiful babies.

Luster admits his stepmother was nervous in her first appearance at Westminster.

"Probably the thing that made her most nervous of all, though," he says, "was driving in New York."

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