L'elephant Collies is home on a few acres of pasture and trees, located in beautiful Marion County, FL.

This area, renowned as the Horse Capital of the World, is also endeared by many for its rolling acres of estates and golf courses.

In 1988, after leaving the horse show world that I had been a part of since a child, I became involved with purebred dogs. I've bred and trained several dogs from the Herding, Working and Toy Groups, and also a rare breed --the Catahoula. I've enjoyed participating and titling dogs in a wide range of venues - from competitive obedience, tracking and Schutzhund, to conformation and herding...a few of which I have competed on a State and National level. (Please see the Gallery page for pictures of dogs I've shared my life with.)

I had a Collie when very young, but it wasn't until 1999 that our first Collie came here to us.

As an owner and a breeder, I am of course, attracted to dogs in a pedigree that fit the Collie Standard. A pretty picture is as important to me as it is to anyone, but what's also important are the dogs who in addition to the glamour, have the drives to make them great companions, winners at performance events, conformation shows and the health to carry them into old age - it's the Total Dog. This Total Dog, a healthy dog with herding instinct, prey and food drive, a willingness-to-please attitude, all combined with great structure and attention to the Standard, is what I strive for in my Collies - in other words, the highest quality possible.

Great dogs are born, not made! And to that end, much appreciation to Leslie Jezewski of Highcroft Collies, Diane Fitzpatrick of Alfenloch Collies and Kathy Moll of Deep River Collies, for the dogs that they have bred, for passing along their wisdom, and for the help and support I've needed as I travel on my Collie journey.

--Lorrie S. McCarthy

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