Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue

She was born in 1994 as springtime blossomed in Richmond, Virginia. Not bearing the ‘classic’ Border Collie look, her breeders decided that she would be a good fit for the couple who called looking for a family pet. Her smooth, black coat would make her unappealing for the show dog circuit, but it suited this couple’s name choice and inexperienced dog owner life style. She would be easier to maintain and would shed less than her rough coated littermates. They would call her Marley.

The bond was instantaneous for her new dad, but mom would struggle to adjust. She wondered how anyone would be able to manage this furry little ‘Tasmanian Devil.’ She just never stopped! She belonged on a farm where she could control sheep instead of the future course of life in the Hoke household. Cindy just couldn’t understand why Jeff was not convinced by the logic of her argument that this young pup would be much better suited for her sister’s West Virginia mountain homestead then their own Pennsylvania suburban (altogether too small) residence. But just as obvious as the intense working drive in this young pup was the adoration that Jeff felt for his little girl.

So the games began. From chew toys to balls to sticks to discs, the transition was swift and the pursuance relentless. At nine months she caught her first disc. At 15 months she competed in her first toss/fetch event and took home 2nd place. Shortly after turning two she competed in her first freestyle event, captured the first of many top dog honors, and began a lifelong dedication to being above all else an Air Canine.

As the years flew by the bonds strengthened all around Marley and her comrades. Boo joined the pack in 1998 and provided the constant companionship that her working parents weren’t able to give. She never left her side for more than a few hours from that day forward. Even when Marley earned downtown DC hotel accommodations for her berth in the Alpo World Finals in 1999, Boo managed to tag along. As it turns out, that would be Marley’s biggest day in the disc dog circuit.

That was her song as she danced her way into the hearts of many that special day. Cripple Creek of course is the magical place of our youth, a carefree place where everyone lives in the moment and the sun always shines. Marley took Jeff back to that place many, many times during their 14 years together. Her joy of life and lust for disc play were simply inspirational.

The Hokes would like to thank everyone who ever gave Marley a pat on the head, a scratch under the chin, or a cheer from the sidelines. Your kindness helped mold her into the beautiful creature that she grew to become. Goodbye Marley and have a safe trip over the rainbow bridge to Cripple Creek.

Donations have been made in Marley's memory by:

Kirby and Heather Smith