Born to Shine

Reign was a rising Doberman Pinscher star in the show circuit. Her formal name was BIS MRBIS GCHB Kelview’s A Reason to Reign v. Connquest DS TKI VHMP. She was born on March 23, 2023.

Her breeders, Colleen Nicholson and Cindy Kelso, knew from the very beginning that she was special. With more than forty years of experience breeding Dobermans, they could tell when a dog was extraordinary—and Reign was that once-in-a-decade puppy.

From the start, Reign was that dog—the one who seemed born for the show ring. She required little to no training; it came naturally to her. She didn’t need rehearsal or coaxing. When it was time to step into the ring, she was ready—eager, poised, and confident. Showing was simply her thing, and she knew it.

Reign earned her AKC Championship with her breeder, Colleen Nicholson, handling her in the ring. Colleen later guided her to her AKC Grand Championship.

A Preventable Tragedy

After that, Reign was entrusted to one of the nation’s top Doberman handlers. Under professional guidance, she soared—earning multiple Best of Breeds, Group placements, Reserve Best in Shows, and even a Best in Show. In just four months, she climbed to become the #5 Doberman in the DCPA Top 25 nationwide—long before reaching her full potential.

Then tragedy struck. On August 10, 2025, Reign’s life was cut short in a preventable, negligent act. She was left unattended in a closed vehicle for four hours by her professional handler and died a horrific, heat-related death. The loss sent shockwaves through the dog show world and devastated her family.

More Than a Champion

Yet, Reign’s show career was only a small part of who she was. To her owners, Mark and Wendy Buterbaugh, Reign was not just a show dog—she was family.

From puppyhood, she learned by watching her older brother, Tourin, growing into a strong yet deeply affectionate companion. She adored him, protected him, and became an inseparable part of her family’s daily life. Her energy, spirit, and personality filled their home. Everyone who met Reign felt her warmth and joy. She wasn’t only a superstar in the ring—she was a bright light in every heart she touched.

Reign's life was taken far too soon in a tragedy no family should ever endure. In the face of that pain, her family made a choice, to fight for change.

They are committed to ensuring that Reign's story saves lives. Every dollar you give helps raise awareness, support prevention efforts, and protect others.

Because if even one life can be saved, Reign's death will not have been in vain.

Join us. Donate today and be part of that change!

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