Our Team

Flora Scheck grew up in the heart of Romania, where rolling hills, fresh air, and a Collie by her side were just part of everyday life. From the very beginning, Collies weren’t just pets — they were family. That lifelong bond inspired a deep love for the breed and a commitment to helping them wherever and whenever she could.

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When war broke out in Ukraine, Flora saw the need to act — not just for the people affected, but for the Collies caught in the middle. With a big heart and a determined spirit, she launched Collies Without Borders — a grassroots mission that quickly grew into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Today, the group is known for its global support of Collies and their people, especially those facing war, hardship, or displacement.

Flora also shares her love for Collies through storytelling — she’s the author of two children’s books starring a lovable Collie hero, named Urfy, spreading messages of kindness, courage, and friendship to young readers everywhere.

In her day-to-day life, Flora wears many hats (and usually some dog hair). She works part-time at her local library — a perfect place to feed her love of stories — and full-time as a real estate agent, helping families find the perfect place to call home. She now lives in Bedminster, New Jersey, with her loyal tricolor Collie and a feisty rescue cat who rules the house (or so the cat believes).

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At the age of 4 while visiting the site of my family’s new home, I was introduced to the neighbor—a collie named Timmy. After being assured that he was not a wolf, we became best friends. I remember reading Albert Payson Terhune’s Lad: A Dog to Timmy while he listened patiently.

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I am an active member of the Terhune Sunnybank Memorial, contributing to their newsletter and assisting with tours at The Gathering at Sunnybank each August. 

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Recently I was asked by Flora Scheck to be on the Board of ColliesWithoutBorders. Together we are making a difference in the lives of collies and those who love them.

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My collie, Mattie, is 11 years old. Though she is getting up there in years, her heart remains as sweet and pure as only a collie’s can be.

Holly grew up around horses, cats and dogs. 

She worked for years in financial services for a socially responsible investment management firm.

After giving up life in the fast lane, Holly became a full time yoga instructor and Qigong practice leader. 

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She is on the Board of Directors of ColliesWithoutBorders joining Flora Scheck in her mission to provide aid to collie families around the world. 

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She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and her dream dog Tessie, a beautiful Tri-colored rough collie. 

I grew up with German Shepherds and Newfoundlands. When I met my husband he introduced me to the Rough Collie breed and it has been my dog of choice for the last 29 years. I connected with Flora when she put out a call for arms and have been supporting her fundraising efforts since late 2022. I wanted to set something up on this side of the pond, so I have established a registered charity here in the UK (Ukrainian Rough Collie Aid) and will be working in partnership with Collies Without Borders to provide support to Rough Collies and their owners. The breed is in decline in Europe so it is important to me to help maintain the breeding lines.

As a child, Carol's best friend was a collie look-alike sheltie named Teddy. As an adult she grew to love the collie breed and was the proud mother of Shannon, a beautiful rough sable who lived a few months short of fourteen years.

Carol currently lives in Northern Illinois with her husband, two cats named Caleigh and Tim, and a seven-year-old merle headed white collie Abby.

Carol has taken her love of collies international as a non-board member who supports CWB and manages the CWB store.

Oleg’s deep compassion shines brightest in his love for his sweet collie, Helena. When she became ill, he carried her to the veterinary hospital and stayed by her side day and night, holding her paw with unwavering devotion. A devoted family man, he brings joy to those around him, even while living under the shadow of war, his quiet optimism a strength to all who know him.

In his free time, Oleg enjoys music, organizing photographs, and creating videos. One of his most cherished gifts to Collies Without Borders is our beloved CWB Birthday Game—a tradition that brings smiles across our community. With affection, we call him our Birthday Party Director.

Iryna’s journey with “the Fluff” of dogs began over 30 years ago, born from a deep love of animals. It all started with her Chow Chow—while grooming, she was struck by the beauty and softness of its fur and began to wonder, What could I create from something so extraordinary? Could this beauty be preserved? Could it hold a memory?

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That question began a lifelong journey of learning—knitting, felting, and experimenting—searching for ways to let the natural beauty of a dog’s fur speak for itself. The first time she shaped a delicate flower from a dog’s fluff, she knew she had found her calling: to create treasures that carry the memory of a beloved friend long after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. 

Her Sky still watches over her work, a quiet muse and her sweet Helena is by her side, as they dream up new creations.

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Collies have held a place in Iryna’s heart for many years, and finding Collies Without Borders opened a new chapter—one filled with inspiration, community, and love shared across borders. In these past years, as war shadows daily life, this work has become more than craft—it is a lifeline. 

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She lives with her husband, both now retired, who takes pride in watching her pour her heart and hands into each creation—transforming them into symbols of hope, kindness, and the enduring joy that survives even in life’s hardest moments.