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 started her show career in a very bold fashion. At just 6 months and 1 day old, Reign's very first show was the DPCA Regional at the DPCA National. She stunned the crowd at just 6 months and 1 day old by taking Best of Winners at the Regional. She went on to earn her AKC Championship with her breeder, Colleen Nicholson, handling her in the ring. Colleen later guided her to her AKC Grand Championship.
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.
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.
That truth is often lost in the anger and grief surrounding her death. Reign wasn’t “just a dog.” She wasn’t “just a pet.” She was family. Her loss shattered Mark and Wendy Buterbaugh, her owners, and left a void that can never be filled.
Reign’s death also brought attention to the emotional toll owners face when sending their beloved companions to professional handlers. It’s a decision made out of love for the breed and dedication to the sport—but it comes with fear, uncertainty, and sacrifice. And in Reign’s case, the unthinkable happened.
Her tragic and preventable death was like an earthquake, sending shockwaves far beyond the Doberman community. It united voices across the dog show world and beyond, all calling for change.
Reign’s legacy is change.
For those four unbearable hours, Reign had no voice. None of them do. But we do—and we must use it. We will be their voice.
Because Reign’s story deserves to mean something.
Because her voice—through us—will never be silenced.
Reign’s story continues to shape the mission of Reign for Change. These articles share reflections, updates, and moments that honor her life and the impact she continues to have.
