This article will clear up things regarding the relationship between me and Ray Coleman. This article will also, give the facts (truth) and clear the air or rumors and lies that have been said regarding any conversation, meetings, or contacts between me (MRN) and Ray Coleman.
Let me begin by mentioning, in 1997, before I ever spoke too or met Ray Coleman, I sold, a female pup named (Pinta) DOB: 12/28/96 off-spring of, Sire-Lana Big Sam Lane Reg. No. 453 Vol.4 & Dam-Big Mama Annie Nicholas Reg. No 368 Vol.3 to Mr. Joe Ibarzaba from California.
One of the first lies that Ray Coleman wrote about, was that he interviewed me in 1993. There was no way this could have happened, because in 1993, I was not taking calls or conducting interviews regarding the Alapaha , because at this time I did not know enough about this breed. My telephone number, was release to the public in 1995. Even in 1995, I was still doing my research on the Alapaha BlueBlood breed. I first met Ray Coleman in 1997, at this time I had no knowledge that Ray Coleman owned or possessed any Alapaha or Old Southern Bulldogs. Ray Coleman told me that this was the first time he ever came down to South, Georgia. I did in fact, let Ray Coleman come to my home and stay for a weekend. I know for a fact, at this time the (ABBA registry) did not exist. This was the first time that Ray Coleman was formally introduced to the Alapaha and Old Southern Bulldog breed. During this time I brought Ray Coleman to meet Ms. Lane Kennel this was the only time that I brought Mr. Coleman there. While down in South, Georgia, I introduced Mr. Coleman to other old timers that I was talking to and purchasing dogs from. Let it be known that Ray Coleman (did not purchase any dogs from the old timers that I was talking too). For those who are familiar with Ray Coleman’s (videos or tapes), you can clearly see that he is showing me (MRN) and my dogs. I did not give Ray Coleman (permission) to use my (images or video tapes). Mr. Coleman stated that all the dogs on his video or dvds are (ABBA registered). I have never registered any dogs with the (ABBA), never bred any dogs with Ray Coleman, nor did I ever assist Ray Coleman in his breeding program. Also in 1997, Ray Coleman informed me that he was planning on breeding for a different (look) in the Alapaha from Ms. Lanes dogs. At this time Ray Coleman showed me a picture of (Derwents Geronimo), he stated that he was going to advertise "Geronimo" as his foundation dog. I then told Ray Coleman that me and him could not do any business together.
I don’t believe in deceiving the public, this is one of the reasons I stopped doing business with Ms. Lane. I would like to express my concerns with the word (LOOK). Ray Coleman desire was to breed a bulldog that had a "marketable appearance".
When thinking about Ray Coleman, I think about Mr. Johnson. You see, Ray Coleman and Mr. Johnson bred dogs that was appealing to the public, they did not breed dogs to preserve a breed. Ray Coleman and Mr. Johnson dogs does not reflect the standards of their breed. I would like to say, that Ray Coleman and Mr. Johnson did not do anything wrong, by breeding their dogs. Just a reminder that when you breed (Ray Coleman or Mr. Johnson) dogs, you are breeding their strain of dogs, not the original strain of dogs.
One thing I would like to mention, is that what separates Mr. Johnson from Ray Coleman is Mr. Johnson reveals the truth about how his dogs were bred, Ray Coleman does not.
Always remember, there are "specific regions", that these breed originated from (South, Georgia and North, Florida). For all, who are looking to be on the side of HISTORY, please realize the true origin of the breed.