Where to start... I've pondered this story since its conception three years ago from one of the worst possible situations to absolutely the best situation. For several years, we have done everything to save/rescue border collies because of our love for the breed and the uniqueness of the dogs. Wrong placement in a home can be fatal to the breed and if you have never had a BC, take caution and research them before you get one, they are not for the faint of heart. Ken Shuck
Read the Journey... Part 1 Here
Forward by Karen Newhall
To
have experienced the horrors of a Border Collie puppy mill has changed my life
To
work with Border Collies herding sheep, providing pet therapy and competing in
sporting events has changed my life
To
have looked into the empty expression of puppy mill Border Collies has changed
my life
To
love a pair of Border Collies so deeply has changed my life
To
have been part of a rescue effort of puppy mill Border Collies has changed my
life
Witnessing
Border Collies changing lives, teaching how to love and be loved, how to trust
and be trusted, how to comfort and be comforted has changed my life
For
those that have been blessed with loving, being loved, working with and
comforted by this amazing breed know the feeling that most of us can't put into
words. The work ethic, focus, deep
understanding, loyalty, devotion, playfulness, naughtiness, intelligence and
humor make us smile and laugh everyday, make us feel loved everyday, make us
feel needed everyday and make our lives more complete and fulfilled. We are challenged in some way everyday;
keeping them mentally and physically engaged, teaching a new trick or action,
ensuring they are safe from food, toys and objects left unattended, keeping
them from herding cars, livestock and neighborhood kids, finding a place for
ourselves to sleep at night amongst a gaggle of collies. Personally, I have adjusted my lifestyle and
that of my family to ensure my girls have a great life. I walk more, I am outside
more, I maintain a flock of sheep, my vacations are dog friendly, I drive dog
friendly vehicles, dog hair is a common ingredient in family meals, I share my
bed and we live in a home littered with toys, bones and dog hair. I wouldn't do
it any other way. Being greeted by the wags and wiggles changes the outcome of
everyday; I smile more, I laugh more and I love more, my life has changed.
For
those that have been blessed to not have experienced the absolute destruction
of spirit that occurs when dogs are kept in a mill situation are
fortunate. To be in the presence of
Border Collies that won't approach people, that cower in the back of filthy
cages, to look into eyes with no expression or softness, to lay your hands on
the body of a border collie that freezes with fear, to watch them attempt to
disappear by piling on top of each other or flatten themselves into the nearest
corner to avoid being seen is heart breaking to say the least, it is life
changing.
Take
a moment and allow yourself to fully be in the presence of your own dog, look
into their eyes, they will look directly back into your eyes. You can see into
their soul, and they into yours. Hug them, they will hug you back. Just be in the moment....it is life
changing. Think about the best times spent with your BC family
member.....snuggling, hiking, swimming, herding, agility, obedience, training,
camping, pet therapy sessions, fly ball, Frisbee, fetch, daily walks or any of
the other, dozens of activities these amazing dogs adapt themselves to do.
Consider if your dog, by happen stance, was stuck in a puppy mill cage, covered
in urine and feces, never knew the feeling of running free in the grass,
sleeping in a bed, counter surfing, chasing a ball, diving into the
lake.....the thought of the lost opportunities for you, your dog and the many
people that have been impacted by your dog is life changing, it is for me. I cannot
imagine my own two beautiful girls not loving and being loved by my
family.
Who would comfort Nellie when
there is thunder, who would fluff Ruby's pillow, who would herd my sheep, who
would comfort me, who would I have when the boys are off leading their lives,
who would keep them safe, who would love them, who would they love and work
for? Nobody.
 |
| Ruby and Nellie |
Over
the past two years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to illicit change
for Border Collies and families. Helping to rescue and re home several Border
Collies, being an advocate and taking action to end the horrific suffering of
an illegal puppy mill and helping to transport the 'Lucky Five' to Glen
Highland Farm so that they could start the healing process and change the lives
of those fortunate enough to cross paths with them. By no means, have I done
enough or even a lot. There is more to be done and I will continue on this
journey. There is so much to be done and many ways to help. There is an
opportunity to change lives of dogs, people and ourselves. I will continue to
support these efforts and encourage others to do the same. We all have a common
bond; we love these dogs, whether they are our current companions, our past
companions or companions owned by family and friends. The reward is knowing I
have made a difference, one dog at a time and my life has changed...for the
better.
Part 1 Starts Here
Part 1 Starts Here
