Do You Remember?

The dogs and I were sitting on the porch several weeks ago.  Some were sleeping, and a few were looking at the birds and squirrels.  We were keeping a few dogs that came into the rescue when one of them asks, "where did I come from, I forgot."  "Do you really want to know?"  I ask.  "Yes, please, I want to know!"

When dogs come into any rescue, it's usually not very good.  It's either the last straw in the household they came from, or the owner just doesn't care what happens to the dog, and it's usually not very good if you're a dog, and the end may be unpleasant.

Going into a shelter or when someone tells you why they need to rehome their dog can be overpowering and overwhelming for everyone.  You see many reactions from the dog when you visit the shelter; they are happy to see someone or hide in the back of their cage.  They can't trust anyone because the person who they thought loved them brought them to the shelter.  Sometimes they are scared and will bark at everything and anything where once they were very confident and calm.  Dog shelters can bring out the worse in a dog, and the dog can even shut down and give up on any hope of ever being happy, and sometimes, they’re not.

Being a foster and evaluator, you see all kinds of dogs and wonder what happened and why it happened.  Sometimes you know, but most times, you don't.  Don't get me wrong; at times, a dog may need to be rehomed in certain circumstances, and it's necessary.  Lord knows I know.

Once a dog is brought to safety, their life drastically changes for the better, and they transform into something we didn't see in the shelter, and it's so satisfying to watch that change for the good.  They will run and play and learn new things such as chasing another dog, a ball or Frisbee and even going into the house where some have never been.  They get their own dog bed if they don't sleep in the new owner's bed and get fed, not having to scavenge on their own.

As I started to explain where they came from to the young dogs, I thought for a moment of what I needed to say.  As I started to speak, my heart got the better of me, and I stretched the truth, "just a little."  "Mickie, your owners went to the hospital, and they wouldn't allow any dogs, but she loved you very much.  Tink, your human mother, was going to have a baby, and Rosco, your human dad, became allergic to your fur.  They all loved you very much and even cried when they had to let you go.  They ask me if I would take special care of you, and of course, I said yes."  "Yea, they loved us and wanted the best, just for us, and thank you dad for helping them and us.  Do they know where were are at?"  "You betcha'" I said.  As the dogs came to me and jumped onto my lap, they snuggled down into sweet dreams, knowing they were safe and happy, all is at peace...

Of the three dogs in my lap, one was scheduled for euthanasia, having only 24 hours left.  One was tied to a chain for her entire life, and one was starved and abused, all were infested with ticks and fleas.  I am glad they forgot where they came from...   Ken

How Many Times...

I know some of us have asked how many times can our heart break? While I don't keep a record, it seems pretty often with me.  When we raised Border Collies years ago, we never thought about the end run of our venture.  Many times, when a new puppy would go home with their new owner, standing in the driveway after they were gone, big tears ran down my cheeks.  "Will they love them as much as I do" I always wondered.  "Will they take care of them when they hurt or are sick?"  The unfortunate part, sometimes they do but a few times they didn't.  All in all, just a few slipped through the cracks, but most grew up having a happy life, but my heart broke and I always worried.

Dutch

Then, as our once little puppies get older and more feeble, some have injuries or get a dreaded disease.  The worst phone call or email I get is  "Kenny, and I am so sorry, our dog passed away, we did everything we could have done."  My heart breaks because my mind immediately goes back to the little pups that I would carry around and love on, how many times have I been there?  The last Blog I wrote, was about "Dutch," I got this from his owner.  "Good afternoon, I can barely write this note to you because we are so sad and heartbroken, we had to put Dutch to sleep on Wednesday.  We can't express enough gratitude for you letting us take care of him for the last 12 years and eight months. It has been our honor. Thank you and Elaine for what you do for this great breed."  I literally broke down.

As most know, we went to rescuing Border Collies after Clancy died, but that brings pain too.  Just this week on our Social Media page, someone said it for me in a post.  That is the hardest thing about fostering, letting them go. I was so emotional and could not stop crying, the morning I was taking this little cutie in to help find her a home until I met the perfect family!  Dana Carney Riddle.

There is a part of my job that most in the outside world have never thought of before.  If you are a true dog lover, the dog you take care of and foster, even for a brief time, steals your heart.  In most cases, you see them transform right in front of your eyes each day.  Dogs that seemed to be broken to others come out of their shell, dogs that have shut down become interested again in life, and their life starts over.  At times, see a miracle in just days, and then it happens.  Whether they find a home or move to a foster, it happens.  You didn't know it at the time, but it happened your heart breaks again

Billy Joe was going to his new foster.  One that had more time, space, and experience to give him the best start of his new life.  You see, Billy Joe came into our rescue and was very loved where he was, but in one day everything changed.  Twelve years ago, he was a little puppy and went to a very loving home.  Six years ago, Billy Joe lost his best buddy, Robert or Preacher, as some call him who passed away.  His wife took care of him until her death, and their son took on the responsibility to love him, and he did until he suddenly passed away. 

My heart broke again as I heard the story about Billy Joe, we needed to help and after discussion and visits, Billy Joe came to the farm.  He soon learned to explore and meet new dogs and people.  His world drastically changed, you see, other than going to the Vet, the farm was the only place he had been to, but he fit right in.  Because Dogwood Ridge is only a layover place for the rescues, he was going to his new foster. 

Billy Joe on his way on Saturday

This last Saturday, as I was feeding my dogs in the kennel, Billy Joe came to visit me.  He walked up to my leg and rubbed his head against me.  I knew what he wanted, so I sat down beside him and stroked his face and scratched his ears.  I buried my face into his fur and cried.  I don't know if it was tears of sorrow or happiness, but we both needed it.  Did he know his time was short with me, was he saying 'Thank you or goodbye."  Later that day, I knew he was happy and going to his new beginning. 

Things happen for a reason; how did someone find us on a whim or from a Google search.  There are forces in play we'll never know, but I often wonder if a fuzzy black and white paw was involved.  Robert and Jeff were Billy Joe's caretakers until the end of their life, but who knows, maybe they met my Clancy, and Billy Joe was directed to us by forces we'll never understand. 

How many times has my heart been broken, thousands, but now it is breaking because I am happy...  another Border Collie was helped.  To Billy Joe's extended family... I know you dearly love and miss him, I do too, my heart breaks from happiness.   Ken

Dutch

"Hi Kenny, I wanted to let you know that Dutch had to have his spleen removed, it had tumors in it, hemangiosarcoma cancer. It was hemorrhaging into his abdomen. They said the survival rate is an average of two months, he is moving slowly these days. Not sure we made a good decision for him, we just were not prepared to say goodbye the day we took him in. I thought you would want to know. He is a real trooper, still wants to go on walks even though he can't go far, and he is still hungry all the time."

Dutch was a puppy born from Clancy and Dutchess.  He was named after his Mom and was the apple of everyone’s eye and a spitting image of his Dad Clancy in every way.  Dutch was very special to us, and because he lived in the same town as us, we saw him often.  He would visit the farm for a play day and visit us and his Mom and Dad when his human parents would go on vacation.

Dutchess and Dutch

As time moves on, addresses chance, but the love for a dog is always there.  While we had great pups and loving homes, we now encounter a time when the families also face difficult decisions concerning the health of their beloved pets, something I never thought about.

Me holding Dutch

It is a very difficult time when you lose one of your own pets when "that" time comes, but when you hear about losing one of your pups, it all comes back again.  It was standard with us when a new owner would pick up their new Border Collie, I would schedule a time for pick up and told the new owners to expect my "come to Jesus" talk.  It took nearly an hour, and I told them what to expect with their new bundle of joy.  When the session was over, and as they would be getting ready to leave and as they were getting in the car, I told them, "it might be your dog, but it will ALWAYS be one of my pups," and they are.

Elaine and I tried to be good and responsible when it came to our pups.  We always contacted the owners, watched their dog when needed, had play days at the farm, and even had 3 puppy reunions that lasted an entire weekend.  We did it for the dogs because we loved and cared for them.  When they were young and had been weaned, I would go to the kennel every night and get on my knees and sing to them.  All of us would come to love this, and as I put my head close to them and started, they would lick my face, and it was Heaven, truly Heaven.  Their little faces would turn from side to side, and soon, they would go to sleep.  Little did I know how bonded I was with them.

I got this last night...

"Good afternoon, I can barely write this note to you because we are so sad and heartbroken, we had to put Dutch to sleep on Wednesday, his pain medication was just not keeping him comfortable, and we could not stand to see him that way, he's a tough guy though and never let out a Yelp or whimper, he was just happy to be with us. We can't express enough gratitude for you letting us take care of him for the last 12 years and eight months. It has been our honor. Thank you and Elaine for what you do for this great breed."

Run Free Dutch, run to your dad and sit by his side, and know that soon all of your friends and humans will meet you and I will sing to you again... Dad

If I had words to make a day for you

I sing you a morning golden and new

I would make this day

Last for all time

If I had words

The Visit...

All of us will "go home" at some time, it's inevitable. I remember when I was small, we drove for what seemed like days to visit my Mom's family in the country for "Decoration Day," which today is also called Memorial Day.  It was an annual trip we took to decorate the graves of family members that had passed before us.  As kids, we had such a good time, and it was a whole weekend of fun, excitement, and things I had never seen or done before. There were 13 children in my Mom's family, of which my mother was the youngest. We were the city people of the family, everyone else lived near the homestead. Us kids would drink out of a well, ride cows and even ride on a drag on the back of a tractor through the fields and I would always get dirty throughout. 

When we would visit, we would stay at Aunt Maggie's house because it was the only home that had indoor plumbing, something that I took for granted at our own home. On Sunday, after decorating the graves, we would gather at the homestead for the giant potluck/pitch-in dinner.  I remember that if we needed to go to the bathroom, we had to go to the "barn" to do our business, which as a kid, I thought that was pretty cool. All in all, it was a great weekend, and I got to see my many cousins and play in the fields and get dirty. We always brought home fresh eggs and homemade butter, something my Dad said always reminded him of his youth when he was a boy.

Several weeks ago, and with the help of Google Earth, I went back home to the farm, my Mom grew up on, and sadly, everyone had passed-on some time ago. Not knowing the address except for RR2, I scowled the location from a satellite.  Low and behold, I found it, I saw the farm, and I was thrilled. Things had changed, but my mind flashed back to when I was 12 years old. I will always remember the well that we got the water from by dropping a rusty bucket down a hole and cranking it up for some cold, clean water and going to the bathroom in the barn. When I expanded my Google Earth search, I also visited the graveyard where we went to decorate the family graves. With technology today, I was at the very spot and could even rotate my view to see the graves of my family. There is no one left to have a reunion, and it's sad, and my visit was bittersweet, but I did enjoy it and the trip down memory lane.

As I walked that long road down the driveway at home last night, I stopped and sat at the grave of my dogs and the dogs of friends, I remembered the moments in my life when they were here and young.  Life can be harsh at times, but when you remember them, remember the good times you had and the love you shared together.

As for this Memorial Day, remember to honor the men and women of our armed services who gave everything for us but remember our past pets too and the funny, cute, and loving way they loved us. Take a minute to look into your present dog's eyes, stroke their fur, and assure them that they are everything to you because someday before we know it, it may be too late, trust me, I know... Ken

Mother's Day and More...

Yesterday, the second Saturday in May was National Dog Mom's Day, and a chorus of yips, barks, and yesterday, howls of praise for all the dog mommas was sent out!
Our dogs are our family members, whether they came into our lives unexpectedly or as carefully planned additions. We adopt them as puppies, adolescents, or fully mature animals with a bit of baggage, and yet, we find common ground, a connection, and bond like families do. They know our moods, and we know theirs. We care for them, shelter them, and share an immeasurable loyalty with them.
National Dog Mom's Day recognizes the bond women share with their fur kids. When they humor us, charm us, or even when they are naughty, they are like any other child to us.

Today, we celebrate Mother's day, how fitting because sometimes I was like was pretty bad, just like my dogs at times.   Mothers day was always special in my young years. My sister always picked a beautiful bouquet of flowers from our yard for Mouther, and I usually got her a bunch of dandelions, but she always seemed to love them.  

Last year I was told what we were doing for the event. Elaine told me she wants to go out for breakfast, and I said, "You know they stop serving breakfast at 11 o'clock, and that means that you need to get up before then." "Waffle House is OK with me," so we went there. Elaine does like to sleep in, but last year, she made that sacrifice to get up and head out early. 

While you get ready to celebrate Mother's Day this year whether, it's in person or thought, remember the good times and speak lovingly of the person who cared for you and always wanted the best for you. I know I will.

Dutchess is ready to pack up in the car and head out to Waffle House for a Pecan Waffle and a tall glass of milk, and she even rolled in poop so she would smell good for everyone. She likes the booth best because she can lay down when she gets full, but this year, things are a little different, but I'm sure she will get something from the table... Ken

Letters from Ernie, the follow-up...

In 2009 "Shadow," a Border Collie born here at the farm, came back to us from his first home where he had lived for a year. I will never forget that call I got that day. "Hello, I have a problem. I got two Border Collie from you, and it's not working out. They run all the time, and they chase my neighbor's cattle, and the neighbor told me he was going to shoot the dogs if I don't keep them off his farm." That very day, "Shadow" and his brother came home, back to the farm.  A few weeks later, I got a call from a family who wanted a Border Collie and was interested in "Shadow" and he found his forever home...  His new name was Ernest Dextor Archer or Ernie to his friends. Ernie wrote every Christmas telling how he was doing, and I always enjoyed the letters especially from a dog's point of view.

Several weeks ago, I got an unexpected letter from Ernie, telling me he was sick.  This week, I got another letter, this time it was from Addie, his sister.

Daddy Kenny and Mommy Elaine (Ernie told me I could write to you, I hope it is ok!)

Bubby Ernie, my dog brother, asked me to write you yesterday to tell you he was "going home," even though I thought he was already home!

He has been having a bad day about every week or so, then he would be great, and we would even run a little in the yard. Mommy thought he was going to heaven about 3 weeks ago, and even called in sick to be with him, and she slept on the floor by him. He surprised us all that next day and got up easily, and seemed to be ok! Mom felt bad for calling in, but just enjoyed the day with him.

Ernie and Addie, best friends

Saturday, I was outside, barking at Max, our doggie neighbor, and Daddy said Ernie just bolted outside, and ran to where Max and I were at the fence. For some reason, yesterday morning, Ernie only would eat or drink if Daddy held the bowl up. I later heard Daddy tell Mommy, when she got home from work, that he wondered if the cancer was putting pressure on his neck, and bending down to eat/drink made it worse. (If you ask me, Ernie was just milking it, trying to get extra attention!)

Mommy noticed that Ernie didn't greet her at the door after work, but he seemed happy and wagging his tail at her. Later, she saw him struggle to get up, which is how it is at times for him, but this was worse, and he fell right back down! Mommy was so sad! She used a towel around his lower back to try to get him out to potty, but he just couldn't stand by himself.

I heard Mommy tell Daddy, when she saw him in the exact same place yesterday morning in his bed, she knew it was time. You are right! Time to feed us, hello!

Mommy called in to work, and she was sobbing like I have never heard her do. Daddy is sooo sad! (He always called him Ernie Boy.)

Mommy made a few calls, but I couldn't hear what she was saying, but she was still crying on and off. She FINALLY fed us, but literally, hand fed Ernie. When I saw that, I stopped eating, and then she started hand feeding me as well! Hey, this is kind of nice!

Around 10:00, she came back with some ice cream. I knew, as soon as I saw that, one of us is going to heaven! (It was a vanilla Frosty, cause she told Daddy she didn't have enough time to go all the way to DQ!)

"The" Ice Cream...

Ernie lapped it up, even though he left his head laying on the bed. I ate mine in record flat time, and Mommy gave me a little of hers! It's always bittersweet when we get ice cream, because not always, but sometimes, Mommy comes home without one of us! I hope it's not me!

Ernie and Addie saying goodbye

Mommy told me to "tell bubby goodbye," and I went over to him in his bed, and kissed him! Mommy got a great picture that she said she will always treasure!

Daddy put me up in the bedroom, and I was like, "whew," it's not me. 

Mommy and Daddy came back about an hour or so later, she was sobbing, Daddy crying, and I just looked and looked, but no Bubby!

Mommy told me we will see Ernie again, and that made me happy! I can't wait until Ernie, and I can go running with Mommy again!

I did hear Daddy tell Mommy last night..." when you first brought him home, I wasn't sure, he was a lot bigger then our other dogs, but he ended up being the best dog ever!"

I will not take that personal, because, hey, I know I have some issues, and I agree Ernie was the bestest bubby ever!

Slobbers,

Addie Lynn Archer

PS: I heard Mommy and Daddy talking about sprinkling something "at the farm," not sure what that means, but I do love me some sprinkles on my ice cream!

I will miss the letters from Ernie and especially his point of view of the world.  He has a rough start but found a loving home and a wonderful life.  When I got the notice he had passed, I was speechless and broke down.  How can you love a dog so much?  Some people will never see or understand that but some of us do and I feel sorry for the ones who don't.

The x-ray that found the buckshot where Ernie was shot.

Run free Ernie, you were greatly loved by many.  Some of Ernie's Ashes will be sprinkled at the farm and he will be with his father, Clancy.  Until we meet again...   Ken

Read Ernie's letters he sent to me.

It's all about the dogs...

On November 28, 2013, I watched a video that someone sent to me, and while I don't usually look at things I'm not familiar with, I watched this one for some unknown reason. In 20 seconds into the video, I was balling my eyes out. Large crocodile tears were running down my face. My heart hurt in more ways than I could imagine, and it changed my life. When I watched the video, I was amazed at the love, help, and determination, and it was apparent there was more, much more to come. Sad tears became happy tears. "Lucas" was only eight weeks old, and he couldn't walk, but many miracles occurred in his short life and mine too.

 It was about a Border Collie scooped up from Craigslist with a birth defect and needed help. Glen Highland Farm in New York picked up the slack and took the dog in, and many months later, operations were done, much therapy was given, and Lucas ran again and was living a life full of joy, and he was loved by many. 

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly

And the dreams that you dare to

Oh why, oh why can't I? 

Little did I know the impact it would have on me and the journey I and many others would make three years later when Clancy died. Because Lucas needed help with his seven surgeries, I made a donation, and while it was only $10.00, the effect of love and compassion reverberated throughout my soul, and I never forgot it. Ten months later, Karen Newhall and I were at Glen Highland Farm transporting the Lucky 5 to them because we knew they were the best.

I learned many things from GHF, but what I will always remember, never give up, never give in, and know your mission. When Clancy's Dream started, we reached out to Lillie Goodrich and GHF for advice and guidance, and of course, she helped, and we still communicate and assist each other when we can, all because of a video.

Instilled in me was the lengths that GHF would go to to save Border Collies, which was passed to me and the staff of Clancy's Dream. Many times, Border Collies with medical issues are put down almost immediately if/when they reach a shelter or pound because no one wants them. We have taken in blind, Heartworm positive, pregnant, injured, and deaf dogs. There is always that small urgency of fear that comes into my mind, but in every case, when we get that call, the dog is fostered and rehomed immediately. It's because of the love and compassion people have, who make any organization work.

While this has been a whirlwind trip, it's all worth it because of the happy faces and loving heart that is always inside every dog, sometimes it takes time.  Nearly 3 years after I watched the video of Lucas, my life and the lives of Border Collies changed for the better when Clancy Passed away.  Life can be cruel and is, but we are who we are because of our past and you have a choice.  Many years ago I wrote this; "Life is not about what I have done, what I should have done, what I could have done, it's about what I can do and what I will do."  When I donated those $10 dollars, I did something and although, it was just a smidgen of what was needed to help Lucas, I took a step and because of that, it set in motion great things for the dogs we love.  At the end of the video, the donors are mentioned and on the last page is my name and I was so proud, but in reality, I did something.  Please watch the story of Lucas.  Ken

The story of Lucas

I contacted Lillie Goodrich about the lucky five. All are adopted but  

THE BIG STORY OF LITTLE ANA

After landing at GHF, it was clear she was quite the fence jumper so needed constant supervision as she learned the ropes of life with humans.

A semi-feral BC, she had never received the kindness or connection that normal BC's long for and flourish in so off to foster care in Vermont with our most skilled person.

Ana blossomed step by step over TWO years there however one fateful day the sound of a lumber truck sent her scampering under a fence…gone in winter for 4 1/2 months.

A night camera, wildlife net and continual diligence all hours of the day and night by the foster family found her. So, back to GHF as a Resident in a special built enclosure to keep her safe.

It worked and Ana was set to reside forever in rescue. She stayed back at GHF for TWO years.

Then a funny thing happened when the fosterer came to say goodbyes with our impending move from NY to VA in 2019…one look at Ana and she asked to take her HOME. Now at age 11, Ana is more content than anyone expected, sliding right back into the family's home with a pack of GHF BC's…Ana had a BIG journey but thankfully, landed right where she belonged.

Ana's inspires us to carry on…EVERY DOG COUNTS…NO MATTER THEIR AGE OR NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES…

A notice About Glen Highland Farm

Dear Friends of the Farm,

Almost 20 years ago, we launched Glen Highland Farm to meet the exploding numbers of young Border Collies landing in bad situations. We created a facility on 175 acres with a team that tackled every challenge, determined to succeed and right the wrongs for this special over-popularized breed, creating the largest BC rescue in the country. To date and thanks to your support, GHF has helped over 3,000 innocent dogs make their way to new lives. 

We now invite you to come

with us in a NEW CHAPTER for GHF.

As aging Border Collies emerged in record numbers, we opened The Senior Sanctuary seven years ago and more recently, tailored our full focus to rescuing only dogs age 10 and up: this age of dog needs lots of time and oversight and with our medical expertise, we are the perfect answer to help them where shelters and other rescues cannot easily handle long-term care.

Our hearts break watching them struggle to understand what they have done wrong and why their person is gone. But, we see their hearts HEAL by reigniting that special spark so deeply inside every Border Collie… to work, to focus, to DO… wanting to be active. THIS is what makes an aging BC want to go on! Our goal is to make that possible whether they are waiting to be adopted or live their life out at GHF.

However, upstate NY winters are brutal for almost half the year no matter how hard we try to make winter easier on the older dogs. Dogs stumbling, sliding and falling on ice hidden under inches of snow; white-out blizzards with whipping winds frightening the dogs; five minute outs in -20 temps morning and night with dogs lifting feet to avoid pain as paw covers won’t stay on; accidentally pulled muscles and injured backs as dogs attempt to right themselves in the snow; dogs unable to move due to severe pain made worse by bitter cold. With severe orthopedic issues, winter injuries can sadly lead to life and death decisions earlier than needed. Even Caretakers and Volunteers rely on ice crampons to maneuver outside without injury. And winters are getting worse, year after year.

So, to give our Rescues the best possible life...

GHF will continue our journey, moving all the dogs to Virginia for a gentler climate that favors them year-round: 15 flat acres and warming sun that allows them to be the best of who they are - energetic, focused and busy Border Collies for their remaining years! 

We invite you to continue with us in this new chapter and help us help the Senior Border Collies… innocent in the human drama that leads to their abandonment... they have no chance, without all of us! 

Thank you for your caring and giving heart, supporting GHF to be the best it can be for this breed!

Lillie Goodrich & John Andersen

Hold on, to me as we go

As we roll down this unfamiliar road

And although this wave is stringing us along

Just know you're not alone

'Cause I'm going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear

Don't pay no mind to the demons

They fill you with fear

The trouble it might drag you down

If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone

'Cause I'm going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear

Don't pay no mind to the demons

They fill you with fear

The trouble it might drag you down

If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone

'Cause I'm going to make this place your home

Phillip Phillips