"The Circle of Life"

A small, full blooded Border Collie was brought to our door step this Friday that needed a place to stay, learn about life and know that people are good, but his “Circle of Life” was very small and he didn't really know what his purpose was.  At our first meeting, he was a little unsure of me, but very curious.   He was doing very well on a leash but would pull away when someone approached.  

Even Atticus Helped...

After watching my dogs run and scamper in the games they play with each other, he really seemed to want to join in the activities.  I was a little nervous to un-clip him from his leash but was assured by some friends that they would help me round him up if needed.  While I was apprehensive, off came the leash and in an instance, he was gone… running like never before and I had to wonder if this was his first time.  He ran charging straight to one of my pets and I was anxious because there was talk of aggression in his young past.  Once there, it was heaven…he played and pawed at my dogs and off they went into "zoomie" land.  In big circles they ran up the hills and back down chasing each other with tails wagging, tongues flopping and ears sensing every sound there was.  They were in a world of their own, one the new dog may have never experienced and I got choked up and shed a tear of joy for him.  I carried a pocked full of kibble and would treat him every time he got near.  The first treat, he was unsure, but very soon after, thing changed and he was making eye contact and seeking me out for snacks.  He soon learned, I’m not the old man who would pick him up by his tail which is evident, he was happy and so was I, his “Circle of Life” was changing...

We soon learned that he was starving for attention and so needed it.  He sought to be near “humans” that would reward him with love and take him for what he is, something more than a breeding machine for profit as most of his other BC’s companions were just months ago.  In his first 9 months of life, he was unsure of everything, living in 4 different places, born in a puppy mill and never seeing grass and his first move was because of a court order.  He was brought to me because he was relinquished and had been placed in an environment where he had to defend himself from Doberman Pinschers.  This was his “Circle of Life” and it wasn't very good.

After the evening started to slow down and it was feeding time, he was hungry but didn't want the fun to stop and would only take little bites of food and come to me.  He didn't like the kennel and at one point, I sat inside it with him, feeding him from my hand and while he ate, he would look at me and then the food over and over.  His “Circle of Life” had changed, “humans” can be good, but kennels are still bad…  We had a campfire that night and sat around talking with friends while the dogs were laying near our feet enjoying the warmth of the fire.  As sleep approached, “what are we going to do” I asked, looking at him laying next to me feet, “where is he going to sleep, he hates to be kenneled?"  Because of his early environment, a kennel is prison, a place of no escape, no grass to run on, no friends to play with.  A place where “humans” are bad, but now that he met one that can share something he may never have had, he liked it and wanted more and didn't want to let go of what he found.

As we put the dogs up, one young very special little Border Collie got to come into “the man’s” house.  After teaching him that the bed is good, he found his spot right next to my leg and nestled next to me without moving…”humans” can be good.  His “Circle of Life” has changed and so has mine… Ken

Note:   After sufficient time and when his training is complete, he will go to his new home, ready for a full life of love and attention but it will be the right home, I will make sure...  There will be no charge, I owe it to him and all the dogs I help because they help me... Run Free "little one" and enjoy, you deserve it...
Thank you Dr Baker...you saved another... Thank you "Lillie" you taught me...

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Changing of the Season…

It's now is getting dark early but I realized that we are winding down this summer and it’s kinda sad.  We will soon turn our clocks backwards for daylight saving time and in a way, it’s sad that the season is changing.  I love spring and summer except the hot humid weather but it’s worth putting up with for the long pretty days and dry weather.  The only good part of winter that I like, I can take longer naps and don’t feel that I have “be on the move” the whole time.  There is nothing like a long nap in front of the TV with several dogs in my lap.  Every season has its perks but spring is best for me.  This particular fall/winter is bittersweet for several reasons and the number one reason is a chapter is closing that won’t open again.  As many have read, this is our last breeding season for Border Collie pups and just happens, all of the puppies go to their new home this coming week.  It’s something I really don’t want to think about, but this door will shut, but it may be fitting because we are in a seasonal change too.

As I said, a new chapter in my “book of life” has opened and with the fresh winter season, and new adventures will come our way and fun will be had by all.  There will be more focus on my dogs and less on guest boarding or rehabilitation of other dogs here on the farm because of the cold weather but will soon return next spring.  Spring and summer are always busy and packed full of adventures of play and fun and especially work and I'm sure my dogs suffer a bit and miss "our" time. 

I’m sure the dogs will appreciate more time with “the man” and in truth I will to, I just don’t want to deal with the mud.  Frozen ground is good but lots of rain and mud is brutal to everyone and then the nap time with dad is out until they are clean, something they never think about, just running and playing for the moment.

Cold winters seems to bring the best out, I put on my subzero coat and insulated boots and off we go on long walks several times a day around the lake and down the long trails.  In the evenings, Dutchess will park herself in front of the TV just to watch the local weatherman and when the word “snow” comes on, a loud bark follows from her with eager ears and a spring in her step.  I will tell you, around here snow is great.  The deeper the better and as long as it last, there is joy is in the air.

 If things are going to change, then bring it on, lets face it with open arms because it is going to happen and we should do our best to make the most out of it.  Change can be good...

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under the sun.

A time to be born and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill and a time to heal ...

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance ...

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to lose and a time to seek;

A time to rend and a time to sew;

A time to keep silent and a time to speak;

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace.

As change is inevitable, life will move on, but it will be hard not to look back...especially when I hand over our "last" pup this week and watch that car travel out of sight...  Ken

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Run...Run...Run...

Does it ever stop?  I've seen it a thousand times and they do it everywhere they go, no matter what they are doing.  If I’m inside the house and they are in a dead sleep on the porch and I walk anywhere near the sliding backdoor,  off they go down the driveway.  As fast as they can go, thundering toward the gate at the end of the lane.  If they are really excited, they don’t even look for me, they just thunder off to "somewhere land" not knowing where they are going, just somewhere.  They know there are balls and Frisbee's to be played with, and a lake they can swim in if they can get there in a hurry.  They are so crestfallen when I open the door to get something and walk right back inside that they pout.  “Bark, Bark and more Bark” Dutchess says “hey, what about us, let's play” with that evil eye she has.  All in all, they run everywhere they go, trust me.

Now I really don’t care if they run, I just want them to be careful when they do.  We have had many vet trips for sutures and x-rays and nearly every one of our dogs and neighbor dogs have made that same Vet trip.  Sometimes they will run into each other, nip at each other and even run into anything or everything.  “Over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house” is a wonderful verse to a lovely song, but with Border Collies, the through the woods part scares the bejeebers out of me.  I've seen them run through overgrowth and around trees missing them by only a smidgen of space with me, gritting my teeth the whole time, wanting to turn my head and look elsewhere.  Just a few weeks ago, I was brushing Abbie and discovered that she had a cut on her right side.  

After a good exam, I felt that it is something that we can manage and watch at home.  I had some antibiotics from another dog injury which would help with infection so we were well on our way to the “home health care” plan.  I sprinkled on some antibiotic powder along with an antibiotic pill and now we were on our way to recovery or so I thought...  In just about 2 minutes, Abbie had licked the powder off and continued to lick her boo boo with great pleasure.  As it comes to pass in most dog’s life, especially Border Collies, they face the dreaded doom…”THE CONE OF SHAME” or as some call it, "The No Fly food cover".

Being an experienced BC owner, I went to the top shelf in the kennel and got the last cone we had.  This was Abbie’s first time in the cone but after a rough start, she had mastered the “run and bang” theory very well, hitting everything in sight, and not stopping.  

Cone # 1...Help me...I can't lick my butt... 

Of all the past “cone of shame” wearers, she was the most active.  Abbie would assume it was flexible and would run as normal.  While I tried to limit her activity, you know it’s impossible with a BC, so off we were on a joy ride of sorts.  After nearly knocking the back door off its hinges, tires off of the car and whizzing past me knocking me to the ground, the “Cone of Shame” had seen better days in just one day. 

Cone #2, one day old... notice all the hits to solid objects...

Needing to replace the “Cone” as we BC experts call it, I made a trip to our local and friendly Vet’s office where I am always welcomed with open arms and wallet where a new one was purchased and off we were on "our" joy ride again… and in just a few days, Abbie was running and her cone was flapping like a bird trying to take off and because of her speed, she even whistled as she ran through the woods.  I discovered that the manufacturer may want to upgrade the material or make a special Border Collie “Cone” made from of indestructible material but in the meantime, the Vets office has ordered me a few more...  Ken

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The Wrap-up…What do we do Now?

As I finish this short series about helping the “Lucky 5” dogs I took to Glen Highland Farm in New York many years ago, I realize that I have closed a door, and I have begun a new journey.  If I have learned anything, it is that you can’t turn a blind eye to a problem, even though we would love to, but it won’t go away, and it will usually get worse.  Because of a puppy mill, I have spent thousands of hours on the phone, written hundreds of letters, driven thousands of miles, and spent thousands of dollars, and this is just a drop in the bucket of “What do we do now”?

This trip literally changed my life.  In a haunting way, it will never leave my mind’s eye.  I say this because of the trauma I have suffered when I saw the inhumane, brutal, and ruthless way people treat their animals.  To this very day, I can taste it, smell it, touch it, hear it, and the burning memory of that puppy mill will be forever locked in my mind.

We coined the dogs that went up to GHF the “Lucky 5,” which sounds rosy, and it is for them, for the rest of their life, but not for the thousands of border collies that never make it and are abandoned or euthanized because of wrong placement or bad owners.  I saw things that I will never forget when I made visits to that puppy mill.  The last thing I think about at night is the faces of the many dogs we left behind in a kennel, and I see “my” Dutchess, Clancy, Molly, and all of my dogs, not at my home running, playing ball, or sleeping in bed with us, I see them in the same kennel where we rescued the “Lucky 5” dogs from.  By the grace of God, fortune, or destiny, my dogs came to me first.  Out of the nine Border Collies we have, six were given to us from people who were looking for a “good home,” and what if my very pets had gone to a shelter, “breeding farm,” or worse, put to death!  Can you imagine any of my or your dog on an eight-inch chain, unable to move and living in their own feces for months “Just to fatten them up” for breeding?...yes, this haunts me, and yes, I see the faces of my loving dogs in this inhuman kennel nearly every night, but, there is hope, but what should “we” do?

First, Help to stop puppy mills, support your local shelter, get involved there life depends on YOU!. 

This has been a very emotional time in my life, but as I closed one door, one large door opens up, and it’s big.  I have never asked for anything from my readers or friends, but I am asking now.  I know this is hard to deal with, but there is an answer, and it’s your help… Please help me, give the Border Collie breed a loving chance, and by the grace of God, fate, or destiny, your dog at your side is with you in a warm and beautiful place and not in a puppy mill.  Please help and get involved…

I worked so hard for what is right on something that was so wrong, and I feel that not only did we help rescue a total of 36 dogs, we rescued ourselves…  Just a short time after I got back home to Indiana, I received a thank you note from GHF, speaking about the “Lucky 5” it read in part, “Thank you, Their world has changed forever”  it was from Lillie Goodrich, the founder… and my response was... "Mine has too"…  Ken

Back Home to Indiana

After driving away from Glen Highland Farm in Morris, New York,  I, both looked out the window and stared at nothing…and we both temporarily lived in another world.

I dreamed about making a visit to the farm and seeing the dogs and the rehabilitation that goes on there.  When necessary, we have banded together to help rescue dogs, whether it’s getting a BC from an ad in the newspaper or on Facebook.  We both spring into action and do what we can for the dog(s), transporting, purchasing, posting, or rehoming when necessary.  When we were asked to help with GHF and the “Lucky 5”, there was no question; we knew and wanted to go. A large vehicle was needed to transport the dogs, and Elaine and I have just purchased a new Jeep Unlimited, which solved the large vehicle problem.  Packed to the gill, the new Jeep, with barely 500 miles on it, took off on its’ first big road trip to New York,  I and the “Lucky 5” all crammed safely in.  What a way to break in the new Jeep and so much for the new car smell, but it was worth it, and I would gladly go again if asked.    

After leaving the farm to return home and after what seemed like hours,  About an hour before we left, Lillie Goodrich had invited us to take a tour of the farm.  We all piled into the Gator, and off we went to see the farm.  Lillie was pulled aside for just a short time because of a pending adoption that needed finalizing.  While she was talking with them, I went through the trails and camping areas.  We saw the dog-friendly cottages on the property, nestled next to the woods, and heard the campers a little further down the path.  Hearing the familiar sound of dogs playing, we found two families camping that has met at the farm for the last nine years to spend their vacations together with their shared passion. 

As we all know, border collies are all about water, balls, and Frisbee's and are the main event; they were in their element.

After chatting with them for a short time, we continued our walk to another tent camping area beside a beautiful stream.  

Meeting up with Lillie, we met the new dog owners she helped and their newly adopted Border Collie.  All were happy, and another success story was accomplished. 

Getting back in the Gator, we drove in another direction; we saw more camping areas with people and dogs having a ball and getting back to nature without any worries. It is truly heaven on earth here.  “If only I lived closer,” I thought; what a way to spend my time helping GHF find loving homes for this remarkable breed.

Lillie asked if there was anything we wanted to see?  After reading about the farm from the website, there was a particular area I wanted very much to see.  Like a kid blurting out a quick answer, I told her what I wanted, and she pointed to the direction we needed to go, I solemnly walked to a place most revered and sacred.  

Through tall trees and abundant ferns, we walked nearly 15 minutes to an extraordinary place, passing streams and wildlife; we were finally there.  Nothing can prepare you for this…

Usually, we are very chatty, but at this moment, nothing was said, and the only sounds heard were the trickling of the stream and our sniffles.

No looks were passed between us because of the tears flowing as we each explored the beloved pets' resting space and read the personal notes from the owners.  Even now, it is one of the most monumental moments that I have ever witnessed, and I know I will have to walk this path again someday. 

“Any animal is welcome, cremated or in bodily form or in memorial.  Letters, poems, toys, and personal memorabilia related to your animal are included at the site.  And, visitors are welcome at any time.

The Garden is a place of peace and grace. There is an ease to the solitude with the only wind rustling the treetops and chimes ringing. Each animal is given a wind chime, engraved with its name and date of transition.  Their spirit sings on in the forest as a reminder of their time here.  No sound is sweeter.” 

As we slowly walked back to the Jeep, our last stop was to again meet Lillie, and she took us to the Pond House Refuge.  It is a place where unadoptable dogs permanently live because they have no other place to go.

This is her residence where she lives with her husband John and nearly 20 border collies…   The most important thing I learned about the Farm and Lillie is not only doing they talk about doing what it takes, but they also do it without question.

You can do many things at the farm and many things I have not mentioned because of space, but I will tell you, this will not be my only trip…and it's the tip of the experience.

Why and how did Glen Highland Farm get started? I can think of no better way to let you know than from the founder, Lillie Goodrich, and the rescue dog that started it all…” Luke,” she said, “rescued us as we rescued him. And, THAT healing became the foundation for Glen Highland Farm.  

While there are many things to do at the farm, make NO mistake about their purpose: to help and heal Border Collies, putting them in wonderful forever homes, but this is not all.  

Next Week…What can be done now?
Read Part 4 Here, The Wrap-up

Arriving at GHF, Part II

After arriving, I put the Jeep in park, and I could sense the stillness in the air.  I could hear the familiar bark of our beloved breed, and in just an instant, we were met by a staff member and a border collie at his side.  “Are you here for an adoption?”, “We've brought 5 rescue dogs to you,” I said, and in a flash, a radio check was made, and we were told to pull in the gate and to back up to the “Rescue Barn,” "You are expected," he said.

On the Barn Door

We met a few of the workers and was introduced to Lillie Goodrich, the founder of GHF. As we made small talk, the Jeep was swarmed with caring workers who unloaded the dogs one by one, and in less than 5 minutes, they were being checked and bathed. 

As we watched the transformation, unbeknownst to me, the Jeep was cleaned from head to toe. Our crates were washed out, and everything was arranged back to normal, and the “Lucky 5” had a chance at being normal dogs in a much desired normal environment very quickly.

As I watched and witnessed the work, a staff member asks, “Can you help me with a “once over” body check”?  “Of course,” I said, touching each dog and feeling them with loving hands for one of the few times in their life.  

Vacant eyes sought refuge, lots of skittishness, fear, and un-trust, but the “Lucky 5” was now in the arms of loving, caring people, ready to give them a life filled with love and attention.  

Every dog was checked and washed, and their assignments were made.

We did speak to Lillie, who was directing the operation, and we made some plans for the day but not before everything was lined out…

That night, we were to stay over because of our long journey.  Lillie said, “You will sleep in the bunkhouse,” pointing to me.  I hope you like dogs because you will be with several; this is their house.” We were thrilled as we both sleep with our dogs, and it would help with the loneliness of missing our own border collies.

As the afternoon passed, we got to see firsthand a working farm that transforms a dog with problems and issues into an affectionate, loving, and devoted dog that would fit in almost any home.  It was wonderful to watch the current border collies play and socialize with everyone as they lived without any cares.

After dinner, we sat around in an informal circle with some of the staff members that live on-site, and we were joined by Lillie.  In just this short informal gathering, I learned what a real “rescue” was and how well they do what needs to be done to correct a challenging dog and how I have failed in some areas.  Lillie is one of the most talented people I have ever met, with a rewarding background and a very keen sense of dogs.  After everyone had left, I thought“Wow, Lillie is one of us.” and she is, and much more…

Sleep came early because of being up for nearly 30 hours. I walked to the bunkhouse to be with Quincey, my K9 companion for the night, and very shortly, we both were fast asleep.  I was dreaming about moving to New York, and Quincey was chasing rabbits…

Quincey

I got up at 6 am and walked the farm to see a small part of heaven; the sun was coming up, and the fog was lying low but make no mistake, it is heaven for dogs and dog lovers and me.

We started at 7:10 at the rescue barn, and no one went in until everyone arrived, and everything was in full swing in just a few moments.  The bedding was washed, food was given, floors were swept and mopped, and then the “Lucky 5” was carried to living green grass for probably the first time in their life and "actually" got to walk on it and begin their journey to new adventures.  

Apprehensive at first, they would look for a corner to run, cowl in, and then move again to another.  The dogs did loosen up a little after a while, and Lillie stated that their rehab would take about one year.

It was incredible to see trained personnel work and do things that I didn’t even know about, but they know dogs and how to read them very well.  

Lillie giving instructions

One thing that they also do is to take each group of dogs to a groomed pasture and walk and play with them.  They would run and scamper and forever frolic in the sunlight, and to think, this is part of the handler's responsibility, amazing...  Everyone was in heaven, even me.

There is so much done at GHF for all the dogs, and they even have an onsite home for senior dogs that may need extra care and attention, including an area for dogs that need medical care.  Quincey is an example of this; he was being treated for Heartworms and needed extra rest and slow walks because of the treatment he is getting.  One thing that I saw, GHF spares no expense at the needs of animal care.  It is truly a place where a border collie can get every type of attention necessary to put them in a forever home, no matter how longs it takes or costs. Before we left late that morning, we took a tour with Lillie in a Gator, exploring the camping area (tent and cottages), the creek, Flynn’s Folly, Bullfrog Pond, the Connor House, and my favorite place, the Garden of Resting Spirits, more on this later.

After we had started the Jeep to head home, just as we were when we came in, we were again without words, and there are none to express the gratitude that we have for a dream that has come true beyond our highest expectations.  Ken

Note: During this series, many things happen with people and dogs, and in the end, I will tell you why firsthand...
Read Part 3 Here

The Journey Starts… by Kenny Shuck

Where to start?   Since its conception three years ago, I've pondered this story from one of the worst possible situations to absolutely the best situation but only for a few.  We have done everything to save/rescue border collies for several years because of our love for the breed and the dogs' uniqueness. 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.

But...this story begins here, saving a few...

A year or two ago, I had volunteered to help Glen Highland Farm (GHF) in upstate New York with help or assistance in transporting a dog if needed.  Several weeks ago, I was contacted for some transportation, and I ask someone if they wanted to go on a road trip, to which they agreed.  GHF is a Border Collie rescue that focuses on rehabilitation and love, not the quick re-homing of a BC.  They will spend as much time as needed to get the BC rehabilitated and will be sure that the Border Collie is correctly placed, sometimes taking years. If the dog is not placeable, they will live on the farm forever in loving care with the Founder of Glen Highland Farm.

On September 5, 2014, at 10 pm,  I began a journey of "hope." We were to pick up five dogs in Lafayette, Indiana, at the Wildcat Valley Animal Clinic run by Dr. Heather Baker and drive to Glen Highland Border Collie Rescue, an 1800 mile round trip in September 2014.  They were 5 dogs of nearly 40 border collies that were given up after a 3-year court battle, and we called them the "Lucky 5".  

Dr. Baker with one of the Lucky 5

Dr. Baker

Arriving shortly after midnight, we met up with Dr. Baker, who was waiting for us and had the Lucky 5 dogs ready to go on a transport to New Youk.  After meeting and talking briefly with Dr. Baker, we soon found out that she, too, is an animal lover. She informed us that her practice is prepared to handle any large or small animal crisis lovingly and saw this firsthand.  We met the staff and even a potbelly pig that was housed in the bathroom for the night.  Surprisingly, we found him to be quite joyful and pleasant to be around.  Once the five dogs were packed up and ready for travel on our 1800 mile round-trip journey, we had the opportunity to meet the other dogs rescued out of the same facility. They were still there but on their way to other rescue groups.  

In the back of the Jeep, and the last cage they'll ever be in...

Going in for the trip

We were told that all of the rescued dogs that came to Dr. Baker had been given the necessary shots, medications and were spayed or neutered by Dr. Baker. They all enjoyed a good cleaning, the first bath any of them had ever had.  All their records were in a folder with donated Heartworm medication ready to take to their new home.  Everything was done with the best of care, and each dog's needs were donated by Dr. Baker. Dr. Baker stepped up and did what was necessary, something many people talk about doing, but few rarely follow through.

Getting instructions

At 2 am we hit the road, finally on our way.  We had not planned on stopping for food, so we packed sandwich meat and bread. Snacks and drinks were also provided by a real friend from Lafayette who has assisted us many times via phone and emails for support, and we finally met for the first time, and they too carried a great love for animals. We were headed east, or so we thought… but 10 minutes into the trip, we need to stop to clean out a cage, one of 4 times during this trip and had to stop for more towels, wet wipes, and disinfectant, but then we were off to border collie nirvana.   If only the Lucky 5 knew it…

The night was somewhat uneventful, and of course, as the sun started to rise, sleep occupied my brain. It was a long trip, but the cage cleaning kept us active. Not one dog barked the whole journey; they were good as gold, but I believe they were fearful because of no socialization or contact with humans, and they were out of their common element. As the hours passed and we were getting closer, we became chatty; one question was asked, “What do you think it will be like?”.  I was a little nervous because I always hope for the best but expect the worst; it’s just my nature…

As we turned down the last road and saw their sign, my heart started pounding, we were there...

Note...

I have watched GHF for several years and keep up with them on their Website and Facebook page. Since learning and knowing about them, we made the trip but “Why Glen Highland Farm? What I am about to tell you is from a first-hand view...and meet Lillie Goodrich, the founder, and “Luke,” the dog that started it all, my life began to change before me…

A placard on the front fence...

As there is so much I need to share, but this will have to be in parts…
Read Part 2 Here

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