Carolina Border
Collie Rescue
Goodbye Duke
1 February 1999-27 May 2013
CBCR rescued Duke from a shelter in June of 2000. He was quickly adopted and lived very happily with his new family for several years. In 2004, he began exhibiting anxiety during thunderstorms. This anxiety increased to the extent that he broke out of crates and did extensive damage to his home. By 2006 the family decided to return him to CBCR.
A fellow volunteer and I retrieved Duke from Ohio where he was now living. He was inducted into the Miller clan and went from being an only dog to one of 15. He adapted quite well. We found him to be, in the absence of thunder and gunshots, a calm, quiet, and obedient fellow. It took him a little time to become affectionate with the humans in the family. Once secure, he was a loyal and tolerant companion.
Duke enjoyed life on our little 5 acre farm. He had a grand time barking at sheep, running with his siblings, exploring the pastures, and, best of all, he discovered a love of the water. He was in the little kiddy pool for the dogs all the time and the first to jump in the pond as soon as the weather permitted.
Our work schedules allowed one of us to be home with Duke most of the time. If a storm threatened and there was a chance that Duke might be alone, he went to doggie day care. We made an all out effort to cure Duke of his thunder phobia. We tried thunderstorm tapes, Thundershirts, medication, behavior modification, and so forth. Apparently, for some dogs, there is no "cure." Duke simply had to be with a human being during storms.
In 2007, Duke had a lump removed from his thigh. It was diagnosed as a hemangiopericytoma. We were told that this one is a slow grower and the removal should be enough. Because of Duke's age, he probably would not live long enough for the tumor to recur and cause problems. This was a sad thought that proved to be true.
In March of 2008, Duke was diagnosed with Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration. This is an inherited disorder and there is no therapy. At the time of diagnosis, he had approximately 25% of normal vision, by 2010, he was completely blind. The disease was not painful and Duke adjusted very well. He was always able to find his way around his little farm.
In 2011, Duke developed kidney disease. His appetite became a bit finicky but, other than that, he handled this new problem as a small inconvenience.
Along the way, Duke’s big bones became arthritic. He still liked to run and keep up with the "kids." We increased his access to swimming and used a life jacket just in case he got tired. We added joint easing medications to his supplements. By September of 2012, his mobility problems had increased and he began exhibiting Sundowning Syndrome.
Realistically, we knew that Duke would never be adopted. Nonetheless, we held out hope that he would find a home of his own where he would the only dog and not part of a pack.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. Duke’s health problems became too severe. He died on Memorial Day 2013, still, officially, a foster dog. Unofficially, he was our dog. His pictures went in the "our dogs" folder, he had his own name tag rather that a CBCR tag, and, when we did the dog count, he was in the "ours" column.
Despite all his troubles, Duke remained a happy dog, never grouchy, and always tolerant of any treatment and handling, (including amateur grooming). I believe his 7 years with us were always interesting and full of fun. He was well loved and will be forever missed.
Ann and Rodney Miller
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Elliott, Adopted in October of 2010
Elliott joined our family in October 2010 and little did we realize how incomplete our family actually was! He has brought such joy and laughter to our home and we are so thankful to have found him!
Elliott was adopted from his foster family in Durham, NC and has found his forever home alongside his adopted sister, Baby, a brown "soma"(some of this and some of that). Though Elliott is blind, he has never allowed his condition to hinder him in any way. He and Baby love running together through the field and it is always Elliott who bounds up the stairs first to claim his spot beside the bed! He isn't shy about his singing ability, always alerting us to a ringing phone and most recently, he mastered our National Anthem during a televised football game. He is so comical!
Whether relaxing lazily in the den, running through the field, or investigating the neighborhood streets during our daily walks, Elliott is right where he belongs!
Pamela DeBelli, Greenville, SC
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Jeep, Adopted in December of 2001
I was introduced to the Border Collie breed in 2000 by my new husband who was direct from England and had had a Border Collie there. He told me all about them. It broke his heart to have to leave his BC behind when his marriage broke up, but his girls needed Ben too.
Not long after we married and had decided to buy our home on a lake in Silver Springs, Florida at the end of 2000, we knew it was time to find our dog. Doug was adamant about two things. He wanted a Border Collie and it had to be a rescue. He was involved in rescue in England. Well, I got to work on the Internet and among many other rescue groups I found CBCR. I went thru the dogs up for adoption and saw many I liked but none that "grabbed" me. Then I saw Jeep!! I can't tell you exactly what it was about him that told me, but I knew he was the one we HAD to have. I think it was his eyes. Soft and beautiful along with Ann Miller's description of how truly sweet is was. After talking it over with Doug, we applied.
We were all excited while we waited for someone to contact us. I would go to the website every day just to look at his photo and see if there was any changes in Jeep's site. Our hearts broke when we were contacted and told that there was another couple who had contacted them first and that Jeep's placement was pending. We had really looked forward to getting him here with us. We were told if anything changed they would call us. "Yeah - fat chance" was my first thought. I knew we had lost THE dog.
BUT, it did fall though!!! The couple apparently changed their mind because they had a move ahead of them and didn't want to have to deal with a dog too. So, we had the option to take him! YES!
Now another complication appeared. We live in Florida. Ummm. The home check was the problem. We had no problem going to get Jeep but the home check is so important to both the dog and to CBCR. It had to be done.
Can you believe it? One of the women that had lived nearby in Carolina and had worked with CBCR had just moved near Jacksonville, FL where we were living at the time. She had to go back to Carolina on a personal trip, so before she did, she said she would stop by and do the home check for CBCR and return with Jeep if all went well! And it did!! I was so excited and couldn't wait to see him.
My first sight of him was a badly frightened dog who was afraid of everything. We would find out later he would never learn to like to travel. And he was frightened of most everything. Here was a little guy who would need lots and lots of TLC. On his first day home (with us) leaves fell from the trees and it caused him to shoot across the back yard like an arrow. He was so scared of everything. And I know he missed Ann and her husband so bad. We gave him as much babying as possible and he improved. He began to trust us but he still was afraid of everything he wasn't familiar with. And still is to a lesser degree to this very day. He is making improvement tho all the time. By the time he's an "old man" he should be cured...*smile*
Then came the move in to the new house about a month later. We put up a fence in a small area behind the house for him so yet another thing to get used to. My husband is such a softy where Jeep is concerned tho Jeep always had someone next to him even for the 10min for a potty break. Jeep took a long while before he got comfortable with things but eventually he did calm down and relax. He has never fully lost his fear of new things and people but little by little he has learned as new people come in to stay for a while (from England so they stay a while) we always let him have his safe place until he gets curious enough to come out on his own to say hello. And he does. He is such a sweetie and loves everyone. Ann was so right when she said he was one of the sweetest dogs she's ever seen. He's house polite and gentle, but man how he can run when he's outside! He now has a fenced half acre to run in the back of the house.
We did find after awhile he seemed to be turning into himself, staying fearful, not wanting anything to be changed or be new, so we decided to get him another sibling.
Well, I found a "BC rescue" locally on the Internet that had a photo of a dog that was "unadoptable" because she was a puppy mill BC and had not been out of her crate and never socialized. The woman had another she brought out of the puppy mill that was half BC and half Golden retriever. We took him home and she agreed to allow me to try to befriend the little girl BC. I went over to feed her hot dogs until she showed a little trust. The woman allowed me to take her. Both were about a year old.
Altho this woman called herself a rescue she didn't bother to spay or neuter nor did she ever do a home check. All she wanted was her $150 each for the dogs. She had the dogs for a couple of months before we took them. Both dogs were SO emaciated it hurt us to pet them. Their hind points were sticking out and every rib could be felt. Spirit (the little girl) had hair that was brittle. This was a long time process.
Buddy (the BC/Golden mix) came to us with a fresh cut lip that came when someone had kicked him (she said at the puppy mill) and had a severe entrapment phobia. Spirit had to be forced to remain in the open. She hides under and behind anything she can. Both are so much better and fully trust us to to do all kinds of things with them. They are well mannered and sweet. Both have improved so much but Buddy still fears men (other than Doug, his best bud) and feet. Spirit is still "bonkers" but now has begun to push the boys away from the food etc if she wants it and when we are having a "love fest" petting session. The boys are such gentlemen. She will always be my little "Bonkers" but she will always have a home. They all have "issues" but we love them so much.
With all their "issues" none of them, Jeep, Buddy nor Spirit have a clue what balls or frizzbies are.
Wait, the story continues - My teen granddaughter who lives with me and I went to PetsMart one day and guess what - yep - The rescue group set up there had a BC who needed a home. This dog, Hattie was a real ball and frizzbie nut. Ummm, Idea! Maybe - Just maybe she could teach the other dogs a trick or two! Well she has! Buddy in all his gangly manner (he behaves and looks Golden) now runs for the ball but hasn't figured out that he should bring it back. And I couldn't believe it - even Jeep got into the fray a couple of times - He HAS to be the center of the attention or he will moan at you. But when that didn't work like usual when the ball was being thrown, it must have occurred to him he had to get involved too. We were so shocked. You have to know Jeep. He is above all the fray. He's too dignified. *smile* But he's giving in. Jeep has a stubborn streak a mile wide. Yep, he thinks he owns us now. And he's still King # 1.
Anyway I tell all this to say that without Jeep, none of this would have taken place. Here are four dogs with varying decrees of "issues". From Jeep who is just fearful of thunder and new things to our little Spirit who in the people world would be a "psycho". But all are happy and content and we love our kids. But Jeep is the reason for it all. Jeep will always be my favorite. He is almost a person. He will "talk" to you trying to tell you what he wants..usually a good butt scratch...and will bless you out if you stay out too long.
The others are sweet dogs, but Jeep is something more...you can see it in those sweet brown eyes. Simply put...he's a "people" himself *smile*
Oh yeah, my granddaughter and I now work every Saturday with this multi-breed, no-kill rescue group at PetsMart now. And while we can't do what so many people do, foster a dog, we take the new little puppies that people drop off and socialize them until a qualified home can be found.
Another thing I want to bring up to the attention of anyone who might read this and is looking for a dog, PLEASE take a rescue dog! These are precious dogs that humans have hurt, ignored or just didn't take the care needed to make sure they didn't get lost. Some have issues - but it shouldn't mean death for them. Take the time to work with these animals. They will return your efforts in kisses and trust. They aren't perfect - but neither are we - and they put up with us!
And as far as rescue groups are concerned. The majority are great and really do well by their animals. But there are always the other kind. PLEASE use the "particular, picky" who may or may not approve an applicant. The ones that require home checks, and fences, and that you have the dog as a house pet and not a "yard dog".
I was so shocked after the positive dealings with CBCR, at what I found at the so called "rescue" where we got Buddy and Spirit. For all the money she charged, the dogs were not even neutered or spayed. They were severely underfed and not vetted up properly. She didn't know if I abused the dogs or not. No home check meant she didn't care if there was a fence to protect the dog or if I understood what these dogs needed. And the condition of the dogs showed she just didn't care. Doug and I took these two because we knew we had to get these two out of there. I hated to give HER the $$ but these dogs needed help badly. They are now fully vetted, "fixed" and fat. And very much loved.
Please support these "particular" rescue groups that DO care about their animals, do home checks and have strict rules. I was in for a horrible shock when we got Buddy and Spirit. It made me really appreciate CBCR and groups like them. CBCR is super special because of all the wonderful foster parents who deal with the problems the dogs have and work with them to get them to the point they CAN be adopted to the right family. Not every rescue group can do that. That's one of the things that make CBCR special for the dogs. The foster parents.
In short (the only thing short here *smile*) I love you guys at CBCR, with a special thank you and hugs to Ann Miller, Jeep's other mom.
Joanna Newman, Silver Springs, Fl
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Leo (formally Brando), Adopted in November of 2007
I first saw Brando on the website and immediately fell in love with the way he looked. Striking. I put in a request that I was interested and was informed that other people were also interested (not surprising!) and that he would be at the Sheepdog Trials in Huntersville NC at the beginning of November of 2007 and that if people were really wanting him they would have to meet him there. I didn't hesitate and made plans to attend those trials where I met his foster mom and some of the staff at CBCR.
He came home to live with me at the end of November and at the time, I had another dog, Maggie who was 8 at the time and in no way did she want Brando to be joining our home! But, time went on and she slowly began to warm up to him. I changed his name to Leo. Leo the Lion because he is so gentle and has this regal sense about him.
Since having Leo, my life has been so much better in so many ways. He is a true gentleman. He was Maggie's best friend until her death last September of cancer and since that time, has gotten his therapy dog certification through TDI. I take him running almost every morning and don't even need a leash for him. He is extremely loyal to me. He currently lives in Winston Salem NC with three cats who he really wants to be friends with (but they don't really care) in a house with a huge backyard. I take him everywhere I can with me and I am constantly stopped by people who tell me what a beautiful dog he is. And he is!! Inside and out.
I loved my experience with CBCR and always tell people to check out the website. I know that Leo is loving the life he has now!!
Thank you!!
Lori Rankin
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Miss Maggie, Adopted in December of 2003
This is a story of Miss Maggie, a soon to be 13 year female Border Collie who lives with Kay and Dick Carney and a cat named Maybelle in Greenville, N.C.
Maggie's story starts when she was 4 years old and found herself in a foster home just outside Newberry, S.C. She lived there with her foster mom, Andrea Bradham and a yard full of other critters. Maggie's picture had been featured on the webpage of Carolina Border Collie Rescue and around Christmas 2003 when it was spotted by Dick.
He had been looking for just the right Border Collie for some time and was instantly drawn to Maggie's photo and profile. Between Christmas and New Years, Dick and Andrea communicated and after meeting all the criteria, arrangements were made for Maggie to move to North Carolina with the Carney family.
Dick's recount of his trip to pick up Maggie goes as follows: Maggie was waiting for me with her leash, a partial bag of food and a smile that continues to this day to warm my old goat heart. She hopped into the front seat of my pickup, laid her head in my lap and we set out for home. Since that time we have been joined at the heart.
She is lying here at my feet as I recount this tale and continues to bring joy to me to this day.
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Neill (formally Bo), Adopted in February of 2007
We adopted "Bo" and promptly Scottified him: He is now Neill (longshanks) Mac Neill. We live in the Spring Creek Township of Madison County in North Carolina on a high mountainside where Neill chases not sheep, but, squirrels, woodpeckers, and hawks in the company of his brand-new little foster sister Cynda McLean, (a personally rescued Border Collie in January 2008). The photo shows Neill and Cynda, (she has the pink medal).
Together they protect our deaf angora cat, Merlin, who willingly takes on the two big black-and-whites when they dare to tease him. Here at Still Wood, they adore Paul who grooms them, and come running whenever Karen rattles the treat bag. Besides wrestling with one another, they enjoy tearing up and down the mountainside, when not tearing up the flowerbeds (great place to wrestle).
Neil has established his position as alpha male and regularly takes chew bones and other treats and runs off to bury them in places known only to him (poor Cynda). They are fairly inseparable; at times even sleeping in the same dog house. Their intelligence is amazing, both catching on to commands after one or two sessions. Neill, however, likes to push the envelope and tests whether he really HAS to go into the pen at night. He is calmer than Cynda, who looks to him to know what to fear and what is all right.
Keep up the great work at CBCR!
Paul & Karen Fredette, May 2008
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Chrissy, Adopted in March of 2007
Chrissy lives in Blounts Creek, NC, near the Pamlico River, with parents Judy and David, and her 4 doggie siblings: Alfa-dog, a Border Collie Mix, Shadow, a Border collie, Lady, a Bird Dog/Bulldog Mix, and Roger, a border collie. The dogs are our "children" since our children have married and moved away.
The picture of Chrissy was taken 1 May 2008 during their morning run in the front yard. As you can see she is one pretty girl.
Chrissy loves to wrestle with Lady, sometimes non-stop when we are all outside together. Chrissy loves to sleep on our couch and has a favorite position of hanging over the side of the couch with a toy in her mouth. She loves a new toy and is just the most enjoyable little girl to be around. She is a fast runner and loves it when the other dogs will chase after her. One thing Chrissy loves to do is eat. When we first got her, she was so small but now she is a really a nice size dog, but, during meals we have to watch her that she doesn’t eat someone else’s food if they should look around. She looks at us with those beautiful brown eyes, and just melts our hearts.
When we first got Chrissy, she was a very shy and timid little girl. After learning the ropes, with our other guys, she fits right in. She is a take control type of girl, and if one of the other dogs is interfering with playing tennis ball catch, she grabs them by their collar and keeps them away from the other dogs trying to catch the ball. Chrissy has the nicest personality, and loves to kiss the other dogs and will keep at it until they relent and accept her kisses. She even kisses our older dog Alfa; he tries to avoid the sloppy kiss but she gives him a big lick anyway. She likes to chase the tennis ball, but prefers to steal it from one of the other dogs and runs like mad when they chase after her.
Oh yes, we went through the "chewing" up of the baseboards in the house, destroying the back panel of the drivers seat in our new Land Rover, chewing two big holes in the sheetrock in the garage just after we had it finished and chewing on shoes and everything that looked good to her. She has finally outgrown the chewing (Thank God). She is so cute when she gets a new toy. She prances around the house with the new toy in her mouth as if showing the others "look what I got". Of course, we don’t play favorites with the new toys so everyone has something new at the same time.
Our 5 black and white dogs have been named "the black and white gang from Blounts Creek" by the very nice people that board them when we need a break. They even posted a picture of our guys on their website.
Judy and David, May 2008
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Trixie, Adopted in June of 2007
Trixie's a real love. We had planned to change her name to Shelby, but she ran away the day Faith and Joe brought her to us from being fostered by them in Charlotte. She was gone for 4 days (Faith came twice to help search) before we recovered her. We thought she had been through enough trauma for one dog, so we left her as Trixie. No name change.
She now lives in Greensboro, NC, and she is an only pet. She has three human brothers who are adults and no longer living at home. She loves to play with her human brother's dog, Callie, and can run like at warp speed. We, of course, knew this already from her running-away time.
She loves to chase tennis balls in the back yard, play with toys that squeak, and go on hikes in the mountains. She's great going over rocks and across ledges. We think she's just a super all-around dog.
Camille and Bill, May 2008
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Sophie, Adopted in July of 2007
Sophie currently lives in Jamestown, NC with me, and my Mom & Dad. She lives in a house, but also spends time at our cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and my girlfriend's parent's farm, where she can chase the horses around, chase the pet duck around the large pond (easily for 45 minutes if she wants to), and spend time with Koda, my girlfriend's husky. She still is afraid of thunderstorms and of the rain and wind, and still loves to be on the couch next to you. Sophie has a great mix of energy/and relaxation built into her. The pictures are of her, and her friend, Koda..
Joffre, May 2008
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Lucy, Adopted in July of 2007
My "sweet" Lucy was adopted by my boys (11 and 14) and me last year. We live in a subdivision in Waxhaw, NC
I have always owned Border Collies and lost my "Beau" about 3 years ago. I knew I wanted another dog but on my terms. As we all know, Border Collies do not really relax until they are at least 5 years old. So here were my requirements: an over 5 female, spayed classic Border Collie that got along with cats, (we have two rescued cats), and kids.
We don't know much about Lucy (she was found wandering in Raleigh) but she is the sweetest dog I have ever known. She has her quirks (she hates windy days, fire, and refuses to have her picture taken) and her work...fall asleep on the couch and I guarantee you will wake up with at least 3 tennis balls near your head. She tolerates our cats, sleeps close by and is always game for any type of ball play or a scratch around the ears.
Lucy is a big part of our family now. She fills the gap left from Beau and brings all her special loving qualities to us. I can't imagine life without her. I got the perfect dog!
Mary, May 2008
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Zoe (formerly Alice and April, Adopted in August of 2007
Our Border Collie was named Alice and then April by her foster family. She is now Zoe. We live in Raleigh, NC in the suburbs. Zoe has a big yard for Frisbee, and a nice loop for long walks.
Zoe lives with her 4 humans, Joe and Stacey, (mom and dad), 11 year old Liam, 8 year old Tara, and his doggie brother Scooter.
Scooter, a miniature dachshund, wasn't sure if he wanted to share his attention after his Border Collie brother, Zeke, passed away. But Zoe cured him of that! She keeps him on his toes. If he is too tired to play, Zoe will drag him around on his bed until he decides otherwise.
Zoe's favorite activities include (but are not limited to) Frisbee, chasing Scooter into the corner, and belly rubs! She is very cuddly for a girl who loves her exercise! We are grateful to have her as part of our family!!
Joe and Stacy, May 2008
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Gracie (formerly Bonnie), Adopted in October of 2007
Gracie lives with Eric (dad), Casey (mom), Isabella (2 legged sister), Annalise (2 legged sister), and Thunder (4 legged brother) in Holly Springs, NC.
Someone from CBCR found her in a shelter with a broken leg. Quite a few CBCR people chipped in together to foot the bill for surgery and she was then given to foster mom, Isabelle, until we were lucky enough to find her. We changed her name to Gracie, it fits her so much better!
She loves to and run and wrestle in the back yard with Thunder, chase a ball or toys with anyone willing to throw them, take walks around the neighborhood, give kisses - lots and lots of kisses, have her belly rubbed, and sleep on the back porch. She also loves to dig!!
It is really strange to think that Gracie has only been with us since October 2007. It feels like she has always been a part of the family. She fits in perfectly with us and our lifestyle.
Update on her leg: When she first gets up in the morning or if she plays too hard, she limps. The vet says that she will probably always have some issues with it but that she is healing well. In the photos, Gracie is the black & white one, Thunder is all black.
Casey, Eric, Isabella, Annalise, Thunder and Gracie, May 2008
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Drumochter aka Drum or Drummy Boy (Formerly Max), Adopted in November of 2007
Drumochter, (the name of a place in Scotland where we are from), lives in Charlotte, NC with his furry sister Freya, dad Ian, mom Tracy, and human siblings Romay, Sawyer and Maren.
The photo shows Drum at the local dog park where he hangs with his sister Freya and his mates.
Drum enjoys cuddling (definitely a cuddling champion), being with his people, and the William R Davie Dog Park in South Charlotte. He is such a dog lover and has not met another dog (yet) that he doesn't like. He attended obedience training at CDTC (he picks things up fast and is so willing to please). Drummy has just started Flyball, is showing promise and loves it. He may not be the most agile of dogs but he sure does try hard to please and uses a lot of enthusiasm in everything he does.
He is such a dream, we can't remember life BD (before Drum) and really thank you guys for bringing him to us.
Tracy, May 2008
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Kona (formerly Sass), Adopted in January of 2008
Kona lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. We live in a neighborhood five blocks from the ocean. My husband and I have an eight year old Border Collie, Skye, mix we rescued as a puppy. We also have three children, two in college and one in high school.
Kona is pictured on the right, catching a nap with her new sister.
Kona loves playing Frisbee in the back yard and at the schoolyard nearby. She enjoys walks on the beach and chasing her tennis ball down the stairs indoors. She plays everyday with her new sister dog, Skye, and the grown children in her family. She is very loving and affectionate and knows just how to play with each of us. She and Skye are inseparable.
We all feel very fortunate to have Kona as part of our family. We credit Nancy Solum of CBCR for telling us the whole story about Kona and learning about our home situation to make sure we were a good match. It could not have turned out better! Thank you to CBCR!
Susan, May 2008
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Texas Pete, Adopted in January of 2008
Mr. Pete was originally rescued in Virginia. He came to CBCR through a convoluted path. After 3 years and one failed trial adoption (Tex thought all humans get up at 0430!), we decided to keep this nervous, neurotic, ball crazy, pain in the button, very loving boy.
He is living happily ever after in Durham, NC with his 15, 4-legged siblings.
You're a nut but we love you Mr. Pete!
Ann and Rodney June 2009