Dog Days
Dog Days at Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue
10 April 2018
In Memory: Emmy Kaake
Sarah:
We said goodbye to our sweet Miss Emmy this morning. In February we celebrated her 9th Got Day anniversary from MABCR. Of all the dogs I’ve ever had, she was by far the sweetest soul. She was the only dog my husband had ever invited up to lay in bed with us. She loved getting belly rubs and just hanging out with us, wherever in the house we were. While initially nervous in the car, she settled and frequently rode back and forth from northern Virginia to North Carolina with me when we visited my daughter. She didn’t have the characteristic Border Collie drive — if anything, she was the consummate couch potato! When we initially brought her home, she was 5 years old and we had to teach her how to play with toys. She glommed onto her squeaky hedgehog but could care less about the balls, the rope tugs, or other stuffies. She preferred not to be around other dogs, but every morning she would go out to the back fence, sit and wait for our neighbor’s little Lily (a Maltese-Bishon mix) to come out. And if she didn’t, she would bark for her. Funniest thing! If Lily did come out, Emmy would turn tail and run the other way and ignore her!
Miss Emmy would greet each day, bouncing out of her bed, give me a hug between my knees as I rubbed her ears, then bound down the stairs to make sure the Resident Elf (my hubby) didn’t forget to leave food in her bowl. She always ate like she had been starved to death and it would be her last meal! As she got older, she wasn’t keen on going on our walks any longer. But she would do her twice-daily walkabout in the yard sniffing absolutely every scent there was to be captured by her nose. Her hearing went a couple of years ago, and this past winter, her rear legs started to give out. She was kept comfortable with some helpful drugs, but last week she had come to the point she couldn’t hold herself up to do her potty business.
So it was with a heavy heart we said goodbye. I will miss her hugs, her sweet spirit, her excitement to get each day started, and her wonderful companionship. See you in heaven, my dear Emmy.
Going forward, if you come across another dog you think would fit into our family, please let me know. The house is so empty right now.
Cordially,
Kathleen
18 September 2017
In Memory - MABCR Nellie Bolton
Sarah –
Here we meet again, with heavy hearts. We are sad to write we lost our baby girl Nell on Monday, 9/11. She had a massive stroke on Saturday and went into total paralysis. Nothing could be done except to let her go to be with her Big Sis. I spent all day Sunday until it was time to go to bed just lying with Nellie loving her and keeping her hydrated, knowing full well what the inevitable outcome would be come Monday morning. We laid her to rest at approximately 9:30 am.
She was a beautiful and loving girl and we will miss her terribly. After the pain of losing Scooch had passed, Nellie blossomed (no more need to be jealous!), and ate up all the love we gave her. We know Scooch wanted her Baby Sister back and now they are together.
WOW, I just took the time to read my email I sent to you last year (below) regarding Scoochy and noted ironically how the dates coincided. Scooch and Nell were truly connected. (editor's note - Scooch passed 11 September 2016)
As you can imagine, we are completely devastated. The house is too quiet, no one to say goodbye to in the mornings and no one to greet us at the end of the day. My prayer is that the girls will be in heaven waiting for us when it’s our time to join them. God bless you, Baby Mamu! Play in peace!!
Born: April 28, 2003 Died: September 11, 2017
** For those of you who know me, Nell is my Grace's littermate, so passings such as this, remind us all how precious the old age of our dear friends is. ~ Sarah
** For those of you who know me, Nell is my Grace's littermate, so passings such as this, remind us all how precious the old age of our dear friends is. ~ Sarah
25 November 2016
Adoption Update: Beagan!
A quick update on the little guy...
He's now about 9 years old, but still has the go-go-go of a MUCH younger dog! He's the most wonderful companion, is silly and sweet, and is of course, super smart. He's a trick dog, and is surprisingly well known in our little town. He's been featured on television with my husband Eric, performs every year to support a local pet therapy organization, and is jokingly referred to as the mayor of our neighborhood.
We have a beautiful wooded park nearby with loose leash laws, so he gets lots of time every day to run around and be a dog in a natural setting. He's not super interested in many other dogs and is usually afraid of cats, haha. He's learned how act around small children, though I don't think he likes the littlest ones much
(we don't have children of our own). He loves to play tug, be chased, and fetch the ball. He is very spoiled, but hopefully in a healthy way! Thank you so much for bringing us together!!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks again,
Jackie
21 October 2016
Adoption Update: Junior (formerly Newt)
Hello,
I wanted to give you an update on Junior (Newt). He is the absolute love of our lives, along with his brother Bo of course. We can not imagine life without him anymore and he spends all day, everyday with us. My older dog Bo NEVER played with any of my foster dogs, and as I type this, he and Junior are wrestling at my feet. They love to race around the yard and play frisbee. They love each other. Everyone compliments me on how well trained Junior is already, he is so smart! He knows sit, stay, lay down, come, paw left and right, spin, and we are working on roll over and fetch. He rarely has accidents in the house, and only chews on his toys.

I can not express how fortunate I am for being abe to adopt this little man. He is exactly what I have wanted to add to my family for the last couple of years, I am so glad I waited. Thank you so much for letting him adopt us, he is very very happy.
Emily
17 August 2016
In Memory: MABCR Sawyer
Sarah,
Back in late summer of 2008 we adopted a beautiful dog named Sawyer. He came to MABCR from West Virginia. Sawyer was a mix of Border Collie and a Sheep Guardian Dog – Probably Bernese Mountain. I send you this email as Sawyer passed away today. He was diagnosed with a terminal Nasal Carcinoma in May.
I wanted to let you know since we were under obligation to return him to you if we didn’t wish to care for him. This of course was never the case. He was deeply loved and a wonderful member of our family. Thank you for picking us for him.
Mary
Urbana, Maryland
03 June 2016
In Memory: UCD MABCR's Signing Bonus UDX, OM2, VER, RN, OTCH (Moss)
I'd always wanted a split faced dog and MABCR had one. But Sarah insisted I look at Moss instead. As I recall, her words were something along these lines: "He's a maniac and if you don't take him, whoever does will strangle him with their bare hands." (editor's note: Ilene is paraphrasing :) )
So I took him. And he was, indeed, a handful. No impulse control, no fear, acted first and thought afterward. But there were so many redeeming features! He was bright, clever, indefatigable, optimistic, willing to try anything, really wanted to please me and really wanted to work. He was happy from the minute he opened his eyes in the morning to when he drifted off into sweet dreams.
I adored him.
Moss grew up but he never grew old. He developed self-control but never stopped being silly. He placed in some sheepdog trials but he really excelled in the obedience ring, winning multiple High in Trial awards with performances that awed spectators and garnered comments like "I think he's splendid!" and "Damn, that dog is having fun!"
Moss ran and swam miles with us, flung himself off countless docks in pursuit of his flippy, joined us on a cross-country drive, demo-ed for my training business, and loved to ride on my paddleboard. He did it all with gusto and verve. So many times I wished I had his optimism, his good cheer and yes, just a wee bit of his impulsive silliness.
My Mossaboo now sleeps outside my bedroom door. I though he'd rather be there than anywhere else. We planted an azalea bush and I expect it to be a riot of color.
30 May 2016
On Our Way! Travels With Polly
We are well on our way to CA. Polly says hello! Here are a few photos and a couple of videos which I hope you'll be able to view. Polly insisted on being the first item of luggage loaded into the car--there she is in her crate all ready to go (we had to convince her that we weren't leaving for another couple of hours). We spent last night at a KOA campground--that's us on the porch swing. And then today we found an amazing dog-friendly spot, Elk Meadow Open Space Park. Lots of dog-friendly hiking trails, a lovely cool stream to splash in, and a large fenced-in area with rocks and trees and things to scramble over.
Happy Trails!
Rebecca
26 December 2015
MABCR Update!
As Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue (MABCR) looks forward to its eighteenth (!!!) year of rescue, I am proud at how far we have come. At the same time, I feel challenged at how many miles we have yet to go.
In its first year of operation, MABCR rescued four dogs, but with your help through the years, we have rescued and re-homed more than 1,700 Border Collies, Border Collie mixes, and other worthy dogs that have come our way—as well as the occasional cat, goat, and miniature horse!
As many dogs as we assist, we still turn away an average of three dogs each day—1,095 per year—from our doors. You may wonder how MABCR's dedicated volunteers and I stay in the game; we do it by focusing on the dogs we can save. You see, each and every dog that passes through our rescue is a great save, and every dog rehomed gives us the joy and hope to reach out to the next one that needs help. (We also love that the dogs we place change our adopters’ lives for the better!)
This year's highlights include:
- Two litters of pups, along with their mamas, both pulled from the shelters where they had delivered their pups. Both litters were fostered by MABCR volunteers until they were old enough to come to the farm, and then go on to their new homes. Both moms went to great, loving homes as well!
- Matty, who has been with us for more than 18 months waiting for his forever home.
- Lady, a bilaterally deaf dog who was misunderstood in her previous home. Understandable since it took us several months to uncover this sweet girl was unable to hear.
And most recently, Jack, an eight-month-old puppy who was found and turned over to us after he had been living feral for more than three months.
Each and every animal is a great save. Each pup is special. Each forever home is special. The relationship that consequently grows between a newly rehomed dog and their new humans is very special.
In 2015, through incredible support from a donor, we were able to raise the funds (through a matching challenge) to install additional fencing to protect our rescue guests. All of our rescues have benefited from a safe, securely fenced play area.
Projects scheduled for 2016 include repairing the doors in our kennel building, as well as replacing some of our old gates with new, stronger, safer gates, in addition, we would like to add outdoor lighting to allow dogs to be walked and exercised after dark during the long dark months of winter. Volunteers are lined up to tackle this hard work—three groups of students are scheduled to come to the farm this winter via our Break Away [http://www.alternativebreaks2013.org/about/] program.These are ambitious goals, but achievable ones, if we all work together.
The dogs we rescue count on us, and on you. Without you, we cannot do what we do. With your gift
Good tidings, and great joy to you and yours for a wonderful New Year.
Sincerely,

Sarah Ruckelshaus
Executive Director
Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue
P.S. If you prefer, you can make your secure contribution of any amount online at www.mabcr.org/donations.html.
P.P.S. You can also make a difference all year long by becoming a member of the Shepherds’ Nook. You’ll make a huge impact for as little as 27 cents a day. Find out more at www.mabcr.org/monthlydonate.html
Ways to Give to MABCR: Check/Money Order payable to MABCR, Inc. P.S. If you prefer, you can make your secure contribution of any amount online at www.mabcr.org/donations.html.
Donations of stock and marketable securities can be made to MABCR as well—please contact Sarah Ruckelshaus at slr@mabcr.org
Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue, Inc., is a registered 501-C-3 nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible and a copy of the financial statement can be reviewed by contacting Sarah Ruckelshaus at:
MABCR~24420 Chestertown Road~Chestertown Maryland 21620
18 December 2015
In Memory: Casey Ellis-Evans
MABCR Casey went to the Rainbow Bridge today, and all of us left behind will miss his dearly.

He was many things, including the official Surfer Dude Border Collie, a certified Therapy Dog, wonderful family member, great all-around dog, and perhaps the worst car-rider I have ever encountered. (What other dog has made a long-term MABCR volunteer contemplate tossing him off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge during a transport?)
He was picked up as a puppy, where his self-appointed "job" was chasing cars at a busy intersection on the Eastern Shore. Rescue gave him 13 years of life that he undoubtedly would not have had if he had continued with this pursuit. He was simply a great dog and will be sorely missed.Barbara
***
On a personal note, MABCR Casey was a special friend to me. He once made it a practice to take on all of my sadness for his own. I will never forget his kindness, and his soft, sweet nature.
I'll see you when I see you, buddy.
xxoo
Sarah
27 November 2015
In Memory: Tucker Eyler
Tuesday when I driving to work I was making plans for the holidays - taking the dogs to my sister’s house on Thanksgiving because it was going to be such a nice day, taking a walk after lunch, so thankful that Tucker was going to be with me for another Thanksgiving. Thinking that he might just be with me for another Christmas and feeling so hopeful. Then I started thinking how making plans can be such folly. How things can change in the blink of an eye. Probably best not to make plans.
October 2012 I found a large tumor in his anal gland and he was given two weeks to live. Thankfully I got a second opinion, some good advice and listened to my gut and decided to go for the surgery which was a success. Hopefully he might have another 8 to 10 months. Thanks to Dr. Barbour and Yellow Springs Veterinary Clinic he had three more great years. It was nothing short of a miracle.
Tuesday night when I got home and he looked at me with those big brown eyes I just knew something was wrong. I called him in for dinner and he just laid there looking at me with his head on his paw. If you know Tucker you know the boy loves his food. Even after major surgery in 2012 he didn’t miss a meal. I finally got him inside and put his bowl in front of him and he didn’t want to eat it. All I was thinking was no Tucker, please don’t do this but looking into his eyes I just knew that today was the day. I called his best girl Jo at YSVC (Jo also heads up Free Reign Animal Massage and does massage and energy work on Tuck) and let her know that I had to come in. She let Dr. B. know and off I went with Tucker and Remy. A sonogram showed that Tucker had a large tumor on his spleen and that it was bleeding into his abdomen. Tucker was weak and anemic. With his age (15) and his history of seizures surgery wasn’t a good option and I knew that Tucker was ready to go. Tucker actually loved going to the vet. He often had treats, massages and got to see his favorite vet techs, in particular Rebekah, and I was happy that she was there that night. So Tuesday night he was perfectly calm and surrounded by people that he knew and Remy and I were both by his side until the end. I can honestly say Tuesday was the worst day of my life but I know that I did the right thing for Tucker and have no regrets as to how he lived his life.
I adopted Tucker from the Mid Atlantic Border Collie Rescue on Sept. 8, 2001. I headed up to his foster in White Hall, MD with a friend to meet him on that Saturday. When we got there, he was running around barking like a mad dog trying to chase the horses in the pasture. Adrienne said “you’re not going to take that dog are you?” and I said “yes I am”. He was 10 months old. He loved loved loved his big sister Scout who I had just adopted in July. He was smart and energetic and the epitome of a Border Collie. My neighbors said “you’re not going to keep that dog are you?” and I said “yes I am!” After lots of training, exercise and love, a year later those same people were telling me what a great dog he was. Terri Hoopengartner, you were his first trainer and I think you were pretty partial to him because he was a herding dog. He was a superstar in class. You were also there at the emergency vet when I had to bring in him after his 2012 surgery because my power was out due to Hurricane Sandy.
Tucker was bold, brave, smart, a lover, sensitive, and sometimes a total shithead and that is why I loved him. He had “the eye”. He never hurt another creature in his entire life, unlike Scout, who was a killer of all things small. Watch out mice, bunnies and baby birds. Once Tucker caught a low flying dove in his mouth and no one was more surprise the was. You should have seen the look on his face. I told him to put it down and he did and it flew away unharmed. I feel so sad for my cat Rogue. She loved Scout and they used to hunt together. When Scout passed she latched onto Tucker. There were times he found it hard to take a step in the yard because she kept head-butting him. He would lick her face and ears until she was a soggy mess. I don’t know what poor Rogue will do now. Remy just has no use for her.
My favorite Tucker memory is from December, 2003. My boyfriend at the time had a big black lab and on a really warm day before Christmas we all went over to Harper’s Ferry to hike on the tow path. Owen had to carry Tucker up and over that bridge because he was afraid of it (you can see below to the river and it is pretty scary). Owen had put flashing bicycle lights on Mike’s halter and I just thought it was the funniest thing ever. I laughed until I cried. We hiked for hours and the dogs swam and had a great time. Hours later we piled back into the car and drove home exhausted. We had to take a pit stop along the way because Tucker drinks water when he swims so I had to let him out to go potty. Then the dogs slept the rest of the way home. These memories are how I will honor Tucker - the greatest dog that God ever put on this earth.
I really couldn’t have asked for more (even though of course I want to). God gave me three extra years and Tucker was happy and healthy until those last couple of hours when he wasn’t. He was a true miracle. I will miss him more than I can say.
If anyone would like to make a donation to MABCR in Tucker’s memory you may do so at http://www.mabcr.org.
Godspeed Tuckerman and I will see you again some day. Have an awesome time over the bridge with Scout and Albus.
Carol
Carol
22 October 2015
Adoption Update: Ray and Malcolm!
Hi Sarah,
Ray has been my constant companion, always up for whatever it is I’m doing, wanting to know how he can help. I try to accommodate his interest in all my projects, even if it’s just to watch my tools, while I go grab another. He’s always happy to comply, and listens intently to explanations of “our” project, as if he’s studying for a later exam. He doesn’t care what it is we’re doing, so long as he’s a part of it, even if his “job” is to stay back out of the way for a moment. He helped me accomplish a lot this summer:-). And if I’m busy with office stuff, he’s happy to just crash at my feet and sleep (as he’s doing right now). At least until he learns to type.
His favorite time is sheep time. Although we’re working within the constraints of a tiny field and number of sheep, he’s doing well. He’s a soft dog and we’re taking it slow and careful, but he’s gaining confidence. He can now peel them out of a stall or corner, and really enjoys holding them off the exhaust gate for me. He’s so proud of himself when he achieves something he wasn’t sure he could do and thrives on teamwork and accomplishing a goal.
Just recently the light bulb started coming on regarding driving. I try and set up situations where it makes sense for him and he’s getting it now. Let’s say he has his learner’s permit;-). We’re just doing very short little distances but he’s working off the heads and gaining understanding. It’s opened up more opportunities for him, now that my over dogged sheep are giving up trying to run back and will stay where we set them.
At some point I’ll set up a free standing pen to offer more of a challenge. I’m also planning on a few more sheep for next year. We’re having a lot of fun working together. I love seeing him learn to believe in himself and I appreciate all he has to teach me.
02 October 2015
Adoption Update: MABCR Beck!
Hi Sarah,
Last year at this time I sent you a picture of Beck after his first World Cynosport Rally Q in Puppy. My goal was to earn a single qualifying score before his first birthday so he could continue working in Puppy. Beck had other ideas. He finished his RLP (Puppy) title and immediately moved up to Level 1 and qualified. He finished his RL1 (Level 1) title and again moved up to Level 2 and qualified. Last month he finished his RL2 (Level 2) title. He’s a happy go lucky amazing pup. He doesn’t much care what we’re doing as long as he’s part of the action. Here are some pictures of Beck and his “loot”. He loves to have his picture taken!
This past winter, when it was too snowy & icy to work sheep, I started Wiley doing canine scent work. Of course Beck also got started and is doing great in that too! Both boys will be introduced to herding ducks and see what they think of working them. They love working sheep but are limited by the inability to practice.
Doreen
01 September 2015
Adoption Update: El!
Hello Sarah and Barbara,
El is doing great. He passed his obedience class this evening.
Hope all is well on the farm.
Nate
16 August 2015
In Memory: Fritz Tallman
It is with great sadness I have to tell you I had to put Fritz down today.
I adopted him seven years ago at Christmas and has been the most incredible companion since then.
He came down with an auto immune disease and in the end could not recover. He will be terribly missed.
Reuben
14 August 2015
Another life changer....
A little more than twelve years ago, I got a call from a guy who wanted to turn a puppy over to rescue. Seems the guy had a new girlfriend, and the girl couldn't handle his puppy AND his three kids (all under 6). Who'd have thought.
A few months later, a young woman applied to us to adopt her very first dog. She had a well thought out plan for hiking and taking classes, and long story short, the young woman adopted Katie, the aforementioned puppy.
Flash forward a couple of years, Suzy and Katie where a happy pair, had started working sheep, and visited the farm for sheep time. And then to visit...and to train more, and visit more. Suzy began fostering, helping with home visits, and occasionally attending events with MABCR.
Tuesday night, Katie wagged her tail for the last time after a brief but serious illness. In the nearly 12 years that Katie'd light shined, she changed Suzy's life, and mine. Twelve years after Katie's adoption, I call her human one of my very closest of friends.
You never know what a dog will bring to you, and you never know if it will be your dog that does it, or someone else's. Cherish every moment, open your heart to the possibilities, and embrace the ride.
You go get those sheep, Princess Katie, and I'll see you when I see you, sweet girl.
03 July 2015
In Memory: MABCR Rusty Newton
This is Rusty. We adopted him from MABCR in spring of 2003. He has moved from N. VA to Kansas to TX to Colorado and currently Carlisle PA. He has helped raise 2 children, gotten us through 4 deployments and taught us that the border collie runs the house.
Rusty died 2 weeks ago in Carlisle PA. Not far from where he came from at the MD border. He was 14 1/2. Thank you for the best dog ever.
Lilla
27 May 2015
Life Changing Dogs
I don't know about you, but I have been lucky enough to have had several Life Changing Dogs come into my life. About 15 Novembers ago, a young dog was brought into rescue, and lived with me for a time. This dog was one of 'those dogs', dogs rescuers like me wish they had room for, time for, money for, but know they need to live a better life in another home.
One morning I received a phone call from a fellow who had put his border collie down the day before, and was on the hunt for another, one to 'rescue in his honour'. Within a couple of weeks, Peter and his wife Barbara had convinced me to break several rescue rules, and took Bienn home right before Christmas (something we do not normally do).
Usually, when a dog goes home, that is that. We get updates from time to time, photos, cards on holidays, etc. Not with Bienn's new family. This is the life changing part. MABCR got HUGE supporters...Barbara is our storekeeper, my right hand and sounding board, Peter gives advice when needed, and was our treasurer for a few years. Eventually, Barbara and Peter, along with Bienn, Copper, Casey (an MABCR dog) and Bonnie, moved to Maryland, and live only 7 miles from the farm. For me, personally, Bienn gave me my best friend (Barbara), and a mentor (Peter) who have helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
Up until today, his days have been mostly good, though he had stopped traveling with Barbara and Peter, I don't think he minded too much, as he got to stay here with me. He had also stopped going upstairs, but still took walks every day, and sniffed and pee'd on stuff.
Bienn passed today in his own back yard, under the big sky, with his people around him and his canine companions just feet away.
I suspect Bienn was a life changing dog for Barbara as well, though I've never asked her, and honestly, if I asked her now, we would both cry the ugly cry, and wouldn't be able to speak. I'll just have to assume it's true...
I was going through my photos to find a nice photo of Bienn, and found this, a photo I had taken as part of a photo shoot for Barbara's latest book (she needed a new author's photo). I was struck by the fact that only Bienn is in focus (an obvious mistake) and that he is out front and center, and that Barb is looking at her boy. As it should be.
Goodbye, Beans. I'll see you when I see you, sweet boy.
09 March 2015
Adoption update: MABCR Malcolm
Just wanted to send an update to let you know how Malcolm is doing.
He’s a dear, sweet, soulful boy. Kind and gentle, wonderful with people and the other animals. His house manners have been perfect, he doesn’t bother, chew or get into anything. He’s been a nice companion for Ray and though he’s not into wrestling matches, he does indulge Ray in some games of chase and they enjoy poking around the yard/field together.
He greets you with an infectious silly bouncy jig that makes me smile every time. He’s so easy to live with and easier to love and we love him just the way he is. We think he’s beautiful. There’s just something about old dogs and he’s a gem. We’re so happy to have him here.
His vet appointment went great, he got a clean bill of health, and he charmed everyone there.
I’ve been trying to get some good pics of him but it’s not been easy. He’s such a happy boy but he has a deep distrust of the paparazzi ;-) . The second he spies the big eye of the camera staring at him, he slinks away and gets worried. I did, however, manage to get some of him playing in the snow I thought I’d share.
Thank you again for such a sweetheart of a dog. He fits in perfectly and we love him.
-Mason
18 January 2015
Adoption Update: Nessie (Jodie)
Hi Sarah--
Thought it was way past time to send you an update on the dog formerly known as Jodie! After MUCH debate and deliberation, we ended up naming her Nessie.
She is doing well, she is happy and healthy in her new home, and we love having her. Everyone who meets her cannot believe she came from a rescue!
Nessie's best doggie friend lives next door, and my husband put a gate in the fence so they can go back and forth and play together easily. Emma is a big black lab and they have a great time. Our cats are not thrilled with Nessie, but they all tolerate each other well enough.
Thanks so much for bringing Nessie into our lives!
-Mary
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