Tori and Tavi Win

Agility Grand Champion!!

Tori and her dog Tavi, adopted in 2017, have won the highest award a canine agility competitor can earn.

The Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) is a title designed to celebrate the lifetime achievement of dogs that excel across all AKC agility classes. To earn the AGCH title, the following number of qualifying scores must be earned: Master Standard and Master Jumper with Weaves (100 qualifying scores from each class); Master Fast (75 qualifying scores); Time 2 Beat (75 qualifying scores); Premier Standard and Premier Jumpers with Weaves (50 qualifying scores from each class).



Here is what Tavi's mom Tori has to say about her, "She is still quite the character! She’s come a long way from the puppy I met chasing a tortoise at Trudy’s. She’s never had a bad day or met someone she hasn’t liked. She’s a handful, but in a good way."

Congratulations to Tori and Tavi!! We are so happy for them; it is truly an amazing achievement!

Wisp has come a long way!

Wisp, adopted in June 2023, is living the good life in his new home. Here is what his adopter, Neil, had to say about him:

"Just wanted to let your organization know that our adopted border collie who was named Eiko, has been renamed Wisp. Honestly think he may be your poster child. He didn't know how to walk on a leash but now he's a champ. Didn't understand stairs and two story houses but figured that out. He puts himself in his crate at the appropriate times. When I first let him into the backyard and threw a ball he yipped and ran to hide but now he wants to fetch as much as possible. He's so loving and cuddly, he appreciates every moment with us and doesn't have a problem expressing it. I can't thank you enough for taking this sweet boy in and trusting us to be his guardian."



Thanks to Neil and his family for giving him the best life!

Ollie - 1 Day from Euthanasia - Gets a Second Chance

Here is what Ollie's adopter, Thomas, has to say about his story:

"We adopted Ollie, March 2020, and he’s been a gift to us. He was “Archie” when we adopted him, but made the transition to Ollie seamlessly. Poor guy had lost his owner, to deportation, was taken to a dog pound in the central valley, ran out of time and was a day away from euthanasia. 

Fortunately the shelter called NCBCRA and they rushed to pick him up, bless you folks. We inquired shortly after he was rescued, went to meet him, had to sit on the floor for him to come to us and while shaken from all his dislocations, we saw a wonderful addition to our family. The folks at NCBCRA said they would hold our check/donation for a few weeks to see if he would work out. We called the next day and said cash the check! My wife and I are retired so Ollie does almost everything with us. We get about 5 miles of exercise most days, we guess he’s about 5 based upon the Vets assessment and he loves to run, chase a ball or toys and swim, if he’s chasing anything. I mountain bike with him in our adjacent open space and he loves the trails and fire roads. I always wanted a dog who would fetch and Ollie is industrial strength, from morning to night. He does however chill when told to laydown. He’s intelligent, a lot smarter than me, pretty low bar, great with the grandkids and all members of the family. Just finished a 7,500 mile road trip in our camper and Ollie had a great time, mellow in the truck, keen on exploring new places and one characteristic which is stellar. He stays with us. Sounds simple but we’ve had dogs who, the moment the gate opens or if taken off the leash, bolt! He wants to be with us and after some remedial training; comes, sits, stays and heels. Every dog we’ve been fortunate to have since childhood has been unique and special. I have to say Ollie is a remarkable member of our pack. Our daughters joke that he’s my favorite child. A sincere thanks to all the folks who are a part of the NCBCRA. They rescue, foster and place dogs in need of loving forever homes. We are so grateful to them and for Ollie."

Thank you to Thomas for giving Ollie the best forever family.

Medical Needs Dogs

8-week-old Oran was picked up stray & was immediately diagnosed with the deadly parvo virus. The shelter couldn't afford his treatment or quarantine costs, so NCBCRA stepped in to cover his bill of $1,150. Oran came into rescue after completing his treatment. Happily, he has made a full recovery and is learning to be a happy-go-lucky, mischievous border collie puppy. 

We're so grateful to our supporters! Your contributions make helping pups like Oran possible. And thanks to our rescue partners at the Humboldt County Animal Shelter for making sure Oran was safe and got the help he needed.



Fun Facts about Border Collies _______________________________________

Their Name Comes From Their Home Region

The Border Collie was originally developed in Scotland and thrived in the region on the border of Scotland and England. The word “collie” is a Scotch word used to describe sheepdogs. Because this breed flourished in the border region, it was christened the “Border Collie.”

Queen Victoria Loved Them

Queen Victoria was a true dog lover who took a liking to many breeds, but in the early 1860s she became an active Border Collie enthusiast. At this time, the Border Collie began to separate and become distinguished from the modern Collie.

One Was Featured in Scottish Poetry

The famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (If you don't know him, think: “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men ...”) owned a Border Collie named Luath that he loved dearly. Luath's tragic death inspired one of Burns' best poems, “The Twa Dogs,” which captured the special bond between dog and man. Multiple statues of Robert Burns include Luath right by his side.

Lots of Celebrities Have Owned Border Collies

Queen Victoria and Robert Burns are not the only famous people to have owned Border Collies. James Dean, Anna Paquin, Bon Jovi, Ethan Hawke, James Franco, and Tiger Woods have all owned Border Collies.