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Sometimes when you least expect it, life takes a turn that leads you to exactly what you've been searching all your life to find. Glen Highland Farm is one of those momentous occurrences that dramatically changed two lives and hopefully, many hundreds more that will touch this place thanks to the dogs whose spirits led us here and forever changed our path. |
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| Glen Highland Farm is a dream long in the making. A gorgeous 175 acres of rolling countryside, it is a place for dogs and people to join in nature. This dream came from its two founders, Lillie Goodrich and John Andersen. Both were inspired by their first border collie, Luke, to create a place to help this often misunderstood breed. This perfect property with hemlock forests, ponds, a long-winding creek and abundant wildlife was found after a three month search all over New England. The goal had been to leave our 2-acre home in Connecticut in exchange for a large property on which a Border Collie Rescue Sanctuary could be created, along with a place for inner-city kids to vacation and work closely with the dogs to heal their own wounds. Plus, our vision included a vacation camp for adults and families that would strengthen their bond to their beloved companion dogs. We truly wanted a place where the natural rhythms of nature were louder and stronger than any city lives we'd previously known. We also wanted that place to be so special that others would want to spend time there, too. |
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When we found this property in upstate New York, we knew our search was over. Glen Highland Farm is named after the luscious, incredible countryside we visited in Scotland where the magic of nature is ever present. It is there where we first discovered the Border Collie, so it's only fitting a little bit of their lineage is represented here today in the name. The lure of coming to the country is a fantasy many people dream about. We, of course, had done the same and yet never expected to actually give up city life for a rural existence. |
| John had been a CEO all his life, running numerous notable companies all over the world. I, (Lillie) had produced successful television programs and worked as an Intuitive Coach for professionals, also traveling all over the world. Yet, both left years of urban life for the profound simplicity that only comes with less cars, less noise, less people and more nature. Setting fears aside, we signed on for the ride of a lifetime. |
| Glen Highland Farm now exists. Since starting here in February 2001, thousands of dogs have visited this Farm, whether as rescue so be rehomed or vacationers coming to summer camp, the Farm has impacted numerous people. For me, I have had the opportunity to work with 3,000 dogs in rescue; in camp; teaching seminars and in animal communication sessions. My sense of dog has broadened and deepened to a remarkable level. While I am not a dog trainer, I do believe that my innate and intuitive experiences with this breed and others provides invaluable insight for what we do at Glen Highland Farm. As of 2007, close to 900 dogs have been saved and now reside in loving, forever homes. An additional 30-40 are living onsite with us, running through the grassy fields and acres of paddocks, residing at night in a cozy 200 year old barn and lovingly being cared for until the perfect family arrives. These wonderful dogs find their way to us in various ways - calls from shelter staff concerned about a border collie; owners who know they've 'got the wrong dog' and concerned individuals who want to help dogs in distress plus we actively network, linking ourselves with fellow rescuers. | |
| Our rescue work began two years ago in Connecticut, from our home, where we had 4 dogs each month living in a special area of our home. In that time, we placed close to 60 dogs into new homes where they continue to thrive and live safely and lovingly forever. Those |  |
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of past seem so distant compared to the continual need
of today. We always have a dozen dogs waiting on a list for entry
to GHF and at least another dozen, we are evaluating for intake.
There is no shortage of Border Collies in trouble, needing safe haven.
Our goal in New York is now 150 - 200 dogs per year. We are meeting those numbers every year In addition to the dogs, Glen Highland Farm now exists for children. Inner city children who desperately need to experience another way of living come to the Farm for 2 weeks. Eight children came the summer of 2001, living in an authentic Native American Village with teepees, cooking every meal outside and orienteering through endless trails. And, most importantly, they worked each day with the dogs, feeding them, caring for them and being with them day and night. Their transformation from hyper, intense, wound-up city kids to more peaceful, fun-loving, aware kids who loved dogs was miraculous to watch. Some who had previously been bitten by a pit-bull finally learned to relax and trust a dog's gestures as love, not aggression. Others deepened their longing for unconditional love, bonding strongly with furry friends most like them. The quiet child choose the quiet dog, not jumping up for attention. The loud child choose the boisterous puppy, clamoring to be seen. The dogs worked on the children, opening their hearts while the land brought them back to center. Now, years later, hundreds of children have been in the camp, all transformed by the Border Collies. |
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So, why did we change our lives, turning everything we've ever known upside down, risking our life's savings for dogs? Because both John and I believe we're called to be 'of service' and it's the dogs that led us in a direction that links people's hearts with animals, creating more love and |
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awareness of a way of being that is gentle, humane and good for the
soul. We believe that the dogs are allowing us to do the work of
the soul. Each dog carries a spirit, a way of being, that we
meet and then share with someone else. We see the miracle of
this exchange every time there is an adoption. And every time the
kids bonded with a dog. It's as if the dog and person have finally
found each other. It's uncanny and it's tangible to experience. We
get to witness God in action.
Glen Highland Farm is a personal journey and commitment for us, yet it is one that we will share with others. We are grateful for the opportunity to do so and welcome all those who want to join us as we let the dogs lead the way. What they are teaching us is far simpler than all the education we paid so dearly to obtain. They are great masters of 'being' which is something we long to again experience. Stop all the 'doing' and learn how to 'be' who you really are in the world. That's what Glen Highland Farm is all about. |
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OUR DOGS - a snapshot of their stories
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The inspiration: LUKE Luke is the inspiration for all that you see at Glen Highland Farm. It is his amazing turnaround from unwanted, abused rescue dog to beloved companion, that led us to change our lives and rescue this breed. You can see Luke working the perimeter of the property, always circling groups of dogs or people, actively trying to herd, his keen 'eye' is the classic herding breed in action! Luke is very |
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| friendly so he's our official greeter and host of the property. His watchful eye never
misses anything and he's quick to trade his love for recognition of a job
well done. He sleeps down in the kids camp for 30 days, making sure
all is in order and watches over the vacation camp, a continual presence
‘working’ the camp.
A majestic dog with a heart of gold, Luke had a rough first year in life. Luke lived in Manhattan when he was found as a stray at 1 year old. Upon meeting you, he would cower, shake, urinate and then lay down and roll over giving you his stomach in a submissive posture. Luke also hung his head, continually fearful of approaching people or loud sounds. And, sometimes, when he felt most terrified, he'd growl and lunge, attempting to protect himself. All his reactions were based on a bad history. Yet, in brave moments when he felt safe, he'd nuzzle his head next to you and gaze longingly into your eyes, pleading for kindness, gently licking your hand. His neediness showed his tremendous potential to trust again and overlook the pain inflicted upon him. A great dog....in the wrong place at the wrong time. Years later, he is now clearly exactly where he is supposed to be, side by side with us running the Farm, a beloved friend. He greets everyone who visits and loves being introduced as the 1st dog. Spend some time with Luke and you’ll feel his marvelous heart. |
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The Beautiful & Analytical KATIE Katie is a highly intelligent Border Collie with an innate ability to observe everything that goes on around her. If dogs went to college, Katie would be the quintessential graduate student. She truly studies the world around her and if she could talk, she'd have a great |
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deal to say. As a Border Collie, she likes to nip heels and bark madly, as if she's in charge, so just ask her to 'sit' and she'll quickly relax. Katie is a talker, so she may continue barking....she means no harm. Katie is also the most polite girl of the group, we call her Princess Katie. She's never dirty, never rowdy and always takes petite bites of food. It's true when there is carnivore cuisine at stake, she's the first to chomp down quickly, but otherwise, it's dainty bite-size pieces please. We also like to call her, 'Katie, the beautiful', because she's quite dignified in her glorious beauty and she knows it. One thing that's uniquely Katie is her love of water. Now, remember that the 'princess' in her approaches the water with some elegance, never a full jump in, she delicately prances into the water, about waist-high. Be sure to visit Katie's Dip, it's her favorite place. Katie found her way to us from a loving home where she was treasured and adored but there was no time for her. It was her 2nd home. At 1 year old, she was originally abandoned from her first home to a shelter in New Jersey. Katie has now had many years of trusted love so she let go of all her worries and stresses and now enjoys being the ‘princess’ at the gate, welcoming everyone. The Farm is her home forever. |
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The Boss, HALEY Haley is the alpha dog of our pack, much like Margaret Thatcher's slogan, 'She who must be obeyed', Haley knows she is a leader and demands respect. No matter how how many dogs are in the yard, they instantly know she is the leader. Haley is a fair leader and crystal clear in her management of dog ‘politics’. Haley is also the most obedient and intelligent dog in our home. There is one truism when it comes to dogs, they choose you and that's exactly how it worked with Haley. So, here's the story. Haley spent 6 months on the streets of Ct, evading everyone's desire to catch her. |
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You see, Haley is THE most agile, physical girl we've ever seen. Able to jump straight from the ground into the open window of a Suburban truck, she is unfazed by any height or obstacle. She even climbs lifeguard chairs at the beach. So, what had Haley running so hard and so fast? At 1 year old, how bad could it be? Turns out that Haley had been severely, horribly abused, repeatedly beaten over the back and head. So much so that when the rescue person met her, she bit her. Five months of serious rehabilitation was the commitment it took to help Haley. She had to earn everything she was given, fed morsel by morsel upon executing the sit command, Haley had to relearn trust...the hard way. When we met her, it was instant bonding. Though we could not touch her back or head, only her chest for a quick scratch, she was clearly our dog. She sat for hours after our departure in the space where our car had been parked. Then after sleeping in the rescuer's bed for five months, the very night we'd met her, she promptly went down to the first floor and slept by the door. She was joining us. She'd obviously already decided. So had we. |
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MAJOR, The Nurturer The most unlikely Border Collie, well Border Collie/Gordon Setter picked us when we thought we were picking him. His name is Major and what a Major impact he had and still has on people who meet him. This 'black dog' had been at the pound for four months. No one wanted him. Not even one person showed any interest. His relinquishment form said 'too difficult to handle' but also said |
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'he carries a teddy bear around everywhere he goes'. Major was only 1 year old! Thankfully, the shelter staff said he was as sweet as could be. Frustrated by the pending threat of euthanasia, they gave him to us for our rescue program. A month went by with no interest in the funny looking dog named Major. No one seemed to respond to his picture. It was then that Cameron began asking, 'we're going to keep Major, right?' An emphatic no was given. Easy, adoptable dogs we do not keep. Another week went by....then John said 'we're going to keep Major, right?' No, a little less emphatic was answered. You see, they'd seen that Major had won Lillie's heart 'big-time'. He stood on his hind legs, perched his paws around her neck and hugged. It was love at first sight. They knew it more clearly than she. So, onto the phone with the animal communicators who promptly informed Lillie that this wonderful dog was here to teach her all about love. That was his mission with everyone he met. Major is our love dog, the big heart. There isn't a visitor who meets him without saying "I like Major, he's the one I want"...."I can understand why you kept him"...."can I have Major?' So, the comical mis-marked Border Collie mix has surely had a major impact. |
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Mystical MAGIC After close to 60 dogs coming into rescue, it was time to make the move, change our life and commit to really helping these dogs and helping people connect to them. So, good-bye Connecticut, hello rural America. In the midst of all this change, came Magic. Appropriately named, no doubt. |
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He joined Lillie in the car ride home from a week-long advanced Animal Communication course with Penelope Smith. A week's worth of revelations ended with the passenger seat occupied by the most unique white-headed Border Collie she'd ever met. A very strong spirit emanated from him. He sat totally upright for the entire 3 hour car ride, completely silent, quite like a human contemplating this new life change. Ironically, he'd been howling so badly at the Pomona pound, they'd plan to put him to death. Yet, this stoic dog now sat silent. His previous guardians claimed that allergies forced them to take him to the pound (a kill-pound). Quite quickly this mystery dog gained the name, Magic. He carried himself with a grace so un-dog-like that it was clear he had his own agenda. One thing also became quite clear, he and Lillie were linked. En route to the home visit with a potential adopter, Lillie found herself sobbing uncontrollably, overwhelmingly nauseous and weak. She finally admitted she could not part with him. She'd had an uncanny sense all along that he'd come to help her in the Intuitive Coaching, helping people. Magic joined Lillie in numerous client sessions, often rising unannounced and placing his paw on the heart of the person while in meditation. He always had a profound impact on people as they learned to trust their intuitive nature. And, so Magic is now carrying his unique energy to Glen Highland Farm, ready and willing to be of service. |
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The Smart, Wannabee Boss,
DARCY Darcy is a brilliant gorgeous Border Collie with charisma. She is also a leader and keeps a watchful on the pack, acting as secondary leader to Haley. She could easily step into her shoes, given the opportunity. Darcy’s strength probably comes from her days in the Bronx, where she was abandoned, tied to a tree. Darcy |
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then sat in the NYC pound, narrowly escaping death. An unlikely success story, she'd lost favor a few times with strangers because she tended to be fearful, distrusting and hesitant, even rather threatening. If you pushed her too quickly, she'd cower, roll over and submissively offer her belly, hoping not to be hit. Reaching for her collar brought a turn of the head and a teeth-filled warning. Darcy had obviously been abused. Now, while Darcy could be very scary, she carried the same sweetness and neediness we'd seen in Luke...the real desire to trust again. Good news is her car ride home to CT brought her to her proverbial knees...she was thoroughly sick. So, she and John completely bonded. No longer able to offensively protect herself before any expected abuse, she caved in and took solace in his comforting hands, stroking her hand, quietly providing a safe haven. But, Darcy presented a challenge....incredibly brilliant, truly needy, generous in her affection, once given, and not yet confident and stable....she became John's 'project dog'. Her mischievous spunk showed up, her rebellious playfulness engaged the other dogs, her quizzical desire to interact led the way....Darcy came to life. One wonders exactly how that moment occurs when it's as if a dog claims a life with you...there's no way to pinpoint when this occurred with Darcy...it just did. One day she was a rescue dog, then another she joined the pack and now she helps rule an even larger pack today at the Farm. |
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The Comical, Funny,
FLYNN Funny Flynn sees the world differently than a lot of other dogs. He isn’t quite sure where he feels safe so he is always dodging out of arm’s reach, not too sure what he wants. He wants to go out. Then he wants to come in. He wants to lie down. Then he wants to get up. His confused emotional state comes from his odd history. Little Flynn came to us at 6 months old, during the summer of 2001. He had been confiscated off a fire escape in Brooklyn and clearly had suffered for whatever time he was left outside. Without much hair left, his panic of being left anywhere was tremendous. A crate threw him into a frenzy. The |
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barn dog room made him want to escape. No matter where he was, little Flynn wanted OUT, even if out was going nowhere. Clearly, the Farm was the best place for this little guy to live. Today, Flynn has finally learned that he can relax a bit. He still won’t approach strangers directly or go inside without having a way to get out. But, as long as he can move freely, he feels life is okay. It has taken many years after joining our family pack for Flynn to blossom. A sweet, gentle dog, he loves a good cuddle but it’s unlikely that you’ll get much of a chance to touch him. But, rest assured he’s got his eye on everything going on and will join in when he is sure enough of how to exit. If you spend time with Flynn, you'll quickly find that his heart is so open, his way so gentle, that you'll be caught in his sweet nature which makes his story even more poignant. We are grateful that he joined the Farm & forever touched by the unexpected gifts Flynn shares.
Taken
from us way too soon at age 6, we deeply miss his spirit . A little guy
full of spunk, our Flynny-binny rests forever in our hearts. |
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FLYNN,
2007Escape artist & herding maniac,
GIBSON: From the moment of arrival, Gibson was quite clearly unique, with off the richter scale border collie herding tendencies. He herded everything that moved. His incredible keen eye led him to work all the time, whether it was herding the dogs or herding the cats, he herded and herded and herded. Plus, he was a classic escape artist, climbing over the 5 foot fence time after time while at the Farm as well as at the local pound where he was found as a stray. He could clear the fence faster than you could say his name. This border collie had every trait magnified... even nipping the heels of other dogs. In order to effectively handle the escape artist tendencies, it meant bonding to him in a big way. We spent extraordinary amounts of time together hoping to 'ground' this dog into a sense of belonging. |
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Each escape and each search (one time he was away all night) brought up such strong emotional fears of loosing him that when he was found, it was celebratory. Heart pounding panic of finding him hit by a car or never finding him, led to joyous delight when he was found. Somewhere between 4 - 6 weeks, the magical relationship took hold and it was quite clear that the bonding had worked....only too well....giving him up was now impossible. Our hearts were connected way beyond the normal foster relationship. So, when John's son, Cameron, pushed the decision by requesting that Gibson stay to be his sheepherding partner, taking lessons together and forging a working experience, the decision was finalized. So, Gibson joined our Glen Highland Farm pack and fit in as if he'd been here all along. To this day, we still see Gibson herding everything in sight and we also watch as he sails over fences while we call his name. Thankfully, he knows coming back is what he wants to do.
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WITT There is something intangible that happens when you 'click' with a dog and often, it shows up with a jump of the heart or a sense of knowing each other before....hard to describe, it's just one of those moments, if you've experienced it, you trust when it happens. Witt entered the picture via email in a pitiful picture sitting in a kill shelter in TN, about to die. |
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An unwanted stray, this dog was in trouble. Seeing the picture triggered the reaction instantly....he had to come here. As days went by and his safety was assured, that 'knowing' grew louder and louder....Witt was the one. Upon arrival at the Farm, it was confirmed. This was the 'red dog' I'd waited three years to find...a sweet, loving, gentle creature now joining the wild and wooly Farm pack. What a delight to finally meet! Witt is a shy character, quick to hide under the porch or under the truck. He is a very gentle Border Collie, happy to herd other dogs and be near you for affection. He’s a toy boy and truck dog, loving to herd cars as they zoom by. But, he’s also clearly a worrier and still shows signs of some history that haunts him. Though he has relaxed more in the years at the Farm, Witt still cannot be handled by his collar or cornered. He will panic and potentially bite. Little did we know that this ‘red dog’ needed the Farm more than we even knew. There is no way Witt would have been adoptable. Whatever his history, it was not good. If you spend time with Witt, it will be a quiet, gentle hello and nudge from him and then off he goes to happily join the action of the pack. He doesn’t ask for much and is happy to have the simple fun life at the Farm. And, we are all happy to have his sweet nature grace our hearts. |
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EMA With great joy, we introduce Ema, our 10th dog to join our lives. She came to us at 5 weeks old, way too early to be taken from her mother, only 2.9 pounds. Transported from Tennessee with three other pups from a different litter, two of those dogs sadly died from parvo (the distemper disease) so with great anxiety, |
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watched and waited, hoping little Ema would survive. Happily, she
did not have parvo and once wormed and given antibiotics, began to grow,
ounces at first and then of course, pounds. For three weeks, I slept
with her curled next to me, to simulate the feeling of her doggie mother
she no longer had. I held her close, shared my heart as fully as I
could and cared for her, day by day, hoping she'd be a healthy pup.
Months later, Ema had grown to normal size for her age, she was still on antibiotics for a nasty virus but otherwise, she was a completely healthy and a very happy, well adjusted pup. She's socialized with all our dogs, been held and touched by everyone at the Farm and everyone who visited. With such an amazing journey together, this wonderful border collie mix, with very little border collie in her, had to join our family forever. We now call her ‘the Buddha dog’ because she is wise beyond her years. A feisty adult, Ema is in the middle of everything, never intimidated by all these herding dogs. In fact, we think she thinks she runs the show! You are sure to see her controlling the crowd as well as giving her howls and funny beagle barks. This supposed beagle-blue heeler is always in charge! A nonstop charmer and mischief maker, we are grateful for her presence and the teaching she's already shared. This surprise little dog gives us the greatest joy each and every day. |
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The one and only FLY!! the #11 dog Fly is the miracle dog. He is not only incredibly talented in herding sheep and easily agile for obstacles and any sport, he healed himself. Fly is a balanced, happy, good natured Border Collie who gets along with everyone and every dog. He is a true social creature who wants to play, play, play. |
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If you visit the Farm and see Fly today, you'll see this happy go lucky dog and you'd never guess that this sweet, friendly dog was once a very fearful, fearsome dog, ready to bite strangers.
Fly’s first year of life was screwy. Living with a schizophrenic, he
was abandoned at the vet twice, never reclaimed. We stepped in to bring him into rescue. A very worried, agitated dog showed up, clearly
in a panic about what people would do to him. As he unwound at the Farm, playing, racing and herding with other dogs, he relaxed and
showed the real FLY. He was an adorable, good natured sweetheart, yet Unfortunately a failed adoption led to a bite and Fly landed back at the Farm. He was not trustworthy, yet truly wonderful so we gave him an open door to stay until we sensed if he’d made enough progress to be adoptable. We felt that without human pressures, he could potentially heal. Roll ahead one year and a happier Fly emerged. He joined in all the Camp activities, handling all the pressures he could never handle before and we realized he had healed himself. Truly, we offered the place. He did the work. Watching Fly, we realized quickly that he had become very very comfortable at the Farm, most of his insecurities had lessened. It became clearly apparent that the Farm was a place that Fly could happily live a life in our home. We nurtured him through a remarkable transformation and realized that he made the choice to again trust people. Meanwhile, we had fallen in love. |
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Crazy Kissing KYLA September 2009 Kyla has gone to live with our former caretaker, Susan, in New Hampshire so that she can be out from under the tough female BC's that are a part of our pack. As the girls aged, they became less tolerant of Kyla's kinetic energy, zipping around everywhere a thousand miles an hour and they ended up fighting with her. |
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For her safety, we made the tough
decision to offer her another life and thankfully, it turned out to be
fantastic. She has plenty of land to run and play and a pack of easier
BC's.
Kissing Kyla came to the farm from nearby Norwich, a stray. She is a happy-go-lucky, eager to please Border Collie who is also quite unique and clearly, wherever Kyla is, she makes the most of it! Kyla is a dynamo, happy to jump from the ground right into your lap, wrapping herself around your neck and head like a cat, but she then begins her special "kyla facial wash". The first time this happens, it's fantastic and funny...the second time...the third time...well, let's just say that each adopter who met Kyla, picked another dog. After five months of countless rejections, it was heartbreaking to see this loving girl passed over again and again. One day, a young couple asked to meet her, forewarned of her obsession. They fell in love and off she went with another dog at the farm, Domino. The evening before she left, I sat weeping like a baby. Kyla not only had my face, she had my heart and made me chuckle with her endless obsessions...she chases shadows, reflections, raindrops and water from the hose...we affectionately say she's a classic neurotic border collie. Crazy Kyla we call her. During her stay at the Farm, I had contemplated asking her to join our family. She was the light in the barn every day and always full of unbounded joy. After wiping my tears, talking to her at length about her new life, I promised her a place at the farm if her adoption didn't work out. Well, turns out she and Domino teamed up on the cats in the house and back she came! So, the morale of the story is expect to add yet another dog, especially when one grabs your heart like she did. Crazy kissing Kyla is a wild child of love, so watch out when she says hello. Her hello is never low-key but she’ll certainly teach you all about joy and living life with gusto! |
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The miracle dog,
CONNOR Connor arrived at the farm with quite a rough history. Turning one year old his first day here, we celebrated a life that was about to get much better. Connor's former guardian had very negative feelings about him, calling him 'the stupidest border collie he's ever met'. Describing him as 'not trainable because he was too stupid'. Even saying 'he is a pitiful dog because he is just not good for anything'. We were stunned. |
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Connor not only lived with negativity, he had also been stabbed in the side by the child in the family and hit by an SUV. Of course, the guardian had no fencing and only saw the dog's stupidity as the problem. So, upon arrival, he had his second hip surgery. He had severe damage and would have been unable to walk at all without intervention. He now has metal plates holding his legs onto his pelvis. Post surgery, he literally wags his tail and his whole back end wags, too! It was so clear meeting Connor, that he was a
gentle, loving dog, completely unharmed by the ignorance he lived with. He just adored
people, giving kisses and asking for affection so easily that there wasn't anyone who turned him away. We are honored to have such a miracle dog in our lives and thrilled to share him with all who visit the Farm. His story inspired The Connor House for other dogs in severe need with no place to go. |
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Fireball FIONA the 14th dog She may be tiny but she is one big spirit with tons of spunk. Petite Fiona is a fireball of energy, ready to race and chase and play in an instant. And, she talks all the time, excited barks of joy. She spins and turns on a dime, so excited with the joy of having fun. Fiona is focused, fast and so funny. She has more energy than most of the pack put together! |
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Petite Fiona visited the farm many times with an adopter who does geese work professionally. (she adopted 3 dogs from the farm) Little Fiona caught our eye on those visits with her charming, funny, little mischievous ways. She had been brought over from Ireland to join her geese herding business but fiery Fiona had other ideas. Seems she had no interest whatsoever in birds so working was not going to be her idea of a good time. Nipping heels of the other dogs rather than herding birds meant she needed a new home. In quick order, we offered to have her join our pack. She had already grown up with 12 dogs and seemed happiest in the middle of a lot of dog commotion. A loving little 'wild child', Fiona mixes it up day and night, sharing her Irish charm and good nature. She is a sweetheart and is so small (full grown though) that we continually laugh that so much energy could be in such a little Border Collie! Fiona is also very talented at teaching dog language to people at camp and in offsite seminars. She loves her private space and clearly lets other dogs know to back off so she’s the perfect teacher to learn about how dogs talk to each other. In exchange for her tutorials, she travels off the farm and gets special private time which includes her chattering and spinning while jumping on the bed! She is quite a sight to see. |
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The Brilliant Ball Nut LITTLE LIL Little Lil is all Border Collie, ready for action with any ball anywhere anytime. She even invented her own game of ‘two-ball’ for times when no one will throw to her. She grabs one ball in her paws, the other in her mouth and exchanges them over and over as she spins one away and catches the other as it drops. To say Lil is a ball-nut, is an understatement. |
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Lil is also a sweetheart, focused on all the action at the Farm and happy to meet everyone who visits. She is fast, focused and has all the ‘eye’ to respond within seconds for herding or ball play. She is an exceptionally sweet Border Collie who fortunately found safe haven at the Farm after being abandoned as a young pup. She came to the farm through a shelter we worked with years ago on a special abuse case where we helped with 9 dogs. The director took one look at this little 3 1/2 month old pup and felt she had to go to me, especially since she had my name. And, lucky for us that she decided that! Lil instantly grabbed my heart in such a big way. It was impossible to send her anywhere else. It started innocently enough bringing her into the house since she was a solo pup and then up into our bedroom so she wouldn't feel alone.. well, that was the end of that story...she fit into the pack like a glove and into our hearts forever! If you spot one little black and white dog with a ball in its mouth, you can be pretty sure it’s Lil. If she is intently herding the other dogs with that same ball in her mouth, then for sure, you will have met Little Lil! Of course, she is also one of the most gorgeous Border Collies at the Farm.
LIL lost the fight against lymphoma this memorial day 2010. We are deeply grateful for having 11 months beyond her initial 2-4 week prognosis. We were very lucky indeed. Each week, we shared trail walks and a closeness far greater than ever before. Knowing that at any moment, it could be our last with her, gave us the priceless chance to cherish her far deeper, adoring her charm and brilliance and uniqueness. There has never been a Border Collie like Lil and there never will be. The deepest pain in our hearts now comes from the deepest love we could ever experience. We miss you Lil. No one is playing two-ball anymore. You were inspiring as you chose to live the big life, all the way to the end! |
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Purposeful PATCH Patch is a unique girl who loves to herd anything and everything that moves but she also loves to focus her ‘eye’ on me. She intently watches every move, much like you would expect a farm border collie to do with a shepherd, waiting for any sign of a work task to accomplish. Patch is seriously in tune with my every move. Born with only one eye, she has the classic intense focus that signals that you are in her sights and clearly she knew who |
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| was saying ‘yea’ or ‘ney’ to which dogs joined
our pack.
Patch had originally come to the Farm a couple of years ago with two other breeder dogs, all three cast off in their older years, no longer wanted for making money. A very sad outdoor kennel was their life. In seeing Patch, Lass and Bonnie living alone away from the home, my heart sank. These three girls love people and wanted to be included in everything so once into rescue, wonderful homes were found for all. In an expected turn, the adopter of Patch had to move overseas so after two years, she was returned to the Farm. It was then that Patch made her move, turning that eye onto me just to be sure I knew exactly what she wanted. She clicked into that special soft spot already there from years ago and there was just no way I could send her away again. Today, you can see Patch on the move, circling, herding and barking as she rounds up the other dogs in our pack or any dog at the Farm. She is clearly quite a herder and in fact, in sheeptraining, the teacher felt she could do great work as good as any border collie with two eyes. Of course, Patch loved working those sheep and until we get our own pack, she’ll happily make due with our gang. |
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The Unexpected Puppy
GYP When single puppies come to the Farm, they always come into our home or into The Connor House since it’s important they connect with a person and are socialized in a loving, close way. Plus, they are way too small to interact with adult dogs without supervision. Dozens of puppies have resided in our home over the years and we always loved them dearly until they found their new life living elsewhere. Since most people do |
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change their names, we tend to affectionately call them all ‘puppy duppy’. The intonation of excitement always works no matter what name, so we all casually use this rhyming ‘puppy duppy’ phrase. Ironically, a little pup named Dix was bought in TN at 5 weeks old (way too early to be away from the mother), taken home to Boston where the guardian discovered the children were allergic to dogs. They called us and within days, we transported this southern girl west to the Farm. A long journey for a seven pound pup! Soon as she arrived, it was clear that Dix, then known as ‘Puppy Duppy’ was going to be a willful, focused, strong Border Collie, like most of the females. She had her own ideas about pretty much everything, even at week 6. We carefully instituted a plan for handling her that gave her some boundaries and new understanding that people are in charge. Each day and night, John sat with her, teaching her to be still and tolerate attention without resistance. He taught her to play ball and rewarded her for connecting with him. The relationship was an important way to transform her experience of life from ‘solo’ pup to belonging in a pack structure. With her new name Gyp, she quickly became the love of his life and he, along with his son, Cameron, cast their vote that she must stay. This determined little pup journeyed far but found her forever home. |
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The 18th dog Neither John nor I expected to add an 18th dog but neither did we expect to meet Roc, the most remarkable Border Collie to come through these gates. A wise old-soul spirit, Roc captured our hearts instantly and forever impacted me. He asked to stay at the Farm and join me in this work so that he has. Roc is in my office every day, by my side, a constant companion. He makes his circle tour of |
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| the outdoors and heads
right back in to assist in the office, keeping my heart open and filled
with compassion. This one dog is a miracle in action.
Wherever I go, so goes Roc. In the office, on trips, by my side each night. He has his new work and it is clearly me. His intent focus tells me whenever I am off course and his love holds me steady. Roc came to us from a NJ golf course superintendent who no longer worked him to chase geese. He had herded geese all his life. Seems while Roc was working in service all this time, his health care had been neglected so a heart murmur had gone untreated with medication. His deteriorating gum disease had worsened to a horrible mess of blackened gums and bulging pockets of disease. Unfortunately, the severity of his heart murmur now made it impossible to fix the dental crisis. Roc was in serious trouble en route to quick death from a failing heart and horrific dental problem. The miracle is that finding the Farm just in time, has meant adding time to his life. Now on medication, his congenital heart failure will be at bay awhile longer and his mouth is looking better, thanks to better nutrition and lots of bones. Roc is one happy, good natured guy, much healthier than his first entry through the gates. And, most certainly, one of the most important heart dogs that has come to touch us all. Roc is a heart worker who is now herding my heart into exactly the focus he wants! |
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The 19th dog Little Kiely, all of 6 pounds, came to the Farm as a stray on the streets of PA. Sweet as can be, she loved attention, though she already had signs of being roughly handled since she would cower when you came over her. This tiny pup had already learned to be afraid. Living in our house around all the dogs and on the land, helped her blossom. She even joined campers in July to say hello and snuggle. |
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| And, all the time,
grabbing our hearts. What a gem! Decisions of the heart make little
rationale sense but being able to act from the heart and not the head,
makes all the sense in the world.
So, little Kiely now lives at Glen Highland Farm, stepping in, to again bring our pack to eighteen. |
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RIO -'crazy Rio' Rorie landed at the Farm in rescue in 2008, a year later he joined our pack. For Rorie, the simple life of the Farm fits him well. He is a major toy and frisbee nut, happy to catch anything thrown his way. He is also super fast and clearly herds endlessly as the other dogs run by. However, sweet Rorie had a hard start which leads him to fear the normal world. |
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| New people, new sounds and even familiar rain or wind or thunder send him into hiding. We know nothing of his background except he was a stray due to be euthanized. He was super sweet and super terrified of life. After bringing him to our home to help him get ready for adoption, we knew that the best place that gave him the greatest happiness and safety was staying right here. So, Rorie's world is our world and we're happy to have him join us. | |
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The 21st dog BEAU or BEAR (his original name) landed at the Farm with front elbows that clearly caused pain and frustration when he went running for balls. It was heartbreaking to see him suffering when he so wanted to race and chase around like the other Border Collies. His physical disability limited his play as did his emotional worry, clearly with a history of abuse. |
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| Bear was afraid to go through the doorways and hit the floor ready to cower, expecting a blow. His sweet, gentle nature was so fragile, as was his body. After a few weeks, it became clear that Bear could blossom living with the founders of the Farm, with no timeline pushing him to trust too fast. He could also continue his trips to Cornell for innovative shock wave treatment to help gain some mobility. Both reasons led us to add him to our pack, as well as the true fact that we fell in love from the minute he landed at the Farm. | |
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The 22nd dog SULLY will remain in the founder's home where he has been for the past five months, happily playing ball and enjoying trail walks at the Farm. His physical and behavioral issues are easily managed in this setting and he is a favorite of everyone and will thrive here in this more rural setting. |
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The 23rd dog Zee is brilliant, gorgeous and super agile, faster than most Border Collies we've seen in rescue. She is also one of the worst shadow chasers to come into rescue, which makes her pretty impossible to adopt out. At the Farm, she improved. Not perfect, but an improvement. Though we tried a foster situation where she could herd and do agility, she actually got worse with the intensity of 'working'. |
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| So, Zee will play at the Farm with our pack forever. The fact is, we fell in love with her remarkable nature and felt compelled to offer her a life with less pressure, in hopes that she would do well. And, she IS doing better so we're very pleased. Zee races around in ball play like an Olympic athlete! | |
OUR FELINE FRIENDS
| People often ask us if we're only
oriented to dogs and I'm happy to say that we're not. We have
several cats living with our household of dogs. Again, many people marvel at that concept, assuming cats and dogs just
won't mix. Well, they do and in fact, they do really well.
Several of the cats like to be around all the manic dog energy and the others do not, so they hang upstairs (an off limits place for the dogs).
Two things made this menagerie of animals work well....1) we gave the cats
their own place so they can feel safe, and un-hassled....2) we trained the
dogs to 'no cats' as a rule, using a can filled with gravel, to shake and
reinforce the correction and squirt bottles with water, again to reinforce
the correction 'no cats'....all the dogs have responded beautifully and
truly leave the cats alone. But, regardless of their understanding
of the rules, we are also on alert when cats and dogs are in one room
because a pack of dogs acts quite differently than a single dog, putting
the cat(s) in harm's way. We believe that the cats know we're ready
to step in, on their behalf, too.
So, here's our colony of cats: |
| Tigger: He was our second cat, joining us at 10 months old, now 4. Tigger loves the dog energies and watches everything that goes on, from a ringside seat - my desk or his own perches. He's our famous test cat so he's met more dogs than any other cat I know. He was rescued from a Ct shelter, found as a stray. |  |
| Sasha: Our third cat to join the household, Sasha is the timid one, aware of every little sound and shuffle in the house. She has no interest in dogs so can be found most days laying on the bed upstairs. Sasha is 6 1/2. She was rescued from a Ct shelter, dumped at age 3 1/2 due to moving. |  |
| Goldie: About 1 year old, Goldie is Cameron's cat. He wanted to add an animal to our family himself, so off we went to the Yonkers Animal Pound (where we'd started in rescue, saving 4 purebred border collies and a little bc mix). A rough place to visit with hundreds of dogs and numerous cats, little Goldie watched Cameron intently. It was clear she was to be his. |  |
| Moxie: In another cage at Yonkers, sat Moxie, a recent mommy, now ready for adoption. A talkative, beautiful little furball, supposedly 2 years old, she tugged at my heart. She had to come to our home, too. Moxie earned her name because she is absolutely fearless with the dogs and no matter how tiny, she'll take on the biggest dog. And, they know it. We chuckle watching 9 dogs walk carefully around Moxie, giving her lots of space! |  |