Thanks, and Happy Holidays from NEBCR!

First, NEBCR would like to extend a HUGE thank you for all of those who helped us by voting in the Animal Rescue Site's Shelter Challenge. NEBCR came in FIRST PLACE for CT, which nets us a $1,000 prize!

We were behind Stamford CT's shelter for a good part of the competition, but our volunteers and adopters and friends made a big push on the last day to put us in first place when the voting closed! Congratulations to all of those other shelters and rescues across the country that are doing their part.

As you know, NEBCR is an all volunteer organization and every donated, earned or won dollar helps us to make lives better for the Border Collies we take into rescue. We never turn away a dog because they are sick or injured, and we have amazing foster homes that will sometimes double or triple up with foster dogs so that we don't have to say no to a Border Collie in need.

This was an especially trying year for us, which is evident to anybody who has been reading this blog! Not surprisingly, our volunteers came through in droves to help the Lucky 7 plus all the other dogs that came into rescue right around the same time. We feel truly blessed for all of the incredibly dedicated and selfless people that "work" for this organization.

We have been extremely fortunate to welcome a good number of new volunteers and foster homes to the group, as well. We welcome back some that were away for a while, and others we have converted from adopters to volunteers.

Thank you all for your donations, votes and for opening your hearts and homes by adopting a dog from NEBCR.

Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good game of fetch!

-NEBCR

Merry Christmas from Scot!

Scot wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

He also wants to thank everyone involved in his rescue and all the people that have sent him well wishes and good thoughts since arriving here in New England! He will truly have a Merry Christmas this year and many more years to come.

Duncan goes for a sugical consult

Today I got to go into one more funny smelling building with my foster mom. I was pretty nervous but met a very nice yellow lab who also had a back leg injury, on the other side. He was a nice fellow but liked his kibble a little too much if you know what I mean :)

Anyway, I met Dr. Berzon, a very nice gentleman who really took his time with us. He made me stand and then poked and proded my leg. He knew right away from looking at the x-rays that my bones were just not right and explained to my foster mom that the bulge seen is actually a little supportive bone that is just below the hock joint out of place. It was a twisting, as well as jarring injury he mostly sees in racing greyhouds.

He then talked about pins and surgery. I don't quite know what all that means, but I have another appointment on Wednesday to go back. I can't eat anything after midnight the night before and I will have to stay for a while. But, afterward he said I should start feeling better for sure. It all sounds scary but I will do my best to be brave.

Duncan

Only 2 days of voting left - WE NEED YOUR HELP!

NEBCR is currently involved in a voting contest to win much-needed grant money.
There are only 2 days of voting left and we're still in 2nd place in CT.

PLEASE GET EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO VOTE!

The rescue name is New England Border Collie Rescue, and the state we're incorporated in is CT. Once you enter the name and state, NEBCR will appear in the list. Just click the "vote" button. You can vote once each day, and any and all votes are greatly appreciated! If you have any dog loving family/friends, feel free to pass this along and encourage them to vote every day!

Thank you for your support!

Duncan Earns a 10 for Style

Duncan here. A couple of weeks ago I got to go back to Sugarbush farm to wish some lucky NEBCR alum pups celebrate their third birthdays! I can't believe I even got an invite. All the birthday pups were so gracious. There were lots of fun games and activities all day long. I really got into playing catch with the rest of the dogs. My style was improving throughout the day as I continued to jump in the air after balls others just wouldn't dare!

Then, near the end of the day, I made a spectacular leap for a ball but something wasn't right and I came crashing down, falling on my left leg hard. It turns out I fractured a bone in my hock. It hurt pretty bad to where I can't put weight on it. The humans are still working with some experts as to how best to fix me up.

I just want to go on record as saying that I was really going for style points (of which I think I should get a 10 for execution) but am willingto settle for a big puppy Splat award. OK, so I will never be a disc dog like Dune is, but I figure my personality sure makes up for that!

Just tell this human to stop following me around on that stupid line. Its likeI have to do EVERYTHING for her. Whenever we go outside, she decides I am the one to show her around the yard. What's up with that? Can't she get around without me?

Oh, and I would like to say I have seen as much of that place called a vets office, or something, as I care to. Everyone is very nice, but come on now, I can't be that interesting. I swear they want to see how flexible I am. Of courseI know no human could ever master those positions they put me through and all for what? A silly picture or two of my insides! I saw those pictures and frankly, I think they need to fire the photographer as not one captured mybeautiful eyes or my good side. I have already put a call in to my agent about all of this! I think a spa treatment is in order!

Duncan

(If you would like to help pay for Duncan's treatment, or any of the bills NEBCR absorbs on a daily basis, please go to http://www.nebcr.org/How_to_Help.html#donations and donate today!)

Andy Update

Do you like my Christmas photo? Hi, it's me Andy again! I've been keeping busy seeing the dog doctor, discovering snow and hanging out at home with my foster family. The last time I went to the dog doctor, Lady The Horribly Misnamed came with me (that's her in the first picture with me). That made me feel better and I went right into the dog doctor's office with her. The dog doctor is still waiting on one test and we should have those results by the end of this week. The good news is that every other test has been negative. Now negative is not normally a good thing, but I guess when it comes to tests at the dog doctor, it is! The other good news is that my heart rate is faster. So hopefully whatever was causing my low heart rate is gone now and I can find my forever home soon.

In any event, let me tell you what I am looking for in a forever family. One, it would help if it were a quiet household. Noises startle me and I like my routine. When it gets busy and noisy at my foster home, I retreat to my crate. Otherwise, I am happy to hang out outside my crate and get belly rubs. I like having a yard to run around in and my recall is excellent. I do not like to be away from my people when I am outside. I like kids, but due to their unpredictability, I would have to say I would probably like a family with older kids who are dog savvy. I like cats. They smell really, really good. I like other dogs. In fact, I would prefer a house with other dogs, but only if they look like me. I'm kind of partial to border collies.

All I want for Christmas is to find my forever home.

Marsh in the snow!

Hi,
It's Marsh! When I came into foster care there was snow on the ground. Then it got warm, then hot, then cool....now the snow is back! But last winter I was so busy chasing shadows that I didn't enjoy the snow very much. But NOW....I love the snow because it's easy to get cool.


And now I have way better things to do than chase shadows ....Like: herding my foster brother, sniffing around, chasing toys and when I get hot, I lay down and eat the snow!

After a good workout, there's nothing better than a real cooldown...
Love, Marsh (still in seach of my perfect forever home, but having fun in the snow until then....)