Over twenty years ago the Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border Collies (FOSTBC reg charity 1121598) evolved. Thanks to a generous legacy, the sanctuary on my farm for unwanted Border Collies became a registered charity rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming. As the Trust has grown it has become increasingly difficult to manage the shared farm facilities of meeting room, exercise areas and car parking, and we have a constant worry that If anything were to happen to me and the farm was to be sold the Trust would have to close.

We have now found and purchased the ideal property, a smallholding within twenty five miles, where we can continue saving these amazing dogs and with accommodation for staff to ensure 24/7 care for them.

Our shopping list is:

25 Tailored Kennels for: dogs new in to rescue, under assessment, in training, ready for homing: 110k

10 Quiet kennels and areas designed for Sanctuary and older dogs: 44k

Covered exercise areas: 20k

Secure outdoor exercise area: 7k

7 Isolation and recovery kennels: 44k

Feed room, treatment and storage areas: 10k

Grooming room: 15k

When completed we will have an amazing rescue with bespoke collie accommodation, a large meeting room/shop/information/breed history and education facilities, where people can come and learn about the breed and dog training even if they are not adopting a dog.

I will still be there but just not seven days a week. Our amazing team will still be there looking after the dogs, and FOSTBC will still continue to treat every collie in its care as an individual and to match dogs to adopters, even if this means a dog staying in our care a little longer. We are so lucky to have found the ideal property not far from our present accommodation and we are all prepared to put in the work involved to take our rescue to the next stage of its growth. We have a target figure of £250,000 some of which we hope be funded by grants and donations of goods and services.

From the very young to the very old, they all have a place in our hearts

Reviews:

Fantastic knowledge of collies, and such care goes into making sure each rescue gets right home...first time. H Drewery

Every time! I can't believe I only got to know about the trust last year. Adopters have the peace of mind that help is at hand should they need it, and it's not just a case of bye,job done, and that's it. The trust still has an interest in their dogs. It's so wonderful to be able to see all the beautiful photos of the adopted dogs, and watch the videos of all that goes on at FOSTBC. M Robinson

Care that is second to none, expertise in rehabilitating and homing, and total commitment to the work they do. D Lowe

We first adopted from FOSTBC almost 10 years ago, & now have our second dog from them. The dogs are carefully assessed & given training If necessary. I have met other adopters, all of whom have had nothing but praise for the care & attention that the collies here receive. A really good rescue. J Turton

I wouldn’t go anywhere else. We got Finn 6 years ago - so bowled over with the breed and intelligence. He even saved my father in law from drowning. Sadly Finn passed away in July. - devastated - lasted 6 weeks then back to Barbara and welcome Mila. L Campbell

For more information about the Trust please visit

https://www.fostbc.org.uk