Caring for older border collies and providing them with happy and healthy later years is what Glen Highland’s mission is all about.

Glen Highland Border Collie Rescue moved its operation from upstate New York to Ware Neck to allow the elderly dogs in its care to have the best life possible.

According to Lillie Goodrich, founder, executive director and president of Glen Highland, the organization decided to relocate the rescue to Virginia so the senior dogs, most ages 10 and up, can enjoy a warmer and more comfortable climate through the rest of their lives, whether that be days, weeks or years.

Founded in 2001, Glen Highland began as a rescue for border collies of all ages but shifted solely to being a senior sanctuary for older, abandoned border collies in 2019.

“It’s a hospice for dogs,” said Goodrich.

Glen Highland is the only rescue devoted to senior border collies, providing long-term care for those who cannot be adopted due to health and behavioral issues, as well as healthy seniors who have a chance to be adopted.

The dogs are located on two remote properties in the Ware Neck area. Glen Highland caretaker Joycelene Padilla said that she cares for the especially needy dogs. Padilla said that most of the rescues come from actual homes and families.

“They want the company and the comfort of a person,” said Padilla about the border collies in her care.

Both houses are designed and furnished to make the dogs’ lives easier. There are runners and yoga mats all over the houses so the dogs do not slip on the floor. Ramps have also been installed to make going in and out easier on their joints.

Glen Highland takes in senior border collies from all different backgrounds and health issues.

Fourteen-year-old female border collie “Ripley” has many physical issues, including incontinence, renal disease and back-end issues. Even through these issues, Goodrich said that she is the life of the party, full of spunk and is the boss of everyone’s comings and goings.

“Mac,” a 12-year-old male, has a much different story than many of the other dogs at Glen Highland. According to Goodrich, he suffers from intense separation anxiety and cannot be adopted. Since his vision and hearing have been changing, he has needed lots of reassurance which the sanctuary can provide for him. Mac is happy playing lots of ball and hanging out with his border collie buddies.

Glen Highland is in need of volunteers who can help out with the rescue. To learn more about the sanctuary, the rescues, volunteer opportunities and how you can donate, visit https://glenhighlandfarm.com.