Working with us - Reaching out to the public

Border Collie Rescue is set up to work for a better future for Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs and is involved in the Rescue, Health care, Re-habilitation, Re-homing and Sanctuary of unwanted members of the breed.

We also work to raise awareness about the needs and requirements of the breed and are active in supporting and promoting legislation for the benefit and welfare of these dogs.
This is where outreach comes in.

So far we have only participated in outreach activities from head office, carried out by a few selected individuals.
We would like to develop and expand these activities to reach a broader audience.

Education is a key to reducing the problems Border Collies face. If the next generation has a greater understanding of animal welfare and more specific knowledge of what makes a Border Collie the breed it is there will certainly be less of a need to rescue individuals from situations caused by people being misinformed.
School visits are one way to do this. A mix of video, slides and demonstrations based around a central theme in different forms that appeal to different age groups.

Another educational outreach activity would be more general, involving hiring a small hall and holding a film show which would include some presentations on animal welfare subjects, the laws relating to dog ownership and where possible demonstrations.
Entry to these would be free and the audience invited to donate on leaving. Some items could be available for sale.

In both of the above, having sensible, well mannered dogs on hand would be invaluable. Mainly to meet and greet but also to be involved in some of the demo's and interact with the audience.

Visiting care homes can give a lot of pleasure to the people there. Good natured, well behaved, well trained and controllable dogs to meet and greet and in some cases a video presentation.

For more specialised presentations at shows and events, obedience demonstrations, sheepdog demonstrations, search demonstrations, all designed to inform people about the breed, it's intelligence and versatility.

Presentations to staff groups at business premises and of course talks with slides and video at group events and gatherings - for example Women's Institute evenings.

On a smaller scale a Border Collie Rescue party in a private home. (not getting a bunch of dogs together for a biscuit feast - although that may be fun) The host invites some friends over and the Border Collie Rescue representative talks about the breed and plays some videos.

All these activities can help inform and educate and promote the charity at the same time.