A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
Serving Northern California
and Surrounding Areas
Serving Northern California
and Surrounding Areas
Memories
Tributes to rescue collies
who crossed the bridge
Tributes to rescue collies
who crossed the bridge
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.... [Read More]
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.... [Read More]
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Tribute to Fred John Silvester
April 26, 1950 to June 22, 2006
Fred John Silvester, 56 of Gustine, died Thursday in Livermore.
Fred was a native of St. Paul, Minnesota and had lived in Gustine for 7 years. He was a Crane Operator for 25 years and was recently employed at Sheedy Company he previosuly was employed with Hatton Crane Company and San Jose Crane Company for many years. He also was a Bear Trainer with the Hathorn Circus. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 - 1976. He was an avid animal lover.
~Read More~
April 26, 1950 to June 22, 2006
Fred John Silvester, 56 of Gustine, died Thursday in Livermore.
Fred was a native of St. Paul, Minnesota and had lived in Gustine for 7 years. He was a Crane Operator for 25 years and was recently employed at Sheedy Company he previosuly was employed with Hatton Crane Company and San Jose Crane Company for many years. He also was a Bear Trainer with the Hathorn Circus. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 - 1976. He was an avid animal lover.
~Read More~
Scotch
2002 to 2014
2002 to 2014
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Letter from Scotch:
Thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I fear nothing, for I am loved. I am loved for just being me and nothing more. When I met my new Mommy and Daddy I was nervous, but then I saw Shiloh (my best friend) and I knew everything was going to be okay. Shiloh and I were together again. We went home with our new Family, where we had lots of room to run and play. We are loved.
One night my tummy was upset and I had a accident on the carpet, I was very embarrassed and scared that my new parents would not want me anymore, but my Mommy just cleaned me up, and cleaned the carpet, then gave me a hug and a kiss on my forehead and said “every body has accidents, and there is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you” I am loved.
About a year later I started to slow down, I was not a puppy anymore, I was 11 years old and I didn’t really want to eat much, I could tell this really worried my Mommy, she would get a fresh cooked chicken and add my kibble and feed me by hand with a little fork. She did this for a year. She would say “Please eat for mommy, I worry when you don’t,” so I would. I am loved.
One day I tried to walk up the two stairs to go into our house and I fell, I could not walk up them anymore, so my Daddy made me a ramp with carpet to help me get into the house, it was hard a first but they helped me until I got used to it. I am loved.
My poor old joints got sore, so my Mommy gave me medicine to make me feel better, but it got harder to walk every day until one day I just couldn’t anymore. My Mommy and Daddy carried me in the house and laid me on my bed. Mommy brought me food and water and stayed with me all night. She rubbed my head and told me it would be ok. I am loved.
The next morning my Mommy and Daddy gave me the greatest gift that they could. They took me to Dr. Riley to ease my pain and let me go with dignity. My Mommy told me “I love you with all my heart and we will see each other again soon.” I am truly loved just for being me and nothing more. I love them too.
Thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I fear nothing, for I am loved. I am loved for just being me and nothing more. When I met my new Mommy and Daddy I was nervous, but then I saw Shiloh (my best friend) and I knew everything was going to be okay. Shiloh and I were together again. We went home with our new Family, where we had lots of room to run and play. We are loved.
One night my tummy was upset and I had a accident on the carpet, I was very embarrassed and scared that my new parents would not want me anymore, but my Mommy just cleaned me up, and cleaned the carpet, then gave me a hug and a kiss on my forehead and said “every body has accidents, and there is nothing you can do to make me stop loving you” I am loved.
About a year later I started to slow down, I was not a puppy anymore, I was 11 years old and I didn’t really want to eat much, I could tell this really worried my Mommy, she would get a fresh cooked chicken and add my kibble and feed me by hand with a little fork. She did this for a year. She would say “Please eat for mommy, I worry when you don’t,” so I would. I am loved.
One day I tried to walk up the two stairs to go into our house and I fell, I could not walk up them anymore, so my Daddy made me a ramp with carpet to help me get into the house, it was hard a first but they helped me until I got used to it. I am loved.
My poor old joints got sore, so my Mommy gave me medicine to make me feel better, but it got harder to walk every day until one day I just couldn’t anymore. My Mommy and Daddy carried me in the house and laid me on my bed. Mommy brought me food and water and stayed with me all night. She rubbed my head and told me it would be ok. I am loved.
The next morning my Mommy and Daddy gave me the greatest gift that they could. They took me to Dr. Riley to ease my pain and let me go with dignity. My Mommy told me “I love you with all my heart and we will see each other again soon.” I am truly loved just for being me and nothing more. I love them too.
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Shiloh & Scotch
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Lola
August 2014
August 2014
Dear Norcal Collie Rescue...
How can I tell you how lucky I was to have you find me and call my new friend ,Mindy, to get me from the Martinez Animal Shelter? I was so lonely there in a kennel all by myself right in the middle of a million pit bulls, who, as you know, just dont speak "collie"! I knew the minute Mindy walked in and smiled at me that we would be together forever. The shelter lady tried to get us to take time to get to know each other but she just didnt understand all I wanted to do was jump into her car and go to my new home.
Mindy and I had some really great years together. It was my job to sleep on a soft pillow right next to her bed so I could be sure nothing would ever happen to her...and every time she went someplace in the car, I got to go too!!! When she worked at her desk, I slept right underneath it. I remember the time I got in trouble for biting that bad man who was yelling and being mean, but if I was really trying to hurt him, he would have been hurt, not just mad! I thought Mindy might take me back to the shelter for that, but she just hugged me and thanked me for saving her! I loved her so much!
I dont know if you remember me, but I was even in one of your calendars!
About a year ago I started getting sick and Mindy cooked me yummy food while the other dogs got kibble! I was special! Sometimes I didnt feel very well, but at those times I got petted and hugged and sometimes Mindy or her students would lay on the floor with me. Even my favorite groomer seemed to be gentler to me. Over the past few months I started getting weaker in my back legs and the Vet said I had Systemic Lupus. I had to take a lot of pills, but at times they made me feel better...
I had to leave my wonderful home and family at Dreamor Ranch a few weeks ago because it was my time, but I wanted everyone there to know how much I loved them all....and thank you to NCR for putting us all together. You gave my life back to me...and I'll be waiting for you all just over the rainbow bridge....
Love,
Lola
How can I tell you how lucky I was to have you find me and call my new friend ,Mindy, to get me from the Martinez Animal Shelter? I was so lonely there in a kennel all by myself right in the middle of a million pit bulls, who, as you know, just dont speak "collie"! I knew the minute Mindy walked in and smiled at me that we would be together forever. The shelter lady tried to get us to take time to get to know each other but she just didnt understand all I wanted to do was jump into her car and go to my new home.
Mindy and I had some really great years together. It was my job to sleep on a soft pillow right next to her bed so I could be sure nothing would ever happen to her...and every time she went someplace in the car, I got to go too!!! When she worked at her desk, I slept right underneath it. I remember the time I got in trouble for biting that bad man who was yelling and being mean, but if I was really trying to hurt him, he would have been hurt, not just mad! I thought Mindy might take me back to the shelter for that, but she just hugged me and thanked me for saving her! I loved her so much!
I dont know if you remember me, but I was even in one of your calendars!
About a year ago I started getting sick and Mindy cooked me yummy food while the other dogs got kibble! I was special! Sometimes I didnt feel very well, but at those times I got petted and hugged and sometimes Mindy or her students would lay on the floor with me. Even my favorite groomer seemed to be gentler to me. Over the past few months I started getting weaker in my back legs and the Vet said I had Systemic Lupus. I had to take a lot of pills, but at times they made me feel better...
I had to leave my wonderful home and family at Dreamor Ranch a few weeks ago because it was my time, but I wanted everyone there to know how much I loved them all....and thank you to NCR for putting us all together. You gave my life back to me...and I'll be waiting for you all just over the rainbow bridge....
Love,
Lola
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“Misty-Rough Collie” was what I had printed on her name tag, as so many people nowadays have only heard of Border Collies. I didn’t want her to be misidentified, if she were ever lost.
The chances of Misty getting lost were very slim. She was a true Velcro Dog, always glued to my side, moving from room to room with me and leaning against my leg at the dog park. A flashlight was a necessity when getting up in the dark as she’d surely be lying somewhere close to my bedside.
Misty was two years old when I adopted her. She’d had a bad start in life; abandoned by the breeder; one of only nine surviving dogs. Misty was placed on a feeding tube as she was too weak to eat. She was afraid of everyone and everything at first.
I’ve always greeted everyone we meet on walks. It gives a dog confidence that humans are potential friends and helps allay the fears of our multicultural neighbors who have not all grown up with exposure to safe, polite dogs. Asking the dog to sit and rewarding them with a treat doubles the sense of security of both dog and human and reinforces the positive encounter.
Many times, people with children said that this was their first time having the courage to approach and touch a dog. In this way, Misty was a great Ambassador and I was proud of her.
Misty was also a magnet for cats. She integrated easily into a tolerant relationship with our resident cat and other neighborhood cats we saw on our walks didn’t run from her when we crossed paths.
Our bossy, outdoor feral cat, Winnie, took a liking to Misty and would rub up against her. If Misty tried to walk away Winnie would swipe at her with her paw. Misty would sigh and put up with her.
Winnie began following Misty into the house through the doggie door and would often be asleep on Misty’s bed in the morning.
Misty was Foster-Sister to many other Collies over the years. Some stayed for a few days and some for several months.
Misty was only seven and I feel lucky to have shared five of those years.
She was my Heart-Dog and I was Her Person.
Submitted by Linda R.
The chances of Misty getting lost were very slim. She was a true Velcro Dog, always glued to my side, moving from room to room with me and leaning against my leg at the dog park. A flashlight was a necessity when getting up in the dark as she’d surely be lying somewhere close to my bedside.
Misty was two years old when I adopted her. She’d had a bad start in life; abandoned by the breeder; one of only nine surviving dogs. Misty was placed on a feeding tube as she was too weak to eat. She was afraid of everyone and everything at first.
I’ve always greeted everyone we meet on walks. It gives a dog confidence that humans are potential friends and helps allay the fears of our multicultural neighbors who have not all grown up with exposure to safe, polite dogs. Asking the dog to sit and rewarding them with a treat doubles the sense of security of both dog and human and reinforces the positive encounter.
Many times, people with children said that this was their first time having the courage to approach and touch a dog. In this way, Misty was a great Ambassador and I was proud of her.
Misty was also a magnet for cats. She integrated easily into a tolerant relationship with our resident cat and other neighborhood cats we saw on our walks didn’t run from her when we crossed paths.
Our bossy, outdoor feral cat, Winnie, took a liking to Misty and would rub up against her. If Misty tried to walk away Winnie would swipe at her with her paw. Misty would sigh and put up with her.
Winnie began following Misty into the house through the doggie door and would often be asleep on Misty’s bed in the morning.
Misty was Foster-Sister to many other Collies over the years. Some stayed for a few days and some for several months.
Misty was only seven and I feel lucky to have shared five of those years.
She was my Heart-Dog and I was Her Person.
Submitted by Linda R.
Misty
May 2023
May 2023
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Topaz
May 2023
A LETTER FROM HAL AND MARY JO FEENEY 5-20-23
This week more than ever, we realized how special the last 10-1/2 years have been with Topaz in our family. We feel so lucky to have been able to share her life for 10-1/2 years until she was no longer able to enjoy and explore. Many thanks to Andrea Moss and Karen Boselly for making this rescue possible.
Throughout her very active life (much travel back and forth to the ranch, supervision of a house construction, and a constant companion to Prince and then Reiki—and also her feral cat) she regularly displayed her early reaction to her life in the Sierra wilderness—she would always cautiously approach everyone (strangers and us alike) and always have an available escape route (the ultimate in social distancing). She had the densest collie-coat that we have ever seen.
Anyway, she has been a wonderful companion and we thank you for making it possible.
Thought you might enjoy the image below created by Vicki Jones—Topaz is in the front row.
May 2023
A LETTER FROM HAL AND MARY JO FEENEY 5-20-23
This week more than ever, we realized how special the last 10-1/2 years have been with Topaz in our family. We feel so lucky to have been able to share her life for 10-1/2 years until she was no longer able to enjoy and explore. Many thanks to Andrea Moss and Karen Boselly for making this rescue possible.
Throughout her very active life (much travel back and forth to the ranch, supervision of a house construction, and a constant companion to Prince and then Reiki—and also her feral cat) she regularly displayed her early reaction to her life in the Sierra wilderness—she would always cautiously approach everyone (strangers and us alike) and always have an available escape route (the ultimate in social distancing). She had the densest collie-coat that we have ever seen.
Anyway, she has been a wonderful companion and we thank you for making it possible.
Thought you might enjoy the image below created by Vicki Jones—Topaz is in the front row.
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Topaz was rescued from the Humane Society of Toulumne County. She had been running wild in the foothills of the Sierras with several other collies. It was clear when we first met her that she was quite careful around people and always left an escape route in case she needed to get away. On her first night at our home (after a-4 hour trip), she showed how adaptable and gentle she could be when confronted by the cat of the house. She arrived with a buzz-cut coat that removed many days of debris accumulation.
She matured and continued to collect debris as she enjoyed herself with a huge coat that blew in the wind.
She spent time in Los Altos and San Gregorio, exploring the properties with her other collie-friends and cats, and supervising a major construction project from her special vantage point in the grove of trees.
The image to the right is from the first hours in our home (with her coat fully buzz-cut and welcomed by the cat), and the image above is from her many visits to the ranch with her windblown and fully restored fur coat.
She matured and continued to collect debris as she enjoyed herself with a huge coat that blew in the wind.
She spent time in Los Altos and San Gregorio, exploring the properties with her other collie-friends and cats, and supervising a major construction project from her special vantage point in the grove of trees.
The image to the right is from the first hours in our home (with her coat fully buzz-cut and welcomed by the cat), and the image above is from her many visits to the ranch with her windblown and fully restored fur coat.
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LACIE: A SENIOR SANCTUARY LOVE STORY, By Linda Renaud
January 2024
Lacie came to me last April as my, Forever-Foster; to live out the best "Remainder of her Forever" possible.
When you take on a thirteen year old dog, you know you must make the most of every day; with them and for them.
Initially cautious of a Human hand reaching out to her, she quickly learned to accept Love from me, and people we met on our slow walks around the neighborhood. Our late afternoon 1/2 block excursion was around the corner from a school. Once she learned that people are a good thing, Lacie stopped and smiled in the hope of getting attention from anyone she saw.
Lacie's legs moved faster in her dreams than when awake.She was on meds for arthritis and pain pills for her bad knees, as well as a liver supplement. Pills awere disguised in a spoonful of kitten food and some rotisserie chicken bits. I got her a raised food and water station that helped a lot. Her coat was shiny and fabulous, although she could no longer stand long enough to be groomed at the salon. We managed a walk around the block in the morning, to give her an appetite. I carried a harness in case she needed her back end lifted on the way, although I never had to use it.
Lacie was totally deaf, from years of untreated ear infections and her eyesight was imperfect, so we had night-lights in every room and solar lights in the garden, so that she always knew where she was. I had a theory about sounds being vibrations and would put my chin on the top of her head and say "Good Dog". She would come to me and lean in for me to do that. Of course, I'd pet her at the same time, so it wasn't very scientific. Either way, it pleased us both.
There was nothing wrong with Lacie's sense of smell. We called her The Land Shark, as she'd circle the table when she smelled yummy food. She stole a shortbread cookie from the hand of an unsuspecting house guest, not well versed in dog behavior. His hand was in his lap and suddenly, his cookie was gone. Eyes large and surprised, he watched her "run away at the walk" while chewing that hard cookie as fast as her old teeth could go.
The neighborhood feral cats, that like to sun in my back yard quickly realized she was no threat. She was occasionally thrilled that one big fluffy allowed himself to be sniffed by her.
They mostly ignored Lacie's strolls around our backyard, sometimes stretched and rose from their spots in the sun as she approached, and Lacie achieved some slow-motion cat herding, which made her day.
January 22nd was a tipping point from mostly good days, to a struggle to stand and some disorientation when she got up in the night. It seems these things always happen at 4am. The Emergency Vets agreed that it was her time. After the sedative they gave her, she disolved into a beautiful puddle of fluff and then went ahead, to The Rainbow Bridge.
Lacie was in my life for almost a year. She made me smile, every day.
January 2024
Lacie came to me last April as my, Forever-Foster; to live out the best "Remainder of her Forever" possible.
When you take on a thirteen year old dog, you know you must make the most of every day; with them and for them.
Initially cautious of a Human hand reaching out to her, she quickly learned to accept Love from me, and people we met on our slow walks around the neighborhood. Our late afternoon 1/2 block excursion was around the corner from a school. Once she learned that people are a good thing, Lacie stopped and smiled in the hope of getting attention from anyone she saw.
Lacie's legs moved faster in her dreams than when awake.She was on meds for arthritis and pain pills for her bad knees, as well as a liver supplement. Pills awere disguised in a spoonful of kitten food and some rotisserie chicken bits. I got her a raised food and water station that helped a lot. Her coat was shiny and fabulous, although she could no longer stand long enough to be groomed at the salon. We managed a walk around the block in the morning, to give her an appetite. I carried a harness in case she needed her back end lifted on the way, although I never had to use it.
Lacie was totally deaf, from years of untreated ear infections and her eyesight was imperfect, so we had night-lights in every room and solar lights in the garden, so that she always knew where she was. I had a theory about sounds being vibrations and would put my chin on the top of her head and say "Good Dog". She would come to me and lean in for me to do that. Of course, I'd pet her at the same time, so it wasn't very scientific. Either way, it pleased us both.
There was nothing wrong with Lacie's sense of smell. We called her The Land Shark, as she'd circle the table when she smelled yummy food. She stole a shortbread cookie from the hand of an unsuspecting house guest, not well versed in dog behavior. His hand was in his lap and suddenly, his cookie was gone. Eyes large and surprised, he watched her "run away at the walk" while chewing that hard cookie as fast as her old teeth could go.
The neighborhood feral cats, that like to sun in my back yard quickly realized she was no threat. She was occasionally thrilled that one big fluffy allowed himself to be sniffed by her.
They mostly ignored Lacie's strolls around our backyard, sometimes stretched and rose from their spots in the sun as she approached, and Lacie achieved some slow-motion cat herding, which made her day.
January 22nd was a tipping point from mostly good days, to a struggle to stand and some disorientation when she got up in the night. It seems these things always happen at 4am. The Emergency Vets agreed that it was her time. After the sedative they gave her, she disolved into a beautiful puddle of fluff and then went ahead, to The Rainbow Bridge.
Lacie was in my life for almost a year. She made me smile, every day.
Herding Cats
(Cats can be herded?)
(Cats can be herded?)
Tribute to Kathleen Smith
June 18, 1962 to August 14, 2024
On August 14, 2024 NCR received the sad news that our very own Kathleen Smith had lost her long battle with Cancer. She was a treasured, hard-working volunteer for NorCal Collie Rescue for many years, which included fostering dogs and holding the position of Area Coordinator for Santa Cruz County. She was also a multiple-dog adopter herself. In addition to donating her time for NCR, she worked with other dog rescues and raised awareness for the disease that eventually took her life.
CLICK HERE for her obituary
She was far too young and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Picture is with Cassidy & Sundance
June 18, 1962 to August 14, 2024
On August 14, 2024 NCR received the sad news that our very own Kathleen Smith had lost her long battle with Cancer. She was a treasured, hard-working volunteer for NorCal Collie Rescue for many years, which included fostering dogs and holding the position of Area Coordinator for Santa Cruz County. She was also a multiple-dog adopter herself. In addition to donating her time for NCR, she worked with other dog rescues and raised awareness for the disease that eventually took her life.
CLICK HERE for her obituary
She was far too young and she will be missed by all who knew her.
Picture is with Cassidy & Sundance
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2014 - PRESENT
