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 LUKE was the first Border Collie the Founders personally rescued in 1999. He was a testament to the power of healing. A fearful stray from New York City, Luke transformed into a magnificent ambassador for the breed. He inspired the creation of GLEN HIGHLAND FARM, changing the trajectory of their lives for decades.
The Founders’ passion to help these brilliant dogs led them to a big vision.
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GLEN HIGHLAND FARM opened in 2001 to a barrage of needy Border Collies stuck in the wrong place, just like Luke. Located in upstate NY on 175 acres, the vision grew quickly into 80 dogs of all ages, on-site in multiple homes and buildings, operating 24/7/365. For twenty years, the award-winning innovative approach combined facility lodging with home-based care in a single location. More than 3,000 dogs found safe haven and thousands of people visited GLEN HIGHLAND FARM for adoptions.
This commitment to help such a large number of dogs built a deep understanding of Border Collies. This expertise involved years of hands-on challenges with extensive veterinary situations as well as behavior assessments handling a working breed struggling in pet homes. |
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While many Seniors did find new lives through adoptions, many others between ages 12 to 15 needed the supportive care of the Sanctuary until the end of life. Fragile yet brilliant herding dogs, they still wanted to chase a ball and be a devoted partner in daily activities but were living on borrowed time.
 Creating an outlet for their happiness AS WELL as improved heath was critical. However, the long harsh winter climate of upstate NY was too challenging for managing numerous hospice cases.
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In 2020, GLEN HIGHLAND relocated to Virginia to refine a specialized model of senior care with multiple dogs residing in home-based settings in one location. The favorable year-round climate, excellent veterinary care and stimulating engagement of other Border Collies enlivens these purposeful dogs. Even with broken bodies, their joy and energy exponentially increases. They are thriving until the very end. |
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 In 2022, GLEN HIGHLAND FARM renewed the original mission of helping ALL age dogs through the launch of LUKE’S FUND. Much like years before in 2001, a resurgence of Border Collies in trouble intensified. LUKE’S FUND could provide help.
Reaching out to trusted rescues across the country, collaboration as well as veterinary funding was offered to support the extraordinary volume of dogs as well as urgent medical cases. |
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| In 2026, in an effort to help even MORE Border Collies, LUKE’S FUND expanded to help large Border Collie rescues taking in up to 200 dogs a year. The big numbers matched the scope of GLEN HIGHLAND for many years so we knew financial support mattered. Grants are now given to support CAPITAL expenses, as well as MEDICAL. |
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For MID-ATLANTIC BC RESCUE in Maryland, outdated kennel space was under-serving the intake volume. A dream on hold for 6 years, construction had begun but was stalled due to the surprising cost of replacing the septic.
LUKE'S FUND covered that need which allowed building to continue and in late 2026 the larger, improved space will be ready with five additional outdoor runs to hold many more Border Collies! |
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 The Midwest region exploded with dogs needing rescue but limited foster homes could not meet the volume. For CLANCY’S DREAM in Indiana, an existing training building with kennel space offered an instant solution. LUKE'S FUND stepped in adding funds over 3 years. Now, there is additional overflow space for more dogs, part of an expansion plan.
Additionally, an innovative vet discounts program addressed the growing volume of dogs. Getting medical done at a central location near the rescue with reasonable costs was key. LUKE'S FUND added supportive funds to contract this service over a 3 year period. |
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 A LIFESAVING SURGERY
Mickey, a beautiful young Border Collie, was in a distressing situation with a serious swallowing disorder. Diagnosed with Cricopharyngeal Achalasia that made eating and drinking very difficult, Mickey was losing weight unable to get proper nutrition. Mickey got the help he needed with specialized surgery at Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.
GLEN HIGHLAND'S LUKE'S FUND was the perfect financial solution... Partnered with Clancy’s Dream, Mickey is doing extremely well, swallowing normally and on the road to a GREAT life.
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BC SAVE in Texas consistently helps a large volume of dogs, up to 200 dogs a year. With LUKE’S FUND, vet support is guaranteed over three years to handle lifesaving veterinary costs beyond routine care.
 TWO EXTRAORDINARY CASES IN 2026
10-month old pup hit by a car, fractured his pelvis and needed a tail amputation TWICE due to life-threatening infection. Surviving a likely fate of euthanasia, he is now almost ready for adoption.
Another young pup ingested fabric which became anchored in his stomach and intestines requiring quick surgery. But, he also needed each knee repaired from severe orthopedic issues. Surgery was his only option to live. |
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AUGUST 2026: As soon as news broke about the confiscation of 36 Border Collies living in horrific conditions in Florida… LUKE’S FUND provided help to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast who were given custody of the dogs.
The level of severe neglect seen in the pictures inside the home was soul-wrenching. The former AKC Breeder faces 72 cruelty charges. Living a jail-like life with no outdoor access, deep layers of feces contaminated the dogs and the entire house as well as debris and urine everywhere. |
 Staff of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast worked tirelessly to cut away stench and matting deep on the skin, even finding glass and metal objects in the clumps of hair.
Puppies less than a year old recovered better than adults up to age 6 who had spent a lifetime living in deplorable conditions without fresh water, fresh air or proper care whatsoever. Authorities had worked since 2020 on this situation with a breakthrough that finally freed all the dogs. |
Each dog is receiving medical care that includes extensive lab work and fecal analysis, ultrasounds, x-ray’s, consults with an orthopedic surgeon, dentals, spay/neuters and treatment for skin, eyes and intestinal illnesses.
The adoption process is now underway as the Humane Society determines the level of emotional and physical damage to each Border Collie.
LUKE’S FUND provided significant support for life-saving care for these 36 Border Collies. |
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SEPTEMBER 2026: Part of a hoarding situation in California, sweet 3-year old ELLIE landed in Herding Dog Rescue of Central Oregon. Ellie needed a serious orthopedic surgery for a trauma rendering her back leg useless.
And, one person - a Glen Highland adopter now living in Bend was attending a volunteer event and said to the Founder, “If they ever needed help for a medical case, to contact Glen Highland.” She had NO idea that Ellie was there in desperate need of surgery.
We were contacted on August 30th and Ellie went into surgery right away - September 1st! LUKE’S FUND was pleased to help!
This gorgeous sweetheart will have 12 weeks of recovery ahead and then have a chance at a great life!
We want to thank GLEN HIGHLAND adopter, Susie Mautz, who helped us help one Border Collie on a new journey! |
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