GOODBYE TO SWEET BRETT

Sometimes the saddest stories bring the sweetest Border Collies our way and BRETT is one of those situations. In a true testament to resilience and kindness, his story is more than touching... it’s remarkable.

Lucky for all of us who met him online or in person, his heartfelt soul radiated outward…1-1/2 years at Glen Highland was like Buddha came for a visit.  Asking for nothing but a kind loving pet on the head, he sat soaking up the sunshine, content to live his better life.

There was no ill will to humanity even though he had so many horrible years. A bag of bones, covered in fleas and ticks, living in a pen which he finally escaped. Then, hit by a car, he was left laying in the road.

A Border Collie lover drove him to the Humane Society in Tennessee. Threatened with cruelty charges, he was released at age 10 and rescue could finally help him. Many people had seen this pitiful creature stuck in the pen but it was he, who freed himself.

Brett came back to life and blossomed with love. His outer body reflected all the good care yet inside he was plagued with disease - his heart, his lungs, his spine - he was broken from the inside out - he endured until he could no longer lift his body to be upright.  

THANKFULLY, THIS GENTLE SOUL FOUND PEACE AND WHOLENESS…
though the time had come to help him let go of his broken body…

Our Buddha in fur headed back to spirit...
thanks for gracing us all with your gifts…
and enduring to find the true kindness you so deserved.

Godspeed BRETT

BRETT'S HISTORY

An 11 year old Border Collie, BRETT is a gentle soul with a wonderful nature. He amazingly thinks people are trustworthy and loving which is stunning, considering his history.

Health Update March 2024: Brett came to Glen Highland in December 2024 when other rescuers felt he was unadoptable due to his medical condition. They had made great strides to save him from near death and his horrible life but he deserved more help and happiness. As the only Senior Sanctuary for Border Collies, we accepted him as a Resident and then went to work to improve his health.

The Border Collie in our care blossomed beautifully and step by step transformed into a happier guy. We have health concerns to monitor and manage but overall, we couldn’t be more pleased about his progress.

Radiographs and an echocardiogram led to the discovery that he has degenerative heart valve disease, pulmonary hypertension and/or chronic bronchitis. His heart and lungs are definitely damaged and he requires careful monitoring.

An orthopedic evaluation explained the difficulties we have seen in his mobility. He looks like an ancient Border Collie when he gets up and down though thankfully once up, can trot pretty well until he can’t support his weight and sinks to the ground. Orthopedic specialist, Dr Bookbinder found that Brett has SEVERE bilateral hip dysplasia with the left joint so awful it is likely from a trauma - hit by a car. He also has a chronic collapsed disc space in the middle of his spine making his back pain very significant. Brett is at risk of a spinal episode and paralysis due to the disc issue and that he is heavy weighted long-bodied at almost 60 pounds. The news for Brett is deeply sad and rather maddening since it was the neglect that caused what we are seeing now.

The joy we can rest in, however, is his happiness NOW, no matter what.

Brett just loves his new life… he enjoys the company of all his new BC pals. He will join in their antics when outside, happy to be a Border Collie. And of course, he loves his tennis ball and recently decided he loves the plush squeaky toys! He sneaks into other rooms steals plush toys from the baskets and is very proud to do so! Brett is a major cuddler, and is always checking in with you all the time and he will lay happily at your feet for hours.

Brett is in a comfy home and having great food and great fun…of course a lot of love. He has been thriving and gaining strength. Brett’s expression is softening and he is asking for lots of time to cuddle which is pretty challenging considering he is a whopping 57 pound dog! But, Brett doesn’t care…make a little room for him and he’ll nestle right in that spot.

This sweet guy previously had a nasty life, living in a pen 24/7 in Louisiana. We’re told he escaped often which is likely since his teeth were clearly not worn down from playing ball. Then he was on a chain to stop the escape which apparently didn’t stop him from getting out. But then, life on the road meant he was hit by a car, supposedly two years ago.  

The Brett that local rescuers found was dying - he could not even lift his head, so weak and malnourished…even the local vet agreed so he was not returned to the owner who came to claim him. Instead, he was threatened with cruelty and Brett finally had his freedom.

So…for all of us at Glen Highland, we are forever grateful for the local rescuers who fought to save him and started him on the road to recovery.  Now, we are still handling Brett's chronic skin infection from fleas and malnutrition as well as badly infected teeth and pain management from the car injury that left him crippled. Brett has severe pain in his spine and back legs with disc issues and spondylosis that causes him to sink as he attempts to stand upright for very long. He also has a very difficult time getting up and laying down. Though he cannot support his weight for long, he happily trots along once he is upright.

A heartfelt thanks to Amy Leigh and Elaine Kilgore who contacted us to help Brett.