Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue

We adopted our dog from MABCR and I’ve never had a better experience with a rescue. Sarah and her volunteers are kind, professional, and knowledgeable… they truly have the best interest of the dogs in mind. You have to jump through some hoops (1 written application, 1 home visit and one phone interview) before meeting the dog you’re interested in, but it’s worth it. They want to make sure you understand the breed and what you are committing to. Once you adopt from MABCR you are part of ‘the family’ and can get advice on training, care, whenever you ask. They even have events on the farm you can bring your dog to and socialize with other adopters. They definitely try to pair up the right dog with the right owner and will not rush or pressure you into adopting. They are very thorough vetting potential adopters and give you 2 weeks (I think) for you to change your mind if the dog doesn’t work out in your home.
The dog we adopted was very healthy and trained well despite only being in at the rescue a few months. They were very honest about her demeanor and limitations (slightly nervous in new situations). I would definitely adopt from them again. Kara L.‘s review is true, they are not the fastest rescue… but do you want to adopt from a place that is rushing puppies out the door same day? You will have to wait for a response (I think we waited 3 weeks or so before getting a phone interview) but it’s worth it.

Mid-​Atlantic Border Collie Rescue does some wonderful work with unwanted, under-​stimulation and unloved Border Collies. Sarah Ruckelshaus, the Executive Director, runs a small farm where she has kennels and rehabilitates dogs. She also offers month-​long dog training for private clients. I have offered to volunteer several times for MABCR (probably 4 times from 2009 – 2015), offering to transport and foster dogs, but responding to emails doesn’t seem to be Sarah’s strong point. Most recently, I offered to foster a difficult dog after I saw a Facebook post from the Rescue asking for a specialized foster home, but after a few emails back and forth, I never heard anything again. Perhaps calling, rather than emailing, is a better way to contact her.