The Freedom of Spirit Trust is based at Mainline Border Collie and Behavioural Centre

The Freedom of Spirit Trust is dedicated to the welfare and future of the Border Collie. On our pages you will find information about the Trust and how it was formed, our work, the history of the Border Collie and its role today and in the future.

Our aims are to help promote a better understanding of the breed and its needs. We are not just a rescue kennels we also have a behavioural unit and we give sanctuary to needy, old, infirm dogs or those in need of rehabilitation or a healing time. The Trust is a Charitable organisation and depends on donations to help to keep these dogs, to rehabilitate those in need and to rehome those which are capable of being rehomed.

Border Collies are a breed of integrity, loyalty and great freedom of spirit and this is far more important than any trophies or medals they can earn for their owners. Our ancestors worked hard to give us a loyal and true working partner and it is our belief that to ensure we preserve this heritage for generations to come we must strive to lessen the divide between the farmer’s dog and the companion dog; they are one and the same. Good and cruel owners exist in both, competition addicts and loving handlers exist in both, dogs may live in outside accommodation or sleep on your bed, but there is only one Border Collie and this is what The Freedom of Spirit Trust is about. It matters little who the owner is or what their lifestyle is, what matters is the amount of love and understanding they are prepared to give, for you can guarantee that for every little bit you give a Border Collie you will get over a hundred times back and that is worth nurturing for generations to come.

Before deciding on having a Border Collie, you need to ask one question, “How much of myself am I prepared to give?” Border Collies are very intelligent and sensitive and providing time for a game with a ball, a half hour walk or a weekly training session is not enough, they need to be part of your life.

Taking a dog into your home is a big responsibility and the more information about the breed and its requirements you have, the easier it will be to understand your dog.

If you are considering applying to give one of our Trust dogs a home you may need to be prepared to spend at least one day, and possibly two, with the dog you have chosen to make sure you are certain he or she is right for you. This will also give us the opportunity to assess you both together and to help you to understand each other.

We do not insist you become involved in any dog activity or go to training classes. But we do need to know that you are dedicated to the welfare of your dog, can provide a calm and secure home and are prepared to put in the time needed initially to get know each other.