In September 2010 I was looking through the BCNH website where I spotted a border collie with gorgeous amber eyes. We travelled down to Edenbridge and decided this collie was for us. We renamed him BRACKEN (The rescue home had thought that he was a bitch and called him Acia!)
Asking about his history we were told that he had been wandering on the streets of Swansea, had completed his seven days in the pound and was due to be put to sleep the following day when Last Chance Rescue had collected him.
He is still very frightened when out walking and is gradually getting used to passing gates and railings.
BRACKEN is doing very well in his obedience lessons and has a good recall in parks and woods. Last year he 'performed' in two charity displays. He gets on well with other dogs.
BRACKEN is wonderful and rules our house but we cannot get a decent photo' of him because he is camera shy - not even on a mobile 'phone. THANK YOU SHIRLEY and VALERIE for guiding us to BRACKEN. love, Helen.

Hi Helen,
Thank you so much for putting an update of Bracken on .. I have been wondering how he was doing.
He looks fabulous, I am glad he is doing well in his obedience too.
Well done you on giving him such a great new life.

Bracken is such a beautiful dog, and the photo is great
He sounds like a typical intelligent, clever Border Collie. I'm so pleased he is happy with you, and you with him.

Bracken sounds like he has found a great, understanding home and BTW....he's gorgeous!

Thank you for your kind words. Bracken has two training sessions tonight. We are in the top class because I have been there for seventeen years ( with Megan 1995 - 2009) and we are have started the eight week course for the K.C. Good Citizen bronze in the botom class :-))

I am sure you will sail through the Bronze test .. must be a bit of a shock after 17 years in the top class though .. good luck tonight

Bracken has now passed the Bronze Good Citizen test and enjoyed doing it.

As he is now training back in the top class (missing out the two in between) he was entered into our Club's 'Cup Afternoon' where all dogs compete against other in their own classes.

I am pleased to say that Bracken won a Silver Award and we also won 'The Emling Shield' which is given to the dog and handler who have progressed most in the past twelve months. I was so surprised to receive this and so pleased.

Wow! Well done. Big cuddles for clever Bracken! (and his owner of course

Thank you Valerie. Just off training again! Helen & Bracken.

Hi Helen,
Huge congratulations on all your achievements so far with Bracken, sounds like he is such a lovely boy and is repaying your kindness in adopting him well.

Well done on your silver award, and hope he continues to enjoy the further training

Love getting the updates .. keep 'em coming