Working for the benefit of
Border Collies

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

Thank you for visiting our site which 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.

The Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border Collies has not been formed to encourage people to go out to buy a puppy, nor do we discourage people from having a Border Collie, but we are here to help promote a better understanding of the breed and its needs. We are not just a rescue kennels but we do 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, to rehome those which are capable of being rehomed and to unite everyone concerned with Border Collies to help secure the future of the breed.

Throughout each year we shall be holding seminars and workshops throughout the UK to promote a better understanding of the Border Collie, both in working and companion homes. There are many ways you can help us to help the breed and all the information you need is on this site. By simply spreading the word about the Trust and our work is in itself a help to us.

Before you continue with your visit, where you can also meet our ambassador dogs, please stay on this page a little longer and read why this wonderful breed is so special.

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

A Simple Beauty

The Border Collie is the epitome of all we may ever desire in a dog, a friend and a partner. Honesty, integrity and loyalty are second nature to a collie and they will work until they can go no further. Yet for all their willingness to give they are not submissive, they are proud of their heritage and they do not suffer fools gladly. Look beyond the colour of the coat and the cloak they wear labelled ‘dog’, search inside and reach its soul for once there you will be trapped in a world of unbelievable love and honesty. You will have found true beauty, for the wonderful qualities within this breed are always there waiting to be unlocked and are what make it truly beautiful. Drink in its grace, speed and stamina, for rarely has so much to come together so perfectly in so small a package.