The Trust’s first press release went out on 11 February 2008 to announce the formation of the Trust and our new Patron, Dame Ellen MacArthur DBE. Coverage so far:

21 February edition of Country Life
22 March edition of Dog World

Agilitynet website and Mango Mutt Forum

 

Read press release………..

PRESS RELEASE

New charity working for the benefit of Border Collies

Granted formal charity status at the end of 2007, the Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border Collies (FoSTBC) has been set up to promote a better understand of the breed and so prevent the current plight of so many Border Collies who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in already overcrowded rescue organisations or facing destruction. FoSTBC does not seek to discourage people from owning a Border Collie but to give them the understanding and skills that are needed to create a happy and well balanced dog. It is not a rescue kennels but it does take in needy, old, infirm dogs or those in need of rehabilitation and a healing time. Throughout each year, FoSTBC will hold seminars and workshops to educate people about the Border Collie, both in working and companion homes. It will provide information and support to people who already own a Border Collie or are thinking of getting one.

FoSTBC has five ambassador dogs – Dart, Loch, Megan, Mossie and Tosha who will be at our seminars and events, visit hospitals and schools, and be available for media work to demonstrate the very best of the Border Collie both in breeding and behaviour.

FoSTBC is delighted to announce that Dame Ellen MacArthur, DBE has become our Patron. Dame Ellen says:

‘From being a small child, I have always loved Border Collies. The more time I spend with them, the more I realise I have much to learn from them. They are the most loyal creatures and interacting with them makes me feel incredibly close to nature. Sailing is about working with nature and the elements, not fighting them, and being in the countryside with Floss, my rescue Border Collie, gives me a similar feeling – one of freedom and feeling alive! I feel great compassion towards animals who, reliant on us for their well being, get misunderstood along the way. But FoSTBC is not just about helping those dogs in need, but also about educating people to understand them, so that fewer mishaps take place along the way. I am both honoured and excited to be the Patron of FoSTBC and look forward to helping to promote the work to give Border Collies the freedom of spirit they so deserve’.

Founder and Chief Executive, Barbara Sykes, MBIPDT, is dedicated to the future of the Border Collie. She says:

‘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 my belief that to ensure we preserve this heritage for generations to come, we must eliminate the great divide between the farmer’s dog and the companion. Opinions vary greatly about the breed but there is only one Border Collie. As well as a love of the breed, I have a great respect for it and if I can bring people just a little closer to the heart and soul of a collie then I will consider some of the love given to me by my dogs as being repaid’.

For further information, interviews and photographs:

Diana Lowe, FoSTBC Media Officer; tel: 07990 923015

www.fostbc.org.uk

info@fostbc.org.uk

 

Dame Ellen MacArthur first hit the headlines in 2001 when she single-handedly raced non-stop around the world in the Vendee Globe when only 24 years old. In February 2005 she set a new world record aboard her 75ft trimaran of 71 days, 14 hours, 1 minute and 33 second. She is now a partner in BT Team Ellen, dedicated to success on the water across a number of disciplines including the IMOCA Ocean Racing World Championships and the Extreme 40 catamaran series. She will be competing in a number of crewed IMOCA 60 events through 2008-10 and will participate in the 2008 iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series. She is a founder of the Ellen MacArthur Trust, set up in 2003, to which takes young people aged between 8-13 sailing to help them regain their confidence on their way to recovery from cancer, leukaemia and other serious injuries. She is the author of two books – The Ellen MacArthur Story and Race Against Time

Barbara Sykes, a member of the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers, has worked with Border Collies all her life and over the years has developed her unique TLC -Thinking Like Canines technique. Having competed in nine national sheepdog trials, she was a member of the winning English team at the 1983 International, where she was one of the first women to tackle the huge International course successfully with her dog, Meg, the founder of Barbara’s Mainline line of Border Collies. Her trials career was put on hold as her work with Border Collies took over. As well as running Corporate Collies and The Sheepdog Experience from her base in Yorkshire, the past twenty years have seen a huge increase in her behavioural consultations and seminars around the country. Sadly, dealing with dog aggression has become a major part of that work. She is the author of six books, including Understanding Border Collies and Understanding and Handling Dog Aggression. She also edits the Freedom of Spirit magazine from which F0STBC takes its name