Border Collie Rescue SA faces urgent two-month move to Midrand
After 21 years at its previous facility, South Africa's oldest border collie rescue faces eviction and must build a new sanctuary from scratch in Midrand by Christmas to house 40 dogs.
Border Collie Rescue (BCR) SA, which has saved almost 10 000 collies since 1997, faces a race against time after losing its long-term home.
The organisation has been offered land to rent in Midrand, chosen for its central location for adopters from Johannesburg and Pretoria and its supportive community, but the site is currently empty ground without kennels, fencing, or shelter.
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To make Midrand its permanent home, BCR must dismantle and rebuild an entire rescue facility in less than two months.
The organisation urgently needs building materials, fencing, Wendy huts, labour, and transport, as well as foster homes for senior collies aged 10 and older who cannot cope with the transition.
“We chose Midrand as it is close to our vets, one of our dedicated volunteers lives in the area, and it is a central point for myself and Julie, who live on the East and West Rand,” said Dina-Vera Schmittknecht, chairperson of BCR. “Most importantly, a kind couple stepped forward to give us breathing space.”
The rescue’s connection to Midrand includes previous rescue work in the area and surrounding informal settlements. One success story is Charlie, a one-year-old dog who escaped his Midrand home after being terrified by New Year’s fireworks and was hit by a car. He suffered a complicated leg break and biliary.
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Although BCR covered the veterinary costs to save his leg, it required amputation. His owner made the decision to surrender him so he could receive specialised care, and Charlie is now rehomed in Midrand.
Schmittknecht expressed gratitude for the community support while highlighting the ongoing challenge.
“There are really good people in South Africa, and over the last few days we have seen what real kindness looks like,” said Schmittknecht. “However, we still have a mountain to climb and need urgent help for a new tomorrow for our collies. Our BackaBuddy campaign [https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/border-collie-rescue-sa-needs-a-new-home] has received some funding, but we are still far from our target.”
She detailed the specific items required to prepare the site for the animals.
“If people can kindly offer building materials, fencing, transport for the move such as a flatbed trailer, a Wendy hut or shipping container for storage, signage, branding, and foster homes for our collies aged 10 and older, it will make a massive difference,” said Schmittknecht.
BCR registered as an NPO in 1999 and is a SARS Section 18A public benefit organisation capable of issuing tax-deductible donation receipts.
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