NorCal Collie Rescue
NorCal Collie Rescue is a nonprofit corporation* founded by collie lovers who are dedicated to taking responsibility for collies at risk in northern California. Collies come to rescue from many sources, including animal shelters, death of the primary caretaker, people whose health has changed, breeders, divorce and many other circumstances.
Our volunteers take in and rehome collies in California, North of the Tehachapis. If you are in southern California, please contact Southland Collie Rescue. NCR will not ship collies or place them out of state, but we do collaborate with collie rescues adjacent to our area of coverage.
Please Note - NorCal Collie Rescue does not place Border Collies. They are a different breed from a Rough or Smooth Coat Collie. Please contact NorCal Border Collie Rescue or Border Collie Rescue of Northern California to adopt or rehome a Border Collie.
Please visit our About NCR page to learn more about our Organization.
NorCal Collie Rescue is a nonprofit corporation* founded by collie lovers who are dedicated to taking responsibility for collies at risk in northern California. Collies come to rescue from many sources, including animal shelters, death of the primary caretaker, people whose health has changed, breeders, divorce and many other circumstances.
Our volunteers take in and rehome collies in California, North of the Tehachapis. If you are in southern California, please contact Southland Collie Rescue. NCR will not ship collies or place them out of state, but we do collaborate with collie rescues adjacent to our area of coverage.
Please Note - NorCal Collie Rescue does not place Border Collies. They are a different breed from a Rough or Smooth Coat Collie. Please contact NorCal Border Collie Rescue or Border Collie Rescue of Northern California to adopt or rehome a Border Collie.
Please visit our About NCR page to learn more about our Organization.
Other collie organizations helping rescued collies in California:
A Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
Serving Northern California
and Surrounding Areas
Serving Northern California
and Surrounding Areas
Get a Free Quote, and we get a Donation!
How to Donate:
Send your donations directly to NCR:
NorCal Collie Rescue
274 Redwood Shores Pkwy. #210
Redwood City, CA. 94065
Make checks payable to NorCal Collie Rescue
Thank you!!
Donate through PayPal
NorCal Collie Rescue offers you the convenience of donating through your credit card. You will receive a tax donation receipt once your billing comes through to us from PayPal.
Send your donations directly to NCR:
NorCal Collie Rescue
274 Redwood Shores Pkwy. #210
Redwood City, CA. 94065
Make checks payable to NorCal Collie Rescue
Thank you!!
Donate through PayPal
NorCal Collie Rescue offers you the convenience of donating through your credit card. You will receive a tax donation receipt once your billing comes through to us from PayPal.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If possible, would you consider donating a small amount more to cover PayPal's service fee?
NCR would like to take the opportunity to make the NCR family and friends aware of the Collie Rescue Foundation (CRF). CRF came into existence in 2005 due to a large seizure of dogs from a collie hoarder. Local collie groups did not have the financial means to help all of the dogs that needed medical attention and so CRF was founded. CRF has helped many collie groups across America since then, including NCR, for which we and the collies are forever grateful.
CRF is funded by membership and donations. An annual membership is as little as $25. To become a member or donate: https://collierescuefoundation.org/product/memorial-tribute-donation/
The following article about CRF appeared in the Collie Club of America Fall Bulletin 2024:
CRF-Helping Save the Innocent.pdf
CRF is funded by membership and donations. An annual membership is as little as $25. To become a member or donate: https://collierescuefoundation.org/product/memorial-tribute-donation/
The following article about CRF appeared in the Collie Club of America Fall Bulletin 2024:
CRF-Helping Save the Innocent.pdf
Celebrating 20 Years of NorCal Collie Rescue!
We are proud to share this special anniversary video, featuring Collies (and some Collie companions!) rescued throughout our 20 years. We did our best to include as many photos as possible, though we may have missed a few along the way. We hope you enjoy looking back and celebrating with us.
In 2005, Catherine Toft had a vision of creating a Collie rescue, and with the help of Andrea Moss, Jean Roberts, Karen Boselly, and the generosity of so many early donors, that vision became a reality.
To everyone who has believed in us and supported our mission to save these beautiful dogs — THANK YOU.
Here’s to the next 20 years of rescue, community, and Collies.
Karen Cavallo, President
We are proud to share this special anniversary video, featuring Collies (and some Collie companions!) rescued throughout our 20 years. We did our best to include as many photos as possible, though we may have missed a few along the way. We hope you enjoy looking back and celebrating with us.
In 2005, Catherine Toft had a vision of creating a Collie rescue, and with the help of Andrea Moss, Jean Roberts, Karen Boselly, and the generosity of so many early donors, that vision became a reality.
To everyone who has believed in us and supported our mission to save these beautiful dogs — THANK YOU.
Here’s to the next 20 years of rescue, community, and Collies.
Karen Cavallo, President
CLICK BELOW TO check out our
Video Collage of the past 20 years!
Video Collage of the past 20 years!
Record-Speed Rescue Saves 29 Collies in Elko, NV from Hoarding Situation
Posted: May 5, 2026
Southwest Collie Rescue (SWCR) was notified of a potential hoarding situation in Elko, NV mid February and alerted the West Coast Collie Rescue Coalition (WCCRC) which consists of 5 collie rescues (Western Canada, Southland, NorCal, Cascade and Southwest). We immediately rallied and committed to what each group could assist with.
On February 17, 2026, 34 dogs were seized from the owners property and brought to the City of Elko Animal Shelter. Three days later, 1 female gave birth to 5 puppies for a total of 39 dogs - 10 small dogs and 29 collies. Unfortunately, all the dogs were on hold - no action or releases could be taken - until allowed by a Judge. The Judge released the dogs on March 11, 2026.
The WCCRC immediately mobilized and began arranging for fosters and transport for each of the dogs, complying with the shelter's request to remove the juveniles, pregnant mother and new puppies first. Southwest Collie Rescue had a professional transport pick up the mother, 5 puppies and 3 adults and NorCal Collie Rescue (NCR) representatives drove to Reno, picking up the 5 juveniles. Subsequently, 2 of them were driven to Redding to be transferred to Cascade Collie Rescue. All of the remaining collies at the shelter were altered, vaccinated, microchipped and received a light dental. Another trip from the Bay Area to Elko was made over the weekend, to pick up 4 adult dogs. On the drive back, we transferred 1 to a foster to adopt in Gardnerville and 1 to an adopter in Sacramento. The other 2 went to Pebble Beach.
In addition to our pick up in Elko, Western Canada picked up 4 dogs. SWCR picked up 3 dogs and Cascade picked up their additional 3 from a transporter in Reno. The coalition completely emptied the shelter of dogs in 6 days! This is a perfect example of it taking a village. NCR brought in a total of 7 dogs. Of the 3 juveniles, 1 has been placed as a foster to adopt and 2 went to an adopter in San Francisco.
Thank you to each and every one of you who offered to help. Even if we didn't utilize you, we are grateful to have you on board and know we can count on your help in the future. Those of you who were able to help with transport, foster, or donate - Thank you!
News Article: https://elkobrief.com/briefs/2026-03-20-record-speed-rescue-saves-28-collies-from-hoarding-situation/
Posted: May 5, 2026
Southwest Collie Rescue (SWCR) was notified of a potential hoarding situation in Elko, NV mid February and alerted the West Coast Collie Rescue Coalition (WCCRC) which consists of 5 collie rescues (Western Canada, Southland, NorCal, Cascade and Southwest). We immediately rallied and committed to what each group could assist with.
On February 17, 2026, 34 dogs were seized from the owners property and brought to the City of Elko Animal Shelter. Three days later, 1 female gave birth to 5 puppies for a total of 39 dogs - 10 small dogs and 29 collies. Unfortunately, all the dogs were on hold - no action or releases could be taken - until allowed by a Judge. The Judge released the dogs on March 11, 2026.
The WCCRC immediately mobilized and began arranging for fosters and transport for each of the dogs, complying with the shelter's request to remove the juveniles, pregnant mother and new puppies first. Southwest Collie Rescue had a professional transport pick up the mother, 5 puppies and 3 adults and NorCal Collie Rescue (NCR) representatives drove to Reno, picking up the 5 juveniles. Subsequently, 2 of them were driven to Redding to be transferred to Cascade Collie Rescue. All of the remaining collies at the shelter were altered, vaccinated, microchipped and received a light dental. Another trip from the Bay Area to Elko was made over the weekend, to pick up 4 adult dogs. On the drive back, we transferred 1 to a foster to adopt in Gardnerville and 1 to an adopter in Sacramento. The other 2 went to Pebble Beach.
In addition to our pick up in Elko, Western Canada picked up 4 dogs. SWCR picked up 3 dogs and Cascade picked up their additional 3 from a transporter in Reno. The coalition completely emptied the shelter of dogs in 6 days! This is a perfect example of it taking a village. NCR brought in a total of 7 dogs. Of the 3 juveniles, 1 has been placed as a foster to adopt and 2 went to an adopter in San Francisco.
Thank you to each and every one of you who offered to help. Even if we didn't utilize you, we are grateful to have you on board and know we can count on your help in the future. Those of you who were able to help with transport, foster, or donate - Thank you!
News Article: https://elkobrief.com/briefs/2026-03-20-record-speed-rescue-saves-28-collies-from-hoarding-situation/
ADOPTION UPDATE!
2 of the Elko puppies, Duchess & Diva, → were adopted to two wonderful families that live a very short distance from each other, one in Fairfax and one in San Rafael, just 3 Miles!
By coincidence, both Adopters registered for the same puppy training classes for Diva and Duchess. Adopters have agreed to keep the sisters in contact for ever happily after!
_________________________________________
Bluegie & Missy (below) ↓ were adopted and now living in Pebble Beach!
Read their Happy Tail story HERE.
2 of the Elko puppies, Duchess & Diva, → were adopted to two wonderful families that live a very short distance from each other, one in Fairfax and one in San Rafael, just 3 Miles!
By coincidence, both Adopters registered for the same puppy training classes for Diva and Duchess. Adopters have agreed to keep the sisters in contact for ever happily after!
_________________________________________
Bluegie & Missy (below) ↓ were adopted and now living in Pebble Beach!
Read their Happy Tail story HERE.
Bluegie
Missy
NCR Rescue Heroes - Charlotte and Andrew Bear
May 21, 2026
We have been rescuing dogs for our entire marriage, which is approaching three decades. In 2018 we began our journey with NorCal Collie Rescue as a new potential foster-to-adopter family. Since then, we have adopted four Nor-Cal Collie Rescue family members: Bodhi, Kenna, Blue and Fiona.
We have been rescuing dogs for our entire marriage, which is approaching three decades. In 2018 we began our journey with NorCal Collie Rescue as a new potential foster-to-adopter family. Since then, we have adopted four Nor-Cal Collie Rescue family members: Bodhi, Kenna, Blue and Fiona.
In 2018 we were new empty nesters, as our son had gone off to college. Living with us was the remaining pack member of our rescue Shelties, Lily, who was about 11 years old. She was not used to being alone and needed a four-legged companion. We reached out to NorCal Collie Rescue and met with Lauren who vetted us. She told us about Bodhi, who was rescued from a Korean dog meat farm where he had lived under terrifying and brutal conditions for two years. She thought given our other dog rescue experience and Lily’s gentle personality we might be interested in helping Bodhi.
Lily, our aging Sheltie, had been a severe case coming to us at age five after having lived in a cramped cage as a breeder in a puppy mill in Thailand. She taught us so much about how to support dog recovery, and she helped Bodhi from day one. When Bodhi first came to us, he was terrified of humans and would not let us get close, hiding behind bushes in the backyard. We worked very intentionally with him, providing a quiet, calm environment. When we practiced meditation, he began to lie down at our side. Bodhi received gentle, positive reinforcement, and we all benefitted from consultations with animal behaviorist Julie Bond, who works with many NorCal Collies. Lily helped put Bodhi at ease. What was most remarkable about Bodhi, however, was his own spirit that wanted to trust. We watched him push through numerous fear responses, learning to trust us more and more. He taught us so much about Collie brain, Collie temperament and Collie resilience. With Bodhi, we easily concluded that as much as we love all dogs, Collies are truly extraordinary beings.
Page 1 of 4
Continue on Next Page
Return to Previous Page
With Bodhi’s rehabilitation going well, we knew he wanted another four-legged companion closer to his own age. So, seven months later in 2019 we welcomed another Nor Cal Collie pack mate, Kenna.
Continue on Next Page
Board Member Karen contacted us to let us know that Kenna was a 2-3-year-old female Collie, and she was a great fit for both Bodhi and Lily. She had lived with a transient houseless couple who had tried to sell her as a backyard breeder. NorCal Collie Rescue was able to acquire her.
Kenna integrated well into our pack, overcoming some initial behaviors pretty easily, most of which stemmed from food and housing scarcity and former aversive training that only made her reactivity worse. Patience, stability and use of positive reinforcement for behavior modifications helped her to develop a sense of security and belonging. She quickly became a fun trail blazer. When Lily passed at 15 yrs, she died peacefully at home of old age, flanked by Bodhi and Kenna.
In 2022, our area coordinator, Kristin, contacted us to let us know about the Mercer Collies coming in to the rescue from an atrocious trafficking/hoarding criminal case. Because we were experienced with traumatized Collies, we knew we could help. That is when we welcomed Blue into our family.
Page 2 of 4
Page 2
Return to Previous Page
Continue on Next Page
Blue was seven months old and anxious. He was malnourished and suffering from chronic giardia due to his harsh beginnings. With our therapeutic support, he showed us how astonishingly intelligent and resilient he is. Ever curious and eager to learn, Blue responded well to playful family dog training and loads of mentoring from his older siblings, who were eager to adopt him.
Today Blue is a 4 ½ year old stunning Smooth Collie living his best life. He continues to struggle with car rides but otherwise has grown into a confident, caring, playful, well-adjusted family member. He is our mischievous instigator of doggie shenanigans.
In 2025 we learned about Fiona who was entering NorCal Collie Rescue as a 12 ½ year-old geriatric Collie who had lost her family. Her human dad had died, and then her human mom had to move into assisted living and could not take her. The adult children could not take her home, and they were greatly relieved to find a Collie rescue that could shelter their beloved girl.
As healthcare chaplains, we see these situations occur all the time when dogs outlive their humans’ ability to house them and care for them. We felt again uniquely positioned to step in and offer a stabilizing landing pad for Fiona under the Senior Sanctuary program. It became clear to all of us after about six months that Fiona wants to be a “Bear,” and so we recently adopted her.
Page 3 of 4
Page 3
In a short time, Fiona has expanded her horizons in our pack. Before she lived as a solo family dog all her life. Now she is integrating into a multiple dog family system. She is being appropriately treated for joint pain and senior medical issues. She is more comfortable with cooperative care to keep her clean and groomed. Fiona is blossoming, often showing her affectionate and playful side. She has now bonded with the rest of the pack. She appears to be moving beyond her initial grief.
All of our Collies receive plenty of walking, outdoor exercise and mental enrichment every day. Ours is a Collie home with indoor/ outdoor access and a fenced yard. They have good nutrition, good treats, good positive reinforcement training, good veterinary care and lots of love and joy. It is an ongoing labor of love for them, but we feel we have received even more from them. There are few things that are more rewarding than participating in the transformation of these amazing beings. Every day they show us their absolutely beautiful nature. We feel so privileged to live with them and so blessed to have been given the opportunity to love them back to wellness.
Left to Right: Ben, Charlotte and Andrew Bear
Our family is now moving to New Brunswick Canada where we begin a new chapter of our lives in Saint John, a city that is openly welcoming of dogs. We will continue our rescue work. Our journey with Collies is far from finished. We are carefully bringing all our Collie pack members with us to Canada. We will again establish the Bear Collie home. We will be very happy to stay in touch with our NorCal Collie Rescue family. Anyone who might visit our way in the future is more than welcome to stop in and say hi. We’ll keep the light on for you! The gang will tell us you’re here.
Thank you for all the good you do!
Charlotte and Andrew Bear
Charlotte and Andrew Bear
Page 4 of 4
Return to Previous Page
Page 4