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The therapy dog program uses certified therapy dogs and their volunteers. Members join together to participate in the month's scheduled visitations, and each dog which is enrolled must pass both the CGC and TDI tests. Our Charter Canines are certified by Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

We will be having many tests in the future, so contact us to find out when and where they will occur.

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The story of Nathan King Cole "Nate"

Read about Nate's Top Dog Award!

Nathan King Cole was one of the first rescued Border Collies that passed through the hands of SBCR. He is essentially the four-legged co-founder of this organization.

His original owner sinfully abused Nate. It is believed that Nate was struck by coal truck on a country road in West Virginia; he then fled the site for months. He eventually returned, his leg was badly broken, and bleeding. Once he returned he was kept into a cage barely large enough for him to stand-up or turn around.

He received none of the veterinarian care he desperately needed. Nate was kept caged, fed through the holes in the rusted wire if he was lucky, and watered through the top of the cage. The door was never opened, the cage was never cleaned, and he was never spoken to in a respectful manner. He lay amongst his own waste for some months. A phone call saved his life, and Nate was taken into custody in the wee hours of the morning.

Nate was traumatized, malnourished, and spiritless. Yet, Nate's eyes shone full of hope and desire and he never lost track his sense of faith. Eight months later Nate's rehabilitation found him being evaluated to become a therapy dog, and he now has earned Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dogs International and Therapy Dogs International Active awards. Nate is expected to earn his Therapy Dog International Outstanding Volunteer title within the next few months. In addition, Nate has earned numerous obedience awards. Nate has helped so many in such unspeakable ways.

Nate's photo was taken this past spring of 2003 at a assisted living home in Albemarle, NC. Nate is pictured here working as a therapy dog. He is Jenni's true inspiration and recently earned "Runner Up" in the News14 Charlotte's Top Dog Contest.

	Hoss and Co-Director Robert Watson are pictured here at the Hispanic Learning Center on July 18 2003. Hoss is a Certified Therapy Dog, Charter Canine and holds a Canine Good Citizen. Hoss is pictured here at 22 months old.
	Sabre is an Akita owned by Pat and Don Mackowiak. He has just passed his TDI, CGC certification and has begun his visitation to local nursing homes. Sabre is a joy to have in our organization and we look forward to working with him and seeing him "at work!"
Lundi at 9 weeks old Lundi in our Kennel Lundi at 9 months old	Lundi was rescued be Swiftdogz Border Collie Rescue in May of 2003. He suffered from parvovirus, and severe intestional worms, along with kennel cough and a secondary bacterial infection. Due to complications with his health, Lundi was near death on several occasions. However, Lundi's determination shone through, and day by day he began to eat more, play more and show his true sense of heart. Lundi was a participant in the Canines Can Change Program for three programs and he had a sense of understanding which each of the student handlers. He charmed those around him with his antics and calm, inviting demeanor and several times throughout his stay, Lundi was said to be a permanent resident. Lundi was travelling down Emotional Service Dog Avenue, and is the youngest Canine Participant to become a Charter Canine in the Canines Can Change Program at the age of 5 months old. Recently, Lundi has been "hired" to perform a needful task to which he has become a permanent resident at EdenGardens Nursing Center here in Concord, NC. There he will continue his path to becoming a Certified Therapy Dog and will be the sunshine to many who walk the hallways. Although it is difficult to let Lundi move on to the Service Dog world, we at Swiftdogz Border Collie Rescue know in our hearts that this is his reason to survive. God Bless you Lundi, and good Luck!
Winchester US Customs Agent K. Molidor puts Winchester through some tests, just before loading him into the 12-dog trailer to be transported to Fort Royal Virginia. A basket is used here, to determine Winchester's intent to retrieve. As you can see, Winchester passed with flying colors, mever taking his eyes off of the towel! Here, Winchester must prove that he has no fear of heights, unstable ground, noise, or textured flooring. Winchester is given the opportunity to retrieve the towel under these circumstances. Once again, you can see that Winchester has a carefree attitude, so long as he gets his reward-the towel!