2018 May June

MYTH: You can only get older dogs from rescue, they never
have puppies
ARPH has every life stage, from newly whelped litters to
geriatric dogs. The reason not a lot of puppies are advertised is
because they are often spoken for in advance by pre-approved
adopters who have been waiting. Putting a cute pup’s picture up is
also a surefire way to attract impulsive people who fall in love with
the adorable fluffball. Many dogs are in rescue because someone
didn’t think or do research before bringing them home, so rescue
representatives want to make very certain that adopters are well
equipped to raise and care for an Aussie during puppyhood and
beyond.
There are a lot of older pups that come in because adolescence
is where the rubber meets the road and where unprepared owners
discover they have too much dog. But the advantage is that they
are past the housebreaking and delicate puppy stage and sometimes
have some basic training. In the right homes, they really flourish.
MYTH: Rescue dogs are just pets; you can’t do anything with
them.
ARPH Aussies are placed primarily as members of
the household, fulfilling the
breed’s role as an exceptional
companion. However, that
doesn’t mean rescues can’t
do the things other Aussies
can. Rescues participate and
compete in events from herding
and obedience to agility
and flyball. Many provide
comfort as therapy dogs or are
ambassadors for the breed at
educational booths. Some work as service animals or help with
chores on the family farm. The label “rescue” does not affect a
dog’s intelligence, versatility or any other traits that make Aussies
the great breed they are.
MYTH: ARPH will take any dog and find a home for it; they’re
used to dealing with problems.
ARPH is frequently contacted by people who have an Aussie
mix, a mini Aussie or a dog that might remotely resemble an Aussie
that they wish to place. ARPH only handles purebred Australian
Shepherds, so usually these people have to be referred elsewhere.
In some cases rescue representatives have to make a best educated
guess as to whether a dog is purebred or not. There have been dogs
that were completely bald when they came into rescue. In some kill
shelters or other urgent situations there is not much time to decide
whether or not a dog is to be taken or not. ARPH also takes Aussies
that have prick ears, tails or exhibit a nonstandard color such as
e-locus yellow, so it’s not always immediately obvious if a dog is
purebred or not. Occasionally there have been misidentifications but
those are subsequently referred to the proper rescue organization,
i.e., English Shepherd, Border Collie, etc. One exception is, if a
purebred Aussie comes into our program pregnant, her puppies are
ARPH dogs even if they turn out to be mixed.
Aussies in rescue also have to pass a temperament evaluation.
ARPH cannot take a dog that bites or is aggressive. Most adopters
are looking for a pet and not a project, and the organization consists
ARPH
The label “rescue” does not
affect a dog’s intelligence, versatility
or any other traits that make
Aussies the great breed they are.
of volunteers with their own families, dogs and day jobs that usually
cannot devote all their time to rehabilitating dogs with temperament
issues. While ARPH’s foster homes are great at helping dogs
become better companions, serious behavioral challenges are not
something they can or should be asked to tackle. A lot of people
think that rescue is able to work with their dogs’ issues and place
them with another home where the aggressive behavior won’t be
a problem. If the owners are uncomfortable having this Aussie
around, should they rightfully expect other families to take this
animal into their homes?
MYTH: All rescue dogs have issues.
That depends on what you define as “issues.” As with any
animal, what might be no big deal in one family could be a major
offense in another. Some adopters want a dog that sleeps on the bed
or will cuddle on the couch in front of the TV and others absolutely
won’t tolerate dogs on the furniture. Some people want a dog that
barks at strangers and others want one that welcomes all and sundry.
That’s why ARPH places all dogs by best match to each household,
and representatives get to know both ends of the leash so that every
home an Aussie goes to is its last. A dog with separation anxiety
might be great with someone
who is able to take it to work or
is home all the time, but would
be destructive and impossible
in a different environment.
Aussies spend a minimum of
two weeks in foster care before
adoption, and ARPH shares all
the known character traits and
idiosyncrasies, along with any
history, so that any surprises are
hopefully minimized. Of course, as all who live with Aussies know,
nothing is absolute with this intelligent and adaptable breed.
Some of our dogs were beaten, starved or found with bullets
in their bodies or collars embedded in their flesh. Others didn’t
suffer these traditionally abusive things but had lack of responsible
guardianship, so are physically sound but need to be taught how
to live with humans properly. Some Aussies are trusting and sweet
despite ill treatment, others take much longer to place their faith in
people. As with all dogs, a lot depends on what is done and who is
doing it.
Also, adopters don’t just adopt a dog, they adopt the entire
network of volunteers. Every ARPH Aussie comes with lifetime
support and a safety net whereby if the new owner can no longer
keep the dog, ARPH will take him or her back. Fun stories or photos
of the happy dog with its new family are very rewarding to all the
people that helped place it and really make the work worthwhile!
I hope this article has helped debunk some of the myths and
legends about rescue Aussies and how ARPH works. Our mission is
to rescue Australian Shepherds and place them into loving, caring,
and permanent homes, and to educate the public about all aspects
of owning an Australian Shepherd. We love this wonderful breed
and want to see every deserving Aussie with the right people.
*****
78 AUSSIE TIMES May-June 2018