Success Stories
Luna and Simon
|
Luna (previously Chloe) and Simon
A Complementary Couple I’m Luna and here’s my big big brother Simon. Whatever Simon says I don’t hear and when I make funny faces at Simon he can’t see me! We both came from WASR, Simon a year and a half ago and me just recently. My mom Melissa must be an expert as Simon is the fourth blind dogs she’s rescued! As for me, there’s not a lot I can’t do. I play and go on walks and am generally silly. Mom and her 7 year old daughter Bella learned how to train me with special deaf dog training and I might even do agility. I can be a seeing eye dog for Simon when we go for walks (Mom comes along). Simon LOVES walks and butt rubs and can even find his squeaky toys when thrown. We know we’re both special but aren’t all great dogs. Mom says I’m very smart and the most attentive dog in the world while Simon keeps in close contact and doesn’t stray. So Simon and I and our wonderful forever family are pleased to be official spokesdogs for the wonderful joy that a WASR pup can bring, even when --especially if--it’s a super special dog like us. |
|
Mellie
|
Mellie: Testimonial:
Hello, my name is Mellie. I want to share my story in order that other dogs might be helped the way I have been. I was born in Texas. I had a birth defect that affected my back knees. The joints didn’t line up and the tissues around them held them in position in a way that I couldn’t straighten my legs or really run or work. Because of that I ended up in a hoarding situation for a while. I had to act big and be watchful to defend what food, water and space I had. Again, I couldn’t run, I was trapped. My knees grew arthritis. I hurt, I was afraid, I was on my own. The San Antonio Humane Society confiscated me when I was three. There, Western Australian Shepherd Rescue found me and transported me to Colorado. It was scary, and I spent more time in small spaces and crates not moving. People began to care for me, but my knees were tightening up and really painful. When I found my forever home, I visited Sheep Draw Veterinarian. They looked at surgery but it wasn’t an option that would work. We started cold laser. Over time my knees regained circulation, the arthritis was reduced and I started to feel comfort. It was something we would do my whole life. It gave me a new life. I loved my visits, the people who treated me with such kindness and love, and of course the cookies. The laser felt good. I always left happy. I was able to love my life without pain. I took hundreds of walks in wonderful smelling places. I waded in the river and paddled around in mountain streams. I loved to ride in the front seat of the car and enjoy the wind coming through the sun roof. I was able to explore in our pasture and woods, discover treasures, and herd cats into trees. I played hide and seek around bushes with my brother, I slept in the sun with my sister, and I was an amazing big sister to my new little brother. I understood. I felt joy and love and safety. I dreamt many wonderful dreams of running while in my warm, soft bed. I loved everyone who loved me. I smiled. There are other dogs like me who have had tough beginnings, or who are handicapped, or in pain. Please know they can all find relief, joy and new life. The caring, healing people at Sheep Draw and laser together offered me the miracle that I have lived. Mellie Signature Bluffs: almost ten years old |
Koa
This adorable puppy, strutting his muscle T-shirt ala Rocky Balboa, came north from Texas with eight of his siblings and their mother, Mercy. One of the puppies had died shortly after birth and one died on arrival in Oregon. The remaining seven puppies were playful and seemed healthy but this little guy started to regurgitate his food immediately after eating. Unfortunately, upon further vet examinations, he was found to have Megaesophagus, a disorder of the esophagus that keeps food from entering the stomach. This disorder can cause weight loss, severe malnutrition, and eventually death. After his diagnosis, Koa became his name, so he could be brave, bold, and fearless and battle his disease.
Treatment for Megaesophagus includes feeding upright so food can more easily slide down the esophagus, blending food into a slurry and feeding several small meals a day, restricting access to food and water, and surgery to repair the esophagus. Koa was a brave boy throughout his surgery and treatment, learning to sit in his chair to eat, loving being burped on his foster mom's shoulder after eating, and being a rambunctious puppy all the while.
It takes a special person to adopt a puppy like Koa and he found the perfect home with a Portland nurse who had knowledge of Koa's disorder because her previous dog had a similar condition. Koa's owner says he is a typical herding dog; intelligent, persistent, mischievous, hilarious, selective hearing, and "90% ornery". She takes him to the beach and on hikes, has trained him in agility, and loves to take him everywhere with her. She says, "he's a handful but he brings so much joy to my life." Thank you Brianna, for loving Koa, our latest success story!
Treatment for Megaesophagus includes feeding upright so food can more easily slide down the esophagus, blending food into a slurry and feeding several small meals a day, restricting access to food and water, and surgery to repair the esophagus. Koa was a brave boy throughout his surgery and treatment, learning to sit in his chair to eat, loving being burped on his foster mom's shoulder after eating, and being a rambunctious puppy all the while.
It takes a special person to adopt a puppy like Koa and he found the perfect home with a Portland nurse who had knowledge of Koa's disorder because her previous dog had a similar condition. Koa's owner says he is a typical herding dog; intelligent, persistent, mischievous, hilarious, selective hearing, and "90% ornery". She takes him to the beach and on hikes, has trained him in agility, and loves to take him everywhere with her. She says, "he's a handful but he brings so much joy to my life." Thank you Brianna, for loving Koa, our latest success story!
Erley
Previously Luke
|
An Extraordinary Dog Hero
Erley's story is truly extraordinary, especially given his rough start to life. Erley, a Great Pyrenees mix, had been roaming around a neighborhood in south Texas. He was an extremely friendly puppy and a kind person picked him up and turned him over to Western Australian Shepherd Rescue. Erley made the long journey to Portland, Oregon, where he ended up in one of our foster homes. But Erley, at just 8 months old, was very ill and had to go to the emergency room at Dove Lewis. He was diagnosed with Bordatella, Coronavirus, Pneumovirus, and other respiratory infections, but worst of all, he had distemper. Throughout his recovery Erley was an exemplary patient. He took his medicine, slept quietly in his pen, enjoyed his short walks around the neighborhood, and made friends where ever he went. Erley received a clean bill of health and was adopted to a loving family in early 2020. Recently Erley was on a hike with his person and a friend when the friend got lost. Erley put his nose to the ground and disappeared down the trail. His person called SAR and when they found the friend hours later Erley was with her. The friend said Erley had come full speed through the brush and then collapsed on the ground, panting for 20 minutes. Not even a year and a half old and Erley is already a hero! What a great dog. |
RIBSY
Previously Avery
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two years ago I was driving home after picking up my first rescue dog, adopted through the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue. His name at the rescue was Avery, but I renamed him Ribsy (any Beverly Cleary fans out there?) since he was so skinny.
He was very sick when he first came to the rescue—and had probably come over the border from Mexico to Texas as a starving stray. He has become my best little friend and such a good boy, although when I first got him he was more in line with that nursery rhyme: "When he was good he was very, very good, and when he was bad he was horrid." Ribsy loves food to the point that he's eaten many a thing that wasn't intended for him, including an entire apple pie that I slaved over for hours. (I forgave him eventually). The first time my sister and brother-and-law met him he jumped up onto their dining room table at Thanksgiving. (I also forgave him eventually, but I'm not sure if they have.)
Now for the good things! He's an absolute dream in the car, usually curling right up and going to sleep. He loves treats and knows how to turn around and play dead, and waits for an 'okay' to eat his dinner! He absolutely adores people and is a Velcro dog, constantly following me from room to room. He loves his crate and tennis balls. He's very gentle with kids and our other dog; the only time he acts at all vicious is when he's tearing up his toys (one of his favorite activities). He loves to go to our family farm and run for hours with his cousin Moose (also adopted through the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue).
After a bout of heartworm treatment last year he's super healthy, happy, and goofy. His favorite thing is to cuddle, sometimes sitting on your head in order to get as close to you as possible. He definitely thinks he's a lap dog. He continues to become calmer, confident, and content the longer we have him! He now goes by many names—Ribster, Ribs, Bubsy, Cribsy, Mr. Ribs. We love our special little guy!
Working with the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue was a dream and I could tell that they cared deeply about placing dogs in the right homes. Thank you to Annette and your team for everything!
He was very sick when he first came to the rescue—and had probably come over the border from Mexico to Texas as a starving stray. He has become my best little friend and such a good boy, although when I first got him he was more in line with that nursery rhyme: "When he was good he was very, very good, and when he was bad he was horrid." Ribsy loves food to the point that he's eaten many a thing that wasn't intended for him, including an entire apple pie that I slaved over for hours. (I forgave him eventually). The first time my sister and brother-and-law met him he jumped up onto their dining room table at Thanksgiving. (I also forgave him eventually, but I'm not sure if they have.)
Now for the good things! He's an absolute dream in the car, usually curling right up and going to sleep. He loves treats and knows how to turn around and play dead, and waits for an 'okay' to eat his dinner! He absolutely adores people and is a Velcro dog, constantly following me from room to room. He loves his crate and tennis balls. He's very gentle with kids and our other dog; the only time he acts at all vicious is when he's tearing up his toys (one of his favorite activities). He loves to go to our family farm and run for hours with his cousin Moose (also adopted through the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue).
After a bout of heartworm treatment last year he's super healthy, happy, and goofy. His favorite thing is to cuddle, sometimes sitting on your head in order to get as close to you as possible. He definitely thinks he's a lap dog. He continues to become calmer, confident, and content the longer we have him! He now goes by many names—Ribster, Ribs, Bubsy, Cribsy, Mr. Ribs. We love our special little guy!
Working with the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue was a dream and I could tell that they cared deeply about placing dogs in the right homes. Thank you to Annette and your team for everything!
PENNY LANE
Today, February 12, 2020, Penny is officially a Therapy Dog! Although, truth be told, she has been a therapy dog all along. She is a favorite at the nursing home, and she has been a therapy dog in training at one of my schools. The kids love her. Some identify with her sad beginning, and others with her disability. They all love her winning smile and positivity. She knows sign language so my non verbal kids can communicate with her. She is simply amazing.
Today after she passed the test, I stopped at the Dairy Queen for Penny’s celebratory pup cup (which you can see on her beard in the picture!). I rolled down her window so she could see. The kid at the window gave a guess as to what kind of dog she is. I told him that she is now an official Therapy Dog. He said that she is doing a great job already because he was having a rough day and just seeing her made it so much better.
That is the kind of dog she is.
We took a road trip to Arizona, staying in hotels along the way, and rented a house in the San Tan valley which is horse country. She loved nosing around and checked out the horses and goats that were on the property. She is a fabulous car rider, and hotel guest. Everyone just adored her.
So thank you once again to you and the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue for doing what you do!
Kallie Wojtonik and Penny Lane the Therapy Dog
Today after she passed the test, I stopped at the Dairy Queen for Penny’s celebratory pup cup (which you can see on her beard in the picture!). I rolled down her window so she could see. The kid at the window gave a guess as to what kind of dog she is. I told him that she is now an official Therapy Dog. He said that she is doing a great job already because he was having a rough day and just seeing her made it so much better.
That is the kind of dog she is.
We took a road trip to Arizona, staying in hotels along the way, and rented a house in the San Tan valley which is horse country. She loved nosing around and checked out the horses and goats that were on the property. She is a fabulous car rider, and hotel guest. Everyone just adored her.
So thank you once again to you and the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue for doing what you do!
Kallie Wojtonik and Penny Lane the Therapy Dog
KONA CONNOR
Kona, a Western Australian Shepherd Rescue success story, had an unstable life before he came into foster with WASR. At only 4 months old he was turned into a shelter, and for the next 5 years he was not only transferred between shelters, but was adopted and returned to the shelter several times. Kona was a true test for the rescue program. He was anxious and reactive, guarded resources, was unreliable around strangers and children, and did not care for other dogs. But Kona found his guardian angel/forever home and is one of the best success stories we have. Kona’s people did the right thing for him - love the dog for the dog, keep the dog safe and as stress-free as possible, work with the "needs work" and celebrate the victories and successes. Kona's people explain their love and commitment to this remarkable dog:
"When Kona growled at his foster mom as she reached for his collar to look at his rabies tag, I knew he was probably aggressive about other things too. He was so calm and beautiful, walked well, fairly obedient. His foster mom said that he seemed to prefer men, and since I was retired, that was fine. The foster home never said Kona had other biting behavior(s); when we realized it later, we decided we weren’t giving up on him. We would learn to recognize the signs. As he’s gotten more trusting of us, he knows we will let him calm himself down, there is no negative/force-based behavior on our part towards him. Not surprisingly, his guarding/biting behaviors have diminished.
Kona loves his walks. He gets to see all his human friends in the neighborhood where he indulges in his favorite things: butt-bumping, “yowling” to get attention, and licking. Everywhere Kona goes people comment on his gorgeous looks and soft and fluffy coat. Kona loves camping and traveling, and especially the beach! Kona’s person, Mike, sums it up like this: Just wanted to remind you, I LOVE THIS DOG!!"
"When Kona growled at his foster mom as she reached for his collar to look at his rabies tag, I knew he was probably aggressive about other things too. He was so calm and beautiful, walked well, fairly obedient. His foster mom said that he seemed to prefer men, and since I was retired, that was fine. The foster home never said Kona had other biting behavior(s); when we realized it later, we decided we weren’t giving up on him. We would learn to recognize the signs. As he’s gotten more trusting of us, he knows we will let him calm himself down, there is no negative/force-based behavior on our part towards him. Not surprisingly, his guarding/biting behaviors have diminished.
Kona loves his walks. He gets to see all his human friends in the neighborhood where he indulges in his favorite things: butt-bumping, “yowling” to get attention, and licking. Everywhere Kona goes people comment on his gorgeous looks and soft and fluffy coat. Kona loves camping and traveling, and especially the beach! Kona’s person, Mike, sums it up like this: Just wanted to remind you, I LOVE THIS DOG!!"
DRAKE
Drake is a Heeler/Aussie mix who stole the heart of his foster mom, and never ended up leaving. He was up for euthanasia in a shelter in New Mexico, until Annette begged me to foster him for just a few days until she could find another place for him. Well, the rest is history. He is the most loyal and loving dog. I can't believe he ever ended up in a shelter.
He is such a smart boy, I decided to try agility classes (with another WASR volunteer). Drake picked it up so quickly it was amazing. Although we only went to the competitions twice (and has 2 blue ribbons =), we still have fun going to classes.
Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful boy into my life!
- Denise
He is such a smart boy, I decided to try agility classes (with another WASR volunteer). Drake picked it up so quickly it was amazing. Although we only went to the competitions twice (and has 2 blue ribbons =), we still have fun going to classes.
Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful boy into my life!
- Denise
LUCY
This is lucky Lucy with her new best friend Lily.
PIPER
Piper (Zephyr) has proven to be an amazing dog. In fact, she may be the smartest, most easily trained dog I've ever owned. She has settled in amazingly well, proved to be potty trained, crate trained, a perfect house guest, great with our children, great with our aging lab, great with our cat, and a true joy. Our old lab has really pepped up and become a new dog since Piper joined us. Piper truly seems to love it here! She seems to realize that she's here to stay. She is an amazing Frisbee dog, just completed her basic obedience class, went snow shoeing for the first time and has worked her way into our hearts. In the next couple of months I plan to take her to get her herding instincts assessed. If she proves to have instinct, may add herding to our list of family hobbies! Her days are happy now with trips in the car to drop the kids off at school, Frisbee at the park, long walks, snuggling in bed, and learning to resist the rabbits that frequent the neighborhood.
When Piper first came, she didn't seem to know how to just play and be a puppy. She was nervous to go into small spaces and was a frantic eater. She now plays with wild abandon, has learned to sit nicely for her food bowl (although still exudes a level of excitement that indicates her past), and has the fastest recall of any dog I've owned. She is SO excited to go with the family on many camping trips this summer. The one thing we're still working on is her socialization with other dogs. She's good overall but does have a tendency to "air snap" (resource guarding her people) when dogs invade her space too much. We'll be working on some socialization gradually. She also seems to be a bit afraid of the dark if we take her for a walk at night. We'll work with her to enjoy the moonlight!
I had a lot of reservations about adopting a rescue dog and Piper showed me just how amazing that experience can be!
I just wanted to say thank you for bringing Piper into our lives and the hard work you do! We love her and she has brought so much happiness to our home.
Best,
The Beckham Family
When Piper first came, she didn't seem to know how to just play and be a puppy. She was nervous to go into small spaces and was a frantic eater. She now plays with wild abandon, has learned to sit nicely for her food bowl (although still exudes a level of excitement that indicates her past), and has the fastest recall of any dog I've owned. She is SO excited to go with the family on many camping trips this summer. The one thing we're still working on is her socialization with other dogs. She's good overall but does have a tendency to "air snap" (resource guarding her people) when dogs invade her space too much. We'll be working on some socialization gradually. She also seems to be a bit afraid of the dark if we take her for a walk at night. We'll work with her to enjoy the moonlight!
I had a lot of reservations about adopting a rescue dog and Piper showed me just how amazing that experience can be!
I just wanted to say thank you for bringing Piper into our lives and the hard work you do! We love her and she has brought so much happiness to our home.
Best,
The Beckham Family
SKY
Ben and I brought our first shelter dog home 15 years ago. She was a beautiful Aussie and we loved her very much; she died a few months ago. I was a bit nervous about getting a shelter dog again with children in the home, but as I read up on how rescue organizations work I was convinced to start looking for a dog from a rescue. I stumbled upon WASR and Sky during a google search; her description just seemed to fit our family. We brought her home and she is such a sweet girl! She absolutely loves the children and is getting so much love and attention. We love her so much! She is so easy going and sweet, we are so glad she is part of our family. I love to see her little body "waggle" with excitement whenever she is with us. So glad we found her.
LUKE
Western Aussie Rescue was able to rescue this beautiful dog from an "on-line" garage sale in Arkansas. Look at him now WOW!!!!!!
Just wanted to share some pictures of Luke (Lucas). He is loving Colorado and his new forever home. He loves playing in the snow, hiking, and running around the back share shaking the stuffing out of his toy squirrel. Lord help us all if he ever catches a live one. Debbi and I want to thank you for rescuing him and bringing him to us in Colorado. Everybody remarks how beautiful he is. He's such a lover also.
Thanks again. Bob and Debbi
Just wanted to share some pictures of Luke (Lucas). He is loving Colorado and his new forever home. He loves playing in the snow, hiking, and running around the back share shaking the stuffing out of his toy squirrel. Lord help us all if he ever catches a live one. Debbi and I want to thank you for rescuing him and bringing him to us in Colorado. Everybody remarks how beautiful he is. He's such a lover also.
Thanks again. Bob and Debbi
CHANCE now RILEY
Hello there!
My name is Riley, and I am a small (about 25#) border collie/spaniel mix. I was on death row at a high-kill New Mexico shelter, but fortunately Western Australian Shepherd Rescue saved me! I stayed with my foster mom in Wyoming for about a month until my forever family found me and brought me home to Golden, CO in July 2015. I am soooooooo happy now and wanted to share some pictures of me with my new family.
First of all, I *adore* my big sister Maggie. Maggie is 2 years old (about 6 months older than me); she is part border collie, German shepherd, and malamute. I bonded with her instantly and can’t stand being separated from her. Daddy took Maggie backpacking for 4 days in August (I was still getting over a giardia infection, so I stayed home with Mommy), and I cried and looked for Maggie the whole time they were gone. I was so relieved when she came home! Daddy says I can go backpacking with them the next time now that I’m healthy and strong. Maggie and I play all the time—we’re always chasing each other and running around! Maggie and I go to doggy day care 1-2x/week. Initially I stuck to my big sister like a little burr because I was afraid of the other dogs, but she showed me that I didn’t have to be afraid and that doggy day care is a lot of fun!
When I’m not playing with Maggie, probably my favorite thing to do is cuddle. I was so snuggly with Mommy when she first met me at my foster mom’s that she started crying. Now that I’m safe in my new home, Mommy jokes that I’m part border collie, part spaniel, and part blanket! It’s not enough for me to be near my humans—I want to be *on* them. I love to curl up on Mommy or Daddy and watch football for hours (I’m a Broncos fan now), and because I’m only 25#, I fit pretty easily on most people’s laps.
Of course, I don’t get to cuddle all the time. I was weak and underweight when I came home in July, but with good nutrition and gradually increasing exercise, I’ve gotten a lot stronger and built up more stamina. Mommy likes to ride a recumbent trike, and she’s trained me and Maggie to run next to her. We usually run for several miles next to Mommy, and then when we get tired, Mommy puts us in the trailer and pulls us the rest of the way. We get lots of people smiling and pointing at us when we’re out for bike rides! Maggie and I also go to dog parks and go hiking (I even have my own backpack) with Mommy and Daddy. Maggie loves to swim, but I’m fine with just wading in the water, thank you. We also get to go on vacation. In October, we went on vacation to Ridgway (a beautiful little town in CO where True Grit was filmed), and we went for bike rides every morning! Then we would walk around Ridgway with Mommy and Daddy and eat on the patios of a lot of dog-friendly restaurants, where people would pet us and say how cute we were. Mommy says we get to go to dog-friendly Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Resort in January, where we’ll go hiking and snowshoeing (in our protective snow booties of course) during the day and stay in a cozy little cabin with heated floors at night! I can’t wait!
It’s hard for me to believe how much my life has turned around from when I was almost put down in New Mexico. THANK YOU, Western Australian Shepherd Rescue for saving me until my forever family could find me. I’m so happy with my new family, and I hope all of the dogs you’re helping find loving forever homes soon!
Love,
Riley
My name is Riley, and I am a small (about 25#) border collie/spaniel mix. I was on death row at a high-kill New Mexico shelter, but fortunately Western Australian Shepherd Rescue saved me! I stayed with my foster mom in Wyoming for about a month until my forever family found me and brought me home to Golden, CO in July 2015. I am soooooooo happy now and wanted to share some pictures of me with my new family.
First of all, I *adore* my big sister Maggie. Maggie is 2 years old (about 6 months older than me); she is part border collie, German shepherd, and malamute. I bonded with her instantly and can’t stand being separated from her. Daddy took Maggie backpacking for 4 days in August (I was still getting over a giardia infection, so I stayed home with Mommy), and I cried and looked for Maggie the whole time they were gone. I was so relieved when she came home! Daddy says I can go backpacking with them the next time now that I’m healthy and strong. Maggie and I play all the time—we’re always chasing each other and running around! Maggie and I go to doggy day care 1-2x/week. Initially I stuck to my big sister like a little burr because I was afraid of the other dogs, but she showed me that I didn’t have to be afraid and that doggy day care is a lot of fun!
When I’m not playing with Maggie, probably my favorite thing to do is cuddle. I was so snuggly with Mommy when she first met me at my foster mom’s that she started crying. Now that I’m safe in my new home, Mommy jokes that I’m part border collie, part spaniel, and part blanket! It’s not enough for me to be near my humans—I want to be *on* them. I love to curl up on Mommy or Daddy and watch football for hours (I’m a Broncos fan now), and because I’m only 25#, I fit pretty easily on most people’s laps.
Of course, I don’t get to cuddle all the time. I was weak and underweight when I came home in July, but with good nutrition and gradually increasing exercise, I’ve gotten a lot stronger and built up more stamina. Mommy likes to ride a recumbent trike, and she’s trained me and Maggie to run next to her. We usually run for several miles next to Mommy, and then when we get tired, Mommy puts us in the trailer and pulls us the rest of the way. We get lots of people smiling and pointing at us when we’re out for bike rides! Maggie and I also go to dog parks and go hiking (I even have my own backpack) with Mommy and Daddy. Maggie loves to swim, but I’m fine with just wading in the water, thank you. We also get to go on vacation. In October, we went on vacation to Ridgway (a beautiful little town in CO where True Grit was filmed), and we went for bike rides every morning! Then we would walk around Ridgway with Mommy and Daddy and eat on the patios of a lot of dog-friendly restaurants, where people would pet us and say how cute we were. Mommy says we get to go to dog-friendly Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Resort in January, where we’ll go hiking and snowshoeing (in our protective snow booties of course) during the day and stay in a cozy little cabin with heated floors at night! I can’t wait!
It’s hard for me to believe how much my life has turned around from when I was almost put down in New Mexico. THANK YOU, Western Australian Shepherd Rescue for saving me until my forever family could find me. I’m so happy with my new family, and I hope all of the dogs you’re helping find loving forever homes soon!
Love,
Riley
BINGO now DILLON
Before and After a loving home
I just wanted to give you an update on Dillon and send along a few before and after photos.
He is just the greatest boy and we adore him. He's smart and always so, so happy, always making me smile even when I'm grumpy. He loves walks, trips to the dog park, car rides, snuggling, chewy treats, and most definitely eating! He also gets along well with his new sister, Hannah, and seems to enjoy her company especially when they are left alone when I run errands. And although the vet had doubts about his coat ever being "normal," he now is fully covered with thick, lush, soft fur.
We want to thank you both for all the work that you do and for allowing us to bring Dillon into our lives.
Ann and Jeff
I just wanted to give you an update on Dillon and send along a few before and after photos.
He is just the greatest boy and we adore him. He's smart and always so, so happy, always making me smile even when I'm grumpy. He loves walks, trips to the dog park, car rides, snuggling, chewy treats, and most definitely eating! He also gets along well with his new sister, Hannah, and seems to enjoy her company especially when they are left alone when I run errands. And although the vet had doubts about his coat ever being "normal," he now is fully covered with thick, lush, soft fur.
We want to thank you both for all the work that you do and for allowing us to bring Dillon into our lives.
Ann and Jeff
RIKU now WILLY
I just wanted to share our Aussie success story with you all. My husband and I are both distance runners. Over the winter, I decided that I really wanted a canine running companion. We have an older Bullmastiff, but we have not had a running buddy since our German Shepherd passed away 8 years ago. I spend a lot of time in the foothills around Colorado Springs by myself and really wanted a dog to spend my time with. I spent time researching various breed and rescues and came across the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue. I inquired about two dogs specifically, but the rescue ladies came back and said they had the perfect dog for me. On January 25th, my husband, two kids, the bullmastiff and I all traveled to the foster home to meet "Riku". We fell in love with him and brought him home. He never responded to the name Riku, so we renamed him Willy after a stray dog in a children's book that my kids had loved.
We had a bit of a rough start those first couple of weeks that Willy was with us. He had been a stray and liked to bolt out the door whenever someone opened it. He also wanted to chase bikes, runners, etc., when I first started taking him out on the trails. With time, training and patience, he has become the perfect trail companion. and the perfect family pet. The progress he has made in the few months we have had him is just amazing. He is so bonded to us now and responds incredibly well to simple voice commands. People cannot believe that we have not raised him from puppyhood. We could not be happier. He has fit right in and he gets to go out on daily adventures with my husband or myself. Willy and I spend hours together out on the trails, and hours at home snuggling. Every time we go on an adventure, I think how lucky I am that Willy and I have each other. I think he feels the same way. He howls and jumps around whenever I get his trail collar out!
I am so glad that we found the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue, and that the screening process really helped us to find the perfect dog for our family.
Thank you so much for letting us bring Willy into our lives!
Tonia Smith
We had a bit of a rough start those first couple of weeks that Willy was with us. He had been a stray and liked to bolt out the door whenever someone opened it. He also wanted to chase bikes, runners, etc., when I first started taking him out on the trails. With time, training and patience, he has become the perfect trail companion. and the perfect family pet. The progress he has made in the few months we have had him is just amazing. He is so bonded to us now and responds incredibly well to simple voice commands. People cannot believe that we have not raised him from puppyhood. We could not be happier. He has fit right in and he gets to go out on daily adventures with my husband or myself. Willy and I spend hours together out on the trails, and hours at home snuggling. Every time we go on an adventure, I think how lucky I am that Willy and I have each other. I think he feels the same way. He howls and jumps around whenever I get his trail collar out!
I am so glad that we found the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue, and that the screening process really helped us to find the perfect dog for our family.
Thank you so much for letting us bring Willy into our lives!
Tonia Smith
MESA
Just wanted to say how wonderful it is to have had Mesa in our lives these past almost 10 months! She's an amazing dog. She is so smart, affectionate and so love-able. She bonded instantly with our black lab and even more so with our soon to be one year old daughter. Our baby and Mesa love each other so much and Mesa is so protective of her! Mesa has really become that missing piece of our family puzzle. We don't know what we ever did before her! Thank you so much for all the hard work you all do at WASR!
Kate
Kate
STELLA
Dear Annette,
Yesterday was Stella’s (was Meeka) one year "adopt-a-versary” if you will, so I thought it would be fun to send you a short update on her showing you some of the things we have done over the year. I can tell you we are having SO much fun. Climbing/camping/hiking/horseback riding/ mountain biking. You name it, we are trying it. She is a rein of terror every morning.. You don’t miss a day with this women, or an afternoon for that matter. I get her out every morning before work for a couple of miles and then again after for from frisbee in the park. and even with that I usually wake up with toys on my face.
She is a very obedient dog, which I love. I did take some time, to get her there. She was a bit of a wild child when I first got her. But we have mastered the off leash behavior, this is extremely helpful when we are at the climbing crag.
She didn’t have it when I first got her but I have noticed in the last 4-5 months her “collie stalk” come into play. She loves to lie in the bushes (real low to the ground) and do the collie creep (the really slow walk they do) and then charge out after my sister’s collie mix. It’s one of the funniest things to watch.
We have been battling her weight. My vet and I have been testing her for everything we can think of. We have discovered she is allergic to chicken, turkey, grains, and can’t seem to digest any form of kibble (I have her on a raw diet now). I feed her a combination of Honest Kitchen and Stella and Chewie’s meat patties. That said, we just tried some VERY strong digestive enzymes and probiotics and I have gotten her from 28 lbs to 32 lbs. So hopefully we can keep up the trend before she eats me out of house and home!
I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to raise such a fun dog. She makes each day so worthwhile and I can’t imagine my life any other way now. I have included a few pics of her over the last little while.
All the best!
Megan
Yesterday was Stella’s (was Meeka) one year "adopt-a-versary” if you will, so I thought it would be fun to send you a short update on her showing you some of the things we have done over the year. I can tell you we are having SO much fun. Climbing/camping/hiking/horseback riding/ mountain biking. You name it, we are trying it. She is a rein of terror every morning.. You don’t miss a day with this women, or an afternoon for that matter. I get her out every morning before work for a couple of miles and then again after for from frisbee in the park. and even with that I usually wake up with toys on my face.
She is a very obedient dog, which I love. I did take some time, to get her there. She was a bit of a wild child when I first got her. But we have mastered the off leash behavior, this is extremely helpful when we are at the climbing crag.
She didn’t have it when I first got her but I have noticed in the last 4-5 months her “collie stalk” come into play. She loves to lie in the bushes (real low to the ground) and do the collie creep (the really slow walk they do) and then charge out after my sister’s collie mix. It’s one of the funniest things to watch.
We have been battling her weight. My vet and I have been testing her for everything we can think of. We have discovered she is allergic to chicken, turkey, grains, and can’t seem to digest any form of kibble (I have her on a raw diet now). I feed her a combination of Honest Kitchen and Stella and Chewie’s meat patties. That said, we just tried some VERY strong digestive enzymes and probiotics and I have gotten her from 28 lbs to 32 lbs. So hopefully we can keep up the trend before she eats me out of house and home!
I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to raise such a fun dog. She makes each day so worthwhile and I can’t imagine my life any other way now. I have included a few pics of her over the last little while.
All the best!
Megan
GYPSY
Ladies,
Hope all are well and you guys are getting in the Thanksgiving mindset. Was recently asked where I had gotten Gypsy and triggered the memory to send you all a quick update.
Gypsy is progressing like a champ and has become a town favorite. She is the nicest dog in the world and insanely smart. As she continues to get older, she has more and more of a boxer/border collie look to her. Sweetest dog in the world!
To think about the things in life that I am thankful for over the past year, this sticks out as being the most impactful aspect of my life. Gypsy has provided me with so much happiness day in and day out and continues to amaze me with her kind nature and playful mindset. I am beyond grateful for you guys and the job you did when taking care of Gypsy. You can tell she felt loved from the day she came in contact with a human and has full comfort with anyone that comes in contact with her. She’s an amazing dog and I can’t imagine life without her after the past 9 months.
Attached are a few photos to give you some idea of how great she has become!
Have a great day and a better Thanksgiving!
Braden
TAYTE
Hi Annette,
Just wanted to send you this quick update of our girl Tayte. I work at an assisted living and she started visiting a few months ago. She has come a far way for sure! She was afraid of the walkers and wheel chairs the first time she visited, but it was easy to see that she was a great dog for the residents. With some work, she has overcome her fear, and now visits on a more regular basis. The residents love her and she is excited to go to work. When Tayte is around, the change in this particular resident is amazing. Tayte's presence is so comforting to her. This woman was so excited to have Tayte cuddle up to her for the afternoon. Such a proud day for us as owners of this dog who has come so far in the last year. Thank you WASR!
Hannah and Brian
Just wanted to send you this quick update of our girl Tayte. I work at an assisted living and she started visiting a few months ago. She has come a far way for sure! She was afraid of the walkers and wheel chairs the first time she visited, but it was easy to see that she was a great dog for the residents. With some work, she has overcome her fear, and now visits on a more regular basis. The residents love her and she is excited to go to work. When Tayte is around, the change in this particular resident is amazing. Tayte's presence is so comforting to her. This woman was so excited to have Tayte cuddle up to her for the afternoon. Such a proud day for us as owners of this dog who has come so far in the last year. Thank you WASR!
Hannah and Brian
ROXY/BOBBI
The story is long but you have to read it, have a kleenex ready
Several weeks ago Gail Krueger contacted me asking if we would consider helping an Australian Cattle Dog girl in her area (Vancouver, WA). Poor Roxy's owner had died and to top it off she had lived in a home where domestic abuse was ongoing. Roxy had spent her life walking on egg shells. Gail and I finally got transportation figured out and Roxy was on her way to Kennewick, WA where she would have to spend some nights in boarding at a vet clinic. Being completely freaked out and scared, when Gail went to unload Miss Roxy she slipped out of her collar and off she went. Roxy ran in to traffic, got hit by a car and kept on going. After much time and many people, including animal control and other good Samaritans, Roxy was caught and taken in to the clinic. The staff at the vet clinic couldn't even examine her. She was scared to death. She was covered in fleas and had obvious hair loss as a result all over her back and tummy. She was a wreck. I called to check on her every day. The staff at the Vista Veterinary Clinic was wonderful and very kind to Roxy. The report was that she stayed put in the crate she had been brought in with and would not come out. Finally they were able to examine her. She was vaccinated, given antibiotics for the skin infection and the fleas killed.
Colleen, one of our former adopters (Kit & Annie, see below) was going to be in the Kennewick area and offered to pick her up for me and drive her up to Spirit Lake, ID where I could pick her up. All precautions were taken to keep Roxy safe and she was transported in the same crate that she never wanted to give up. Colleen and Scott are two of the kindest people and I know Roxy was in great hands. We all assured Roxy that things were going to get better from here on. I knew that Roxy was going to be a project. She just hid her face from me when I would try to get her out of the crate. She would go out to go potty but then wanted right back in to the crate to hide. I think it was day two that I said to her it was time to start living. I dragged her out and we went on a walk. I kept her attached to me as we did chores. For the next several days Roxy fed horses, collected eggs, and did other various chores with me. She met Landon and really accepted him. He's a wild man at age 4 but for Roxy he was ok and could be trusted.
Elle and Julia had been in contact with me about another dog we had available for adoption. The plan was for someone else to adopt that dog. I told them to watch the website. I couldn't believe it when I got the email from them that they were interested in Roxy. I gave them constant email reports on her progress. Roxy even got a bath. It was amazing how well she came along. Elle and Julia decided they wanted to adopt our sweet Roxy. I was concerned she would back slide & go back to wanting to hide in her crate. It was funny that Roxy would be heading back to western Washington. We decided to meet in Moses Lake. Elle and Julia were so kind and totally non threatening. Roxy warmed right up to them. It was truly meant to be and such a miracle. Elle and Julia were so prepared with a new collar and leash with a tag with her new name, new toys and a new bed. A whole new life. No expectations. Just love.
As you look at the pictures you can see Roxy in the crate that provided her security. The other pictures were taken at my house as we worked through stress and fear. The best picture of all is of Elle and Julia with Roxy loaded up and then my favorite of Roxy/Bobbi snoozing with her new toy!
We see rescue miracles. I guess this miracle reminded me that when I see some of these dogs in need that appear so hopeless & not really too adoptable that you never know which one will turn out to be someone's everything. Roxy/Bobbi hit it big. She is now a princess. I am so blessed to have been a part of her rescue. I am so blessed to have had Gail bring her to my attention and be persistent with me about her rescue. I am so blessed to have Colleen in my neck of the woods. Her girls, Kit and Annie, are two of the luckiest dogs ever. Colleen and Scott have a heart for rescue and a desire to help. Elle and Julia know that I will never forget them. I am blessed to have met them. I will never forget this experience.
KIT & ANNIE
Mom said she would write this letter for us since we don’t have thumbs. We have a lot to tell you. First of all, I wanted to thank you for getting me from Colorado last year up to Idaho and my new family. I’m a year old now and Mom and Dad tell me I am such a good girl all the time. My old friend Molly was like my mama and taught me manners and let me cuddle with her. I sure missed her when she went to Heaven. I can’t thank you enough for finding me my new best friend Kit.
Kit is younger than I am, so I am teaching her the ropes….. things like you are not supposed to chase the kitties or deer, it is okay to snuggle in bed with Mom and Dad when we wake up, you always stay near your family on hikes, vacuum cleaners eat puppies (Okay, mom tries to tell me that isn’t true, but I don’t believe her) Dad is the only one who drives the motorhome…we tried. I am sending you a picture. Kit was really afraid to ride in the car when she came here, but now jumps right in and wags her tail.
Kit is a really good herding dog, but I am still the fastest runner. We LOVE to wrestle and always find time to take a good nap together afterwards. Did you know that we go to school every day? The kids are great! We get lots of loves and hugs. Sometimes mom kisses us too much, but that seems to make her happy so we let her.
We remember all the people who helped us along the way in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. We remember how they shared their homes, gave us love and told us everything would be alright and even gave us rides to meet our new family. Mom says you are all angels on Earth. We believe her and you are in our prayers every day.
We love you Annette! Thank you for being a special part of our lives.
Annie and Kit
Kit is younger than I am, so I am teaching her the ropes….. things like you are not supposed to chase the kitties or deer, it is okay to snuggle in bed with Mom and Dad when we wake up, you always stay near your family on hikes, vacuum cleaners eat puppies (Okay, mom tries to tell me that isn’t true, but I don’t believe her) Dad is the only one who drives the motorhome…we tried. I am sending you a picture. Kit was really afraid to ride in the car when she came here, but now jumps right in and wags her tail.
Kit is a really good herding dog, but I am still the fastest runner. We LOVE to wrestle and always find time to take a good nap together afterwards. Did you know that we go to school every day? The kids are great! We get lots of loves and hugs. Sometimes mom kisses us too much, but that seems to make her happy so we let her.
We remember all the people who helped us along the way in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. We remember how they shared their homes, gave us love and told us everything would be alright and even gave us rides to meet our new family. Mom says you are all angels on Earth. We believe her and you are in our prayers every day.
We love you Annette! Thank you for being a special part of our lives.
Annie and Kit
ABBY (formerly Hunter)
Hello -- I just wanted to give an update on Abby. I've had her 5 months now, and she is precious. After having had cats for 2 decades, Abby was an adjustment, but she's brought such joy into my house. I've finished 2 obedience classes with her and plan to continue with more. The pictures are of Denver's 'Furry Scurry' fundraiser by our largest shelter system, the Denver Dumb Friend's League. We also took Abby to the Colorado mountains last week. She was deliriously happy up there. Having a dog changed my life for sure -- among other things, I walk more -- but I've also met some great dog owners in training classes and parks. Thanks for bringing Abby to Colorado. I think it was meant to be that she's with me.
Kathy Ayres
Kathy Ayres
AJAX
Hi this is Ajax, and yes, that is my new and improved name because I found my forever home!!! I've been in my new home for a month now, and I can't believe how lucky I got. It was only 2 months ago that I was a dirty, underweight, hungry, unhappy dog at the shelter when I was given a foster home by the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue. My foster mom, Lisa, took really good care of me. A month ago, my new Mom came and adopted me and I can't tell you how much I love her and how happy I am!!
Despite having a few baths and getting all my mats brushed out of my fur (I'm even more handsome now, if you can believe that's possible), life is amazing. I have a new sister who is a corgi and an older big brother, Apollo. My corgi sister and I play all the time. We are best friends!! She is a lot of fun. She's even taught me how to be corgi by teaching me how not to chew food, how to bark at invisible noises, and how to get Mom to give me cheese. That's fun!
Also in the last month since I've been in my forever home: I've met some new friends! I started my manners/obedience class and I'm doing really well. In 3 weeks, if I am ready, I'm going to take my AKC Canine Good Citizen test!! Last week I officially started my foundation agility classes!! Guess what??! I'm going to be an agility dog!!!!! Yep, I am!! It is so exciting. So I started my classes with my coach. Mom has taught me agility at home too because my corgi sister is also an agility dog. I can go through the tunnel and I can even weave 4 agility weave poles! I will soon be able to weave all 12! Oh it's so fun! I also learned how to sit, down, stand, heel, side (the right side version of heel), shake, touch my nose to Mom's hand, roll over, stay and come. It is amazing how smart I am. My confidence was so low in my old life. Now, I feel like a rock star!
Ok, so I have to go play now. I'll write another update soon! Thank you again to everyone at the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue and especially Annette and my former foster mom, Lisa, for giving me this amazing new life!
Love, Ajax
Despite having a few baths and getting all my mats brushed out of my fur (I'm even more handsome now, if you can believe that's possible), life is amazing. I have a new sister who is a corgi and an older big brother, Apollo. My corgi sister and I play all the time. We are best friends!! She is a lot of fun. She's even taught me how to be corgi by teaching me how not to chew food, how to bark at invisible noises, and how to get Mom to give me cheese. That's fun!
Also in the last month since I've been in my forever home: I've met some new friends! I started my manners/obedience class and I'm doing really well. In 3 weeks, if I am ready, I'm going to take my AKC Canine Good Citizen test!! Last week I officially started my foundation agility classes!! Guess what??! I'm going to be an agility dog!!!!! Yep, I am!! It is so exciting. So I started my classes with my coach. Mom has taught me agility at home too because my corgi sister is also an agility dog. I can go through the tunnel and I can even weave 4 agility weave poles! I will soon be able to weave all 12! Oh it's so fun! I also learned how to sit, down, stand, heel, side (the right side version of heel), shake, touch my nose to Mom's hand, roll over, stay and come. It is amazing how smart I am. My confidence was so low in my old life. Now, I feel like a rock star!
Ok, so I have to go play now. I'll write another update soon! Thank you again to everyone at the Western Australian Shepherd Rescue and especially Annette and my former foster mom, Lisa, for giving me this amazing new life!
Love, Ajax
TUCKER
I wanted to write and give you and update on how I am doing. My new mom and dad really love me and dad says that if mom doesn't stop kissing me on the top of the head, I won't have any hair left.
I think I have adjusted well. In Bozeman, I came prancing into the lobby of the hotel, tail wagging and happy to meet my forever parents, they were so nervous but really thrilled I could tell.
Went for my new puppy checkup. It is a real nice clinic and they have three nice lady veterinarians who have known my family for years. Had a great review, continued my shots and weighed in at 29 pounds.
Shortly after I became ill for about two days with nausea and back to the doctor for a battery of tests making sure that I did not pick up anything at the shelter before I came to live with you. After two days and special food I was much better. Went one more time for final booster shots and I am good to go now. I weighed 42 pounds today and dad says he can watch me grow by the minute. They are careful about my portions but I guess it is my growth spurt.
Like you said, I love the snow and the outdoors and go for a long walk/run everyday in the fields. I have a nice fenced backyard and am good about entertaining myself if not playing with the lab next door. Poor Sam is going to have to have an ACL operation in the spring. We go for car rides and at first I was a little concerned thinking I may be going somewhere else but now know I am always coming home.
Have made numerous trips to Petsmart and as they say, I am like a kid in a candy store. There is also a special dog store owned and operated by all dog trainers. Talk about wonderful dead animal parts to chew on ! I also go on errands with my folks just to ride along.
Started school yesterday, "Diamonds in the Ruff" described as the best in Spokane. I don't know about that but it was sure fun. I was selected to be the "demo" dog for the first session and mom and dad were embarrassingly proud. Folks came home with a huge book and lots of homework. Even though they have always had dogs, they said they never had the time to devote to formal training. They wanted to thank you for the training and guidance you gave me at your home, it has meant a lot, especially the housebreaking. I stand at the slider to go out and if no one is paying attention, one loud bark does the trick.
Speaking of barking, they wondered if I knew how until that first night. Made me a nice bed, etc in the laundry room with baby gate not to feel isolated. I waited till they were all in bed until I let out this bark which sounded like the Hound of the Baskervilles. After they levitated off the bed and a few interrupted nights, they were a little slow but finally realized that I do not like to be alone at night. I trained them to let me sleep in their room and I am kind enough to sleep through the night.
After I came to live here they said they loved me so much and felt so blessed that they did not care what breed dog I was or how big. However, I was at one of their friends house who is a dog person and he said that I am primarily one of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain dogs, not the Bernese or Great Swiss. After Dad did a little research on the computer he discovered the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and I felt like I was staring at myself. The black hair on my back is changing to a lighter color so there may be some Aussie in there. Either way I am definitely a herder and we have to work on that a bit. The breed usually maxes out around 65 pounds just like Wade estimated.
As you already know, I love everyone, people, dogs and especially kids. My sister who is 25 is dying to meet me and is driving over from Seattle tomorrow. Mom and Dad said that the main thing that attracted them beside my picture was your description of my temperament and they said you were right.
Sorry I am so slow in writing and promise not to lose touch. In closing, thank you so much for taking me in, caring for me and loving me. Helping me to be the good dog that I am. My new family is so appreciative to all of you. Hope you are doing well and thanks for taking care of so many other dogs like me who need a home.
Much love, Tucker
I think I have adjusted well. In Bozeman, I came prancing into the lobby of the hotel, tail wagging and happy to meet my forever parents, they were so nervous but really thrilled I could tell.
Went for my new puppy checkup. It is a real nice clinic and they have three nice lady veterinarians who have known my family for years. Had a great review, continued my shots and weighed in at 29 pounds.
Shortly after I became ill for about two days with nausea and back to the doctor for a battery of tests making sure that I did not pick up anything at the shelter before I came to live with you. After two days and special food I was much better. Went one more time for final booster shots and I am good to go now. I weighed 42 pounds today and dad says he can watch me grow by the minute. They are careful about my portions but I guess it is my growth spurt.
Like you said, I love the snow and the outdoors and go for a long walk/run everyday in the fields. I have a nice fenced backyard and am good about entertaining myself if not playing with the lab next door. Poor Sam is going to have to have an ACL operation in the spring. We go for car rides and at first I was a little concerned thinking I may be going somewhere else but now know I am always coming home.
Have made numerous trips to Petsmart and as they say, I am like a kid in a candy store. There is also a special dog store owned and operated by all dog trainers. Talk about wonderful dead animal parts to chew on ! I also go on errands with my folks just to ride along.
Started school yesterday, "Diamonds in the Ruff" described as the best in Spokane. I don't know about that but it was sure fun. I was selected to be the "demo" dog for the first session and mom and dad were embarrassingly proud. Folks came home with a huge book and lots of homework. Even though they have always had dogs, they said they never had the time to devote to formal training. They wanted to thank you for the training and guidance you gave me at your home, it has meant a lot, especially the housebreaking. I stand at the slider to go out and if no one is paying attention, one loud bark does the trick.
Speaking of barking, they wondered if I knew how until that first night. Made me a nice bed, etc in the laundry room with baby gate not to feel isolated. I waited till they were all in bed until I let out this bark which sounded like the Hound of the Baskervilles. After they levitated off the bed and a few interrupted nights, they were a little slow but finally realized that I do not like to be alone at night. I trained them to let me sleep in their room and I am kind enough to sleep through the night.
After I came to live here they said they loved me so much and felt so blessed that they did not care what breed dog I was or how big. However, I was at one of their friends house who is a dog person and he said that I am primarily one of the four breeds of Swiss Mountain dogs, not the Bernese or Great Swiss. After Dad did a little research on the computer he discovered the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and I felt like I was staring at myself. The black hair on my back is changing to a lighter color so there may be some Aussie in there. Either way I am definitely a herder and we have to work on that a bit. The breed usually maxes out around 65 pounds just like Wade estimated.
As you already know, I love everyone, people, dogs and especially kids. My sister who is 25 is dying to meet me and is driving over from Seattle tomorrow. Mom and Dad said that the main thing that attracted them beside my picture was your description of my temperament and they said you were right.
Sorry I am so slow in writing and promise not to lose touch. In closing, thank you so much for taking me in, caring for me and loving me. Helping me to be the good dog that I am. My new family is so appreciative to all of you. Hope you are doing well and thanks for taking care of so many other dogs like me who need a home.
Much love, Tucker
ROXY
Roxy got what all homeless dogs want for Christmas, her very own person. Alicia and Roxy, what a pair!
ISABELLA now BELLI
Isabella (now Belli) was left behind in Colorado when her elderly owner moved to California. We adopted a male Aussie, Colt, 1 year ago, and wanted to find a girlfriend for him. Belli is the perfect girlfriend. We now believe she is an aussie/golden mix. After a quiet night of snoozing, she will begin the wakeup call by thumping her big, fluffy tail against the wall, doorway, bedside table, etc. Belli loves her squeaky tennis balls, rope toys and is a stuffed toy destroyer. A dodge ball has even failed to stand up to her attention.
We all smile when Belli and Colt are tearing around the house, or the yard, playing tag or hide and seek. Belli has found her forever home with us! We are grateful for Western Aussie Rescue for helping her find us.
Suzanne and Terry Reams, Windsor,
CO
We all smile when Belli and Colt are tearing around the house, or the yard, playing tag or hide and seek. Belli has found her forever home with us! We are grateful for Western Aussie Rescue for helping her find us.
Suzanne and Terry Reams, Windsor,
CO
PEEWEE
Followers of our rescue will remember Peewee's story. The short version, Peewee was an owner surrender with his mother and sister at a shelter near the Canadian border. Peewee had a torn ACL and could not use his back leg. Needless to say his chances of being adopted were slim, another rescue took his mother and sister but left him. Western Australian Shepherd Rescue rescued Peewee and had the surgery done on his leg. Below is the message Peewee wrote to Annette and her daughter, they are the ones that fostered him through the surgery and the long recovery. FAIR WARNING, you will be crying and smiling at the end
Dear Annette and Morgan,
I've been thinking about you and wanted to write and tell you about my new home.
Every morning we get up while it is still dark outside. I watch while my girl (MG) works in the kitchen, and then as soon as the sky is light enough, we leave the house for our first walk of the day. I want to run ahead to the car, but I also want to make sure MG is coming, too, so I end up dancing around in circles until she opens the car door. Annabelle and I always race to see who can get into the car first. MG has to help Cognac get in the car because she is older and needs help getting in and out. Then we drive a short way. We never walk in the same place two days in a row, so each day is a surprise. Sometimes we walk along the water's edge, sometimes we walk in the hills, sometimes we walk in the trees, and sometimes we climb up rocks where we can see for miles.
Cognac can't walk very fast but she knows all the shortcuts so she keeps up with us or we stop to wait for her to catch up. Annabelle is still a puppy so she is always ahead of us, sniffing the ground and exploring. But I stay right next to MG. She walks fast so it is a good workout for me. I still limp a little, and the vet says I have arthritis in my bad knee, but I'm doing well.
After about an hour, we head back to the car. When I see the car again, I run to it to make sure I am the first one in and MG doesn't leave me behind! Then it's home for breakfast!!! I always finish my food first, but I lay patiently by my bowl until everyone else is done. Then we go
for our second walk with Max. We don't go in the car for this walk. Max is old so we just walk down the road to where all the people are
camping. I don't mind walking slow beside Max because there's a lot to see and new people to meet every day! They all pet me and say how
handsome and nice I am.
Even though this is a shorter walk, by the time we get home, I am tired from meeting all the new dogs and people! I go to my spot under the table where MG works and I nap while she works at her computer. But I go with MG to get the mail or to take Max outside or to work outside. We have a fenced yard, but I only go there to get a drink from the big bucket or when I have to go outside at night. I'm allowed to go with her wherever she goes, and I never choose to stay behind. But once a week, she leaves the house without me. I don't like those days. I try to get her to take me, too, but she says it is too hot for me to go with her. I am right at the door when I hear her car pull in the drive, and I bark and bark and bark and run around and around her because I am so happy she is home. Then I don't let her out of my sight the rest of the day!
Before dinner, we go for another walk, usually to the lakeshore. It's been hot so we don't stay out too long. It's cooler by the water, and I like to
walk in the sand, and I can always get my feet wet if I get too hot.
Sometimes we visit other people. The first couple of times, I didn't want to get out of the car because I thought MG was going to leave me with the
new people. After all, I had been with you and I liked being with you, but then I had to leave to go live with MG. Now I like it here and I don't want
another home. But both times after the people fussed over me, MG told me I could get back in the car and we went back home together,
and I was so happy to be home again!
In the evening I go with her to water the gardens. I stay close because I like to drink out of the hose, but sometimes I just sit and watch everything-the wild turkeys, the fawns, the cars passing. But when the gnats and mosquitoes come, I am ready to go inside again!
At night I sleep on the bed beside MG. That's my second favorite time of day (after our walks). I lie on my back and get my belly rubbed. Sometimes
Annabelle tries to get in between me and MG, but eventually she moves and I snuggle up close with MG.
I miss you and I think of you a lot, but I'm being very good so I can stay here forever. MG always tells me what a good boy I am, and I am very
content. I hope I can see you again! Please don't forget me because I will never forget you!
Love,
Peewee
P.S. from Judy
What a treasure this boy is. He has brought me such joy. It means so much to me that he wants to be my constant companion AND he puts up with all my hugs and kisses.
Dear Annette and Morgan,
I've been thinking about you and wanted to write and tell you about my new home.
Every morning we get up while it is still dark outside. I watch while my girl (MG) works in the kitchen, and then as soon as the sky is light enough, we leave the house for our first walk of the day. I want to run ahead to the car, but I also want to make sure MG is coming, too, so I end up dancing around in circles until she opens the car door. Annabelle and I always race to see who can get into the car first. MG has to help Cognac get in the car because she is older and needs help getting in and out. Then we drive a short way. We never walk in the same place two days in a row, so each day is a surprise. Sometimes we walk along the water's edge, sometimes we walk in the hills, sometimes we walk in the trees, and sometimes we climb up rocks where we can see for miles.
Cognac can't walk very fast but she knows all the shortcuts so she keeps up with us or we stop to wait for her to catch up. Annabelle is still a puppy so she is always ahead of us, sniffing the ground and exploring. But I stay right next to MG. She walks fast so it is a good workout for me. I still limp a little, and the vet says I have arthritis in my bad knee, but I'm doing well.
After about an hour, we head back to the car. When I see the car again, I run to it to make sure I am the first one in and MG doesn't leave me behind! Then it's home for breakfast!!! I always finish my food first, but I lay patiently by my bowl until everyone else is done. Then we go
for our second walk with Max. We don't go in the car for this walk. Max is old so we just walk down the road to where all the people are
camping. I don't mind walking slow beside Max because there's a lot to see and new people to meet every day! They all pet me and say how
handsome and nice I am.
Even though this is a shorter walk, by the time we get home, I am tired from meeting all the new dogs and people! I go to my spot under the table where MG works and I nap while she works at her computer. But I go with MG to get the mail or to take Max outside or to work outside. We have a fenced yard, but I only go there to get a drink from the big bucket or when I have to go outside at night. I'm allowed to go with her wherever she goes, and I never choose to stay behind. But once a week, she leaves the house without me. I don't like those days. I try to get her to take me, too, but she says it is too hot for me to go with her. I am right at the door when I hear her car pull in the drive, and I bark and bark and bark and run around and around her because I am so happy she is home. Then I don't let her out of my sight the rest of the day!
Before dinner, we go for another walk, usually to the lakeshore. It's been hot so we don't stay out too long. It's cooler by the water, and I like to
walk in the sand, and I can always get my feet wet if I get too hot.
Sometimes we visit other people. The first couple of times, I didn't want to get out of the car because I thought MG was going to leave me with the
new people. After all, I had been with you and I liked being with you, but then I had to leave to go live with MG. Now I like it here and I don't want
another home. But both times after the people fussed over me, MG told me I could get back in the car and we went back home together,
and I was so happy to be home again!
In the evening I go with her to water the gardens. I stay close because I like to drink out of the hose, but sometimes I just sit and watch everything-the wild turkeys, the fawns, the cars passing. But when the gnats and mosquitoes come, I am ready to go inside again!
At night I sleep on the bed beside MG. That's my second favorite time of day (after our walks). I lie on my back and get my belly rubbed. Sometimes
Annabelle tries to get in between me and MG, but eventually she moves and I snuggle up close with MG.
I miss you and I think of you a lot, but I'm being very good so I can stay here forever. MG always tells me what a good boy I am, and I am very
content. I hope I can see you again! Please don't forget me because I will never forget you!
Love,
Peewee
P.S. from Judy
What a treasure this boy is. He has brought me such joy. It means so much to me that he wants to be my constant companion AND he puts up with all my hugs and kisses.
DECKER
The picture says it all... from an owner surrender at a high kill shelter in New Mexico to a loving home in Colorado. Decker hit the jackpot and his new owners think they hit the jackpot as well. This picture of Jim and Decker is why we put our hearts and souls into rescuing dogs
THEO
Hello we just wanted to send an update and grateful thanks to everyone at Western Aussie Rescue who helped bring Theo (formally Ridge) into our lives. We adopted Theo (Ridge) in February 2013 .He has
adjusted well to Colorado living, it was fun to see him in his first snow ( he had to follow our Aussie Enya’s lead to know it was okay to walk through that deep stuff! Theo and Enya are best buds and it is a delight to see them cuddle up together every day. Theo had clearly not been an indoor dog; he
was fearful of steps and had no idea how to jump on the couch or in the car. He quickly learned from Enya that cuddling on the couch is a great thing! He loves our daughter and her friends. He is so smart and has done well learning basic commands and we are working with a trainer to help him learn to be a calm boy around other dogs when he is on leash. He is a sweet heart and we are blessed that Western Aussie rescue saved him from a high kill shelter in Arkansas and paved the way for him to be a loving part of our family! Please keep up your good works in saving these wonderful animals!
Theresa Bradley
Nederland Colorado
Theresa Bradley
Nederland Colorado
BLUE
Last year was a very tough year for me. My Norwegian Elkhound whom I had for over 7 years was diagnosed with bladder cancer so I had to put her down. My Australian Shepherd mix was 14, and diabetic and I knew he did not have much time left with me. I decided to find a companion for my Red Heeler, Milkdud. I looked at all of the local shelters, did tons of online searching and couldn't find "the one". My dogs have always picked me and I wasn't finding my next family member.
I somehow stumbled upon the Wyoming Australian Shepherd Rescue. I fell in love with Blue's picture. I emailed Annette to get more information and she put me in touch with Lorran who was fostering Blue. Lorran gave me all of the details of Blue's past and how she came to rescue him. I worried that Blue would not fit with me because of his past. Something kept pushing me to think about adopting Blue. I met Lorran in Cheyenne and knew he was going to the right home. My Australian Shepherd Rowdy had to be put down shortly after Blue came home. Milkdud and Blue are the best of friends and Blue and my Ocicat get along great too. My other cat puts up with Blue's affection, but doesn't love it! He is so well mannered and so full of love. He loves going for walks and plays with toys very well! I had to find some indestructible toys as he loves to chew them! I am so thankful to have Blue in my life and am grateful for this rescue.
Thank you,
Lisa Hemminger
I somehow stumbled upon the Wyoming Australian Shepherd Rescue. I fell in love with Blue's picture. I emailed Annette to get more information and she put me in touch with Lorran who was fostering Blue. Lorran gave me all of the details of Blue's past and how she came to rescue him. I worried that Blue would not fit with me because of his past. Something kept pushing me to think about adopting Blue. I met Lorran in Cheyenne and knew he was going to the right home. My Australian Shepherd Rowdy had to be put down shortly after Blue came home. Milkdud and Blue are the best of friends and Blue and my Ocicat get along great too. My other cat puts up with Blue's affection, but doesn't love it! He is so well mannered and so full of love. He loves going for walks and plays with toys very well! I had to find some indestructible toys as he loves to chew them! I am so thankful to have Blue in my life and am grateful for this rescue.
Thank you,
Lisa Hemminger
LEWIS
The pups have been keeping us busy! And yes, we are keeping Lewis' name as Lewis. It fits him well. Things are going well and Lewis has been quickly learning the basic commands.
He continues to be an extremely sweet and friendly puppy. He is also amazing at walking on a leash! He just calmly trots along besides us. We are certain that he will pass the "loose leash" portion of his CGC test flawlessly. He starts his first puppy classes in March. Lewis and our dog, Austin are getting along mostly well, but Austin has been pestering Lewis a bit as he gets accustomed to Lewis being around and getting our attention. However, their interactions are getting better every day and they love to lay together and chew on toys after a long walk. Also, we took Lewis to our vet and his little wound is healing just fine. Overall, we just feel so lucky that we get to have Lewis as part of our little family. I've attached a couple of pictures of the pups together.
Thanks,
Yana
Thanks,
Yana
IZZY
I was just realizing that it has been quite a while since I've sent pics of Izzy! So I
thought I'd give you a little update and share some pics. She's doing so great!
I love her like crazy! She has been coming to work with me almost every
day, where we get to play ball a lot, chase geese, and sometimes go for runs
after work together. She has a bed in my office on the table under the window,
where she loves to lay in the sunshine and keep watch, sometimes she supervises me working from there. We go to the dog park a lot with her best friend, Ethel, a goldendoodle. She is so fast, I love watching her run! She loves to play and run in the snow!! We have been working on some things like stay, come here, bringing me her ball, drop it and walking on a leash without pulling. We start a class together in a couple weeks, so I'm very excited about that! I'm looking forward to working toward agility classes, and maybe even urban herding class. She hasn't grown a whole bunch, she weighs about 40 pounds, and our vet says she is very healthy! I love when she talks to me, and it is still adorable to me every single time she groans when she stretches. I really can't imagine my life without her. :-) I can't thank you enough for everything you did to bring her into my life!
Thank you so much!
Sun and Izzy
thought I'd give you a little update and share some pics. She's doing so great!
I love her like crazy! She has been coming to work with me almost every
day, where we get to play ball a lot, chase geese, and sometimes go for runs
after work together. She has a bed in my office on the table under the window,
where she loves to lay in the sunshine and keep watch, sometimes she supervises me working from there. We go to the dog park a lot with her best friend, Ethel, a goldendoodle. She is so fast, I love watching her run! She loves to play and run in the snow!! We have been working on some things like stay, come here, bringing me her ball, drop it and walking on a leash without pulling. We start a class together in a couple weeks, so I'm very excited about that! I'm looking forward to working toward agility classes, and maybe even urban herding class. She hasn't grown a whole bunch, she weighs about 40 pounds, and our vet says she is very healthy! I love when she talks to me, and it is still adorable to me every single time she groans when she stretches. I really can't imagine my life without her. :-) I can't thank you enough for everything you did to bring her into my life!
Thank you so much!
Sun and Izzy
TWIGGY
I just wanted to thank Wyoming Aussie Rescue for helping to rescue not an Aussie but a Cattle dog from the Casper Wyoming Shelter. This sweet little girl was found as a stray and taken to the Casper Shelter. From what I was told she was on her last days before euthanasia. It was a twist of fate, a few miracles, a long string of people, emails, transporting and fostering to get this girl out of the shelter and on to Colorado. Every single one of those people I would love to thank personally for all that they did to get her to her forever home,from the first person who saw her at the shelter and contacted Wyoming Aussie Rescue to the last person who fostered her and all those people in between are absolute angels to me, and I thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my heart.
I just wanted to thank the Wyoming Aussie Rescue for helping to rescue not an Aussie but a Cattle dog from the Casper Wyoming shelter. This sweet little girl was found as a stray and was taken to the Casper shelter. From what I was told she was on her last days to euthanasia. It was a twist of fate, a few miracles, and a long string of people, emails, transporting and fostering to get this girl out of the shelter and on to Colorado. Every single one of those people I would love to thank personally for all that they did to get her to her forever home, from the 1st person who saw her at the shelter and contacted Wyoming Aussie Rescue to the last person who fostered her and all those people in between are absolute angels to me, and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.
Somewhere along the way she was given the name "Little Miss No Name." I received a picture via email of "Little Miss No Name," asking if I knew of anyone interested in either adopting or possibly fostering her. Although I had been wanting a cattle dog for quite some time, I was not looking for, nor did I need another dog as I had 3 already. Still, that face just pulled at my heart strings and I just had to meet her. At our meeting I thought she was just the cutest little thing ever, she then gave me a smooch on the lips and it was all over after that. I brought her home on a trial basis to make sure she got along with my cat and other dogs. After being a perfect dog guest she then became a permanent member of our family. "Little Miss No Name" was given the name "Twiggy", which fit her perfectly as she was so skinny, tiny and leggy.
I am absolutely sure her first three years of life were more than rough. When Twiggy came to our home she was emaciated, had no manners or training, she would jump up on my kitchen counters and was a total velcro dog that would not leave my side. I think she survived by living out of trash cans as there was never a trash can she could pass by without wanting to jump up to see what was in it, and worst of all she had 3 BB's embedded between her eyes.
Today she is thriving and loving her dog life just as a dog should, she is no longer emaciated, has good manners and loves her training sessions. She can now pass by a trash can without even glancing at it, and she no longer jumps up on my kitchen counters.
I have been actively involved in doing agility with two of my dogs for about four years and was super excited to get Twiggy started in training her as well. She absolutely loves it! I have noticed it has helped in building her self esteem and confidence, which is leading her to trust and understand us as a team. Twiggy is a very high energy dog and keeps me on my toes everyday, her days are spent playing with her furry sisters, chasing squirrels, basic obedience training and practicing agility in our backyard, we also have agility class once a week. All my dogs get to go to the dog park 3-5 days a week, her favorite thing to do at the dog park is to catch the chucker ball, she can jump more than 5 feet in the air to catch that ball! People are in awe and watch in amazement at how high she can jump (and to think she didn't even know what a ball was and had to be taught what a ball was brings tears to my eyes). At the end of her day she loves snuggling with me on the couch, then off to sleep she goes in her warm soft fluffy dog bed with all her favorite blankets.
I am not bragging but she is the most eager to learn, eager to please, smartest, happiest, sweetest, cutest, snuggest dog ever!
Thank you Annette for all you do and all that you did to get Twiggy out of that shelter, and once again thank you to all the human angels that helped save her from being euthanized and giving her the dog life that she so much deserves!! I am truly blessed to be owned by this Miss Twiggy!
I just wanted to thank the Wyoming Aussie Rescue for helping to rescue not an Aussie but a Cattle dog from the Casper Wyoming shelter. This sweet little girl was found as a stray and was taken to the Casper shelter. From what I was told she was on her last days to euthanasia. It was a twist of fate, a few miracles, and a long string of people, emails, transporting and fostering to get this girl out of the shelter and on to Colorado. Every single one of those people I would love to thank personally for all that they did to get her to her forever home, from the 1st person who saw her at the shelter and contacted Wyoming Aussie Rescue to the last person who fostered her and all those people in between are absolute angels to me, and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.
Somewhere along the way she was given the name "Little Miss No Name." I received a picture via email of "Little Miss No Name," asking if I knew of anyone interested in either adopting or possibly fostering her. Although I had been wanting a cattle dog for quite some time, I was not looking for, nor did I need another dog as I had 3 already. Still, that face just pulled at my heart strings and I just had to meet her. At our meeting I thought she was just the cutest little thing ever, she then gave me a smooch on the lips and it was all over after that. I brought her home on a trial basis to make sure she got along with my cat and other dogs. After being a perfect dog guest she then became a permanent member of our family. "Little Miss No Name" was given the name "Twiggy", which fit her perfectly as she was so skinny, tiny and leggy.
I am absolutely sure her first three years of life were more than rough. When Twiggy came to our home she was emaciated, had no manners or training, she would jump up on my kitchen counters and was a total velcro dog that would not leave my side. I think she survived by living out of trash cans as there was never a trash can she could pass by without wanting to jump up to see what was in it, and worst of all she had 3 BB's embedded between her eyes.
Today she is thriving and loving her dog life just as a dog should, she is no longer emaciated, has good manners and loves her training sessions. She can now pass by a trash can without even glancing at it, and she no longer jumps up on my kitchen counters.
I have been actively involved in doing agility with two of my dogs for about four years and was super excited to get Twiggy started in training her as well. She absolutely loves it! I have noticed it has helped in building her self esteem and confidence, which is leading her to trust and understand us as a team. Twiggy is a very high energy dog and keeps me on my toes everyday, her days are spent playing with her furry sisters, chasing squirrels, basic obedience training and practicing agility in our backyard, we also have agility class once a week. All my dogs get to go to the dog park 3-5 days a week, her favorite thing to do at the dog park is to catch the chucker ball, she can jump more than 5 feet in the air to catch that ball! People are in awe and watch in amazement at how high she can jump (and to think she didn't even know what a ball was and had to be taught what a ball was brings tears to my eyes). At the end of her day she loves snuggling with me on the couch, then off to sleep she goes in her warm soft fluffy dog bed with all her favorite blankets.
I am not bragging but she is the most eager to learn, eager to please, smartest, happiest, sweetest, cutest, snuggest dog ever!
Thank you Annette for all you do and all that you did to get Twiggy out of that shelter, and once again thank you to all the human angels that helped save her from being euthanized and giving her the dog life that she so much deserves!! I am truly blessed to be owned by this Miss Twiggy!
MILLIE
I am writing to tell you about Millie, the Australian Cattle Dog that I adopted last May 2011. Millie is one of a kind and I adore her. I have another dog, a Sheppard mix, named Sammy, also a rescue 12 years ago, and needless to say Millie and Sammy are best friends. I was hesitant to get another dog after my beloved chocolate lab, "Brown-Doggie" aka Brownie died, but Sammy was so lonely and he missed Brownie, so I thought I would give a new dog a try. I didn't think it was possible to love another dog as much a I loved Sammy and Brownie but Millie has stolen my heart, and also the hearts of all our family members.
Millie loves her new home and she has become the center of attention in our home. I am so grateful that I rescued her from the Kansas shelter through you, last year as she was due for euthanasia that week. What a crime it would have been to have lost this dear senior citizen. The vet thinks that Millie was about nine years old when I got her.
I keep thinking about her life prior to rescue. I know that she had a very tough life as my vet says she can tell Millie was very abused and mistreated. She had very bad teeth that are worn to the gums and thankfully some dental work was done with her prior to adoption as she had several large abscesses in her mouth that healed well with care.
Let me tell you about" Mill-Will "as she is affectionately known. Millie loves to swim in the Popo Agie River which runs near our home. She looks forward every afternoon for her swim with Sammy. Millie loves the park and she chases all the squirrels into all the trees then she tries to climb the tress to get them, barking all the time hoping to scare a squirrel to the ground. We have a daily routine of the park 3 times a day and swimming every day in the summer. Millie also loves walks and running to the river!
Millie is exceptionally affectionate towards all people and she loves children, especially my grandchildren. Millie also can climb any counter, and just last week she stole two home made breads I made. I had shoved the breads to the back of the counter for safe keeping however when I came home from mass she had pulled the two breads to the floor and she and Sammy had a feast in the back yard.
Yes there was diarrhea for several days!!! I made two new breads and she laid at my feet hoping a crumb would fall. Millie loves her toys and she is a collector! She is always carrying one around in her mouth for safe keeping. At night she brings them all into her bed in the bedroom and piles them up with her. She definitely has her ways! Millie loves to lick my feet and hands and she loves giving kisses.
Millie does not like dogs she does not know and she will bolt after dogs at the park and those that come near her lawn. Millie gets along well with all dogs she does know, but she never buddies up to anyone but Sammy. Millie likes cats and gets along very well with all the cats in the neighborhood.
As you can tell I am in love with Millie and am so blessed in life that she has become a member of our family. Thank you for all the work you do saving beautiful best friends like Mill-Will.
All our best, we send our love and gratitude,
Marianne, Sammy and Millie
Millie loves her new home and she has become the center of attention in our home. I am so grateful that I rescued her from the Kansas shelter through you, last year as she was due for euthanasia that week. What a crime it would have been to have lost this dear senior citizen. The vet thinks that Millie was about nine years old when I got her.
I keep thinking about her life prior to rescue. I know that she had a very tough life as my vet says she can tell Millie was very abused and mistreated. She had very bad teeth that are worn to the gums and thankfully some dental work was done with her prior to adoption as she had several large abscesses in her mouth that healed well with care.
Let me tell you about" Mill-Will "as she is affectionately known. Millie loves to swim in the Popo Agie River which runs near our home. She looks forward every afternoon for her swim with Sammy. Millie loves the park and she chases all the squirrels into all the trees then she tries to climb the tress to get them, barking all the time hoping to scare a squirrel to the ground. We have a daily routine of the park 3 times a day and swimming every day in the summer. Millie also loves walks and running to the river!
Millie is exceptionally affectionate towards all people and she loves children, especially my grandchildren. Millie also can climb any counter, and just last week she stole two home made breads I made. I had shoved the breads to the back of the counter for safe keeping however when I came home from mass she had pulled the two breads to the floor and she and Sammy had a feast in the back yard.
Yes there was diarrhea for several days!!! I made two new breads and she laid at my feet hoping a crumb would fall. Millie loves her toys and she is a collector! She is always carrying one around in her mouth for safe keeping. At night she brings them all into her bed in the bedroom and piles them up with her. She definitely has her ways! Millie loves to lick my feet and hands and she loves giving kisses.
Millie does not like dogs she does not know and she will bolt after dogs at the park and those that come near her lawn. Millie gets along well with all dogs she does know, but she never buddies up to anyone but Sammy. Millie likes cats and gets along very well with all the cats in the neighborhood.
As you can tell I am in love with Millie and am so blessed in life that she has become a member of our family. Thank you for all the work you do saving beautiful best friends like Mill-Will.
All our best, we send our love and gratitude,
Marianne, Sammy and Millie
Jasper
I wanted to give you an update on Jasper (formally Dundee) the red heeler we
adopted from WAR in November, 2011. After losing our 12 year old blue heeler in
August 2011, I really missed that cattle dog energy. It felt like there was a
hole in our home. After spotting Jasper on your website, & after much
thought & prayer, his foster mom Ronda brought him to Casper to meet us
& and we brought him home from there on November 12, 2011.
adopted from WAR in November, 2011. After losing our 12 year old blue heeler in
August 2011, I really missed that cattle dog energy. It felt like there was a
hole in our home. After spotting Jasper on your website, & after much
thought & prayer, his foster mom Ronda brought him to Casper to meet us
& and we brought him home from there on November 12, 2011.
Well, he is doing great! He is so puppy-like in his fun loving attitude &
outlook on life. He bounds across the property, plays with our other two dogs,
tosses his toys around, (I had never seen our ten year old Border Collie play
with another dog in the two years we have had him until Wasperly-Wabbit came
along!) He also has a neighborhood 'friend' that comes to play almost daily-I
have included a picture of them sitting on the front porch taking a break. He
is so good at night-gets in his crate to sleep & doesn't make a peep. He
hasn't had any accidents in the house, loves to ride in the car, loves the kids
& us! And we love him too-he is just fun to watch & brings joy to my heart.
He wasn't sure about the horses at first; his herding instinct told him to
chase & heel & bark, but now he (mostly) ignores them unless they start
running thru the field-but usually with a quick 'eh eh' he leaves them alone.
Same with the cats--they have come out of hiding and as long as they don't run across the yard, he ignores them. Thankfully, it isn't anything we haven't been able to handle!
outlook on life. He bounds across the property, plays with our other two dogs,
tosses his toys around, (I had never seen our ten year old Border Collie play
with another dog in the two years we have had him until Wasperly-Wabbit came
along!) He also has a neighborhood 'friend' that comes to play almost daily-I
have included a picture of them sitting on the front porch taking a break. He
is so good at night-gets in his crate to sleep & doesn't make a peep. He
hasn't had any accidents in the house, loves to ride in the car, loves the kids
& us! And we love him too-he is just fun to watch & brings joy to my heart.
He wasn't sure about the horses at first; his herding instinct told him to
chase & heel & bark, but now he (mostly) ignores them unless they start
running thru the field-but usually with a quick 'eh eh' he leaves them alone.
Same with the cats--they have come out of hiding and as long as they don't run across the yard, he ignores them. Thankfully, it isn't anything we haven't been able to handle!
I know that there were a few prospective adopters that passed him up because he doesn't look like a 'typical' cattle dog---& we are so glad they did! He
fits into our family perfectly with our blue merle dachschund & our giant
border collie---both of which aren't 'typical' looking either! We know it was
meant to be that he came to live with us, & are so happy & thankful to
be able to give him a forever home.
I love it the most when he follows so closely behind me after doing chores that
I have to turn around to see where he is! And, he loves to lay on the
recliner with whoever is up there-he climbs up 1 little paw at a time--just like Ronda said. He is so snuggly & sweet. Thank you for saving him & bringing him to Wyoming! He will be with us until his final day!
Kristen B. & family
Riverton, WY
fits into our family perfectly with our blue merle dachschund & our giant
border collie---both of which aren't 'typical' looking either! We know it was
meant to be that he came to live with us, & are so happy & thankful to
be able to give him a forever home.
I love it the most when he follows so closely behind me after doing chores that
I have to turn around to see where he is! And, he loves to lay on the
recliner with whoever is up there-he climbs up 1 little paw at a time--just like Ronda said. He is so snuggly & sweet. Thank you for saving him & bringing him to Wyoming! He will be with us until his final day!
Kristen B. & family
Riverton, WY
OLIVER
Our new addition, Oliver, came to us in February. A co-worker has been involved
with rescue dogs for years, and when my border collie died a year and a half
ago, I vowed that my next dog would be a rescue dog. As fate would have it, a
call came in asking for foster homes for 3 miniature Australian Shepherd mix
puppies that were abandoned at a shelter in Kansas. His two brothers looked
like Australian Shepherds, Oliver did not, and I quickly decided I wanted the
"shaggy one." After a few failed attempts to get Oliver to Wyoming, he finally
arrived in mid February thanks to many caring people's dedication to saving
these dogs. I think everyone knew our "fostering" of this puppy wasn't
going to last long, and in March we officially adopted Oliver. He is a
fantastic dog, with a great personality. His big sister Oakley (a Sheltie) can
easily outrun him, but he gives it his best try every time with those short,
little legs!! We are thankful we found each other, and couldn't ask for a
better addition to our family!
with rescue dogs for years, and when my border collie died a year and a half
ago, I vowed that my next dog would be a rescue dog. As fate would have it, a
call came in asking for foster homes for 3 miniature Australian Shepherd mix
puppies that were abandoned at a shelter in Kansas. His two brothers looked
like Australian Shepherds, Oliver did not, and I quickly decided I wanted the
"shaggy one." After a few failed attempts to get Oliver to Wyoming, he finally
arrived in mid February thanks to many caring people's dedication to saving
these dogs. I think everyone knew our "fostering" of this puppy wasn't
going to last long, and in March we officially adopted Oliver. He is a
fantastic dog, with a great personality. His big sister Oakley (a Sheltie) can
easily outrun him, but he gives it his best try every time with those short,
little legs!! We are thankful we found each other, and couldn't ask for a
better addition to our family!
MOLLY MOON
Just a quick note to let you know that Molly Moon now has her AKC Companion Dog title! Yay! She got it with 4 legs and scores in the high 180's (she tries hard
but is pretty distractible on the heeling! ("My goodness, Mom, LOOK at those poodles!!!") She took a first, a third and afourth place ribbon. We finished Rally Novice B this fall with a third, a second and a first place and also UKC CD. Then who knows, maybe Open?
She is very calm and cute these days but still enjoys hiking and
chasing lizards and chipmunks. We take her on vacations to Colorado with us and
she is an easy girl to have along. She will put up with just about anything as
long as she gets to go. Here's a photo of her up in the Yankee Boy Basin near
Telluride. So we are still enjoying our cow dog princess! Even my husband, the
non dog-person, has been known to sneak her treats from his plate.
Her buddy, Banner, the Bernese Mountain Dog, is getting old (nearly 11)
and can't do long hikes any more, but she is good company for him around the house. Here's a photo of the two of them hanging out waiting for dinner!
Thanks
again for letting us have this wonderful girl!
Yours,
Melissa
but is pretty distractible on the heeling! ("My goodness, Mom, LOOK at those poodles!!!") She took a first, a third and afourth place ribbon. We finished Rally Novice B this fall with a third, a second and a first place and also UKC CD. Then who knows, maybe Open?
She is very calm and cute these days but still enjoys hiking and
chasing lizards and chipmunks. We take her on vacations to Colorado with us and
she is an easy girl to have along. She will put up with just about anything as
long as she gets to go. Here's a photo of her up in the Yankee Boy Basin near
Telluride. So we are still enjoying our cow dog princess! Even my husband, the
non dog-person, has been known to sneak her treats from his plate.
Her buddy, Banner, the Bernese Mountain Dog, is getting old (nearly 11)
and can't do long hikes any more, but she is good company for him around the house. Here's a photo of the two of them hanging out waiting for dinner!
Thanks
again for letting us have this wonderful girl!
Yours,
Melissa
SPARKY
Timmy (now known as "Sparky") was deemed un-adoptable by an animal shelter
because of his shyness and the fact that he was black and plain. Following is
a letter and photo from his new, happy family...
I hope the Holiday Season is being good to you. Wow!!! Our Family is so busy. I must apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I'll keep this short. Sparky is doing great! I promised you some photos and have attached them. I'll write again when things slow down a bit. Keep up the very important work you're doing. I for one can say you made one dog, and one family, very happy.
Todd, Donna, Katie and Sparky
FAYE
After losing his 14 year old poodle last fall, my father had a lonely winter
without her. In the spring he felt ready to get a new companion and asked me to help him find another dog. He wanted one that had good house manners to please my mother who was a bit apprehensive about committing to another dog. He also wanted a dog that would be at his side giving him companionship all day long.
I knew that Wyoming Australian Shepherd Rescue was the place to
find him the perfect canine friend since Annette had found us our wonderful dog just months before. I noticed Faye on the web site and emailed Annette to ask if she thought it would be a good match.
A week later Faye was united with my parents. She is the perfect dog for them! She follows my father everywhere, is obedient, and doesn’t need a leash. She loves to play frisbee and ball and came to them totally house trained. Thanks Annette for bringing Faye into our family. My parents love Faye and could never have found her without you.
~Joy Benson
without her. In the spring he felt ready to get a new companion and asked me to help him find another dog. He wanted one that had good house manners to please my mother who was a bit apprehensive about committing to another dog. He also wanted a dog that would be at his side giving him companionship all day long.
I knew that Wyoming Australian Shepherd Rescue was the place to
find him the perfect canine friend since Annette had found us our wonderful dog just months before. I noticed Faye on the web site and emailed Annette to ask if she thought it would be a good match.
A week later Faye was united with my parents. She is the perfect dog for them! She follows my father everywhere, is obedient, and doesn’t need a leash. She loves to play frisbee and ball and came to them totally house trained. Thanks Annette for bringing Faye into our family. My parents love Faye and could never have found her without you.
~Joy Benson
LUCY
After loosing our 11 year old Border Collie "Cody" to cancer last February, my
wife and I were lost. We knew we would eventually want to get another Border
Collie but were afraid there wasn't another dog that would measure up to the
experience we had with Cody. We began looking but just couldn't find a dog
that was right for us. We were afraid that if we took on a rescue dog we might
get a dog with too many problems. This thinking was sort of silly considering
that Cody was a rescue from an animal shelter. Annette called me one day and
suggested I take a look at a dog that I had previously discounted based on its
picture and description on her web site. Her name was "Lucy" and she was being fostered locally. I called the foster person and arranged to "borrow" Lucy for the weekend. I figured it would be nice to have Lucy's company for the weekend and then return her Sunday evening. Well, I picked Lucy up and immediately noticed she was a much more beautiful dog than her pictures had revealed. She was a delight to be around and within 24 hours there was no way this dog was going back. She fit in with us like she had been with us her whole life. She was everything we wanted in a dog. She is affectionate, playful, and gets along great with our cat. We take her everywhere with us, she loves to go and is always well behaved. Thanks Annette for helping to bring this sweet girl into our lives. Our Veterinarian says she's extremely healthy and we look
forward to many years with her by our side.
~Scott & Peggy Tomsovic
RUSTY
Rusty (Elmo) is a part of the family now I think I can safely say. Fitting in
real well, him and Harley are pretty much buddies now. They play together
constantly it seems, Harley finds it real hilarious on their games of chase
that he's just a bit faster than Rusty so he can stay just a fuzz bit ahead of
him.
Rusty is really developing it seems, he's becoming much more of a "house dog." When he first came here he didn't have a lot of common sense manners in him, like you don't climb up on tables (or the computer desk), you don't get in people's laps while they're eating, etc. He's lost a lot of that protective winter coat now that he's spending a lot more time inside and he's really looking quite good! He gets brushed just about every day which he loves. Got his first bath the other day and did great, just stood there and let me wash him. Then got out and he got a good brushing and rub down. Made sure while he was still sopping wet to take a flying leap from the middle of the room into mom's lap. I think she was less than enthused.
He's been coming with us when we're out working and he does quite well! Sticks around us for the most part, he's still learning and isn't quite as good as Harley. That Aussie curiosity tends to get to him! He's learning though and will get better. Only once and a while do I have to get the tether out and tether him to me to keep him close and out of the way. Lets see, guess it was a few weeks
ago I got Harley's backpack out and sized it to fit Rusty. He seemed to love
it, thought he was pretty important with that pack on.
Ok, enough of that to get to the point, Rusty (Elmo) is doing great learning a lot and having lots and lots of fun!
~Cody Burtis
real well, him and Harley are pretty much buddies now. They play together
constantly it seems, Harley finds it real hilarious on their games of chase
that he's just a bit faster than Rusty so he can stay just a fuzz bit ahead of
him.
Rusty is really developing it seems, he's becoming much more of a "house dog." When he first came here he didn't have a lot of common sense manners in him, like you don't climb up on tables (or the computer desk), you don't get in people's laps while they're eating, etc. He's lost a lot of that protective winter coat now that he's spending a lot more time inside and he's really looking quite good! He gets brushed just about every day which he loves. Got his first bath the other day and did great, just stood there and let me wash him. Then got out and he got a good brushing and rub down. Made sure while he was still sopping wet to take a flying leap from the middle of the room into mom's lap. I think she was less than enthused.
He's been coming with us when we're out working and he does quite well! Sticks around us for the most part, he's still learning and isn't quite as good as Harley. That Aussie curiosity tends to get to him! He's learning though and will get better. Only once and a while do I have to get the tether out and tether him to me to keep him close and out of the way. Lets see, guess it was a few weeks
ago I got Harley's backpack out and sized it to fit Rusty. He seemed to love
it, thought he was pretty important with that pack on.
Ok, enough of that to get to the point, Rusty (Elmo) is doing great learning a lot and having lots and lots of fun!
~Cody Burtis
RIO
Rio is doing absolutely wonderfully. He settled into ranch life immediately with his friend "Jake," a border collie. They are the happiest dogs on earth! Turned out that Rio has excellent herding skills, he is a total natural, and
even though our two Aussies were bred specifically for ranch life, Rio has surpassed them easily. He LOVES to ride the four wheeler with Grandma and won't get off if it's parked in the yard in case she tries to sneak away without him.
He loves to ride in the feed truck also, he is very well behaved and just lays down and naps. Both Jake and Rio have brought new life down at the ranch, the Grandparents get them involved in everything, even when the boys are really in the way, but they are very loved and well cared for. We were so lucky to findRio, Grandma has decided he's really a "llamadile" half llama and half crocodile, due to his desire to touch everything with his mouth. We also think
he has the butt of a llama....Any way, I still have pictures to send, his coat looks beautiful and fluffy. I'll try to get on that. Take care and thanks again.
~Gill Sears
4W Ranch.
even though our two Aussies were bred specifically for ranch life, Rio has surpassed them easily. He LOVES to ride the four wheeler with Grandma and won't get off if it's parked in the yard in case she tries to sneak away without him.
He loves to ride in the feed truck also, he is very well behaved and just lays down and naps. Both Jake and Rio have brought new life down at the ranch, the Grandparents get them involved in everything, even when the boys are really in the way, but they are very loved and well cared for. We were so lucky to findRio, Grandma has decided he's really a "llamadile" half llama and half crocodile, due to his desire to touch everything with his mouth. We also think
he has the butt of a llama....Any way, I still have pictures to send, his coat looks beautiful and fluffy. I'll try to get on that. Take care and thanks again.
~Gill Sears
4W Ranch.
VANNA
I wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that Vanna is going to
celebrate her 14th birthday this Thursday! She is still as sweet and mentally
sharp as she ever was. Her Cushings is under good control. We went out for a
walk this morning and she did very well, although of course she moves slower
these days!
We lost our beloved Einstein to cancer just before last Christmas. It was heartbreaking and we were all very devastated. For several days Vanna would look around the house .. you could tell she was wondering where he was. On Einstein's last night, they slept right next to each other in the living room.
In the process of rescuing another Golden, I ran into a friend of yours- MarKenton from Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies. Just about a week ago we rescued Kai, an 18 month old Golden boy with mild hip dysplasia. He and Vanna are getting along beautifully. They are both so affectionate there's no shortage of doggie kisses here at the Levine home I just took a couple of pictures of Vanna and Kai out on the patio. I hope you enjoy them.
Bless you for helping bring Vanna into our lives. She is a treasure!
All our Best,
Gary, Karen, Dalton,
Vanna, and Kai!
celebrate her 14th birthday this Thursday! She is still as sweet and mentally
sharp as she ever was. Her Cushings is under good control. We went out for a
walk this morning and she did very well, although of course she moves slower
these days!
We lost our beloved Einstein to cancer just before last Christmas. It was heartbreaking and we were all very devastated. For several days Vanna would look around the house .. you could tell she was wondering where he was. On Einstein's last night, they slept right next to each other in the living room.
In the process of rescuing another Golden, I ran into a friend of yours- MarKenton from Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies. Just about a week ago we rescued Kai, an 18 month old Golden boy with mild hip dysplasia. He and Vanna are getting along beautifully. They are both so affectionate there's no shortage of doggie kisses here at the Levine home I just took a couple of pictures of Vanna and Kai out on the patio. I hope you enjoy them.
Bless you for helping bring Vanna into our lives. She is a treasure!
All our Best,
Gary, Karen, Dalton,
Vanna, and Kai!
RIO
I just wanted to give you an update on Ray (we call him Rio). We have had him a year now. He is such a great dog and we couldn't be any happier with him. I ride and he hikes 3 or 4 times a week from the ranch in the foothills of the
San Fernando Valley. He was the super star of his obedience class and we start agility in a couple of weeks. The class instructor said he already does things even her dogs won't do. He loves the water and he will wade in his little pool
or a horse water for hours. We have a little cocker that loves to swim in the big pool and Rio jumps in on the stairs and chases him around the pool until they are both exhausted. Once again thank you for saving him from the shelter
and bringing him into our lives. I thought I would never find another dog to love as much as my beloved Flash, but Rio is such a special dog and he is finding his own special place in my heart!!
Have a wonderful summer,
Trudy Wolfe
San Fernando Valley. He was the super star of his obedience class and we start agility in a couple of weeks. The class instructor said he already does things even her dogs won't do. He loves the water and he will wade in his little pool
or a horse water for hours. We have a little cocker that loves to swim in the big pool and Rio jumps in on the stairs and chases him around the pool until they are both exhausted. Once again thank you for saving him from the shelter
and bringing him into our lives. I thought I would never find another dog to love as much as my beloved Flash, but Rio is such a special dog and he is finding his own special place in my heart!!
Have a wonderful summer,
Trudy Wolfe
MOLLY
After our beloved German-Shepherd mix Teri died at the age of 14, our family seemed lost without the love and companionship a wonderful dog provides. We spent several months researching different breeds of dogs, and finally decided that an Australian Shepherd was the right fit for us. We also decided that going through a rescue foundation was the only way to go. Giving a second chance to a beautiful and loving animal felt like the right thing to do. After extensive looking on the internet, we happened upon the website for Wyoming Australian Shepherd Rescue. Seeing all the beautiful dogs there made our
choice difficult, but we knew we were in the right place.
In approximately September of 2002, we
contacted Annette regarding one of the dogs on her website. A couple of weeks later Molly (red-tri) came to live with us. Molly had been through some hard times, and was extremely shy and underweight when we got her. After some initial “settling in” issues, she realized that she was finally in her forever home, and that no one would love her like our family could. She started putting on weight and her true playful and dedicated personality came shining through. She even loved our cats! Our sons (then 11 and 1) doted on Molly and they
became the best of friends. It was if she had been with us always.
Soon, mom was back on the internet and spotted Sadie (blue merle) on Wyoming Australian Shepherd Rescue website. Of course, it was decided that Molly needed a playmate, and we contacted Annette again. Within days Sadie became a part of our family. Again, Sadie was a dog that had faced neglect and abuse, and had not been given the love and care she so desperately needs and deserves. With 2 active boys and a stay-at-home mom at home, there was no danger of her missing out on anything! She is a beautiful dog with a gentle and loving nature that has made her an integral part of our everyday lives.
How anyone could neglect or abuse these beautiful animals will always be a mystery to us, but in a way I’m almost thankful, because it has given our family the unique opportunity to have them in our lives and show them how life should be. We will be forever grateful to all that Annette and those who work so tirelessly with her do for these amazing dogs. Aussies are the best family dogs and will return all the love they receive. If ever again in the future we
are looking to add to our little zoo (now 2 dogs, 3 cats, a turtle, and 2 hamsters), you can be guaranteed that Annette will be our first call!
THIS IS TRULY A SUCCESS
STORY!!!
The Garrett Family, Thornton, CO
choice difficult, but we knew we were in the right place.
In approximately September of 2002, we
contacted Annette regarding one of the dogs on her website. A couple of weeks later Molly (red-tri) came to live with us. Molly had been through some hard times, and was extremely shy and underweight when we got her. After some initial “settling in” issues, she realized that she was finally in her forever home, and that no one would love her like our family could. She started putting on weight and her true playful and dedicated personality came shining through. She even loved our cats! Our sons (then 11 and 1) doted on Molly and they
became the best of friends. It was if she had been with us always.
Soon, mom was back on the internet and spotted Sadie (blue merle) on Wyoming Australian Shepherd Rescue website. Of course, it was decided that Molly needed a playmate, and we contacted Annette again. Within days Sadie became a part of our family. Again, Sadie was a dog that had faced neglect and abuse, and had not been given the love and care she so desperately needs and deserves. With 2 active boys and a stay-at-home mom at home, there was no danger of her missing out on anything! She is a beautiful dog with a gentle and loving nature that has made her an integral part of our everyday lives.
How anyone could neglect or abuse these beautiful animals will always be a mystery to us, but in a way I’m almost thankful, because it has given our family the unique opportunity to have them in our lives and show them how life should be. We will be forever grateful to all that Annette and those who work so tirelessly with her do for these amazing dogs. Aussies are the best family dogs and will return all the love they receive. If ever again in the future we
are looking to add to our little zoo (now 2 dogs, 3 cats, a turtle, and 2 hamsters), you can be guaranteed that Annette will be our first call!
THIS IS TRULY A SUCCESS
STORY!!!
The Garrett Family, Thornton, CO
Do you have a Success Story to share?
Send it to Annette at rugby_chase@hotmail.com
Copyright © 2013 Western Aussie
Rescue * All Rights Reserved