The economic downturn and home foreclosures
have resulted in the displacement of many pets.
These companion animals need assistance from MARS.
We are unable to provide this assistance without foster homes.
Please email
pacificnw_mars@yahoo.com if you can volunteer as a MARS foster home.
Our BusterAlert education project just passed its three year anniversary. Our website continues to receive many visitors and we regularly field email queries on MDR1 from around the world.
**News**
Foster homes are needed desperately.
We’ve had an increasing number of dogs in foster care in the past few months. As a result, we’ve maxed out all of our available foster homes. If we don’t get some new foster homes, we may have to turn away dogs! Homes are especially needed in the Pacific Northwest and California; however, we’d be happy to add foster homes anywhere in the country. If you or anyone you know could foster a dog, even for just a few days in an emergency situation, please email
volunteer@miniaussierescue.org.
Customized Collar ID Tags
You can help support Mini Aussies by purchasing a customized collar ID tag. You can choose brass, stainless steel, or a colorful tag with Swarovski crystals. Most of the tags can be custom engraved on both sides. Please email
pacificnw_mars@yahoo.com for a list of styles, colors, and prices. All profits from tag sales will go to support Mini Aussies in MARS.
Mini Aussie Ribbon Magnets
Show your love for Mini Aussies and also support Mini Aussies by purchasing a Mini Aussie ribbon magnet. The magnets are suitable for display on a vehicle or perhaps on a refrigerator. Magnets are $8.00 and include shipping. Please email
pacificnw_mars@yahoo.com to see a sample of a magnet. All profits from ribbon magnet sales will go to support Mini Aussies in MARS.
2010 Mini Aussie Calendars
Mini Aussie Rescue & Support (MARS) has two wall calendars available for 2010. Funds raised from the calendars will help MARS rescue Mini Aussies. Both calendars are in the MARS online store at CafePress MARS Store. Plan on spending the year with photos of beautiful Mini Aussies in your calendars.
**Adoption Information**
Is a Mini Aussie right for you?
Mini Aussies are exploding in popularity as more people discover these wonderful dogs. However, they're not for everyone. Mini Aussies can live 12 to 15 years, so getting a Mini Aussie is not a decision to be taken lightly.
When placing a herding dog into a new home, it's important to carefully match the energy level of each Miniature Australian Shepherd with the right guardian. Some Mini Aussies might live comfortably in an apartment; however, many will be too active and require much more room than an apartment provides. Mini Aussies can be reserved with strangers, so it helps to socialize them with people outside their own families. While their coats are beautiful, they do shed. Consequently, they are not recommended for people allergic to dog fur and dander.
Mini Aussies are extremely loving, devoted to their guardians, and incredibly smart. They are not always the best choice for young children because of their herding instincts. A Mini Aussie will want to be a part of your life. They are often called Velcro dogs because they will follow you everywhere. If you can provide lots of time, exercise, training and love, a Mini Aussie might be the right dog for you!
How do you apply to adopt a Mini Aussie?
Our volunteers know the dogs within their care and are skilled at working with applicants to select an appropriate canine companion to match individual lifestyles. If you are interested in adopting a MARS dog, please download an adoption application from our website, Mini Aussie Rescue. Email the completed form as an email attachment to
pacificnw_mars@yahoo.com. The application must be sent as a Word document or as a PDF. You MUST complete the Adopter Packet forms before asking about a specific dog. Upon receipt of the application, you may be asked to attend an adoption orientation class that is useful in helping to match you with a dog. Please review your application before submittal. Due to the extremely high volume of email that is received each day, a volunteer may not be able to respond to incomplete applications. Please be patient and keep us informed if your plans change.
What comes with an adopted dog?
All dogs are microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, and accompanied by all available vet records. Each dog comes with a martingale collar, nylon lead, backup slip lead, clicker with instructions, and stainless steel collar ID hang tag. Post-adoption support is also provided.
Can you visit the dogs?
There is no facility where you can stop in and visit the dogs. We are a volunteer-run, nationwide rescue organization with no permanent facilities. We have foster homes all over the United States. Please visit our website for more information about our available dogs, as well as general information about Mini Aussies.
**General Information**
Who are we?
MARS is the first rescue group devoted exclusively to Miniature Australian Shepherds. Our goal is caring for, evaluating, and finding new homes for Mini Aussies in need and educating people about these wonderful dogs. MARS assists Mini Aussies of all ages, large and small. We are an all-volunteer organization that relies on donations and fund-raising to support our efforts. We are organized as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
How can you help?
If you can't adopt or foster but would like to help a Mini Aussie, please consider sponsoring a dog to help provide for food, vet expenses, and other needs. Please email
pacificnw_mars@yahoo.com for more information on donating to help Mini Aussies.
Mini Aussie Rescue & Support, Inc. (MARS) No facility - all dogs are in foster homes.
Email only.
