***If you ever hear of a Mini Aussie needing to be rescued, please email MARS at info@miniaussierescue.org immediately***
Canine MDR1 Mutation Info Center.
BUSTERALERT.ORG: Canine MDR1 Mutation Info Center
Our BusterAlert.org education project just passed it’s one year anniversary. Our website continues to receive many visitors and we regularly field email queries on mdr1 from around the world. This past weekend MARS hosted our first ever BusterAlert education booth at the PetRock Fest in Massachusetts, the largest rescue event in New England. We educated many pet owners as well as vet professionals, animal rescue groups, and shelters.
**News**
FOSTER HOMES DESPERATELY NEEDED!
We’ve had up to 35 dogs in foster care at once in the past few months. In doing so we’ve really maxed out all of our foster homes. If we don’t get some new foster homes, we may have to start turning away dogs!! Homes are especially needed in the Pacific northwest, California, and the southeastern states – but 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
2008 Mini Aussie Calendars!
Mini Aussie Rescue & Support (MARS) is publishing three wall calendars for 2008:
-- The original Miniature Australian Shepherd Calendar which is celebrating it's fifth year in 2008. And every year the photos get better and better!
-- The MARS Rescue Calendar which features a dozen of the 200+ dogs MARS has rescued in the past two and a half years.
-- And for the first time we're releasing a Mini Aussies in Action Calendar, with terrific photos of Mini Aussies at work, play and competing in dog sports.
Funds raised from the calendars will help MARS rescue Mini Aussies in 2008. All three calendars will be available starting on November 1 in the MARS online store at www.cafepress.com/miniaussie. So plan on spending next year with photos of beautiful Mini Aussies in your calendars.
The 2009 Mini Aussie photo contest will begin in December 2007.
MARS Dog Days!
We recently launched our first ever online raffle. MARS Dog Days is selling 365 tickets, one for each day of the year. When all tickets are sold, we’ll draw twelve dates to win unbelievably cool Australian Shepherd-themed gifts. That means each ticket you buy will have about a one in 30 chance of winning – great odds for some great prizes. Visit the MARS website at http://www.miniaussierescue.org/events/dogdays.html to get your tickets.
The 2007 MARS Fabulous Fall Auction!
Our third annual FFA will run from November 11 to 18. We’re seeking donations to help make this the best auction yet. If you can donate anything, dog-related or not, please send your item(s) to: 2007 FFA, 576 Summer St., Arlington, MA 02474. Please include your name, contact info, any info you have about the item you’re donating, and whether or not you’d like to be listed as an auction donor. We're happy to send you a receipt for your tax-deductible donation to the auction.
Is a Mini Aussie Right for You?
Mini Aussies are exploding in popularity as more people discover these wonderful dogs. But they're not for everybody. And since Mini Aussies can live 12 to15 years, getting a Mini Aussie is not a decision to be taken lightly.
As with any herding dog placement, it's important to carefully match the energy level of each Miniature Australian Shepherd with the right home. Some Mini Aussies might live comfortably in an apartment for example, but many will be too active and require much more room than an apartment provides. As Mini Aussies can be reserved with strangers, it helps to socialize them with people outside their own families. And because of their coat and shedding, they are not recommended for people allergic to dog fur and dander.
Mini Aussies are extremely loving and devoted to their families, incredibly smart, and can do well with children and other pets. A Mini Aussie will want to be a part of your life: they're 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!
Who We Are
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.
Adopting a friend
Individuals or families wishing to adopt a MARS dog should download an Adopter Packet from our website http://www.miniaussierescue.org. Once the completed Adopter Packet forms have been submitted, we will try to match you with the best dog for your home as soon as they are available. You MUST complete the Adopter Packet forms before asking about any specific dog. You will not be considered for any dog before we have your completed forms, and the dog you are interested in may have been placed with someone else by that time. When your Adopter Packet forms have been processed, MARS will start looking for the right dog for you. We consider adoption requests in the order they are received, but our priority is placing each dog with the person or family who is the best match for that dog. Because of this, it is possible someone submitting an adoption request after you could be matched with a dog before you. Please be patient and keep us informed if your plans change.
Come Visit Us!
We are a nationwide rescue organization with no permanent facilities. We have foster homes all over the United States and work very hard to place our dogs with the best match for them, regardless of the location. Please visit our website for more information about our adopted dogs and Miniature Australian Shepherds in general. www.miniaussierescue.org
Mini Aussie Rescue & Support (MARS)
