AUSSIE RESCUE AND PLACEMENT HELPLINE, INC

WHO WE ARE -The Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline, Inc. (ARPH) is a not-for-profit organization that is composed of volunteers who are dedicated to the Australian Shepherd breed. These volunteers receive no payment except the sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction found in placing an orphaned Aussie into a loving, caring, and permanent home.

Our Rescue Representatives, Foster Homes, and Other Volunteers are accepted after a thorough background check. Each receives instruction in proper placement procedures and the care of rescue dogs. In addition to reps and foster homes who deal directly with the dogs, ARPH has other volunteers who perform many varied and necessary tasks. The ARPH Team is comprised of people with all sorts of experiences"from breeders to pet owners"and each volunteer brings his or her own individual expertise to the rescue effort

ADOPTING FROM ARPH - The first step in adopting from ARPH is to complete an adoption application

Once the application is received it is sent to the rep in your area. That rep will be responsible for having your application screened. Vet references are usually called first. When we contact your vet we ask about current and past pets (both dogs and cats). We ask if all animals are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, seen on a regular basis and whether dogs are on heartworm preventative. Personal references are called next and finally a home visit is set up.

The purpose of the home visit is not to check out your housekeeping, but to meet you, your family and any pets you may have. It also allows us to see what kind of Aussie would fit best in your home.

This careful screening process helps to ensure that each rescued Australian Shepherd is placed in a loving, safe, and permanent home. ARPH is looking for homes which have adequate time, energy, and resources for the dogs. We look for homes that can provide a safe and secure environment for the Aussie. It is our goal for this to be a permanent placement.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - ARPH relies on its volunteers who give selflessly of their time, talents,energy, and love. We need your help and the help of every Aussie lover to rescue as many dogs as possible. Please consider becoming a volunteer. There are a number of opportunities available.

FOSTER HOMES - We especially enjoy hearing from folks who might be willing to be temporary foster families for Aussies awaiting adoption. Our Fosters are our saviors. We depend on them heavily to give us more information about the Aussie that they are caring for. These volunteers care for ARPH dogs in their own homes. They are often called upon to have dogs vetted, do some training and socializing of the dogs, and speak to potential adopters. They work hand in hand with the reps, as they are the ones who get to know the dogs the best. Their evaluation of a dog's personality and temperament helps the rep place the dog in the most appropriate home. Some experience with training is very useful, but not required. Veterinary expenses are reimbursed; foster homes supply food and most importantly love to homeless Aussies. APPLY HERE TO BECOME A FOSTER HOME

OTHER VOLUNTEERS - This group performs a multitude of jobs, They may do home visits, screen applications, help with transporting a dog, fundraise, maintain webpages, help at rescue booths and whatever other jobs may arise. This is a great way to begin in rescue and acquaint yourself with how it works. APPLY HERE TO BECOME AN OTHER VOLUNTEER.

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS; SHOULD YOU OWN ONE?

Can you...

• keep your Aussie busy enough to stay out of trouble? Aussies are very intelligent and may find ways to entertain and exercise themselves if their humans don't. Barking, chewing, digging, and escaping from the yard are all possibilities. Aussies can be quite creative! Participating in organized dog sports such as agility, obedience, or flyball is a good way to keep their minds occupied and their bodies fit.
• manage a dog that is described in its breed standard as having strong guardian instincts and as being "reserved with strangers"? An Australian Shepherd should not exhibit unprovoked aggression, but many will defend their home, property, and family against what they perceive as threats. They will not be everyone's friend.
• handle a dog that may chase cats, livestock, cars, or the neighbors' kids if not properly trained? Some dogs may only want to play, but the desire to chase can lead to more serious problems. Aussies should never be allowed to roam loose.
• stand having a constant companion whose sole purpose in life is to be with you everywhere you go: from room to room, upstairs and down, into the bathroom, and even the shower? Aussies are very devoted to their people and want to be with them.
• find the time to attend one or more formal obedience classes. Learning how to teach your Aussie to behave correctly is important.
• commit to daily exercise such as walking, running, or throwing a ball or Frisbee for an hour or more? When you come home from a long day at work and want to relax, an Aussie will be ready to play. The Aussie is not content being a couch potato and taking a few leisurely walks a day. If this is what you are looking for there are other breeds far more suited to this lifestyle. The Aussie is a breed meant for those with an active lifestyle. Daily exercise is a must for them and that includes those days when it is cold, snowy, or rainy.
• teach your Aussie not to chase your children and nip at their heels? Although some Australian Shepherds are good with children, others can become over-stimulated by the noise and activity.
• make sure that your Aussie is properly socialized? Correct, thorough socialization from a young age is crucial and may prevent future behavioral problems.
• run a vacuum cleaner frequently? Aussies shed, sometimes copious amounts. They need regular grooming to remove mats and dead hair.

Please visit our website - Northeast ARPH for more available dogs