Sarah Is A Lethal White

Sarah is up to date on all her shots, and she is spayed. She is housebroken and crate trained and ready to roll right into a new home when you are ready to swing her in your home.

Sarah After A hard Play Outside

Sarah being a typical Australian Shepherd, loves to play, she instantly fit into her foster home of 4 others, including a cat and guinea pig. She will play with the others all day long and is sometimes found at the bottom of the pile.

Sarah Fits Right In

Sarah has a very sweet and snuggling disposition, seen wagging her tail all the time and of course as the shots will show, she seems a bit of a tom boy, as she is always dirty.

Tomboy Anyone?

Sarah is ready for a forever home, and will fit into any situation, be it another dog, cats, kids (of all sizes) she is what we call one of our bullet proof dogs.

Sarah is being fostered in Rochester Minnesota. To adoption this sweet pea, complete an application at Aussie Rescue Midwest Adoption, reference ASRM 0021.

Complete Our Adoption Application

Meet sweet little Maggie, a 8 week old lethal white blue merle female Australian Shepherd. She came to us after being removed from a situation that was not ideal, with the summers 100+ heat, she had only a little bowl of water, and she was covered in fleas. A kind Samaritan saw her crawl out from under a blanket. She was starved and had been taken from her mother at 4 weeks old.

Maggie Puppy 10 Weeks Old Blue Merle Female Lethal White Australian Shepherd Illinois

Maggie Puppy 10 Weeks Old Blue Merle Female Lethal White Australian Shepherd Illinois

Maggie is what comes from the breeding of 2 blue merle or red merles and the end result is a puppy who is mostly white, usually deaf and sometimes blind. Maggie is just deaf, and seems to see just fine. She has striking blue eyes, she loves to be held and snuggle with anyone that will let her.

Maggie Puppy 10 Weeks Old Blue Merle Female Lethal White Australian Shepherd Illinois

Maggie Puppy 10 Weeks Old Blue Merle Female Lethal White Australian Shepherd Illinois

Maggie will stand her own with the big dogs in the house, loves to drag bones as big or some twice as big as she is. She loves to herd at the age of 8 years old, so be ready for all your cats to be rounded up in a hurry, or the kids in the neighborhood.

Maggie is being fostered in Bloomington Illinois. To adopt this soft, caring little girl, complete an application at Australian Shepherd Rescue Midwest. Reference ASRM 0020

Kalgoorlieis is a 10 week old black tri Australian Shepherd Male Mix puppy. Kalgoorlieis is a big teddy bear at heart. Kalgoorlieis is very affectionate. When you walk up to Kalgoorlieis and start talking to him he gets all excited and wags his whole butt. He loves spending time with people but is also happy to go off and romp around in the field with his siblings. He is a little shy at first with new people but is soon in their laps giving kisses. Kalgoorlieis is up to date on all his shots and is ready to land in someones home today!

Kalgoorlieis is located in Central Illinois. Complete an application at
New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1012 Kalgoorlieis. ]]> http://www.aussierescueil.com/ns-1012-kalgoorlieis-10-week-old-black-tri-australian-shepherd-male-mix-puppy-illinois/feed/ 0 http://www.aussierescueil.com/ns-1010-gosnells-10-wk-old-black-tri-male-australian-shepherd-mix-puppy-illinois/ http://www.aussierescueil.com/ns-1010-gosnells-10-wk-old-black-tri-male-australian-shepherd-mix-puppy-illinois/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:02:19 +0000 David Thurman http://www.aussierescueil.com/?p=5013 Continue reading →]]> ADOPTED! Meet Gosnells, a 10 week old black tri male Australian Shepherd puppy. Gosnells is very affectionate and playful. Bounces around when playing with siblings. One of the first pups to greet someone coming over. Gosnells is up to date on all his shots and is ready to land in someones home today!

NS 1010 Gosnells

Gosnells is located in Central Illinois. Complete an application at
New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1010 Gosnells.

Tebow Protege 0200

Tebow is great both inside and outside the house as well as on car rides. He loves every dog he meets and is good with new people. Tebow is still learning not to jump up, but seems to learn fast and is only jumping now when he’s VERY excited after his foster mom comes home from a long day at work. Tebow would prefer to go to a home where there is another dog for him to play with, or a large area for him to run. He is a big dog with a lot of energy to burn, but he does know how to calm down and relax inside the house.

At first Tebow would jump on his foster mom’s furniture, but after only two reminders he has stayed off the couches and beds completely. He likes to sleep in the bedroom, on the floor beside the bed at night. Tebow sleeps through the night and doesn’t ever fuss. He is completely housebroken and paces at the door when he needs to go out.

Tebow loves to play with toys, other dogs and people. He is great at fetch and sometimes likes to tug. His previous owners generally left him outside in a fenced area during the day when they were at work – but as his foster mom quickly discovered, Tebow can jump a 4 ft chain link fence with no problem. Tebow however does not attempt to jump fences when his foster mom is outside with him taking care of the yard, picking up poop, reading or playing with him. His foster mom has also purchased a 50′ tie-out to put Tebow on for 20-30 minutes at a time so he can go outside without her and still play with his foster brothers and sisters in the yard without his foster mom worrying about him jumping ship! (A tie-out is NOT a long-term solution for Tebow.) Once he gets to know his foster mom better, she believes he probably wouldn’t stray far if he did jump. She saw him with his previous owners and they didn’t even keep him on a leash. Tebow stayed right with them and hung on their every word! He’s clearly a dog who likes to please his owner and is very trainable.

Tebow has not been in a crate/kennel often, but has done well transitioning to staying in one for short periods of time (2-5 hours) with his foster mom. The first morning Tebow was alone in his crate he barked quite a bit – but his foster mom has worked with him and the next two mornings Tebow did a great job and was very quiet. Tebow would be a GREAT dog for almost any owner, but he would prefer to go to a home with an active family that would take him to the park, dog
park, on bike rides or walks. Tebow knows “sit”, “down” and “come”.

Tebow is currently being fostered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you might be interested in learning more about him, please email Jayne at mcjayne@yahoo.com. While we welcome your questions about this dog, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Red Rock loves going on walks, he loves rides in the car, possibly his nirvana? He is great with other dogs and ignores cats and loves everyone he meets and thinks the dog park is just the bomb! He is house broken, treat motivated and has a great recall to his name (Rocky). Red Rock is also very velcro to whom ever he has decided is his leader.

[frame_left src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/NS-1028-Red-Rock-B-400x265.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/NS-1028-Red-Rock-B.jpg"]NS 1028 Red Rock[/frame_left]

He does have a few dislikes, don’t we all? He doesn’t enjoy the crate though he will go in when it’s required, he wants to be near a human. He is a little bit of a picky eater, and will turn his nose up to certain foods. He hasn’t mastered playing with toys but is all about pleasing you.

[frame_left src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/NS-1028-Red-Rock-A-400x265.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/NS-1028-Red-Rock-A.jpg"]NS 1028 Red Rock[/frame_left]

Red Rock is currently being fostered in Central Illinois. Complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1028.

Meet Bootsie, a older black tri Australian Shepherd we had helped rescue from an elderly person who was no longer able to care for her. Bootsie was excellent when I met her and she was all set and ready to jump into the back seat of my car, and rode excellent all the way to meet her new foster family.

Boostie is now ith the MARS rescue group, they specialize in mini Aussies and Bootsie is what I would consider a mini, she loves to play ball, chase frisbees and go for walks. When you first meet this lady you would think she won’t run to catch a treat but that is not the case, she is all action undert that exterior.

Wangaratta NS1018

He will come to vibration (we stomp our foot or clap loudly) and can also sit and down. He is so exceptionally smart, that I think he would out do Wanderoo if he wasn’t a little limited with the vision. He is also very laid back, mellow, and just a fluffy lover boy. I think he could definitely learn to follow your scent on a walk, and he is able to navigate a full flight of stairs with no problem. Because of his underdeveloped eyes, he might have to be watched in the sun, but other than that he is very healthy (and a terrific eater!).

NS 1018 Wangaretta

NS 1018 Wangaretta

He is the biggest of the bunch- a week ago he was 15.1 pounds. I really think given his personality and his smarts he will make a very, very good pet, so don’t count him out. Unlike most Aussies, he would likely do well in a small house or apartment. He spends lots of time sitting in my lap as I work on the computer- and that might become a problem when he reaches his full 45-50 pounds!

Special Needs/Lethal White Information

• Lethal Whites
• Yahoo Groups for Special Needs
• Amazing Aussies
• Living with Handicapped Pets
• Deaf Dog Activities
• Deaf Dogs
• Blind Dogs
• Lethal White Rescue (Yahoo Groups)

Wangaretta is being fostered in Central Illinois. Complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1018.

Wogonda is a very sweet and somewhat timid lethal white blue merle Australian Shepherd male. He has lots of blue merle spots, so he resembles his sister Wanderoo quite a bit, without the colored ear.  He has good vision in one eye and some vision in the other, and of course he is deaf.

He is very laid back, but will allow Wanderoo to lead him into trouble. Being timid, he tends to be quite vocal when out of his element or afraid- his howl is loud, but he is very quickly comforted with a quick hug or bet of reassurance. Even though he is timid, he is a very quick learner- again, he can come, sit and down already.  He would be best with a gentle older dog rather than another rambunctious dog, and a home that is not super active but somewhat active. , He would be a good dog to walk with and take around town. He seems to be a good candidate for riding in the car, and if it involves a stop at the Ice Cream shop, well all the better!

[frame_left src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Meany-or-Wodanga-NS1017-B-400x265.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Meany-or-Wodanga-NS1017-B.jpg"]NS 1017 Wogonda[/frame_left]

Special Needs/Lethal White Information
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[frame_left src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Meany-or-Wodanga-NS1017-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Meany-or-Wodanga-NS1017.jpg"]NS 1017 Wogonda[/frame_left]

He also LOVES to cuddle and is a great little puppy! His favorite position is on his back in your arms, as if you were cradling a baby. Wogonda is being fostered in Central Illinois. Complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1017.

Wanderoo is a lethal white blue merle female who will grow to around 45-50 pounds. She has a docked tail and is covered with blue merle markings.

She is deaf, but sees just fine. She has one black ear and lots of spots. She is as sweet as can be- loves to cuddle and lick your face and is just all sweetness. She is also exceptionally smart (will come, sit and down already). Because she is so smart, she tends to get herself into a bit of trouble- she likes to escape through the fence (and every time I think I have her outwitted she wins again!). The good news is she sticks around and doesn’t wander TOO much. She does seem to find each and every burr in the woods and get it into her fur. 

[frame_left src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Eenie-Wanderoo-NS120-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Eenie-Wanderoo-NS120.jpg"]NS 1020 Wanderoo[/frame_left]

[frame_left src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Eenie-Wanderoo-NS120-B-400x265.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Eenie-Wanderoo-NS120-B.jpg"]NS 1020 Wanderoo[/frame_left]

She can find any contraband in the house (electrical cords, etc.), and is maybe a little too adventuresome for her own good.

She is definitely the leader of the litter! She will be more active than the others. She would make a great agility or obedience dog.

Special Needs/Lethal White Information
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Wanderoo is currently being fostered in Central Illinois. Complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1020.

Please be aware that we already have a list of wonderful families on our waiting list for Aussie puppies, so feel free to apply, but be ready to know they may already have homes.

NS 0860 Rosalie Red Merle Australian Shepherd

Rosalie is a great companion, she loves attention and loves to roll on her back and get the most Aussome belly rubs, she is said to stay there all day awaiting them. Rosalie gets along well with everyone and other dogs. She would be best with a fenced in yard and another dog as a companion to help her know when to alert or to know that there is another living thing in her world, you see like many lethal whites, companionship is a very important item in their lives.

NS 0860 Rosalie Red Merle Australian Shepherd

Special Needs/Lethal White Information

• Lethal Whites
• Yahoo Groups for Special Needs
• Amazing Aussies
• Living with Handicapped Pets
• Deaf Dog Activities
• Deaf Dogs
• Blind Dogs
• Lethal White Rescue (Yahoo Groups)

NS 0860 Rosalie Red Merle Australian Shepherd

Mia (#0196) is a 6-8 month old red-tri female Australian Shepherd. Her vaccinations are up to date, she has been spayed and is on heartworm & flea/tick preventative. She currently weighs in at 28 pounds and could possibly get up to 35 pounds when she is fully grown. She is completely housebroken and will pace back and forth from where you are to the door to let you know she needs to go outside. She kennels very well and is able to go without accidents for 8+ hours if necessary.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Mia-large-300x400.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Mia-large.jpeg"]Protege 0196 Mia[/frame_center]

Mia has lots of energy and feeds off of good praise (and treats!). However, she is definitely a puppy still. If you are untidy, she is very “helpful” at picking things up. She has lots of toys to chew on and play with, but she will occasionally find your shoe or sock more interesting. For this reason, she is not yet reliable at being unattended for long periods of time.

She is very smart and picks things up pretty easily. She knows “sit”, “stay”, “lay down” and “hand”. She would much rather be on the couch or bed next to you and will jump on you when greeting, but is learning that “off” is not a bad thing. She will occasionally do some alarm barking so we are working on “no bark”. We had a hard time taking walks at first because she liked to pull but has responded very well to the Halti.

We have yet to meet a dog or person that she hasn’t liked, but she can be shy at first when around multiple dogs. She does okay off-leash and with recalls, but she becomes easily distracted when her nose hits the ground. She is also very fast when it comes to play time and would probably do best with a fenced in yard. She currently lives with two cats and shows no interest in them unless they are playing and she wants in on the action.

Here is a video of Mia playing with her foster sister:

Mia had distichia, or eyelashes that were in an abnormal location along the eyelids. She has had surgery to remove many of the eyelashes that were rubbing on her eyes and causing irritation. She has responded very well and has not let it slow her down; this should not be a problem long-term. Mia is currently being fostered in Cedar Rapids. If you might be interested in learning more about Mia, please email Jayne at mcjayne@yahoo.com.

While we welcome your questions about this dog, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Shawn is a beautiful black Aussie mix with a full tail. Or it was full, until it was shaved!  Shawn came into the shelter with some severe matting and was given a pretty brutal haircut. But luckily, hair grows back. Shawn is appx 3yo and is great with other dogs, kids and even cats! He is very affectionate and sweet, he will make a wonderful family dog! Shawn is fostering in Minnesota.

NS 0989 Easton

NS 0989 Easton

Easton loves everyone, all dogs and even cats. Easton walks excellent on a leash and rides even great in a car. Easton is housebroken and up to date on all his shots.

NS 0989 Easton

Are you looking for a cuddly and soft teddy bear of your own? Complete an application today at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 0989.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sarge-1-400x298.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sarge-1.jpg"]NS 1004 Sarge[/frame_center]

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sarge-2-400x298.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sarge-2.jpg"]NS 1004 Sarge[/frame_center]

Sarge walks well on a leash and is housebroken, he is being taught to spend time in a crate which he is slowly learning to enjoy. Sarge rides well in a car and knows basic commands.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sarge-3-298x400.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Sarge-3.jpg"]NS 1004 Sarge[/frame_center]

If you want a smart Sarge in your command, then our Sarge is your Aussie. Complete an application to at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 1004

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Moyne-Daphne-2-360x400.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Moyne-Daphne-2.jpg"]NS 1003 Moyne[/frame_center]

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Moyne-Daphne-3-400x306.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Moyne-Daphne-3.jpg"]NS 1003 Moyne[/frame_center]

Monye is housebroken, rides great in car and gets along with her other foster home siblings. She does like to chew and should be given a Nylabone to keep her busy. She walks good on a leash and knows basic commands.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Moyne-Daphne-4-400x266.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Moyne-Daphne-4.jpg"]NS 1003 Moyne[/frame_center]

To meet Moyne, complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue today, reference NS 1003.

Chuck and Don’s
19230 Freeport St NW
Elk River, MN 55330

Cody Giving His Love

Cody was always shy of the camera and would turn his head or hide when he thought he was getting his picture taken, we thought he might have been a dog from a home in the witness protection program, but we did get pictures and he is a beautiful Australian Shepherd.

Cody On Squirrel Patrol

Over the weekend of the 8th of May, Cody began to not eat and was becoming lethargic, and having trouble breathing, within just 2 days the worst news of all came, he had cancer and it was impacting his lungs and ability to breath, sadly he passed away on the operating table and now were joy and happiness rained, is a large hole where his presence is no longer.

We all will miss this gentle man, and know he is waiting at the bridge to be reunited with Katie and her family.

Redcliffe (also known as Ruby) is a senior Red Tri Australian Shepherd female who is around 11+ years old, who weighs around 50 pounds. She is the result of her owner passing away and being left alone and afraid.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruby-Senior-08-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruby-Senior-08.jpg"]NS 0996 Redcliffe (Ruby)[/frame_center]

Redcliffe is a low energy, Velcro Australian Shepherd. She can get around just fine but may need a boost into the car. She walks great on leash, and is respectful of other dogs. She loves to be with you and will sit at your side while reading or keep you company while in the garden. Redcliffe is a little hard of hearing but that does not stop her or keep her from staying in range.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruby-Senior-12-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruby-Senior-12.jpg"]NS 0996 Redcliffe (Ruby)[/frame_center]

Redcliffe is ready for a home that would let her finish her years in peace, a home with rough or overly playful dogs would be too much for her at this age in her life. She would do fine when the grandkids came over and she is on Proin to help control her bladder.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruby-Senior-11-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ruby-Senior-11.jpg"]NS 0996 Redcliffe (Ruby)[/frame_center]

To Red cliff, bring this amazing red tri Australian Shepherd into your home, complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 0996

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMAG0033-239x400.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMAG0033.jpeg"]NS 0983 Wagga Wagga[/frame_center]

Wagga Wagga is one of those perfect dogs, rides quietly in the car, walks excellent for a puppy on a leash and she gets along with everyone in the home, other dogs, the cat and the Guinea Pig, she will pounce on the cat, but all in good fun, she will always be tracking the cat but again to engage in play. She does try to heard the older female dog in the home, so her herd instincts are strong.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/wagga-wagga-016-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/wagga-wagga-016.jpg"]NS 0983 Wagga Wagga[/frame_center]

We are told she has the softest fur they have encountered yet for a puppy and she will bark for a few minutes when crated for the night.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/wagga-wagga-014-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/wagga-wagga-014.jpg"]NS 0983 Wagga Wagga[/frame_center]

To adopt Wagga Wagga, the beautiful black tri Australian Shepherd, complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue. Reference NS 0983.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Holly-Large-400x300.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Holly-Large.jpeg"]Protege #0193 Holly[/frame_center]

Holly’s feet are coming along nicely; in fact, they are very endearing….a little big for her petite body but maybe she’ll grow into them – and she is gaining muscle mass and much needed weight. She loves running around the yard, chases balls and toys, gets along great with dogs of all sizes and genders and LOVES kids. While she remains a bit cautious about new people, she warms up very quickly and prefers being touched on the bottom of her chin instead of being patted on top of her head. She is submissive and shares food, toys and love in a very busy household. She eats like a champ and has not had any accidents in our home. Despite her time in a wire cage, she welcomes a comfy crate and is not uncomfortable being in one for bedtime and while the humans are away. Holly can maintain a clean crate for up to 6 hours during the day and all night long. She doesn’t whimper unless she needs out to go potty.

Holly is one of the nicest, easiest fosters I’ve ever had in my home. She curls up in a little ball on the couch at night to get her loving from our 10 year old son and she gives kisses willingly. Holly’s sweet personality will win you over. Her forever home would likely include another canine companion to continue to improve her confidence and show her the ropes at her new home. She is gentle and kind to kids. She would do best with older kids who will respect her sweet demeanor and small size. She is ready to be spayed in a few weeks and will receive her rabies shot then as well. Holly is fostered in Marion, Iowa.

There are additional photos, including several “before” and “after” shots, and three cute videos of Holly at the Protege website for your viewing pleasure: http://protegerescue.org

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email Jayne at mcjayne@yahoo.com. While we welcome your questions about this dog, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

May Aussome Facts

Sometimes they are called “Lethal” Whites because being born with vision or hearing impairment can be lethal to them. Although they may not have any other physical defects, many of these pups are killed at birth, dumped in shelters or by the side of the road where they can die lingering and painful deaths. Others are sold without informing the new owner that the pup is deaf and/or blind. Depending on the home they end up in, this can also lead to death.

May Aussome Facts

Sad to say, there are many animal lovers (like we were) unaware of what exactly a Double Merle means. It is information like the foregoing that prompted our adoption of a “Lethal” White. After we adopted our two “normal” Aussies, I still kept up with the postings on the website and noticed more lethal whites appearing. So we did our research and we were rudely awakened to another area hit by man’s greed and irresponsibility. After realizing there were so many homeless lethal whites, we started looking for a deaf lethal white that would fit into our family. We met one young lady that was just wonderful and we would have taken her home; however, at the time we had an older lady that wasn’t having anything to do with another female in her home. So the hunt was on for a male, and after a short time Jack (aka Ace) appeared on the website. We set up a meeting and took our two current Aussies along. Jack received their paws of approval.

Training Jack has been more of an issue for me than for Doug. My feeling sorry for him (I believe) was a detriment to my ability to communicate with, and control Jack. After recommendations from Doug, emailing David and other sources for suggestions, I have become calmer with him, more firm when needed, and he is watching and responding to my hand commands. Patience and diligence in training are the keys to success. Having a “normal” Aussie (or two) has been a big help to Jack (and us) to learn the house routine; he has picked Parker to be his primary buddy.

A common concern for many is a deaf dog will startle when awakened suddenly. From the start, we have been very lucky with Jack. When he was a puppy I loved to gently touch his face and watch him wake up like a little kid. We would have to carry him down the stairs at first until he caught on to the routine, because all he wanted to do was go back to bed — this was an interesting training issue. Now we tap our foot on the floor to wake him up and he jumps up and goes down the stairs shoulder-to-shoulder with Parker.

We have also learned that Jack shows no fear. Because he cannot hear the warning growls from our other 2 dogs or the hisses from our cats, he sometimes boldly goes where he shouldn’t — and has some minor battle scars to prove it. When we can, we try to help him and the cats, in particular, as he wants to play but they don’t.

We have found that Jack’s training is only limited by our imagination and creativity to find ways to communicate. Jack is helping us learn a new language (sign) and he is helping me realize he can learn as well as a hearing dog, just differently. We both continue to talk to him, just like we do with Pete and Parker. Our facial expressions also communicate what is going on. We use our own hand signals, plus those from the American Sign Language book. Communication for dogs has always been far beyond sound; our deaf dog causes us to embrace that fact.

Unfortunately, it’s not only pups with “excess” white that are killed at birth. The Australian Shepherd breed standard does not require dogs to have any white at all. Regardless, some breeders (unfortunately) feel pups with little to no white are not marketable and will kill them. Solid black males fall victim to this most often, even though their color is acceptable. In some breeds, certain colors or patterns are not permitted by the breed standard. The reasons are not always logical; particularly to the layman (especially since the colors may be allowed in other breeds, and often have no adverse health consequences for the dog).

Doug and I look into Jack’s crystal blue eyes and wonder, how could anyone consider destroying such a beautiful creature. Captain Jack has grown into a smart, beautiful, loving, big character. Remember, the only disability deaf dogs have is their hearing, not their mental capacity to learn, and certainly not their ability to love you unconditionally. Raising a well-adjusted deaf dog can be a noble and rewarding experience.

May Aussie of the Month Sophie

Sophie’s lack of socialization as a pup had left her suspicious and fearful when encountering strangers and new situations. She also has low vision, which is not correctable, but should not get worse, and does not impede her as she navigates her world. It does however impact how quickly she is able to process information in her environment. After a long, slow introduction in her foster home, and lots of bacon, (thankfully, Sophie is food motivated like me), she has become a loving, affectionate, and attentive companion.  She is ‘velcro’ and snuggly and loves to go for walks. She is always carrying a stuffed animal around in her mouth hoping to engage the other dogs in her foster home in play.

May Aussie of the Month Sophie

Sophie is devoted to and protective of her family, and because of this, we are looking for an adult-only home for her, one lacking in drama, with a separate room for her to go and hang out in while guests are visiting.  Another Aussie for her to romp and play with, would be wonderful. We are requiring a physical fence to keep her safe.  Although she is young, only 14 months old, she is exceedingly well behaved in our home and doesn’t counter surf or tip over the garbage. She is 100% housetrained and completely trustworthy not being crated and knows how to sit, come when called, and rides quietly in the car.

Sophie is hoping you understand that new people and experiences will probably always make her uncomfortable and worried.  She, like each of us in our own ways, is flawed. But also like each of us, hopes there is someone out there willing to love her in spite of her herself.
Blessings, Susan and Sophie

Sherry with Toby - May Volunteer of the Month

Sherry devotes much of her time and energy to the rescue daily as a foster mom to Holly (Holland). Holly has been with Sherry and her family for nearly a year now minus a few months and I know that each and every one of her family loves Holly dearly, but do hope to find a permanent home for Holly soon.

Sherry started working with New Spirit just about a year ago, following David Thurman from another rescue. He made an immediate impression on Sherry, and she knew that she wanted to work with someone who had such a love for the dogs.

Sherry has set up many fundraising events over the past year as well, the largest being a booth at the 3 day Scarecrow Festival last October in St Charles, IL. Her whole family showed up each morning to set up the booth, and donated most of their weekend to the festival. Sherry also currently sets up and runs weekend events at her local Petco, and recently received a $1,000 grant from Petco for New Spirit. Sherry has also devoted many hours to transporting fosters from points A to B in the Northern Illinois area.

Many fosters have come through the McInerney door, some staying days, weeks or months and each has been loved by all. Each time a foster is adopted, Sherry feels like a proud mom and knows that even if though it is difficult to let the dog go, she has done her job and saved a life. Many tears have been shed for her fosters and I have even shared in her tears when Holly came close to being adopted last fall.

But as those of us who foster know, the tears are worth it when you see that new family’s eyes light up at the sight of their new furry friend and the furious wag of the tail as your foster finds his new home.

Please join me in saying “Thank You” to Sherry and her family for all of the love, support and time that they have graciously given to New Spirit and it’s fosters.

Prince

Prince

Sadly Prince from all the years of abuse and neglect had to leave, and now he is at the bridge, awaiting Micci’s arrival.

We would like to thank Micci for finding this little man at a shelter, and adopting him from them, and then dedicating her time to rescue, to make the memory of Prince live on.

Chuck and Don’s
19230 Freeport St NW
Elk River, MN 55330

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Milo gets along great with other dogs, in fact he is in a home with 3-4 other foster brothers. Milo is learning the leash and what it means to ride in the car. He is a good greeter and is a quick learner.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Milo-07-400x266.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Milo-07.jpg"]NS 0923 Milo[/frame_center]

Since Milo is a pup at heart and age, he is in that chewing and getting into mischief phase and will need a home that understands the needs and energy of a puppy. But once Milo is past all that and has taken his obedience classes and worn out, he will be your typical, velcro Aussie.

[frame_center src="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Milo-06-400x266.jpg" href="http://www.aussierescueil.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Milo-06.jpg"]NS 0923 Milo[/frame_center]

To adopt this 6 month old red merle who calls Central Illinois home, complete an application at New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue today. Reference NS 0923

Meet Seir, a 1 year old blue merle lethal white female, who weighs around 15 pounds. Seir still has a beautiful full, flowing tail. Seir gets along well with other dogs and once she has settled in will play and run.

Seir 1 Year Old Mini

Seir will need time to warm up at first, as she was used as a breeder dog, and since she didn’t work out, was on the list to go away, we ended up with her and she needs to learn to trust us humans again.

Seir 1 Year Old Mini

Seir is deaf, and is slowly learning hand signals and is also housebroken, walks on a leash and is awaiting a great home.

Seir 1 Year Old Mini

Seir is currently being fostered in Pekin Illinois. Complete an application at New Spirit. Reference NS 0971