Saving people, one dog at a time.
At Midwest Australian Shepherd Rescue we rescue Aussies and working dogs in need throughout the midwest. We're on a mission to connect these stunning dogs with the perfect families.
Are you ready to meet your new best friend?
Our Values
Imagine a place where kindness, dog smiles, and wiggle butts rule the day. That's exactly what we do at Midwest Australian Shepherd Rescue (MASR). We're not just any rescue; we are your go-to Aussie-loving experts!
We believe
- Every Dog Deserves a Chance. We meticulously assess our four-legged friends to ensure they are a fit for our foster care program.
- Tailored Matchmaking. Like a dating app, but for dogs! We are all about finding the perfect furever home for our furbabies; tailoring the match to each dog's unique needs and the adoptive home's needs.
- Doggy Coaching Hotline. Call Us for tips, tricks, and canine counsel! We are here for Aussie owners with positive training hacks and pawsome enrichment ideas.
- Aussie Education Center. Learn the ABCs of Aussie Care! We are all about teaching Aussie owners the ropes with enlightening tools and enrichment resources.
- Volunteers, You Are Our Heroes! We salute our volunteer superheroes who work tirelessly to make a difference in these pups' lives each and every day.
- Midwestern Pride: We serve our backyard! We are all about taking care of the Midwest region (IL, IN, IA, MI, MO, MN, WI) when there's a doggy crisis or even just one dog in need.
- Love, Kindness, and a Sprinkle of Grace. Even when life gets ruff, we tackle it with kindness, humility, and grace.
- Dream Dog Adoptions. We are all about making dreams come true! We listen to our adopters' desires and make it a reality for both pup and person.
Cracking the Aussie Code:
Aussies, these furry rascals, are rapidly rising in popularity, but they're also wildly misunderstood. They're sensitive souls, eager to please, and can be your best pals with the right TLC. It all starts with responsible breeding practices and how they are nurtured.
Upon seeing an Aussie for the first time, the typical first thought is how “beautiful” they are – and they are! Unlike most breeds they come in various colors and color patterns that range from beautiful to “Hollywood” georgeous!
But beware! Aussies have a herding heritage, and without a “job to do” or proper socialization, they can be a bit...bossy. They need a confident leader who brings a mix of calm, firmness, and positive reinforcement, not to mention socialization, mental and physical stimulation. It is a rare Aussie that will be content with just looking “pretty” on the end of a leash.
So, after that first visual impression, you have to read the fine print of their herding characteristics. IF you know what you are getting into with an Aussie… and what you are getting into is what you want, and are prepared for… you will have a wonderful friend for life.
Unfortunately, the world's gone a little crazy for beautiful dogs, and not always in a good way. In response, some breeders are breeding solely for looks rather than temperament, and it is wreaking havoc on our beloved breed. Stunning exteriors don't always match the insides, leading to high surrender rates and doggy and family heartbreak.
The Best Type of Dog is a Rescue Dog
MASR is a “foster home” based rescue. Homes that foster provide a special environment where a dog can decompress and adjust to the changes, and loss, of its previous life. The fostering family, foremost in importance, will tend to any immediate physical and medical needs of a foster dog. This can range from simple clean up and grooming to treatment/recovery from surgeries. The foster family is observing, learning, training and exposing the dog to different things that allow us to find the best match for their future forever home.
Aussies are not “one size fits all.” A foster home can tell you if the dog is high energy, low energy, compatible with children of different ages, other dogs, cats … all are part of finding a great fit for Aussies and adoptive families.
Homes that foster for MASR have a full network of knowledgeable Aussie lovers available for guidance and support for their foster dog.
Learn more about MASR, receive helpful Aussie care tips and stay up-to-date on dogs in need of support by signing up for our newsletter.
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Testimonials
Happy Tales
Don't take it from us. Hear it from a few of our aussome families!
The Nord Family
I may have been the first person to officially adopt through Midwest Australian Shepard Rescue.
Having missed out on a few aussies that had come and gone from local shelters, we were determined to find the right organization to work with that would bring a pup to us. My interview process with MASR let me know that they take rescue as seriously as I do, asking all the right questions to make me feel confident I was working with a quality organization. When they sent me the photo of our boy Wilson, our hearts immediately started preparing for our new adventure. Wilson was found as a stray. He was in a temp foster home who reported what a sweetheart he was. He was transported to us to foster to adopt. We knew he was a little timid. The sautéed deer meat we brought him told him he could trust us for all the snacks.
Wilson is one of the most intelligent dogs I have ever met. He is an absolute joy and enjoys his days learning tricks with his dad, barking with the band at jam nights, hiking daily, and being a companion to his feline friend Mia. He also has a puppy cousin June who was also rescued through MASR. We cannot imagine our lives without him and we hope more people can find the love and companionship that comes from a rescue dog.
The Freeman Family
When we met Alfie we immediately fell in love with his playful, loving, demeanor and his big ole derpy smile. He is a well-adjusted, easy-going pup, and Amy and Karen were great to work with. They took time to understand our family and what we were looking for, and we ended up with a fantastic new addition as a result.
The Bowles Family
MASR is an amazing rescue. I'm so proud to be a part of this organization as a volunteer who helps with microchip registration, transports, fundraising, and fostering. All of our efforts are put into what is best for the pups that need help. From the easiest to place to the most difficult. We have top notch leadership and volunteers who put their whole heart into saving these precious souls. I love fostering and seeing pups that are scared, confused and sometimes even shut down come out of their shell and learn to accept love and be a member of a family. It is the most rewarding feeling ever seeing them healthy and happy and thriving. And yes, it's heartbreaking too when they leave me as I come to love each one of them and they take a piece of my heart with them.
The Staves Family
I always wanted to have an Aussie by my side. When I adopted my dog Merlin from MASR, I met Amy. What I didn’t realize at the time was this; in her, not only did I have a friend and incredible support system, I also received the gift of my canine soul mate.
How to
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