NorCal Aussie Rescue | Message from Kim Archive

Multimedia
mix of slideshows and mini-movies

- VIDEO of 2009 reunion
- Agility class slideshow
- Playing at Reunion '08
- Kennels are installed
- Sanctuary aussies hiking
- Stars Dinner 2009 Photos
- Stars Dinner 2008 Photos
- Stars Dinner 2007 Photos

We filled every seat at our third Dinner Under the Stars. See photos ».

We took some Aussies to the top of Squaw Valley! We loaded our well behaved Aussies into the gondola and went up top for a glorious hike. See photos of the Squaw Valley Hike.

During the winter, the kids are happy taking hikes in the snow!

2009 Group Photo


Click on each side to see large version.

Photos from 2009 are up see photos...
You can order a FREE high rez portrait suitable for framing! And view the great VIDEO of 2009 reunion!

Links to Features

See Puppy Mill Update to learn about the bust that we initiated that shut it down after 30 years of illegal operation. We rehabilitated and rehomed 60 Aussies over 2 years. We have been fostering the last 5 for more than a year: Dutch, Noel, Lass, Tiffany and Bailey.

On Christmas eve, George Warren and his News 10 crew filmed our Sanctuary and all the dogs! See if you recognize our "stars"!
News story

2/28/11
Luke has a fabulous new home! Harley is adapting well to life without his brother and is proving himself to be a loving pup. They are both crate trained and received some leash training. It won't be long till Harley finds his perfect home too!

It takes me a long time to match each dog with the right family. After 7 weeks at the Sanctuary, Bella was adopted today by a family with 3 adoring children. She gently visited each child to say hello and gave kisses. I know she's going to be very happy with them.

Between adoptions, I'm busy at the Sanctuary. Kennels to clean, grounds to maintain, weeds to spray....list goes on and on. If you're able to give a few hours of your time to help, please let me know!

We would like to find foster or permanent homes for Maggie and Blue Belle who can live with a small dog or be only dogs.They are house broken, loving and would do best living as only dogs and in a home without cats.

Our really timid mini Aussies that we flew from Spokane (confiscated from a puppy mill) are doing better. Pendleton and Melina are now ready to be adopted, although still quite timid. If you'd like to help pay for their airfare from Spokane to Sacramento ($720) please donate with PayPal. We were their only hope.

So today is the first day of a 6 day rain storm, according to all weather reports! We'll be baking Cheesy Aussie Treats and other goodies for the Sanctuary kids and their 4 legged and 2 legged friends!

CHEESY AUSSIE TREATS:
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour; 1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup butter or margarine; 1 pinch salt; 1/4 cup Milk - or as needed.
Grate the cheese and cream with buttter. Mix in flour and salt. Add enough milk to forrm into ball. Chil for 1/2 hour, roll onto floured board. Cut into shapes and bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until slightly brown & firm.

Please take a few minutes per day to flag any "PUPPIES FOR SALE" on Craig's List. Also, write your newspaper, many have online forms, like the Sacramento Bee.

Ideas for your letter: Give the gift of life and adopt a shelter pet. Help stop illegal breeding and puppy mills by adopting your next pet.

Don't wait another day to purchase Double Tri Trouble wine, or our fabulous Aussie Pendant or any of our items that make great Holiday Gifts! The calendars and cards turned out great! Wine is shipped twice weekly, the pendants take Stacey at least 10 days to make, and Cafe Press who handles our shirts, caps and cards is getting very busy so don't delay! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Duff is playing and running around more each day it seems. He is a doll baby who would do best playing and walking off leash so he can rest when he wants to.

Dear Kim,
We adopted an Aussie named Rocky From Santa Maria Shelter last week. We first saw him on your website and were so excited because all the dogs we saw on your website were so far from our home. We live on the Central Coast in northern Santa Barbara county (Lompoc) and when we saw Rocky in Santa Maria we knew it was meant to be... we were looking for a black tri. My niece has an Aussie and told me about your website. He is such a great dog !!!!

Thanks,
Kathy

We would like to find foster or permanent homes for Maggie and Blue Belle who can live with a small dog or be only dogs. Both would do best without cats. Please contact me if you might be able to foster either.

Our really timid mini Aussies that we flew from Spokane (confiscated from a puppy mill) are doing better, but not ready for prime time. If you'd like to help pay for their airfare from Spokane to Sacramento ($720) please donate with PayPal. We were their only hope as they had been in the shelter for almost 2 months.

NorCal Aussie Rescue is featured in BARK Magazine. Thank you Marcia!
http://thebark.com/content/case-study-saving-aussies

BARK magazine

We're posting Aussies who land in shelters with hopes they'll be adopted! Go to Shelter Aussies to see the beauties who've lost their homes. Also look at Owner Listed Aussies...they are in trouble too. If you'd prefer a little dog, please look at Pocket Dogs

Special Needs Dogs are Just Special
If you think it's a disability, just check out the video of Bailey (now named Emma) running around with Ammo in her new home.

5/1/10
YAY! It's sunny, warm and the kids are splashing around in their wading pools! They still run around the Sanctuary, but look for shade to cool down - what a difference a day makes! It hailed here on April 29!

We're jammed at the Sanctuary. This year, there are even more Aussies in shelters and left behind in back yards. Almost daily, I speak with people who haven't allowed their Aussies into their house, so the dog is outside 24/7 and escapes once too often. I try to help them keep their Aussie by explaining their needs, but it falls on deaf ears. Bottom line is that they don't want a dog that follows them around inside and out. Wish people would research the breed BEFORE buying that adorable puppy.

NorCal Aussie Rescue is featured in the April/May issue of BARK magazine. The in depth article is all about BREED RESCUE GROUPS. We have our own story entitled Saving Aussies, written by Marcia Barkley from Fair Oaks. THANK YOU MARCIA!

Amber's 9 week old pups are doing well and 2 have gone home! Beyonce lives in Pleasant Hill and Pink lives in Davis. Sweet Amber has been spayed and may go home this weekend. What a nice two months this has been waking up to puppies every morning!

We're posting Aussies who land in shelters under Shelter Aussies with hopes that they will find wonderful homes right away. Please look!

We have some Aussies who would love to be "only" dogs, like Maggie. If you can foster her please let me know.

4/1/10
We've been celebrating April Fool's Day outside as this is the first sunny day in a long time!

We are featured in the April/May issue of BARK magazine. We're in a feature article entitled BREED RESCUE on page 66. Thanks to Marcia Barkley for writing this article which really show cases our Sanctuary. The article also features purebred dogs saved by other breed rescue groups. BARK editor Claudia Kawczynska pleads to her readers to rescue their next pet in just about every one of her "Editor's Letter"

Amber and her 4 week old pups are doing better now. The kids are on antibiotics because they caught kennel cough from Mama, and two have pneumonia.

The number of abandoned Aussies has increased. I cannot adopt them to good homes as fast as they are coming in. If you can foster, please let me know. If you can donate, we'd be very grateful. Sometimes we need to board dogs when we have no room at the Sanctuary.

3/4/10
March came in like a lion and let's hope it goes out like a lamb! Wind, rain, and snow have kept us cozy inside. On the days the sun pops out, we're outside till dark!

Amber and her pups are nestled in the house in their own bedroom. We have two girls, two boys and each is just gorgeous. They were born 2/28 and will be available end of April. Rozi, our last puppy found a great home with Jarnelle, who drove all the way from Sanger just to meet her...every picture tells a story, don't it? (Thank you Rod Stewart...)

1/15/10
I hope 2010 brings good health, happiness and adventure! Thanks to our supporters, we're starting our 4th year in Grass Valley and we've never been busier. We are able to take every purebred Aussie that needs help, and although we're sometimes packed in at the Sanctuary, we make it work.

Our success and growth are due to so many kind, caring people who support what we do. I've been busy learning our new database, facilitating adoptions, and running the Sanctuary. I am grateful to our volunteers to help in so many ways.

We had many visitors over the holidays! I love seeing our Aussies doing so well! I saw Juneau, Sally Jo, and Reese last week. They are thriving in their new homes.

Nick who I rescued on Christmas Eve, is doing just great, he's a 60 pound puppy who is having a blast and has no idea how big he is.

In other good news, Petland in Roseville closed their doors forever. Thank you to Nancy and all the volunteers who protested tirelessly in front of the shopping center and to News10, Sacramento.

Looking for something new to do in 2010? Join the Aussie Meet up group! See photos of our camping trip to Dillon Beach as well as their other outings! Lisa, who created the Australian Shepherd Meetup of Greater Sacramento hosts wonderful events, including kayaking, snow shoe adventures, hikes and much more!

11/24/09

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY! My sweet boy (photo to left) turns 12 years old today! B Man is my very first dog, and the reason I chose a life of rescue and bought the Sanctuary in Grass Valley.

I had so much fun with Buddy, taking him to work, learning obedience, herding and agility, walking on the American River, and taking him with me to Alpine Meadows. I soon became one of those "dog people." I bought a van because the hair and sand seized the electrical system in my BMW, made dog biscuits for all my friends' dogs and basically changed my priorities in life so I could do more "dog stuff."

I wouldn't have known the pleasures of doing things with a dog had I not decided to bring Buddy home . It changed my life and now I'm meeting other "dog people" who love Aussies and enjoy seeing one of our abandoned kids blossom right before their eyes. Thank you Buddy for steering me onto this path!

11/10/09
A huge THANK YOU to Kathy, Debbie, Mary and Kayce for staying at the Sanctuary so I could go on vacation for a week! Thank you also to Lisa for boarding 5 of our kids at Animal Den Pet Resort in Sacramento, too!

My week flew by! I spent most of my time on the beaches in Carmel and Santa Barbara. I spent hours watching the waves and enjoying the sunsets. Of course I ran into lots of Aussies on the beach - somehow they find me no matter where I am!

I ran into Buddy's littermate on Carmel Beach. (Buddy NCAR # 544) I was instantly drawn to this big red tri, and felt like I knew him. I guessed the breeder and when she told me his birthday, knew it was Buddy's brother!

If you haven't joined the Aussie Meet up group, at least look at the photos of our camping trip to Dillon Beach. Lisa, who created the Australian Shepherd Meetup of Greater Sacramento hosted a weekend camping party with Halloween costume contest, group dinners and breakfasts, and plenty of sand dune and beach hiking! I took Miles, Buddy, and Pete - what a great group!

10/26/09
Thank you to Lisa for putting on a great event at Dillon Beach. The Australian Shepherd Meetup of Greater Sacramento hosted a weekend camping party with Halloween costume contest, group dinners and breakfasts, pumpkin bowling tournament and plenty of sand dune and beach hiking!

I took Miles, Buddy, and Pete and Dollie and we all slept GREAT! What a great group! Photos will be posted on the Aussie Meetup Group's site soon.

The big news for me is that I'm taking my first vacation in 8 years. I'm going away for a week... no email, no phone! Our fabulous volunteers will stay at the Sanctuary and take care of the kids. We will also board dogs at two kennels because we have too many for the Sanctuary! If you can help with a donation to help us pay for boarding, we would be very grateful.

There will be no adoptions the first week of November and emails will be returned starting November 8.

We have many nice Aussies and some who have minor issues, and some who should be "only" dogs, like Maggie. We have placed seniors into loving homes and the payback is astonishing. We call these mature dogs, "plug and play" because they are so adaptable and bond quickly.

10/17/09
The first storm hit this week and we were prepared! All the kids followed me in and out of the barn where I stored our umbrellas and outdoor furniture for the winter. They seemed to be very entertained watching me go up and down the ladder to clean the gutters, too. All in a day at the Sanctuary.

I took a bunch of kids to Patterson (near Turlock) where Dixie found her home on a 100-acre working ranch. When I travel all day for an adoption, I try to make it a fun trip for as many of our fosters as possible. I took 9 kids to Patterson on Wednesday! They ran around like crazy, but were surprisingly respectful of all the horses - even Lady our busy Border Collie!

The big news for me is that I'm taking my first vacation in 8 years. I'm going away for a week... no email, no phone! Our fabulous volunteers will stay at the Sanctuary and take care of the kids. There will be no adoptions the first week of November and emails will be returned starting November 8.

9/29/09
We were asked to take 4 Aussies today. Two red tris we've named Bonnie and Clyde were trapped by a rancher and taken to the El Dorado County shelter. The male is neutered and very sweet, the female is coming around and is a bossy girl. We think someone dumped them on the rancher's property and drove off. No one came looking for them. Thank you Eldorado Pet Club for taking them in and cleaning them up for us!

Later today, a man called me to say his sister's 2 year old Aussie needs a new home because she had a baby and now has no time.
And lastly, a shelter in Summit County, Utah asked us if we would take a young Aussie who has been at the shelter for several weeks.

Truly, the stream of abandoned and unwanted Aussies is endless.

The Alaska Collection of photography donated by Kristi Ellis is beautiful and fascinating. Thank you to Kristi for donating her work which is available online. Your purchase is tax deductable. View available photos »

We filled every seat at our
third Dinner Under the Stars.
See photos ».

7/16/09
PLEASE LOOK AT THE SHELTER AUSSIES WHO NEED HOMES! WE ARE BEYOND FULL AND NEED YOUR HELP! I will personally drive the Aussie to your home if you wil foster.
SKEET, a senior red tri in Kings /county needs a foster home or permanent home.

7/1/09
Shelters are most crowded this time of year. Dogs bolt in fear of the noise. In most urban areas, fireworks were purchased as early as June 28 and will be set off long after JULY 4. Please know that shelters are full and cannot keep dogs more than a few days. Keep your dog inside and safe during this holiday!

6/8/09
We're busy, busy, busy!
We will have a booth at the Horse Expo at Cal Expo on June 12, 13 and 14. Come visit us and some of our rescued Aussies! For sure, we will be the only booth with dogs... should be fun!

On June 20, we have our annual reunion at Pt. Isabel. No words can describe what goes on during those 4 hours! It's a dog party! Join us!

Then on June 27, Bob runs 100 miles for Aussies! The finish line is in Auburn and we'll be there! If you haven't made a pledge yet, there is still time!

We've never been busier, and honestly, I don't know how we keep up with all the Aussies in shelters. Thank goodness adopters are seeking out our Aussies! Thank you!

6/7: Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting the stray hold in our shelters from 6 days to 3 days.
Holding onto animals costs more money than putting them down. As it is, several shelters in CA can't hold animals more than 3 days because too many are coming in. About 60% of dogs & 80% of cats die in shelters.

What can you do to keep your pet safe? Microchips are the best way for shelter workers and vet offices to reach owners. Your pet should wear at all times collars in good condition, with new rings and readable tags with cell phone number and address. Make it easy for someone who finds your pet to reach you! Lock gates or keep your pet inside when you're not there.

HOW TO HELP: Ask the Governor to help shelter animals and not cut their hold time!

Our Fabulous Volunteers!!
Thank you to our volunteers, like Alan, Jane, Kathy, Debbie, Jean & Bob, and Lisa who are fostering and transporting Aussies non stop! Also a big thank you to Mary, Paul and John who help me at the Sanctuary on a weekly basis. They've spent countless hours grooming our Aussies, playing with them and picking up after them. We couldn't do this without you!

Featured Aussies!
The stream of Aussies is relentless. handsome Spencer picked up on the road in Livermore and waited in the shelter for 3 weeks for someone to claim him. Curtsy, a tiny senior, wandering the streets of Antioch for a long, long time.

Special Needs Dogs are Just Special
If you think it's a disability, just check out the video of Bailey (now named Emma) running around with Ammo in her new home. We have a 2 year old girl named Ursa who has some vision impairment and hears well. She's a love, and very easy to have around. She just can't live with cats!

The kids are deleriously happy chasing butterflies by day, moths by night, swimming in their wading pools and taking a summer break from hikes in the snow!

5/26/09
May brought heavy rains and more Aussies than ever to us and to shelters. The Yolo County shelter asked me to take a blue merle boy a woman in Woodland found on 4/30. The Yolo County shelter is so full that they want us to take him rather than take him in. View his before photo here. We got him neutered, utd on shots and named him Midas. He's adopted now and living in Sacramento...just look at his after photos!

This is truly a crisis for us and for shelters throughout California. The number of calls we receive is astounding. We need qualified foster homes and continued support if we are to continue to help every abandoned Aussie in Northern California.

Thank you to our volunteers, like Alan, Jane, Kathy, Debbie, Jean & Bob, and Lisa who are fostering and transporting Aussies non stop! We couldn't do this without you!

The stream of Aussies is relentless. handsome Spencer picked up on the road in Livermore and waited in the shelter for 3 weeks for someone to claim him. Curtsy, a tiny senior, wandering the streets of Antioch for a long, long time.

I'm very proud of our organization and am eternally grateful to our supporters who make it possible for us to take in these fabulous Aussies, no matter their age or ailment, and get them well and into loving homes. Thank you for your continued support!

We have 2 Aussies that are deaf and/or vision impaired. If you think it's a disability, just check out the video of Bailey (now named Emma) running around with Ammo in her new home.

We have Moto, 5 months old, a total love muffin with little vision and good hearing. We have a 2 year old girl named Ursa who has some vision impairment and hears well.

The kids are deleriously happy chasing butterflies by day, moths by night and playing with their Easter toys from Meri in Oregon, swimming in their wading pools and taking a summer break from hikes in the snow!

5/18/09
May has brought heavy rains and more Aussies than ever in shelters and abandoned in the country and in city streets. The Yolo County shelter asked me to take a blue merle boy a woman in Woodland found on 4/30. The Yolo County shelter is so full that they want us to take him rather than take him in. View his before photo here. We got him neutered, utd on shots and named him Midas. Lisa is taking great care of him and just look at his after photos!

We just took in BB, a deaf and blind small Aussie with his tail. He was surrendered to the Sac SPCA because his family lost their home. He's 2 and knows nothing, but he's sweet, but unsure of so many dogs at the Sanctuary. He needs a foster home where there aren't so many dogs to startle him...if a couple of dogs initiate play, he gets defensive and grumpy. He'd make someone a wonderful companion...he's really, really easy to have around. We need a foster home for him.

This is truly a crisis for us as I am finding it very hard to tend to so many dogs at the Sanctuary...we need qualified foster homes.

Thank you to our volunteers, like Alan, Jane, Kathy, Debbie, Jean and Bob, and Lisa who are fostering and transporting all the time! We couldn't do this without you!

We're helping every Aussie who needs us, and are now getting calls from Oregon and Idaho. Iit's tough, as everyone is inundated with stray and abandoned dogs.

The stream of Aussies is relentless. handsome Spencer picked up on the road in Livermore and waited in the shelter for 3 weeks for someone to claim him. Curtsy, a tiny senior, wandering the streets of Antioch for a long, long time.

I'm very proud of our organization and am eternally grateful to our supporters who make it possible for us to take in these fabulous Aussies, no matter their age or ailment, and get them well and into loving homes. Thank you for your continued support!

We have 4 Aussies that are deaf and/or vision impaired. If you think it's a disability, just check out the video of Bailey (now named Emma) running around with Ammo in her new home.

We have Moto, 5 months old, a total love muffin with little vision and good hearing. We have a 2 year old girl named Ursa who has some vision impairment and hears well. And darling Casper, an energetic 2 year old who is deaf. He was raised with hand signals, with small children & cats, loves a tennis ball, and is a good boy. And now BB, who is both deaf and blind and just wants to be hugged.

The kids are deleriously happy chasing butterflies, playing with their new Easter toys from Meri in Oregon, digging for gophers, and going for hikes in the snow!

We are sad to inform you that we lost Big Blue today, 5/18/09. He died peacefully at the Sanctuary where he was loved and safe. He was being watched closely by Kim and his vet, as he had recently been failing. We were glad we could be there for him during his last few months.

4/7/09

Congratulations to CJ and Django! CJ and Rick adopted Django, a Border Collie from us 4 years ago. I wasn't sure if he was an Aussie with a tail or a BC when I rescued him from the "sick & injured ward" at the Sac County shelter...he was so sick, he could barely stand up.

That was then, and this is now! Django earned his Canine Good Citizen Certificate and now excels at Agility! Here's what CJ wrote today:

Django earned two blue ribbons in his second ever agility trial this weekend. (In regular and tunnelers--zoom, zoom). He has come sooo far since last year when we entered our first competition, not just in his agility ability, but in his general socialization and settling down around all the chaos and confusion at a trial. He just keeps getting better!!! We came home and raised a glass of Puppy Love to the boy!

The stream of Aussies is relentless. Young Bowie, found dodging cars in Fresno, handsome Spencer picked up on the road in Livermore and waited in the shelter for 3 weeks for someone to claim him. Curtsy, a tiny senior, wandering the streets of Antioch for a long, long time.

I'm very proud of our organization and am eternally grateful to our supporters who make it possible for us to take in these fabulous Aussies, no matter their age or ailment, and get them well and into loving homes. Thank you for your continued support!

We have 3 Aussies that are deaf and/or vision impaired. If you think it's a disability, just check out the video of Bailey (now named Emma) running around with Ammo in her new home.

4/5/09

April showers bring Mayflowers ~ and what do Mayflowers bring? Answer at end of my message.

We're still helping every Aussie who needs us, and are now getting calls from Oregon and Idaho. I network as much as I can to get those out of state Aussies into local foster programs, but it's tough, as everyone is inundated with stray and abandoned dogs.

We are grateful to our volunteers who wored at the Sanctuary this week. A big THANK YOU to Kathy from Fair Oaks, Debby from Rocklin, Chris from Danville, Andre from Sacramento and Mario from West Sacramento!

3/29/09
Sunday, April 5 FORDOG will host a fundraiser for us at Phoenix Park in Fair Oaks.

March Madness is upon us! We have our own version at the Sanctuary! Digging for gophers, playing in mud puddles, catching moths and OUCH! Yellow Jackets, and going for hikes in the snow!

3/21/09
March Madness is upon us! We have our own version at the Sanctuary! Digging for gophers, playing in mud puddles, catching moths and OUCH! Yellow Jackets, and going for hikes in the snow!!

We really blow out our jets when we hike...and we all love it. The Aussies love it because it's an adventure and they run to exhaustion (except for Luigi). They start howling and barking with excitement as soon as they see the snow. I love it because it rejuvinates me. The kids are really quiet in the van all the way home, and I'm happy and ready for whatever comes our way the next day.

The stream of Aussies is relentless. Young Aiden abandoned in the country near Corning. Handsome, neutered Spencer picked up on the road in Livermore and waited in the county shelter for 3 weeks for someone to claim him. Curtsy, a tiny senior, wandering the streets of Antioch. And Bear, whose owner brought him to the Solano Shelter where he narrowly missed a tragic fate.

I am eager to help each Aussie, no matter what his or her age. I'm very proud of our organization and am eternally grateful to our supporters who make it possible for us to take in these fabulous Aussies, get them well and into loving homes. Thank you for your continued support!

We have 3 Aussies that are deaf and/or vision impaired.We have Moto, 5 months old, a total love muffin with some vision and some hearing. We have a 2 year old girl named Ursa who has some vision impairment and hears OK. She's a fun girl who is happy being near someone. And we have Casper, an energetic 2 year old who is deaf. He was raised with hand signals, with small children, loves a tennis ball, and is a very good boy.

BIG BLUE PLEDGE DRIVE!
We rescued Big Blue from the Placer County Shelter in Auburn... his story is similar to Big Red's... overweight, heartworm positive and in need of teeth repair. His story was featured in the Auburn Journal on 2/20 so now he's almost as famous as Big Red! Here's the second article.

Please help us pay his vet bills. Your pledge "per pound" or gift of any amount is greatly appreciated! Donate with Paypal.

3/15/09
March is half over and the downpour of Aussies isn't letting up! I'm happy to report that we're saying yes to every Aussie that needs our help. But aren't we full? YES, TOTALLY! That's why we need foster homes!

It's relentless. Young Aden abandoned in the country near Corning. Handsome, neutered Spencer picked up on the road in Livermore and waited in the county shelter for 3 weeks for someone to claim him. Curtsy, wandering the streets of Antioch.

I am eager to help each Aussie, no matter what his or her age. I am so proud of our organization and am eternally grateful to our supporters who make it possible for us to take in these fabulous Aussies, get them well and into loving homes. Thank you for your continued support!

We have 3 Aussies that are deaf and/or vision impaired.We have Moto, 5 months old, a total love muffin with some vision and some hearing. We have a 2 year old girl named Ursa who has some vision impairment and hears OK. She's a fun girl who is happy being near someone. And we have Casper, an energetic 2 year old who is deaf. He was raised with hand signals, with small children, loves a tennis ball, and is a very good boy.

BIG BLUE PLEDGE DRIVE!
We rescued Big Blue from the Placer County Shelter in Auburn... his story is similar to Big Red's... overweight, heartworm positive and in need of teeth repair. His story was featured in the Auburn Journal on 2/20 so now he's almost as famous as Big Red! Here's the second article.

Please help us pay his vet bills. Your pledge "per pound" or gift of any amount is greatly appreciated! Donate with Paypal.

2/22/09
BIG BLUE PLEDGE DRIVE!
We rescued Big Blue from the Placer County Shelter in Auburn... his story is similar to Big Red's... overweight, heartworm positive and in need of teeth repair.

We are asking for help towards his vet bills which are already $400, and will end up at more than $1,000 for his heartworm tests, X Rays, treatment, and dental care. Your pledge "per pound" or gift of any amount is greatly appreciated! Donate with Paypal.

2/11/09
GO STUMP!! Ten years old and he wins BEST IN SHOW! Let's hear it for senior dogs!! YAHOO!

In honor of Stump, please look at our senior dogs: Tina, Noni, and Tanner....they have so much to give!

1/28/08
Today's my birthday! I played with the puppies, had breakfast on the deck over looking our gorgeous valley with the Sierras in the background, and stayed in my PJs till noon! Life is good!

Thank you to everyone for helping me and our Aussies over the past several weeks while my mom was in the hospital. I am so grateful for the help, support and visits! My mom came home on 1/25 and is working hard to gain the use of her left side after suffering a stroke in early December. Her attitude is marvelous and isn't that everything?

Serena's puppies can go home on January 23. If you're interested in these sweet, Aussie mix pups, please submit an application by clicking on ADOPT on our homepage. Only 4 left!
Also Andy, a fun and frisky BC/Aussie pup is ready for his new home!

Your response to our Holiday Newsletter was overwhelming...I cannot thank you enough. We received 160 gifts. Because my mom was in the hospital, I'm terribly behind on my correspondence and hope you will forgive me. Thank you letters are forthcoming!

Your kindness and generosity allows us to continue finding loving homes for these amazing Aussies, whether they are seniors, young and wild, or simply timid it's because of you that they get a chance at a fabulous life. Thank You!

If you haven't visited us at the Sanctuary, I invite you to make a trip in 2009!
I look forward to the joys and surprises that lie ahead!

12/31/08
This is the perfect day to make a year-end, tax deductible gift! We're still in the red, and would love to start 2009 in the pink!

We've adopted 118 dogs to families this year and helped save the lives of many shelter dogs by posting them on our site and getting them adopted straight from the shelter.

Trekker, formerly Bubba from the El Dorado County puppy mill is having a trophy room built as he's winning so many ribbons and trophies in Obedience and Rally! He'll soon have his own Feature Page on our site, too.

I am entertained every day at the antics of these kids! Today, Elsa lept over 2 dogs' backs to take a straight run at me at the gate. The two dogs never stopped their game of tug of war...it didn't phase them one bit.

They've also found yummy red berries on a bush. Gracie started eating them, and now 6 have learned from watching her and pluck the berries off the bush.

Red (adopted October) is down to 61 pounds, and I get photos almost daily of him playing with a new toy, or sleeping in his new, red sleeping bag.

Avi and Lucy (adopted July) have both passed their CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification, and Lucy is doing agility while Avi will become a therapy dog. Avi was featured in Sonoma Pets (read Avi's story).

Wesley and Sunny (adopted May, 07) in Seaside are all dressed up for their holiday card and I'm lucky enough to go hiking with them often when they come to Donner Lake.

If you haven't visited us at the Sanctuary, I invite you to make a trip in 2009! I look forward to the joys and surprises that lie ahead! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12/24/08
It's Christmas Eve, the kids are snuggled in their beds and I'm watching It's A Wonderful Life. Maybe we'll wake up to snow tomorrow morning!

The outpouring of cards, photos and support from all of you is overwhelming. You opened your hearts and responded so generously to our newsletter I'm touched beyond words. We received many donations of beds, comforters, toys and leashes and so much morethank you to the Aussie Meet Up folks and everyone who donated items that we so desperately need at the Sanctuary.

Christmas Cards!
I've received over 100 holiday cardsone more amazing than the next! Most have a photo of their dog on the cover sometimes people, too!
Red (adopted October) is down to 61 pounds, and I get photos almost daily of him playing with a new toy, or sleeping in his new, red sleeping bag.
Avi and Lucy (adopted July) have both passed their CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification, and Lucy is doing agility while Avi will become a therapy dog. Avi was featured in Sonoma Pets (read Avi's story).
Wesley and Sunny (adopted May, 07) in Seaside are all dressed up for their holiday card and I'm lucky enough to go hiking with them often when they come to Donner Lake.
The funniest card came from Gen, Paul and Cosmo (adopted 2005) in Oakland. Each year, they create a custom card. Two years ago it featured Cosmo as Dogzilla, last year he was a Secret Agent in a 007 movie, and this year, he was Dr. Evil as well as Mini Me in a take off on Austin Powers.

There are too many great cards and letters to write aboutbut suffice to say, our dogs get the best homes ever! And I never get tired of hearing from the people who adopted them.

Just like George Bailey who was helped by everyone in his town, we received help from our community. Your kindness and generosity allows us to continue finding loving homes for these amazing Aussies, whether they are seniors, young and wild, or simply timid it's because of you that they too get a chance at a Wonderful Life.

12/13/08
5 Year Anniversary
December 5^th marked NorCal Aussie Rescue's 5^th Anniversary!
I went into the Secretary of State's office with my application for a 501 c 3....I was so excited! I came out with an APPROVED seal on my application, and promptly celebrated by taking the dogs for a swim on the American River.

Five years ago, I hand addressed our Holiday Cards which took me 3-4 nights sitting at the table...hoping rescue dogs wouldn't chew any of the cards or eat the stamps. Our mailing list was under 200 names then.

Thanks to your support, we've grown to a successful organization with almost 800 supporters, 50 volunteers, and a Sanctuary in Grass Valley. I am and will forever be, grateful for the kindness and generosity of so many.

We've accomplished a lot in the past 2 years in Grass Valley...but we spent a bit more than we brought in. We're $21,000 in the hole. Huge medical expenses, sky high fuel prices and finishing the kennel and play yard all contributed to our financial situation. We ask you to please help us get out of debt by giving a gift of any size. Donate securely with PayPal. Thank you.

Check out a holiday Dinner at Sue's.
Send us what you are doing with your aussies!

12/1/08
Puppy Love Wine is here for the Holidays!
Our Zinfandel and Chardonnay is exceptional! It's made by award winning Nevada City Winery.

Our private label features Dash, one of Misty's pups who was raised at the Sanctuary. Our wine can be shipped to many states besides CA, so click on Puppy Love Wine to order yours before it's gone!

November 18 marked our 2nd anniverary in Grass Valley. Two years ago, my neices and I and the moving vans arrived at our new home in Grass Valley. We brought 14 dogs, including 8 from the puppy mill: Noel and Bubba and their 4 day old pups, Ricky, Lucy, Dutch, Layla, Sydney, and Bailey all began their new lives at the Sanctuary.

I need only to look at our Gallery photos since November 2006 to realize how much we've accomplished. So many happy people with their devoted Aussies! The Sanctuary is a dream come true.

We do still need our terrific foster homes. We are grateful to the people who open their homes to our Aussies.

Harley and Kody, two 6 year old brothers grew up together and were not socialized with other dogs. They are dog reactive...but very sweet with people. Kody may have found his forever home, and Harley is being fostered with Sherry in San Carlos where he's living nicely with Callie, his Aussie sister from the Eldorado puppy mill. They are both adapting well to the sudden change in their lives.

We're $21,000 in the hole. Huge medical expenses, sky high fuel prices and finishing the kennel and play yard before the rains set in all contributed to our financial situation. We ask you to please help us get out of debt by giving a gift of any size. Donate securely with PayPal. Thank you.

11/24/08
MY BUDDY BOY TURNS 11 TODAY!
Buddy's 11th Birthday!

Buddy's the blue merle I'm holding in this photo. He hasn't mellowed a bit, and is as spunky, bossy, loving, and competetive as ever. Buddy's the "bark" you hear on my outgoing message, the fur ball at my feet, the first one out the door, and the last one into the van after our hikes. I adore him and am eternally grateful for his putting up with so many foster dogs. Happy Birthday B Man!

I need only to look at our Gallery photos since November 2006 to realize how much we've accomplished. So many happy people with their devoted Aussies! The Sanctuary is a dream come true.

Agility Calendar call for photos.

We'd like to make an agility calendar of any of our dogs that participate in agility. If you'd like to donate one of your photos to be in the calendar, please email us a HIGH RESOLUTION* photo, horizontals only. We'll use as many as we can and need at least 12 photos to produce the calendar.
*approx 3500 by 2330 megapixels or 2300 by 1800 at 200dpi

I need only to look at our Gallery photos since November, 2006 to realize how much we've accomplished. So many happy people with their devoted Aussies! And having our kennels and play yards completed makes caring for these kids easier. The Sanctuary is indeed a dream come true.

We do, however need our terrific foster homes. There are dogs that would do better in a home environment, and we are grateful to the people who open their homes to our Aussies.

Harley and Kody, two 6 year old brothers grew up together and were not socialized with other dogs. They are dog reactive. Kody is at the Sanctuary and we'd really like to find him a home where he can hand with his people. Harley is being fostered with Sherry in San Carlos where he's living nicely with Callie, his Aussie sister from the Eldorado puppy mill..

We're still in the hole. Huge medical expenses, sky high fuel prices and finishing the play yard before the rains set in all contributed to our financial situation. We ask you to please help us get out of debt by giving a gift of any size. Donate securely with PayPal. Thank you.

10/28/08
Thank you to our new foster homes! And thank you to our current foster parents like Carol & Dave in Walnut Creek who are fostering their 5th foster dog for us!

Harley and Kody, two 6 year old brothers need new foster homes. They are very dog reactive, and need experienced handlers.

Shelters in California have 30% more dogs than usual. Every rescue group and shelter is feeling the strain.

We're already $15,000 in the hole this year. Huge medical expenses, sky high fuel prices and finishing the play yard before the rains set in all contributed to our financial situation. We ask you to please help us get out of debt by giving a gift of any size. Donate securely with PayPal. Thank you.

Aussie Meet Up

To Lisa and the Aussie Meet Up Group!

Thank you for all the wonderful gifts the kids had a blast at Granite Park today and slept all the way home, that is, except for Luigi. I threw the toys for an hour after we got homeit felt like Christmas! I cant thank you enough for your kindness hope to see you soon!

If you havent joined the Aussie Meet Up Group, heres how you can learn about it and join!

Some of our medical expenses:

Sammy's vet bill to pull broken teeth was $350

Cheyenne's heartworm treatment was $460, then 5 days later she suffered an intestinal infection or virus that put her in the hospital for 3 days and cost $1,200. We also paid for all her shots and spay for a grand total vet bill of $2,000 for Cheyenne!

Tina's lab work and medication cost $700.

McKenzie's 2 sets of X Rays and visit to the orthopedic totalled $340.

10/10/08
We are operating in crisis mode. Aussies are everywhere, including in shelters and wandering aimlessly in neighborhoods.

Harley and Kody, two 6 year old brothers are being fostered temporarily, but need new foster homes by October 25.

We are boarding Aussies at the Animal Den in Sacramento (Thank you Lisa!) because there's no room at the Sanctuary. Every rescue group and shelter is jammed full. Please consider opening your heart and home to an Aussie or two...it's fun and very rewarding.

Adoptions are down and we're spending more than we're bringing in. We've drained our medical and operating funds, and are operating on fumes. Vet expenses have been through the roof for the past two months. We make sure every dog that comes into our program is healthy before going to their adoptive home.

Please help with us if you can. Donate securely with PayPal. Thank you.

Some of our recent expenses:

Sammy's vet bill to pull broken teeth was $350

Tina's lab work and medication cost $700.

McKenzie's 2 sets of X Rays and visit to the orthopedic totalled $340.

"HAPPY DAWG" Cards for Sale

We met Natalia, George and their Aussie Bucky during our Agility classes. Natalia painted this fun portrait of Bucky and donated this Giclee print to us! Its called "HAPPY DAWG" and stock is limited.

We offer cards with envelopes as well as 5 X 7 prints suitable for framing. The cards are for sale for $25 for a five card pack delivered post paid. The 5 X 7 prints are for sale for $25 each, also delivered post paid. These make fabulous Holiday gifts! Contact Kim.

9/24/08
This is the worst it's been since I started rescuing Aussies in 2000. The shelters are bulging with them, and owners are pleading with me to take theirs since they are giving up their homes. We're boarding 4 at Animal Den in Sacramento (Thank you Lisa!!!) because there's no room at the Sanctuary. If you can foster, please email or call me.

Additionally, we've drained our medical and operating fund. Vet expenses have been through the roof for the past two months. As you probably know, we make sure every dog that comes into our program is healthy before going to their adoptive home. Sammy's vet bill to pull broken teeth was $350, Cheyenne's heartworm treatment was $460, then 5 days later she suffered an intestinal infection or virus that put her in the hospital for 3 days and cost $1,200. We also paid for all her shots and spay for a grand total vet bill of $2,000 for Cheyenne! Tina's lab work and medication cost $700. McKenzie's 2 sets of X Rays and visit to the orthopedic totalled $340. Please help with us if you can. Donate securely with PayPal. Thank you.

9/15/08
We had clear skies, a full moon and hours of fun at Dinner Under the Stars! Thank you to everyone who came to this "star - studded" event! Barb & Andy came all the way from Santa Cruz, and made a weekend of it. Lucky me! I got to babysit their little Kylie, formerly "Candy Kisses" from Mia's litter.

I had a terrific time and it seems everyone else did too! Our volunteers were terrific and served wine, appetizers and a 4 course dinner with panache! Stay tuned for photos!

Aussies are being surrendered EVERYWHERE! We've pulled 2 purebred Aussies from the Sacramento City shelter and 2 purebred Aussies from the Yuba County shelter. Pirate and Spotty are posted under Shelter Aussies, and we'll post photos of Maverick and Bella from the Sacramento shelter soon. Please adopt from a shelter or contact me to learn about fostering.

Our Sanctuary and Medical Funds are low. Sammy's vet bill to pull broken teeth was $350, Cheyenne's heartworm treatment was $460, then 5 days later she suffered an intestinal infection or virus that put her in the hospital for 3 days and cost $1,200. We also paid for all her shots and spay for a grand total vet bill of $2,000 for Cheyenne! Tina's lab work and medication cost $700.These were BIG HITS for us!

We've completed the play yard. Materials and labor cost $3,400 which drained our Sanctuary Fund. Thank you to Carol who gave us $1,500 towards the play yard! We are struggling financially, and over run with shelter Aussies. Please help us by fostering or donating - your help is greatly appreciated! Donate securely with PayPal.

9/1/08
Autumn is my favorite time of year...even though I love snow, the fall weather is hard to beat! The only down side is that our favorite swimming holes have dried up. So we're hiking at higher elevations in search of swimming! Thanks to CJ and Tootie, we found a little spot in Truckee and I took Red along for the first time....he did great! I guess anyone would feel terrific after shedding 35 lbs!

Speaking of shedding pounds, please fulfill your pledges for Red's weight loss! He'll start heartworm treatment in a couple weeks and says, "THANK YOU" to all his fans for their support!

We are in the "red" as our Sanctuary Fund & our Medical Fund are depleted. Sammy's vet bill to pull broken teeth was $350, Cheyenne's heartworm treatment was $460, then 5 days later she suffered an intestinal infection or virus that put her in the hospital for 3 days and cost $1,200. We also paid for all her shots and spay for a grand total vet bill of $2,000 for Cheyenne! Tina's lab work and medication cost $700.These are BIG HITS for us and wiped us out!

And, we've completed the play yard. Materials and labor cost $3,400 which drained our Sanctuary Fund. Thank you to Carol who gave us $1,500 towards the play yard! We are struggling financially ~ please help us if you can. THANK YOU! Donate securely with PayPal.

We invite you to help us spruce up the Sanctuary! Dates: 9/6, 9/7 and Friday, 9/12. Contact Kim for details.

8/24/08
August has been a particularly hard month. People are on vacation and aren't looking to adopt. AND many people go on vacation and abandon their dogs either on the streets or in shelters. So....we are full to the rafters.

To add to our burden, we are in the "red" as our Sanctuary Fund & our Medical Fund are depleted. Sammy's vet bill to pull broken teeth was $350, Cheyenne's heartworm treatment was $460, then 5 days later she suffered an intestinal infection that put her in the hospital for 3 days and cost $1,200 for a total of $1,660, and that's not including her spay & shots. Tina's lab work and medication cost $700. BIG HIT for us!

And, we've almost completed the play yard. Materials and labor cost $3,400 which drained our Sanctuary Fund. We are struggling financially, so please help us if you can. THANK YOU! Donate securely with PayPal.

Our medical fund is depleted. Sammy's vet bill to pull broken teeth was over $300, Cheyenne's heartworm treatment was $460, then 5 days later she suffered an intestinal infection that put her in the hospital for 3 days and cost $1,200, and Tina's lab work and medication cost $600. BIG HIT for us especially because these came at the same time we're paying for the finishing touches on our play yard. Your help is GREATLY appreciated. Donate securely with PayPal.

Congratulations to our AGILITY graduates!
Everyone worked hard and had fun while trying to keep up with their dogs! A big THANK YOU to Terri who kept everyone happy and busy for 6 weeks, even through smoke & heat!

Dinner under the Stars is 3 1/2 weeks away and we have only 24 tickets left. Please consider being a sponsor or purchasing a ticket to this elegant and fun dinner party at the Sanctuary on September 13! The funds raised will help us finish the play yard and pay off vet bills.

We invite you to help us spruce up the Sanctuary! Labor Day Weekend and 9/6 & 9/7. Contact me for details.

7/22/08
A year ago we poured the foundation for our kennels! And now the building is almost finished! We're waiting for a bid to find out how much it will cost to make the play yard fencing "bullet-proof" so the dogs can safely play in it without supervision. I am overwhelmed by the support we've received to make this all possible.

Dinner under the Stars is less than 2 months away and we have only 30 tickets left. Please consider being a sponsor or purchasing a ticket to this elegant yet fun dinner party at the Sanctuary on September 13!

The smoke is almost gone and we're grateful to Doug, Kristi and Jan who offered us a place to go in the event of an evacuation! Paws crossed there aren't any more fires.

7/9/08
Can I complain about the smoke?
It's scary to be in week 3 of smoke filled skies and very hot temperatures. Fires have burned all around us and sometimes I can't see our property line. Hopefully, we won't have to evacuate, but if we do, who wants 26 four-legged houseguests?

6/27/08
JULY 4 isn't here yet, but the fireworks are.
When I lived in Sacramento, neighborhood fireworks started July 1 and lasted till July 6...keep your dog safe the entire week! The ASPCA reports that shelters throughout the US are most crowded during this holiday.

Tips for keeping your dog safe:
~Don't take your dog to fireworks displays or parties where there will be fireworks.
~Keep your dog inside and in a quiet place.
~Don't leave your dog in the yard.
~Put the TV or stereo on loud to drown out the firecracker noise
~Give your dog a kong toy stuffed with peanut butter
~If you know your dog freaks this time of year, talk to your vet now about using a mild sedative.

Please spread the word and help all dogs stay safe.

We began our Agility classes 6/24 and all the 4-legged students went through the tunnel, over jumps, and began weave poles by the end of class. MacKenzie and Petie are being handled by volunteers, and the other participants have brought their own dogs to teach. Classes run 6 consecutive Tuesdays. See Updated Slides!

The Pt. Isabel Reunion!
Thank you to everyone who came on a record breaking hot day in Richmond! It was so hot that most of the dogs spent the afternoon swimming in the Bay!
Aussies Playing Reunion 2008 Slideshow
The reunion is a time for me to catch up with people whom I've not seen for a long time. I enjoy hearing about these kids who've come through our doors and into wonderful homes. I'm happy that I've met so many terrific people through rescuing these amazing dogs... including pocket dogs like Pippin (formerly Tyra from the Delano shelter) who is in training to be a therapy dog!
Please look at all the great photos!

Big Red now has a pledge drive!
His story is tragic...we're happy to help him begin a new life.

Big Red was found listless on the side of the road in Auburn. Fleas and maggots were embedded in his skin and in his ears. A woman brought him to the Placer County Shelter where he weighed in at 124 lbs. He tested positive for heartworm and will be treated in July. We would be grateful for any help towards his medical bills. You can donate securely using Paypal on our site, or by mailing a check to NCAR, 10556 Combie Road, PMB 6200, Auburn, CA 95602, or join our pledge drive.

Care to make a pledge for every pound Big Red loses? After we drop 20 pounds, I'll change his name to Red!

We need foster homes....people who know Aussies and don't have small children please.
It's staggering how many purebred Aussies are unclaimed in shelters or surrendered by their owner. We try hard to take them all, but the reality is we can't. We're asking people with no small children to adopt an Aussie from a shelter or foster for us.

Some of our Aussies are hard to place....whether they're head strong, are seniors or are ultra shy like Tiffany and Dutch from the puppy mill in El Dorado County.

People losing their homes are abandoning their pets in astounding numbers. Read this article about abandoned animals in Chicago.

If you have thought about fostering an Aussie, please help now! Call me at 530-268-1600 or fill out a Foster Home application by clicking on Volunteer from our home page.

We have only 2 of the 3 ancient red Aussies that came in as strays at the Sacramento County Shelter. One has already found her forever home. Papi and Noni are brother and sister and at least 12, maybe older. see video

Go to Shelter Aussies to see the beauties who've lost their homes. Also look at Owner Listed Aussies...they are in trouble too. If you'd prefer a "go anywhere, little dog", please look at Pocket Dogs - little Lana is a kick!

Our kennels are installed and being used! This has been a 15 month project, but we're not yet finished. Your help has made this possible... THANK YOU! See the pics and videos! Read more »

On Christmas eve, George Warren and his News 10 crew filmed our Sanctuary and all the dogs! See if you recognize our "stars"!
News story