Hank

Thank you very much for your interest in our rescue dogs.  We think they are very special and that you will, too.

 Please be aware that no adopted dog shall be maintained outside as a yard dog, no chained, nor left in a  yard with no fencing (that includes invisible fencing) unsupervised.  The primary and ONLY function of the adopted dog is to be that of a companion.  Also, ACDRA does NOT adopt dogs out of our region.  We have club members from North Carolina to Maine and will adopt in this area.  The reason is we need to make sure we have a club member available to act as a support for the new family and adopted dog, and to be close by should we need to retrieve the dog for any reason.  If you are still interested in a rescue dog, please read on, and if you have not done so already, please e-mail info@acdrescueassociation.com with a description of your family, how you heard about rescue, and why you are interested in an ACD.

Because many people are not familiar with "rescue", we would like to explain briefly what we do.  Basically we find homes for ACDs whose previous homes disappeared.  This happens for a wide variety of reasons: the dog is picked up stray, taken to a shelter and not redeemed, a family is unwilling to take the dog when they move, people have a baby and decide that they no longer want a dog, and the most frequent problem is someone chooses a breed of dog which is not suitable either to his/her own temperament or lifestyle.  If you are a dog person, you can't believe the reasons that people give up a dog - but it happens all the time.  Almost always, it is absolutely no reflection on the dogs and how super they are.  They just get lost in the shuffle. 

Most of our dogs are beyond the puppy stage.  We are amazed by the number of people who think they want a puppy.  Having lived with these older dogs, we appreciate the many benefits of a mature dog.  Most are already housebroken, leash trained, and have manners.  Puppies were made cute for a reason - to make you forget the shoes they ate, the plants they demolished, the messes they made, and all the times they drove you crazy... 

Before placement, all our dogs have been spayed/neutered, received appropriate vaccinations (DHLPP-C, Bordetella, etc), a rabies vaccination if over 4 months of age, and a fecal to detect and treat any internal parasites.  All dogs are bathed and tick dipped before going to a new home.  ACDRA's adoption donation starts at $200.  This may be flexible depending on age of the dog, veterinary expenses incurred, and dogs with special needs which are evaluated on a case by case basis.

Perhaps most importantly: All foster dogs have lived with one of us for at least a week.  This lets us learn the temperament, likes and dislikes, and training level of the dog.  This is critical in placing the dogs in a home.  Placement mistakes where a dog needs to be returned are rare because of this procedure.  It isn't fair to the dog or the new owner when a dog goes out and then is returned because it is not compatible with the lifestyle.  Revolving door dogs that have to be replaced several times can become unplaceable. 

We are dedicated to helping "our breed" so please be honest in your answers to our questions and keep an open mind.  We realize that ACDs are not the breed for everyone. 

Now that you have an idea of who and what we are and if you have never owned an ACD before, please pay special attention to the following. 

ACDs are a herding breed.  They were bred to drive cattle all day in harsh conditions.  This means they are very active most of the day.  It is the rare ACD that doesn't need something to do all day.  If they have no outlet for that energy, i.e., another active dog or human companionship, they can become barkers, destructive, or runners.  ACDs can go over a 6 foot fence with ease if they are so inclined.  They are great with your kids and will usually protect them from intruders (i.e., the neighborhood kid that pushes or hits one of yours).  They will also herd kids into a corner and keep them there if they feel the need to quiet them down and keep them together.  Some can be aggressive with other dogs and will rarely back down from a fight.  This is true of both sexes.  As a pet they absolutely must have basic obedience, and know you are the top dog.  They do not take to rough handling but will usually bend over backward for their "human" when worked with positive reinforcement. 

ACDs are smart, quick learning dogs, that excel in obedience, agility and herding trials.  Their "wash and wear" coats need little maintenance.  A brushing twice a week and tick or flea checks daily are about it.  Baths should be given only when necessary to retain the oil in the coat.  They are the right size for traveling, and will protect your vehicle and belongings without hesitation.  They bond well with the family but usually will pick out their special "human".  They expect honesty and fairness from you and will demand it.  In the right home they are a wonderful, lifelong companion.

We present both sides of ACDs because it is a long term commitment when adopting a dog.  These dogs can live to be fourteen (14) years old without problems.  Since we live with these dogs please understand that they become a part of our families and we worry about them when we send them off to a new life.  We realize that we cannot keep all of the wonderful ACDs that need homes.  We need you and the dogs need you - so please be understanding of our concern for them.  We put lots of time, energy, money, patience, and love into each of them and are rewarded over and over by seeing them settle happily into loving, new, lifelong homes. 

We hope that after reading this, that you decide on adopting an ACD rescue dog.  They are wonderful dogs that have run into circumstances beyond their control and find themselves in need of a new home and people willing to make that lifelong commitment.  We hope you will be one of those special people and discover the world of rescue dogs. 

Please feel free to contact us any time. E-mail: info@acdrescueassociation.com  

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