Australian Shepherd aka Aussie
Interesting Fact: These pups did not actually originate in Australia but in the U.S.
Personality: The Aussie is highly intelligent, mild mannered, and easily sync up with their people. They are not big barkers or heavy shedders. Especially devoted and protective, the greatest need for this gifted dog is exercise, and they excel in agility and search and rescue.
Preferences: The space to run and a job to perform. The Aussie has long been favored as sheep herders for American ranchers. As family pets they typically love to play ball and Frisbee, and most like the water. Australian Shepherds are smart and need activity; lacking exercise they can become destructive. They must also be well socialized because they tend to be wary of strangers.
Average Size: 50-60lbs Life expectancy: 12- 15 years.
Common Health Problems: Aussies should be brushed daily, especially when shedding, to remove dead hair and prevent skin disease. Cataracts are hereditary and often seen in Aussies. Signs usually appear around age two (it appears as an opacity in the lens). Early detection and treatment is best.
Best Match: An active or athletic person who can keep them busy. Exercised Aussies make great family pets, but left idle they tend to herd their people and other pets.
Ready for a forever home:
My name is Azippo and I'm ready to find my forever home!Azippo is a handsome 5-year-old red Tri boy with prick ears. He thinks he’s the cutest thing in the world, and he’s right! His people reluctantly sought the rescue’s assistance due to their own health issues. Azippo is sharp; he knows some basic obedience and is learning new things daily. Happy and loving by nature, he is very focused on his human. Azippo loves to play with other dogs and would do best with less dominant dogs. He is curious but respectful with cats. Little kids not a great fit, as he may knock them over. Azippo is being fostered in Tillamook, OR. Photos by foster mom Nina Sage, who is a professional photographer. Anyone interested in Azippo must pass an ARPH screening prior to meeting him. To learn more or for an application, visit www.aussierescue.org.
Megan Mahan lives with visiting foster animals, quite a few fish, and her boyfriend in Eugene, Oregon. She has a 'day job' in an office, but devotes much of her free time to fostering pets and creative writing. From her high school gig as Dog Bather to her more recent years working at the Santa Cruz SPCA, where she was contributing editor of the newsletter, Megan has always lived, loved and worked with animals.