Northwestern Minnesota Aussie Rescue
NWMNAR is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit rescue on a 6 acre ranchette located approximately 10 miles east of Ada, nestled in on low traffic gravel roads where the owners of NWMNAR reside. The story of NWMNAR began in 2008 where it all started with just one dog-Australian Shepherd of course, named Smokey whom joined the family back in 2002 when he needed to find a new home or otherwise be euthanized prior to finding us. He was an exceptional Aussie and devoted to us. Upon his passing in 2008 his owners realized more dogs like him in shelters and other situations needed a chance to find the right furever home, thus NWMNAR began and made it their mission statement to find loving furever homes for Aussies in need, thus saving many from euthanization. NWMNAR prides itself in lining up the right personalities of dogs to the right living situations. Puppies of course are easier to line up since their personalities form in amongst a family. However, the adult dogs are evaluated for the right match in a family. Often times an adopter may want to adopt an Aussie of one color verses the other, but that may not mean that specific dog is a good match for the living situation. We take careful steps to encourage the right home by reviewing applications. Not only do we help find loving homes for dogs in need, we offer constructive advice to families thinking about surrendering their dogs and give them tips on how to make their homes a successful Aussie home.
Dogs at NWMNAR can often be found running and playing with their free time on the acreage at least twice a day supervised, during chores. They are also allowed going for long walks with the owners of NWMNAR down the gravel roads and into the surrounding fields and have also been known to have moonlit walks in middle of a pleasant winter night. In the summer they can be found herding the lawnmower driver's around the yard weekly and running around through the horse pastures.
NWMNAR does not have routine foster homes, however the word is just getting out and people in our area are just starting to apply to be fosters in the Ada area. However, we do allow foster homes within 60 miles of the rescue. Families wanting to Foster are supplied all necessary items to make the dog comfortable and safe in their homes, including crates, pads, leash, collars, and food. All vetting is covered by the rescue as well if needed while in foster care.
We do allow adoptions out of state, however we do not ship dogs, prospective approved application adopters must travel to NWMNAR to pick up and adopt their dogs. Approved prospective adopters are allowed to visit dogs upon appointment basis only as we are not a public shelter.
NWMNAR has a 30 day refund if the dog does not work out for whatever the reason, and a lifetime guarantee to take the dog back should the family have a life event where they can no longer safely keep the dog.
NWMNAR runs solely on adoption fees and donations. We purchase our dog food through Rescue Bank where we have drastically discounted purchases in bulk. Due to the nature of the rescue and our agreement with Rescue Bank we do not sell the dog food, and is solely utilized for feeding NWMNAR dogs. Dogs that require specific diets are supplied their needs by funding solely from NWMNAR.
NWMNAR was hit by a tornado in late summer 2016. Since then, 300-500 trees were excavated on the property and a 40x60 heated building was built with kennel runs that go in and out through doggy doors with an attached 40x60 fenced playground and has been established for the safety of the dogs. We also have a small building solely set up for the adoption to take place and for new families to meet and bond with their new furry companions in the comfort of a living room style setting to interact with their newly adopted family member. Adopters can also purchase harnesses, leashes, treats, and toys here as well.
NWMNAR receives their aussies from reservation surrender events, local animal shelters/rescues up and down the Red River Valley, and owner surrenders. NWMNAR does not pay for the Aussies that come into the rescue, however they may pay pull fees from shelters etc. NWMNAR primarily works with Australian Shepherds, however they do recognize the need for other dogs and mixes as well and has in the past worked with other breeds and crossed.