Australian Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption in Ringwood, Illinois

Zin NKA Finn (Finnegan) is being fostered in Roscoe IL

Introducing Finn! Finn is an adorable Miniature American Shepherd (AKA Mini Aussie) - approx. 15 months, 25 pound, male. He came to rescue because he and his siblings were found abandoned in a house when the landlord came to clean the house to rent again. He released them to the Sioux City IA Animal Shelter. Finn is the most shy of the three littermates but he has come SO far in his foster home and is ready for his next step in finding his forever home.

Finn's genetic test showed he is (80% Miniature American Shepherd, 19% Australian Shepherd, 1% American Eskimo Dog)

Finn (a cute mini red tri with freckles on his face & paws and docked tail) is in his foster home in Roscoe, IL (North of Rockford) with a retired couple to help build his confidence & socialize him. He is potty trained, crate trained, leash trained and long leash trained.

For Finn's safety and happiness a physically fenced yard and another canine companion are a MUST in his forever home. He will absolutely be a flight risk in his new home until he bonds to his humans; loud noises and a brand new environment will be scary for him and there will be an adjustment peoriod. He will need a patient, calm, loving adopter to help him move forward. Finn LOVES to play with other dogs and takes cues from them on how to be a dog, so another resident dog that will show him the ropes is critical for his happiness. Finn is athletic that loves to hike on a long line with or without another dog and is improving on a short leash as well. Besides a fence, Finn would like his people to be home more than not since time and patience will be required for this boy to continue to progress at his own pace.

Finn loves his 4 legged foster brother & sister, both full sized Aussies, and does ok with the 3 cats in his foster home but on occasion, still thinks it is fun to try to chase them. This boy finds chewing & licking comforting for him. Chewing a bully stick, his nylabone or a stuffed kong helps calm him before bedtime since he can “sometimes” be spunky with zoomiess and puppyish play before bed. He will not play with humans; but will play with his toys on occasion by himself or plays with another dog.

Finn is not treat motivated yet (even with the high value stuff); but now takes treats from his foster mom & dad but won't from anyone else since he perceives them as strangers. For the most part, he is only in his crate for bedtime, meals & a smaller crate for the car. Finn has his safety spots in the house he retreats to; his crate, behind the couch or under the table but tends to follow foster mom around the house and will even cuddle on the bed with her. He gets more excited with his foster dad and will bark at him with a wiggly butt. Finn can appear stubborn but he isn't being stubborn, he is just still scared of some things; so patience is the key along with positive reinforcement training. He is doing better with car rides, still drools but not as excessively. For car rides, he is placed in a crate with some windows open for air flow to help. For the last couple of months, Finn has been going places; dog classes, day care, shopping & hiking. Initially he gets nervous going but eventually settles in to enjoy it.

Finn is neutered, up-to-date on all vaccinations, heartworm negative, microchipped and receiving monthly preventatives for fleas, ticks and heartworms. Proof of heartworm prevention for any current or previous pets is required to adopt from our organization. For more information on our adoption process or to complete an adoption application, please visit our website at www.MidwestAustralianShepherdRescue.org.

NOTE: All of our dogs live in foster homes with volunteers so we need an approved application on file to set up a meet with a dog you might have an interest in. Please visit our website for more information on our adoption process, our adoption fees and a link to our adoption application. We pride ourselves on matches that work for both the dog and your family. MASR is here for your support, advice and safety net for our dogs for the remainder of their lives. www.MidwestAustralianShepherdRescue.org

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog known for its loyalty and work ethic. Originating in the United States, despite its name, this breed is prized for its agility, trainability, and versatility in various dog sports and activities. Australian Shepherds have a distinctive medium length coat that comes in different colors, often with unique merle patterns. With proper training, socialization, and exercise, these dogs make excellent companions for active families and individuals seeking a devoted and playful four legged friend.

Our mission is to rescue Australian Shepherds and other working breeds from abuse, neglect, strays, and owners in dire need...