Perry's Mum

sarcoptic???? not sure about the spelling but the highly infectious type - made worse by their poor condition.

The vet thinks that is the result of in breeding and the remains will be amputated to make it easier for her to get around. Today I met two dogs from a batch who came from the same place less than a year ago. They are still small and light, have rather pointy faces and soft but rough coats, still a bit nervous but friendly and craving human affection and attention. Gives me hope there can be good lives ahead for this group of dogs.

Today I met some dogs who were rescued from the same place 9 months ago - still nervous but so friendly and craving affection. They looked like smaller versions of Koolies with rather pointed faces and were generally pretty healthy now.

Every little bit helps. Thank you all.

Thanks for the offer.

It will be interesting to see if they are iggy crosses - I would be surprised - we will have them all DNA tested before rehoming so I will report back.

Thank you all for all your support and help.

We rehome for free because of political reasons lost in history - I don't think the club will change its attitude on this at the present time. We have a number of fund raising things going on such as running sheepdog schools, selling Christmas and birthday cards, etc. Also most people are so delighted with their dogs that they make a donation which covers the vet costs. When it comes to the crunch, however, yes it comes out of our pockets. Particularly at times like this when we get swamped.

Me too. I cannot tell you all how grateful we in Koolie Rescue are to you all for your help and support.

My thoughts precisely.

Some of the dogs rescued:

Some more

Some of the pups rescued:

Well I have checked and the RSPCA are responsible in SA but they do not seem to want to act. Apparently they have been there before, euthanased some of the worst dogs and left it at that. I am building up a portfolio of photographs of the dogs and their injuries and condition and getting vet reports and will be going to the Minister, the Head of the RSPCA, the local Council, and if I don't see some action in a short space of time I will be looking at the media.

I did not realise that - thank you - i will look into it further.

I totally agree but I phoned the RSPCA here today and asked their advice on how best to get the organisation to take action against a puppy farmer and was told that the problem was that the laws were not strong enough and that I should campaign to the government to get the laws changed! Apparently not providing sufficient food, not providing veterinary care to an injured dog and not desexing are not enough. Does anyone know the responsible Minister in South Australia? Does anyone have any media contacts who might help?

Does anyone have any media connections we could use?

All the dogs now have foster homes and a few have permanent homes lined up. We have heard that the farm has yet more so we may be going through all this again soon before we can get him closed down. If anyone has any contacts or suggestions for closing him down, please let me know.

All the dogs are now being fostered and a few have permanent homes lined up. Apparently there are more at the farm so we are expecting to have to go through this again before we get him closed down. If anyone has any suggestions or contacts who can help with that, please let me know.

Yes please - most of the pups are going to be fostered down there. They are similar to working border collies in temperament but Koolies tend to be a bit more human focussed. They constantly amaze me with their ability to forgive abuse and to respond well to the smallest kindness. At least now they are getting regular food and medical treatment and have warm beds.

the 7kg pregnant bitch is 4 years old - the average weight of a 4 year old Koolie is 15-25kg depending on height. The dogs are surprisingly very friendly to humans despite their treatment so far and we expect them all to find loving homes.

The largest adult dog is currently 7kg and she only weighs that because she is heavily pregnant. These dogs are really undernourished. Hopefully in a few weeks they will be healthy again and ready to make someone a good companion.

Believe me it will be appreciated.

Definitely not too big - please send it, thank you.

Koolie Rescue rescues abused and unwanted Koolies from around Australia. Koolies used to be referred to as 'German Koolies', because the breed's development in early 19 century Australia was associated with early German and other European immigrant farmers. Koolies are extremely active and intelligent working dogs who require mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. They are very eager to please their owners and very loyal. They are good house dogs and excellent company because they are very people oriented dogs and are happier with human company than the company of another dog, and they need frequent interaction with their owners. They are good with children and make good watch dogs because they quickly alert their owners to anyone who is coming. They are not aggressive. Koolies come in a wide range of colours and shades and can be either solid or merle. Coats vary from short and smooth to long and fluffy. Although originally bred to work sheep, cattle and goats they also find roles in THE Army as Explosive Detection Dogs, as assistance dogs for disabled people, as truckers' companions, therapy dogs and animal educators. They also make loyal, loving, very clever, gentle natured companions who will do anything to please owners prepared to invest their time in them. We have just rescued 16 young dogs which are Koolies crossed with some terrier from a puppy farm in South Australia - their vet bills will be huge, at least one needs a leg amputated and two are pregnant, they will all need to be vaccinated, flea and heart worm treated, desexed, and microchipped. All the dogs have mange and are undersized because they have not been cared for. The dogs are currently in foster care and the carers are in desperate need of old towels, blankets, sheets, small to medium sized dog coats, etc. The dogs are very skinny and are feeling the cold. If you would like some room in your house in exchange for my taking your old bedding off your hands, please call me and I will arrange to collect it so that I can hand it out on Saturday. I can be contacted by PM. Those of you not in Canberra can send it to Kerrie Challenger at the address below. Anyone who wants to make a donation to help cover what are going to be enormous vet bills can do so through Koolie Rescue via the Koolie Club account: KOOLIE CLUB OF AUSTRALIA BSB 633-000 Account Number 110996709 Just mark the money for Koolie Rescue. Alternatively you can send a cheque: Kerrie Challenger, Koolie Rescue National Coordinator, RMB 6150, Strathallen Road, Bamawm Vic 3561. If anyone is interested in offering a long term home to one of these pups, please let me know. They are friendly and intelligent and some will be ready for rehoming in about a month. Koolie Rescue rehomes free to the right home. The last ones rescued from this place turned out to be great little dogs. Thanks