Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue (MSIR) is
a non-profit, all-volunteer corporation.
MSIR seeks out, fosters, and places
homeless Shiba Inu dogs into carefully screened, lifelong, and
nurturing homes. In addition to rescue, MSIR
volunteers provide medical care and/or rehabilitation for foster dogs
and then attempt to match them with appropriate, permanent homes.
MSIR also educates the public about
the Shiba Inu breed, the need for dog rescue and dog training, and the
importance of spaying/neutering pets to prevent overpopulation.
One of MSIR's goals is to acquire
funding to support operations.
We have a network of volunteers
who work together to make sure that every Shiba Inu has a loving,
lifelong home. Most of us are Shiba owners and have firsthand
knowledge of both how wonderful they are and how much of a
responsibility owning a primitive breed is. Most of us got
involved in rescue because we could not bear the thought of Shibas
without homes, because we know how much love they have to give to the
right family.
We are a non-profit corporation. All of the
money we take in is used to help dogs directly or to fund our
organization (buying supplies, supporting a website, etc.).
MSIR takes in dogs from owners who don't want
them or can't keep them, as well as dogs from the county pound and
other animal shelters. Most of the dogs we get are young adults, who
have outgrown their puppy cuteness, and are ready to be taught some
manners.
After MSIR takes in a dog, it is given a
veterinary exam to make sure that it is healthy. We also update
the dog's immunizations, spay or neuter the dog if it has not
already been done, and then microchip the dog in MSIR's name. Spaying and neutering not only helps prevent
pet overpopulation, but also lowers the dog's risk of contracting
reproductive diseases later in life.
Typically, the dog is then placed in a
foster
home. The foster home provides temporary care for the dog until a new
owner can be found. The foster home also evaluates the dog's
temperament and behavior, so that we can find just the right family
for that particular dog.
We have other volunteers who take applications
from those wanting to adopt.
Once a home is found to be suitable, the dog will go home!
But, our job is not over. We also follow up with
adoptive families to give them support with their new family member.
We want to make sure that both the family and the dog are doing well.
Once we are sure the dog has been placed, it's
time to go rescue another Shiba!