A Network of volunteers

MSIR is made up entirely of 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. And 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.

A Non-Profit Corporation

Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue is 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.).

How and who we RESCUE

MSIR takes in rescued Shiba Inu’s (and sometimes Shiba Inu mixes) from puppy mill situations, from owners who don't want them or can't keep them, from county pounds or other animal shelters that have taken in lost or surrendered Shiba Inu’s. Many dogs we take in are young adults, who have outgrown their puppy cuteness. Some are senior dogs who have never known a soft bed or a cuddle. We also take in dogs of all ages with special needs and seniors in need of forever families to love them through their final years.

The Work

MSIR rescues Shiba Inu’s through a seriously dedicated network of Transport Volunteers, typically moving the dog in a matter of hours from their shelter or mill or pound to their thoroughly vetted and prepared foster family’s home. The foster family coordinates with their dog’s Concierge (or secretary—fancy!) to make sure they have everything they need for the foster dog including harnesses, collars, crates, blankets, beds, leashes, an MSIR dog tag, the Fi collar, medications, supplies, toys, food, treats, vet appointments, and, of course, moral support.

The foster Shiba is given a veterinary exam to make sure that it is healthy, immunizations up-to-date, spay or neuter scheduled if not already been done, and 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.

The foster family is there to provide temporary care (and lots of love and patience) for the dog until a new owner can be found, but also to help them decompress, maybe experience being a dog for the first time, evaluate their temperament and behavior, get them through some training, learn their quirks and see how they do with others dogs, with people, with noise, etc., all so that we can find just the right family for that particular Shiba Inu.

The Concierge

During this foster period, the foster family is not alone! They are supported primarily by their Shiba’s personal secretary—the Concierge. And the Concierge is supported by the whole team.

The Team

The other volunteers on our team advertise our fosters on social media once they are ready and available for adoption. Someone else updates the website and creates a bio for the foster. Another volunteer reviews and processes 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!