Leading the Sheltied Life!
Featured Dog Stories:
CODY is 7 years old. He was recently surrendered because his owner couldn't afford pet friendly housing in the new city where her job was transferred. Cody has been used to a short haircut, so he always looks like a puppy. He's a nervous little guy, but very loyal once he meets his person. He is ok in a home with another dog, but probably won't play much with them.
LADDIE is 12, but acts more like 15. I need to get him to a vet soon to find out what's going on because he has some blood in his stool, but he gets around ok for an old guy. Loves the fresh air.
SAM and HEIDI were confiscated by animal control and taken to a shelter that then called us. They are very bonded to each other. I'm not sure of the whole story, but it sounds like the woman was breeding yet, their records show the same birthday (5/1/05) so I hope she wasn't breeding brother and sister. I haven't had them long, but it looks like we might have to find them a home together. Sam is in the front and Heidi is in the back. They were recently fixed, but I'm pretty sure I'll have to shave them. Their coats are really bad and they have lived in a barn for a long time so they are loving the beautiful weather outside, but need a home with a fence please.
Visit our Adoption page to see more dogs waiting for a home.
About Wisconsin Sheltie Rescue
Wisconsin Sheltie Rescue has two main purposes:
- Find new homes for displaced Shelties.
- Educate the public about the Shetland Sheepdog breed.
Wisconsin Sheltie Rescue was founded by accident in 1995. A former roommate abandoned a sheltie with the founder, Lisa Martin. Not knowing anything about the breed, Lisa researched for information that would educate her on Shelties. Through email, she met Dorothy Christiansen, National Sheltie Rescue Coordinator, who started her with some guidelines and continues to mentor her today. The rest is history. Since 1995, WSR has rescued over 850 dogs and has mentored other rescue organizations through their own startup phase.
Wisconsin Sheltie Rescue is an all-volunteer group that grows every year by the number of adopters dedicated to helping dogs lead the “sheltied” life. All WSR dogs are beloved family members, some are also agility and obedience champions.
Shelties come to rescue at all ages, from puppy to 15+ years. The breakdown in age of WSR shelties is:
- 0-3 yrs. 15%
- 4-9 yrs. 50%
- 10+ yrs. 35%
No matter the age or background, each dog has the potential to "lead the sheltied life." There is a perfect home out there for each dog, and WSR helps that home find their perfect dog. Perfection in home and dog has little to do with housekeeping and adherence to breed standard. Perfection has everything to do with the “match.” WSR constantly strives to create that perfect match between human and canine.
General information about our adoption process:
Our mission is to find the best home for the dogs in our program, so they make a smooth transition to their forever home. Having an approved application on file is the best way for you to know of all the dogs in the WSR program, as well as for us to know of the greatest opportunities for the dogs in our care.
You can become a pre-approved adopter by completing an adoption application, even if you don't (yet!) see a dog on this site you like -- this will give you the opportunity to express your preferences for the kind of dog who will fit into your life and family. NOTE - all adopters are required to complete an application.
If you are interested in any of the dogs available through Wisconsin Sheltie Rescue, please fill out the application form prior to emailing or calling. We are an all-volunteer group and work full time jobs as well as run a rescue. We do try to respond to all inquiries promptly, but it may take a day or two. Any spare time we have is spent taking care of the dogs looking for homes. While most dogs who come into Wisconsin Sheltie Rescue are posted on this page, a few go right to success. The dogs who went directly to success went home to pre-approved adopters.
Links of interest:
- Download an adoption application.
- Download an information brochure about Wisconsin's Dog Seller and Dog Facility Law (AB90).
- Download WSR's position paper about Wisconsin's Dog Seller and Dog Facility Law (AB90).
- Read about our competition stars!
- Support our sponsors.
- Visit our adoption page.
- Contact Us.
- Read the lastest success stories.
- Senior Dogs - the best-kept secret of the rescue world.