Breed Rescue: How to Start and Run a Successful Program

Want to give something back to the breed that you love through helping its homeless members? Find out how the most successful groups set policies, deal with conflict, screen adopters and more.

Sheila W. Boneham, Ph.D., has a long-standing interest in dogs, as a pet owner, as a competitor and breeder, and as a rescuer. As a child her family had dogs of all sorts, including two Chihuahuas, a Scottish Deerhound, an Irish Wolfhound, two Miniature Schnauzers, and a number of mixed breeds. She also recalls a succession of "rescued dogs," although they weren’t called "rescues" than, taken in and placed in appropriate homes.

Dr. Boneham founded Labrador Retriever Rescue of Indiana, Inc. (LRRI) in 1994 and served as its coordinator for two years. She also was a founding member and director of Australian Shepherd Rescue of Indiana, Inc, (AShRI), and she has been a volunteer for Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline, the national rescue organization for Australian Shepherds. She has taught workshops in basic dog handling techniques and breed identification, and public courses in basic dog care, obedience, and bite prevention. Boneham has coordinated Canine Good Citizen Tests for several organizations, and has taught obedience courses privately and for clubs.

Dr. Boneham is a tester/observer for Therapy Dogs, Inc., and a regular visitor with her registered therapy Dogs to a school for handicapped children and the rehabilitation program of her local hospital. Conformation and obedience competition, herding, tracking, and agility also keep her and the dogs busy. She is a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, the United States Australian Shepherd Club, the Central Indiana Australian Shepherd Club, the Anderson (Indiana) Obedience Training Club.

Dr. Boneham holds a doctorate in folklore from Indiana University, and has taught at universities in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Indiana, Kuwait, and Tunisia. Her work has beeen published in Dog Fancy, Dogs USA, The Australian Shepherd Journal, Aussie Times, Cat Fancy, and a number of general interest and academic publications.

Dr. Boneham and her husband Roger, a geologist, live in Noblesville, Indiana, with Reno, Sage, Mia, and Katie, all Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retriever Annie, and two cats, Leo and Mary. From time to time, of course, they welcome rescued dogs on their way to permanent homes.