About
We rehome puppies and now adult dogs from remote indigenous communities. The term "Camp Dogs" is commonly used for all domestic dogs living in remote indigenous communities.
Our pups and dogs have either been found or surrendered so several dedicated individuals will temporarily care for and drive the dog's many hundreds of km's to get the dogs to Alice Springs for us to arrange flights.
Indigenous people who know of our work may surrender pups or dogs because they feel they have too many and want us to find a good home for the dog, even if it is in the cities. The dog's welfare is their concern.
Because of the remoteness of these communities, there were too many dogs (introduced by the white man when the indigenous people were moved to missions) but now vets, often volunteers, travel to these communities to desex and educate and offer additional vet treatment. Conditions are very basic and the vets have to be highly skilled to operate in such conditions.
However, the results have been very encouraging and the indigenous people have a very strong bond with their dogs. The dogs may not live in fenced yards, walked on leads, and fed on top-grade dog food but they are never alone.
They are of mixed breed and come in all shapes and sizes. Research suggests there is very little dingo DNA in these dogs now.
The dogs often look like working dog crosses but have never "worked a day in their lives" nor their great grandparents. DNA tests are undertaken by some camp dog owners and the results often look nothing like the dog causing much entertainment or disappointment that their dog is not a kelpie or a dingo!
So we state "mixed breed". As such, they usually live long and healthy lives with fewer health issues. However, we recommend any dog owner allows for unexpected and routine vet bills, rather than expensive pet paraphernalia or toys, etc Puppies love a cardboard box!!!
Most of the dogs have had rich socialisation with other dogs, humans of all ages including children and often cats.
Like all dogs they need training and when young don't cope well with long hours alone. So they like city dogs benefit from dog walkers or doggie daycare if at home for long hours.
Older dogs may enjoy being the only dog and spending hrs alone if living with full-time workers.
The majority of our dogs end up with families, go to workplaces each day, some live happily in apartments or large properties. Some now live overseas.
Adoption details
WHEN APPLYING PLEASE PROVIDE ANSWERS TO ALL OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW.
1. Have you had a dog before is so, when, size, and age? (not if you have looked after someone else's dog)
2. Who makes up your home, how old are they, what is their relationship to the applicant, and are they all ready to come to a meet and greet if this is offered?
3 Most dogs, puppies, and young cannot be left alone for long hrs e.g more than 4hrs at a time. How will you deal with this issue?
4 If you want a puppy how will you deal with the work involved i.e. toilet training, chewing, mouthing - those sharp teeth - jumping up, going to puppy classes?
5. How will you cope with all these issues if you have children (how old are your children?)?
6. A dog is not just for the children so why do the parents want the puppy and how will you provide the constant supervision and boundaries needed?
7 Have you considered that a dog or a puppy cannot immediately be taken to a dog park or cafe and need to slowly understand all the new sights, sounds, people, dogs, etc of their new environment?
8 If necessary how will you seek additional one on one training for you and your dog?
9 Where will the dog sleep at night?
10 How will you provide for any veterinary costs?
11. How will you cope with behavior issues should they arise?
12 If you rent have you obtained written approval for a dog?
13 If you own an apartment have you obtained written approval from the body corporate?
14 We cannot provide any more information about the eventual size or breed of the dog. Have you considered this?
15 If you are offered a meet and greet and it is felt by all that the dog or pup is a good fit for your family, we expect you to be ready to take the dog home/adopt at the time. So are you ready now?
We cannot hold dogs as space in foster care is needed for other dogs.
Thank you
