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The Australian Shepherd Club of New England (ASCNE) is a New
England based ASCA affiliate with about 150 members. We hold meetings
6 times a year, and also publish a newsletter called "New England Aussie."
As a club, our primary goal is to educate both new and existing Aussie owners. We do this in several ways. First, ASCNE has materials available that describe the breed as well as a breeder referral packet. These materials are designed primarily for the first time Aussie owner. In addition, ASCNE runs one seminar each year for the more experienced Aussie owner. In the past two years, our seminars have included a hands-on breed handling seminar and a structure and movement seminar. Both were given by senior ASCA breeder judges. ASCNE members also frequently discuss issues pertinent to the breed at regular club meetings. In addition to education, ASCNE is also concerned with protecting the Aussies that already exist. To this end, we have a rescue program for purebred Australian Shepherds who need new homes. All of our rescue dogs are temperament tested and spayed or neutered before being placed in new homes. While placement is free to the adoptive family, we encourage donations so that we can continue to provide this service. ASCNE also runs a number of dog shows each year. They are generally held in western Massachusetts and Connecticut, and vary in number from 6 to 10. As a club, we offer competitive obedience trials and titles, and herding trial (both open to all breeds) as well as conformation shows for ASCA registered Australian Shepherds. In addition, we offer Junior Showmanship competition for children of all ages (up to age 18). Our shows are open to the public, and provide an informal forum for people who want to learn more about Aussies to visit dogs and chat with breeders and exhibitors. Just be careful not to catch someone who is about to go into the show ring when you come! There are two types of club memberships available to interested people. The first is a "newsletter only" membership, which is similar to a one year magazine subscription. This type of membership includes copies of New England Aussie, but does not include voting privileges within the club. A full club membership is also available. This type of membership requires the sponsorship of two existing ASCNE members as well as publication of the applicant's name in New England Aussie. A full cub membership includes voting privileges. While the ASC of New England offers many things, above all ASCNE tries
to be a friendly, helpful, fun group of people with a common interest.
We love our dogs, and try to do the best we can with them by sharing information
and learning from one another.
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