WASCUNY was organized about 15 years ago by a handful of people who all owned a breed considered "rare" at the time -- the Australian Shepherd. These women got together to train their dogs in obedience and to socialize with each other.
They soon found enough interest in the breed to affiliate themselves with the parent club of Aussies, the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). At the time, the American Kennel Club (AKC) did not recognize the breed and would not allow Aussies to participate in any AKC activities. With sanctioning by ASCA, the club was able to put on dog shows and trials in which the Aussies participated with great talent. Some of the members do not show their dogs, but have joined for the friendship and camaraderie that a group with similar interests can offer.
The primary objective of WASCUNY and ASCA is to protect and advance the Australian Shepherd breed. In service of this goal we:
Encourage and promote the breeding of purebred Australian Shepherds in such a manner as to bring their natural qualities to the highest degree attainable;
Strive to promote, educate and assist all owners of the breed to improve their knowledge of the breed and its history;
Protect and advance the interest of the Australian Shepherd breed and to encourage ethical breeding practices and sportsmanlike competition at all dog shows and trials;
Conduct conformation shows, obedience trials, stockdog trials, and other events in conformity with ASCA rules and regulations;
Encourage all breeders to accept the ASCA breed standard as the only standard of excellence by which the breed shall be judged.
At present we have about 46 members, most of who help at the shows and trials that we sponsor each year. Our July Sparkler Show, held at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds each year, is the biggest and most extensive ASCA show in New York State, offering breed, obedience and agility competition. Our March Think Spring show, held in Queensbury, NY, and our October Leaf Peeper show, held in Cambridge, NY, offer breed classes for Aussies and obedience classes for all breeds.
We support ethical and humane breeding practices which include not allowing "backyard breeding", and insisting on hip, eye and congenital disease clearances before planned breeding. We support responsible ownership and kind and loving treatment of our animals. We wish to educate those owners who desire more information on their Aussies and support our national rescue effort called Aussie Rescue and Placement Helpline (ARPH).