American Cocker Spaniel Rescue

"Now, you WON'T leave me, will you?"

2009-11-21T14:25:00.000-08:00

Rescue organizations try their darndest to match humans personalities with "fur-baby" personalities so that that both had the greatest chance to have a successful placement in a "forever home" situation.

This applies to age appropriateness as well.

Just as a family with children or cats need to have a dog that is tolerant of the family's inclusions, so too, must the age of the animal and the prospective adoptor be considered. For example, it's probably not the best decision to have a "Senior Citizen" take on a very young puppy or dog. Not only are there far more demands made on a senior's patience and energy, but it is also entirely possible that the animal may outlive the senior.

Such is the unfortunate case for "Asher" and "Chance".
Their owner died, leaving them behind.

Thank God for kind hearted rescuers like Miss Terry of American Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Washington, who really stepped up to the plate to take both American Cockers out of their situation and bring them back into a stable, "count-on me-able" environment so the dogs aren't feeling such stress over the loss of their owner.

Now, can you help? Would you be interested in fostering? How about adopting both dogs together? As you can see, they are both very beautiful dogs. Asher and Chance are house broken, up-to-date on their shots, and both have been, er, "fixed".

Get a jump start on that whole New Year's Resolution about losing weight. Adopt both these beauties so you have an excuse to go exercise by walking in the fresh air, both you and your sweetie have a pooch on the leash, the dogs will be so grateful and YOU, well, you'll look fiiiiiine in that new body shape you're creating while having fun with the dogs!

See them and other available "fur-babies" awaiting adoption at: http://www.cockersinseattle.com/ Asher and Chance can be found on the "Parti" web page. For further information or how to become the proud parent/s of Asher and Chance, please contact Miss Terry at: AmericanCockerSpanielRescue@Yahoo.com

Thank you in advance for your interest and generosity in helping two little lost souls....

"Black Jack" - In Memoriam

2009-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

What's cuter than the dickens, has an expressive face, willing to root-out the last vestiges of food from bag/can/plate, loves to cuddle in bed and yes, even "works" with the hearing tho hearing impaired?

That's our hero, "Black Jack"!

Jack came to Miss Terri roughly 4-5 years ago. According to Miss Terri, "Jack was gentlest, most laid back dog to ever walk the earth." He was plagued by years of untreated ear infections and therefore, became completely deaf.

What Jack's ears lacked, his "sniffer" made up for in spades. He could smell a bread crumb a mile away. He managed to figure out how to get not only onto the kitchen table (uninvited), but the counter and into the dishwasher as well. (wink)

Nearly 2 yrs ago, Jack qualified and passed his evaluation to become a "Therapy Dog". Because of his hearing deficiency, it took 4 attempts at the test, but with the help of our friend Nina, passed!

One of Jack's accomplishments was receiving an honor as a service dog out at Madigan Army Medical Center. His special certification was handed over at an award ceremony by none other than the Brigadiere General himself. Miss Terri was never prouder. Jack seemed to really enjoy his time with the patients and the nurses in the hospital where Miss Terri works. He even managed to visit during Nurses Week, the final week of his life.

In the wee hours of Saturday, May 9th, Miss Terri took Jack from an emergency visit with her regular vet, out to Lynnwood to a specialist. It seemed as if Jack had had a stroke, a brain tumor or a concussion. When Miss Terri had come home on Friday evening, Jack was wandering around and around, both in the house and outside. He didn't seem to be in pain, just very confused. By Sunday, the news was not good. Jack had a tumor and it was affecting several parts of his brain.

According to Miss Terri on Monday, "Dr. Gintz helped ease Jack over the Rainbow Bridge around 7:30 p.m. last night, as I held him in my arms. Although it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, Jack told me it was time, and gave me permission to let him go. I feel honored to have been a part of his life, and will always love my ol' Black Jack. I only wish we could have spent his earlier years together, but will certainly cherish the time we had. None of us get to live forever, but if anyone deserved to, it would be Jack."

Please say a little prayer for Miss Terri and one for Jack. It's been a really hard week for those of us who do rescue and knew Jack. I can only thank God that Jack's life had great meaning to many and that we were more blessed by his work and gift to all of us here on earth.

Goodbye, dear Black Jack. I sure hope to meet up you again someday. Auntie Reet

Looking for a Cocker Spaniel puppy?

2009-05-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

There are several honorable, kind and legitimate Cocker Spaniel breeders here and across the nation.

To these, I give "hats off". They have provided the kind of environment for the animals that is the best for the animal's welfare and best for you when you are bringing a new pet into your home.

There are some breeders who list with websites claiming you can nextday pet (buy and ship a pet), but do you really want to get a dog sight unseen and can't juge the personality?

How do you know the difference between the two kinds of breeders? My attorney friend Jean-Pierre Ruiz has written a recent blog article about this. He outlines the new bill signed into law by Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington State. I would encourage you to go out and read the short article as it will give you at least some perspective of what to expect and how to judge whether this is the sort of breeder from which you want to buy a puppy.

What if after doing some research, you realize that the amount of work "puppy" is going to require of you is more than you can handle at this point in your life? I have an answer for you: American Cocker Spaniel Rescue (ACSR) where these fine folks are doing incredible work saving beautiful dogs!

How can you surf the web to find the dog you'd like? Hop out to: CockersInSeattle.com to view the many adoptable dogs. They come in all ages and colors. There are American and English Cockers up for adoption thru ACSR. The Adoption Fee is generally far less than what you would spend on buying a puppy, PLUS the Cocker comes to you current on all shots, clean teeth and that delicate reproductive issue already addressed!

Congratulations on creating a loving environment for a dog in your home. Your life will be richer and that little "hole in your heart" will be readily filled with the undying gratitude and love of a Cocker Spaniel!

For more information, please contact ACSR directly.

Young Cockers & Puppies Need YOU!

2009-05-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

Free. Well okay, almost free. You will be sharing your love, home, time and energy with a cocker or two who need help.

Some of us have a love of cocker spaniels but might’ve been on the fence about adopting a cocker. Then there are those who already have a cocker or other pet in the family and wonder what it would be like to have a bundle of fun in the family.

Here’s your chance to help a most worthy cause: American Cocker Spaniel Rescue is in DESPERATE need of foster homes for several cockers.

These beauties have all ready been to the groomers for a “stylish cut”, usually the vet’s office for ears/eyes/teeth check-ups and that (ah-hem), delicate little reproductive issue.

You could be a “Mommy” or “Daddy” to a furry member of one of the most delightful and family oriented breeds alive in America today! American Cockers, contrary to snarky rumours, are actually a responsive and interactive dog breed who do well either one-on-one or in a family setting, depending on each dog's temperament of course.

Foster households incorporate a cocker into the family and get to enjoy the benefits of walks in the sunshine, strengthening their pitching arm while tossing a ball, then’s there always the excuse for a warm cuddle on the couch watching T.V. As an additional benefit from ACSR, you are even supplied with a bag of dog food!

Come-on, what would it take for you to do more than just “think about it”? Say, “yes” to allowing love and joy to flow easily into your life. Become a foster parent or family. Who knows? At some point, you might just want to “stay in love”…

Visit: www.CockersInSeattle to see what fur babies might need a home or contact:
Info “at” CockersInSeattle.com for more information.

What's faster than...

2009-04-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

Greased lightning? More stunning than a Kaleidoscope? Simplier to read than CliffNotes? Easier to navigate than Magellan's Strait?

It's one of Rita's newest websites of course!!!
Go check out: http://www.cockersinseattle.com/

A fashion-forward website with fresh and crisp colors, hip Cocker Spaniels sporting trendy couture "military bob" hairstyles, a page dedicated to your education, and even a page with links out to some of the coolest peeps (and their businesses) in town!

Swing by and discover a shocking revelation or two to share with your "homies". Along the way, you might just feel the need for a convertible-top-down-cruisin', ball-catchin', Home-Depot-and-Pet-Smart-shoppin' furry-partner dressed in his finest blackblondredbrownparti color outfit. Just right for your Summertime fun coming up.

Come to think of it, Mariners could use another good man in the outfield...

Striped-ball into the corner pocket...

2009-04-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Professional billiard-playing champion by night, "Snooker" knows his way around a ball or two!

Adult male American Cocker Spaniel, Snooker is very friendly, super quiet (must come from all that snooker/billiard playing concentration, right?) and hardly barks, unless there's a good reason.

Despite being a ball playing junky, Snooker enjoys a good walk now and then if you could squeeze in the time. HE'S already svelt, but you - well, you DID mention that you wanted to shed a pound or two and with Easter coming up and all, here's you chance to have a Greenlake-walkin' fool at your side!

Come-on. Shut off the computer and head outside with a cool dude on your arm. Weather's great and who knows? Snooker might teach ya a thing or two about balls. If I see you down at Jillians (Billiards Club), I'll know what happened...

Visit the crisp website: www.CockersInSeattle.com Hey, thanks for joggin' by!

Breaking News - Cocker Wins Big-time!

2009-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are certainly in order!

Meet "Sammy", the newest member of the Guiles Family Household where he'll finally have a stable home!

He's funny, smart, even came with a full-length tail and those oh-so-charming big eyes. Sammy knew how to wiggle his way and find a soft spot in this family's heart.

Won't you consider adopting a rescued cocker spaniel?

For more information, please contact:
AmericanCockerSpanielRescue "at" Yahoo.com

How fast does a cocker spaniel grow?

2009-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Good question! I have had puppies in my home before, so I got to see the progression of "all paws" and clumsiness to the poise of a mature dog, but never a rescue dog that was just under a year and severely malnurished. This was a new one for me.

"Bentley Bob" (we added the Bob part because he apparently had been so matted that all his hair had to be shaved off) came to our home to "hang" with my other boys, including Charlie my Springer Spaniel. (Here, he's "Killin' Chawlee")

Bentley Bob weighed a mere 17 lbs (dripping wet), had no manners what-so-ever, hadn't learned any simple commands and altho he got along well with his housemates, he was terrified of me any time I made a move toward him. He would cowar and sometimes pee on the floor.

Well, within 2 days, Bentley Bob knew how to manage the doggie door, timing the flip-flop of the swinging flap like little girls out on the playground learning how to dodge into a double-jump-rope sort of configuration. He also quickly learned how to "sit", "gimme paw", jump on the bed with the rest of the pack and in general, relax enough to have his sweet personality come thru.

Now we are about 5 weeks into him living with us. Initially, he was to be a foster, but considering how well he meshes with the pack and would be really, really, hard to give up, he might well have found his "forever home" right in our midst.

Back to the question of how fast does a cocker grow - It seems that the growth spurt into a more mature body form for young cockers happens about by 5 months or so. Bentley Bob came from a puppy mill and his growth was terribly stunted, along with his weight. Little over a week ago, he road in the car along with "Chawlee" as cargo-mate up to the vet's place for a little, well, "nip tuck" let's say. Never seemed to notice that he had stitches either. Must have a high pain tolerance. On the scales at the vet's, Bentley Bob has nicely filled out to a 28 lb dog. I suspect he will not get much taller in his little legs and I'll have to keep a sharp eye peeled for how much dog food he's ploughing thru. I've already tapered him back and given the extra to Charlie. He needs it. He's gotta keep up with the antics of his lil' bubba, Bentley Bob!

AKC Show in Seattle

2009-02-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

Are ya goin'? To the American Kennel Club's Show here in Seattle, that is. Yup, it's scheduled for March 7-8, 2009 at Qwest Field. I've hyperlinked the show's page for you which is hosted by the Seattle Chapter.

I love watching the show on Thanksgiving right after the Macy's Parade. The handsome dogs, beautifully groomed, quickly responsive to the handler, so proud to "do their thing" in the arena all in the hopes of being declared the winner!

Well, unfortunately for some of us, we can't afford that $1,500 prize-winning-lineage pooch. Best we can hope to have is an adorable purebred that would be just as happy romping in play on my bed as in an arena and getting hugs and kisses over medals.

So the next question would be: "How exactly does one go about finding a good Cocker Spaniel?"

Well, short answer is to avoid the puppy-mill process and instead give a rescued dog another chance at happiness - whether on your bed or in the park! The beauty of the rescued dog is that most of the time, they are just so darn grateful to have a new "forever home" and a loving family that they just seem to quietly slip into place with you.

I've rescued 6 dogs in the last 15 years. Some couldn't stay long in my house or on earth because of illness or special needs. Others have been just great and fit in well into my home and family and will be with me for however long "The Big Guy" will allow them to be with me.

BEST link to finding a cocker in the greater Seattle area?

AmericanCockerSpanielRescue@yahoo.com Talk to Miss Terry and she will set you up with a sweetheart (or a few) to "interview" and see which cocker will best fit your personality and family style!

Sooooo, you want to adopt a cocker?

2009-02-15T17:54:00.000-08:00

In case you hadn't heard the big news, there was a closure of a couple of major puppy mills north of Seattle. As a result, Seattle area dog rescue organizations have been flooded with requests to come claim the pure-bred dogs (depending on breed and rescuer's specialty) so the dogs can be fostered out and/or found new, loving homes.

One such a true-blue rescuer is my friend whom we shall call "Miss Terry" of
American Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Washington. Ommah-garsch! A true heart of gold!!! This young woman is totally dedicated to "providing a safe haven to Cocker Spaniels who are at risk of euthanasia by providing short or long-term care, health care, breed education, sterilization, rehabilitation and ultimately a suitable 'forever' loving home" to all the dogs that come thru her home.

Miss Terry opens her heart and loving home to many poor lost souls who only want to give their love equally to someone who will appreciate them for who they are, Cocker Spaniels in need of a loving home.

Not all dogs who come to Miss Terry are from puppy mills. No, some come because military families need to move, someone has passed away, the Cocker was found running along the street, and even the occasion when sadly, the family has outgrown the desire to care for the dog and suddenly, the Cocker would be without a home!

One such example is "Patches". He is a mature dog (not a puppy), VERY well behaved, a bit aloof until he knows you (kinda "does his own thing"), he's been altered, is house & crate-trained, current on shots, and is proud to jump thru hoola hoops as a trick! I have actually been the "wheels" for Patches when I picked him up from the home he was leaving and delivered him into the arms of Miss Terry. The house was a nice place, but the son had moved off to college and no one was home for Patches any more, so they gave him up for adoption. Patches is a REALLY cool dog and would make anyone proud that he's in the family!

If you've EVER considered adopting a Cocker, please find it in your heart to make space in your family and home for one of these sweeeeeeet little Cockers (or maybe two?) that are currently in Miss Terry's care. You can contact her directly thru her email address or go out to the website for more information.

Personally, I have adopted two dogs thru Miss Terry - "Mr. Topinsky"/Topper and now "Beardslee". Topper was like Patches and came from an existing home where he was well taken care of until I adopted him. I'm currently fostering one of the puppymill dogs and he's a total delight! Miss Terry's in the process of taking pictures of all these puppies, so if you have an interest in one of the puppy-mill dogs or one of the other fun Cockers, be sure to ask about that too.

Hope this Valentine's Day opened your heart to the possibility of a Cocker addition in 2009!

P.S. Quick "Thank You" to Michael Conner (of Seattle) for taking professional photos of many of the dogs in January '09. You're the best!!!

Welcome!

2009-02-15T17:41:00.001-08:00

I decided to start a blog posting for those of us who have just learned about Cocker Spaniels or who have had a life-long love-affair with the breed.

As for me, I have had 2 "reds" which were more "English Cockers" with their dignified long noses, then a "multi" which was an "American Cocker", and now I happen to have a solid "coal black" American Cocker named Topper who also answers happily to Mr. Topinsky, a recently rescued "blond" with his colorful white blaze up his forehead and lovely freckles near his nose.

Should you want a kind-hearted, adoring member to add to your family, DO consider one of these smart little dogs. Ideally, you will be choosing one from the many which are available as a rescue dog. There have been several puppy-mills closed down recently, so there are many beautiful, already spayed or neutered dogs to choose from. Hop out to: http://www.acsrwa.com/ where you can see dogs that residents of our area can adopt.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Hope you visit again to learn of the antics of the cockers and the news of other cockers available.