SKIPPER

SECOND CHANCES

Former Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center Rescue Inducted into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame!

Story submitted by Sue Nelson, ASC Therapy Committee Chair
Edited by Anna Lee McKennon, ASCF-ASC Rescue Advisory Committee

Skipper's Story:


Near the end of February 2004, Skipper was found in a dumpster, enclosed in a sealed trash bag with her legs tied together, covered head to toe with sarcoptic mange. Someone heard her cries and whimpering and took her to the shelter in Dothan, Alabama. A telephone call from Renee Skipper at the Dothan Shelter was made to Joanne Halvorson, a volunteer of the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center, Inc., a national rescue group for Cocker Spaniels. At approximately 4 months of age, Skipper weighted a mere 8 pounds. She was weak and close to death from the mange and lack of nutrition and proper care.

Caroline's 5^th birthday

SECOND CHANCES

In 2004 Caroline and her family came to visit me. She was a beautiful 4-year-old child who needed a buddy.

Caroline and her family adopted Bear.

Then came Caroline’s 5th birthday.

Her Mom, Elaine, and Dad, Brian, planned a birthday party.

MICKEY

SECOND CHANCES

"God Bless America! This is what Rescue is all about."
Ellen, DFW

Mickey came to the Dallas-Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue when his owner learned that her tour of duty in Iraq would be long-term. About 7 months old, he’d already gone from one friend to another for the first few months after his momma went to Iraq.

In May 2003, Mickey (formerly known as “Ripley”) was adopted by Janet McShane. Janet sent Mickey’s picture to the 365 Dog-A-Day Calendar and he was selected for the 2005 edition! We asked Janet to share Mickey’s story with us, and this is her report:

LEIA
SECOND CHANCES

Leia is a very sweet, laid back, five-year-old female cocker that was surrendered to CastawayCockers Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Hellam, PA because she started wetting in the house after the birth of her family's first child. The owners decided the wetting was behavioral and they put Leia in a "heated" shed in the back yard. That is where she lived for two years until she was surrendered to rescue in March 2004. Her owner also provided her medical records.

ANGEL AND SADIE

SECOND CHANCES

Rescuers across the country provide a service that does not go unnoticed by the families that are lucky enough to blessed by the love of a rescued cocker. Angel was in need of expensive surgery which was paid for, in part by the ASC's donation of all the Cocker Cuties Calendars the CockerAngels Rescue Group could sell. The Homer family was saddened by the loss of Sadie, their rescued cocker, and are looking forward to the day when they will be able to offer another cocker a second chance at happiness.

JAX AND ODIE

SECOND CHANCES
MEGAESOPHAGUS: HEARTBREAK AND A HAPPY ENDING
Tales of Two Cockers
Submitted by Kathi Alexander

Megaesophagus is a big word for an often fatal condition. There are different types of megaesophagus: one occurs before birth, another is adult-onset. The first type can sometimes be corrected by surgery. The latter is either the result of an illness or injury. In both conditions, the dog’s esophagus is enlarged and cannot properly propel food from the throat down to the stomach. In the past year, Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue of Northern Virginia (OBG) has learned by experience about both types.

MELVIN'S SECOND CHANCE

SECOND CHANCES
This article is about a wonderful little cocker spaniel named "Melvin" and the team of good Samaritans who came together to help him.

All of us who "do rescue" know we couldn’t do without our veterinarians. These dedicated men & women donate their time and monies (via reduced pricing services) to help not only our beloved cocker spaniels, but the 150+ other purebred and mixed breed dogs, cats and plethora of other species. All too frequently we forget to publicly honor them for their aid. We literally could not rescue so many dogs without their assistance. So to the Dover Area Animal Hospital, Dr. Dave Pike and staff who were instrumental in Melvin's treatment, please accept the appreciation of the ASCF cocker spaniel rescue committee, and the membership of the American Spaniel Club.