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Springer Spaniels from rescue to new home.
Animal welfare rescue organizations are prevalent throughout the United States and beyond. Some are breed-specific, have chapters in various regions of the country, and can almost always use extra volunteers to serve in some capacity. One of those breed rescue groups is English Springer Spaniel Rescue of America (ESSRA), with a Rocky Mountain Chapter that includes Wyoming.
Recently, I assisted the organization in transporting two female Springers from their foster home in Colorado to their adoptive “parents” in Montana. Normally, a transport involves several “legs” in the journey, jaunts of 50 to 150 miles one way. However, because I was traveling into Montana to visit relatives, I offered to take the dogs as far as possible into the state to help alleviate some of the travel done by the other drivers (in this case, that turned out to be the adoptive pet parents). Therefore, my “leg” of the journey was nearly 450 miles, which is not typical. Yet, I was glad to do it and the drive made sense because I was driving so far for other reasons.
I’ve done transport before, but this experience was different for me. These girls had been part of a large rescue endeavor several months prior, a rescue of nearly 100 dogs in a Midwestern state from a backyard breeder (a person without a license and more dogs than most people can generally care for) who had set fire to his kennels and other buildings. Many of these dogs were not well-socialized, and they were extremely traumatized from their situation. Foster homes were found for the dogs, and they were given the “second chance” of learning what love, training, and humane treatment, as well as the bond of human companionship, is all about.
The two dogs stayed overnight at my house, and I was given the privilege to learn what resilience really means. Many people face hardships, especially right now, and most of us could take a lesson from the two dogs that stayed with me. Although shy and slightly fearful, within a few short hours, these girls came willingly and waggingly to me, seeking loving pets and a soothing voice (as well as doggie treats!). They followed me around, although hesitantly, and loaded into the car and then rode in the backseat quietly and with trust. When we reached our destination nearly 8 hours later, they went up to their new owners a bit hesitantly, yet offered a nuzzled muzzle into warm, gentle hands, then loaded into the couple’s pickup truck (back seat, not back of!) with confidence. They seemed to know this was the final stop on their journey – into the hearts and home of a Montana couple who wanted these girls (one 9 years old) to know that they would be loved and cared for the rest of their lives and that not all humans are cruel and demanding.
These two brave dogs were not with me for long, but they impacted my life in an endearing and eternal way. And, I know I played a big part in helping them – I am grateful for that opportunity!
There are hundreds of volunteers that make up rescue organizations, many of whom work to shut down the types of breeders who are irresponsible, callous, and sometimes downright cruel to the animals they are breeding and selling. I cannot fathom some of the deplorable, disgusting, and despicable conditions those volunteers encounter; I cannot fathom the fear and the inhumane conditions those dogs endure. I cannot fathom how people can treat a loving, innocent dog with such contempt and cruelty. The spirit of a Springer, and that of many other dog breeds, is one of gentleness and devotion. It is also one of courage. Those of us who love and respect dogs (and other animals) should be very grateful to the people who make up rescue organizations, those who come directly to the aid and rescue of pets everywhere, those helping to alleviate animal neglect and cruelty. All of us can be part of that endeavor by simply giving some of our time.
Volunteer with a local animal welfare organization, whether that be a rescue group, an animal shelter, or a Humane Society. Volunteers are vital to all of these groups, and sometimes the time needed is only a few hours a month. You can be part of the positive solution by volunteering in one or more ways including:
1. Donate time to walk and play with dogs.
2. Donate time to brush and play with cats.
3. Serve as a foster parent, providing a temporary home to injured or orphaned animals, those awaiting a new home, or mothers with very young kittens or puppies.
4. Transport pets going into new homes.
5. Assist with fundraising and other special events.
6. Help landscape and clean an existing facility.
7. Help publicize and educate people about the organization and about pet ownership responsibility.
8. Donate products, such as pet food, toys, treats, even laundry soap and cat litter.
9. Give money.
Helping rescue organizations, even in small ways, is a rewarding experience. When a dog that has been neglected and abused cowers on the floor when all you want to do is pet her breaks your heart. Yet, when that same dog comes to you with nose outstretched seeking your affection, that heartbreak mends and your heart melts as your hand gently caresses the softness of her coat, softness that resulted from the foster family’s loving care. You are part of the solution, you are part of the rescue, and that knowledge and reality is like no other feeling in the world – pride, happiness, and significance all rolled into one! Come to the rescue – volunteer, and be part of the solution!
For information on English Springer Spaniel Rescue, Rocky Mountain Chapter, visit: http://www.rockymountainesra.org/
For a listing of breed rescues, visit the American Kennel Club website: http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm
For a list of animal welfare organizations in Wyoming, visit Petfinder at www.petfinder.com and click on “Animal Shelters by State” and select “Wyoming”.
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