SHOREWOOD COCKER NEWS     Issue 2   05/03/01

INTAKES RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE

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Have you ever wondered how Shorewood Cocker Rescue cares for cocker spaniels who arrive in need of medical attention?  On average, every six months, we take one dog into the rescue that costs us significantly more than the adoption fee received when the dog is placed with a new family.  All incoming cockers are spayed or neutered, updated on shots and heartworm tested, and sometimes there are minor ailments that need to be treated as well. However, that wasn’t the case this last month when we took in four dogs in need of considerable additional veterinary care.

Pebbles, a five year old sable, female cocker who came to us from a shelter in Illinois, was originally diagnosed with cancer when two lumps were found on her chest. After surgically removing the lumps, the biopsy fortunately revealed that the lumps were benign. Pebbles had an unnecessary surgery, and although we are delightful that the original diagnosis was wrong, the procedure was no less expensive. On a happier note, Pebbles was adopted by her new family in late April and what a wonderful family found her!

Not too long after this expensive endeavor, one of the Shorewood team members learned of the impending euthanasia of  Pixie, a silver female cocker seized in an animal cruelty case. Pixie needed to have a growth removed from her eye, surgery on her ear, in addition to the usual spay, shots, and heartworm test.  Her treatment has since been completed and she has a pending adoption.

At about the same time, it was discovered that recent intakes Sam (pictured) and Jojo were heartworm positive.  As you may know, Heartworm is a preventable yet serious disease transmitted by female mosquitoes that requires immediate treatment.  Unfortunately, Sam and Jojo are not the first cockers to come into the rescue Heartworm positive.  However, they have received treatment, and Sam has fully recovered and has an adoption pending. Jojo is still recovering and will be photographed for the website when he is available for adoption.

You may ask, how does the rescue afford these additional expenses?  We are fortunate to work with veterinarians who support the work we do by charging lower rates. This doesn't mean we don't have large bills, but it does help tremendously.  Also, we receive donations from individuals periodically to help with these costs.  

Shorewood Cocker Rescue would like to thank the individuals who have donated funds over the years to help pay for treatment of ill or injured cockers and have sent us items which help reduce the daily costs of dog food, rawhides, etc. You know who you are, and we appreciate your assistance! Thank you for your support, and special thanks to our two major benefactors in April, Cindy, who adopted our Princess and Julie, who has been approved to adopt. 

  RESCUE EVENTS

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Above:  "Cocker Reunion" at Three Dog Bakery - several families stopped by to say hi and update us on how things were going with their new cockers. Pictured cockers include Magee, Eddie & Sissy, Freckles, Hope and Dandy.

Left: Twinkie, a one year old, red and white cocker, is seen here with her new family at Three Dog Bakery in Madison.

MEET A SHOREWOOD RESCUE VOLUNTEER

Karen A.

Above: Viroqua Area Volunteer, Karen A., poses with Princess at a rescue event held at Mounds Pet Food Warehouse in Madison. 

 RECENT ADOPTIONS

SPARKY

Comments from Sparky’s new family: "Sparky is doing really well. He is already attached to us and we don't put him in his crate unless we leave the house or at night. He settles down and just lays by us when we are watching TV. He hasn't had any accidents in the house. He does love to chew and we bought him some really good chew toys. We are working on not jumping and signing up for obedience training soon.  Class starts end of March. He is a really sweetheart and loves to put his head in your lap.”

Sparky, a one to two year old tri-colored male, came to the rescue from a shelter in IL. He was adopted by his new family in February, 2001.

WILBUR

Mickey, now called Wilbur, is a two year old, larger black male cocker that came to the rescue from a shelter in Indiana. This lucky dog was adopted in March, 2001.

Comments from Wilbur's new family: “Wilbur is FANTASTIC! He's happy as a clam and neither I, nor he, could be more pleased with his new home. He loves all the new toys I bought him; not so much playing with them as chewing them to bits. He's a big hit with the neighborhood kids and in fact, I guess he pretty much loves everybody. We live in a three story townhouse. The bedrooms are on the third floor, the garage and laundry room are on the first floor, and living room and kitchen on the second floor. We spend most of our time on the 2nd floor in the living room. When I have to run to the 1st floor for something, as soon as I've shut the door behind me and started down the stairs, Wilbur takes off up to the third floor. It's pretty funny. So, we like to say he doesn't even know up from down. He'll eventually figure it out, but for now, it's really fun to watch him try and find me upstairs when I've just gone downstairs. He's eating and drinking fine, enjoys exploring the neighborhood, and has been barking a "hello" to other dogs in other backyards in the neighborhood whom he has not yet seen. All-in-all, things are going great.”