ENGLISH SETTER RESCUE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is English Setter rescue?
E.S. rescue is a group of people who seek to find new homes for displaced English Setters and to educate people about the breed.
Where do the dogs come from?
Rescue dogs come from a wide variety of places. The dogs may be from shelters where they have been brought in as strays or by their former owners. They may also come to us directly from the relinquishing owners. The reasons for the dogs needing new homes may vary but the most common are:
-No time
-Allergies
-Moving or lost job
-Divorce
-Won't hunt or hunts too much
Where are the dogs located?
E.S. rescue has foster homes and rescue volunteers around the county. The dogs may be in temporary foster homes, they may be in shelters or they may still be with the original owner. If there is not a dog near you - transportation is always a possibility.
What screenings are done on the dogs?
Every dog in foster care is screened temperamentally and medically to insure that only sound healthy dogs are placed. Dogs who are in shelters or still reside with the owners are screened by phone or in person and every effort is made to uncover any problems.
Aren't rescue dogs usually abused or neglected and doesn't this make them dangerous?
Absolutely not! Most rescue dogs are simply the products of bad decision making. If a dog has been abused or neglected, most are simply grateful to now be in loving homes. Most new owners report their dog seems to know what has happened and is all the more attentive and loving because of his former situation. ENGLISH SETTER RESCUE WILL NOT ACCEPT OR PLACE ANY DOG WHO IS TEMPERAMENTALLY UNSAFE OR WHO HAS SHOWN ANY AGGRESSION TOWARDS PEOPLE!
What happens if I adopt a dog but can't keep him?
E.S. rescue makes every effort to match people and dogs and we are very successful in making lifelong placements. In the event that a dog does not work out in its new home - the dog must be returned to rescue. We will accept back any dog we have placed.
How much does it cost to adopt a rescue dog?
Our cost to spay or neuter a dog, bring it up to date on a vaccinations and test for heartworm can be as high as several hundred dollars. We ask a donation of $150.00 for each dog we place. Some donations may be lower depending on the circumstances.
Why can't I breed my rescue dog?
The fact that rescue exists is a testament to the fact that there are too many dogs. For this reason all rescue dogs must be spayed or neutered. Dog breeding should be undertaken only after much education about the breed, the problems that may exist and the art and science of being a responsible breeder. If done correctly, breeding dogs is not a money making venture.
What age dog do I want?
It is important to remember that English Setters are sporting dogs and thus need a fair amount of exercise. Generally the younger the dog the higher the energy level and the more exercise needed. The life expectancy of an English Setter is 12-13 years although many live longer. Our senior dogs -ages 8 and above - make wonderful pets and most can move in without any further training needed! Your E.S. rescue representative will help you decide what age dog will best suit your family.
Are there different types of English Setters?
Yes, there are two main types of English. The field dogs (Llewellin Setters) tend to be smaller, have less pendulous lips, less coat and fewer spots. This is only a generalization as there are many big, heavy coated, droopy lipped field setters! Bench setters (Laverack type) tend to be larger with longer feathering and heavy flews (lips). Both types of English share the easy going, loving personality that makes the breed so appealing.
What do I need to do if I want to adopt a rescue English Setter?
Your first step is to print out the application, complete it, and mail it to the rescue contact closest to you.
Go to get an application.
You may send an application to more than one rescue contact.
How can I help?
There are many ways to get involved with E.S. rescue. Donations are ALWAYS welcome and those donations help us keep afloat. Foster homes are also needed around the country. Other tasks that we need help with are: transportation, home visits, letter writing, fundraising, and publicity.