Absent but not Absent-minded

I have been far away from blogging these days.  I haven't even had time to read many of my favorite blogs either and I love to stay on top of what's going on in those worlds!   

There is a reason though, I can explain.  I certainly haven't been absent-minded, more like I've been overwhelmed-minded!  You see, about a month and a half ago I took on a new challenge.  I stepped up to become the Interim Rescue Chairman for the National English Cocker Spaniel Club Rescue.  It could be worse, English Cocker Spaniels are still fairly uncommon in the USA so thankfully, when I took over we only had about 14 dogs under our care.  But still.....it has been difficult because these dogs are spread out all over the US.  Sometimes there just aren't enough resources to help a specific dog in need.  The most challenging job seems to be finding foster homes.   A foster home is someone who takes in the dog and cares for it like one of their own until the dog is adopted.  

Not only are foster homes in short supply so is our funding.  It doesn't take long to run through our money when many of the dogs we take in have significant medical issues.  One dog had 26 teeth pulled, several others came in heartworm positive.  All need to be vaccinated and/or spayed or neutered.  

Recently we took in this adorable young boy from the San Bernardino, CA shelter.  

He was found wandering the streets, emaciated, scared and weighing only 15 lbs when he should weigh at least 25.  Thankfully a foster parent was found here in Phoenix, AZ and he is doing better but he was seriously ill due to stress and being so hungry.  He required a visit to the emergency dog hospital where ECSCA (English Cocker Spaniel Club of America) incurred a bill for over $400.  We will still have additional costs as he, Westley, must be neutered and vaccinated once he is feeling better.  

My role as Chair is volunteer and challenging without a doubt, but the rewards are awesome.  I am excited to share that some of Westley's medical bills are being 'sponsored' by a fourth and fifth grade class in Knoxville, TN.  Their teacher is a member of our National Club and her class is selling school supplies to other students and donating 40% of the proceeds to Rescue in Westley's honor!  WOW!!  The students will be receiving pictures of Westley and communications from his foster mom as well. 

Of course, you don't have to be a club member to sponsor one of our Rescue furkids.  If you are interested in coordinating a project like this for your students, friends or group, please let me know and I can set you up.   Or should you just feel inclined to make a donation that can be done at:
http://www.ecsca.org/store.html#donate  Scroll down the page to 'Rescue' and make a Paypal donation.  


You can also go to this page, http://www.ecsca.org/rescuehome.html to see some of the other dogs we have in Rescue that are ready to be adopted by a 'furever' home, could that be you???


So, now you know....that's why I have been absent lately!