From the Chairman

This has been a very active year for OBG. As we become more well known due to our website and word of mouth; we find more people looking to adopt. Unfortunately, we are also getting more calls to take in unwanted dogs. All ages seem to be looking for a safe place, but summer is especially hard for the older ones. Summer brings us a surplus. Why in the Summer? I really can't say. My best guesses are life-style changes such as a new child, moving, or death of the owner. It could be medical care needed and no desire to pay the cost; or maybe a vacation with nowhere to put the animal. It could be nothing more than just being bored with the dog. The Mid-Atlantic region is a large one for a small organization like ours. The calls and e-mails come from all over looking for help. We have even had requests from England, Puerto Rico, Canada and Japan.

Our fosters have done a wonderful job in providing love and care for over 75 dogs this year so far. I thank each and every one of them for a job well done. I know their little charges would say the same thing if they could speak. We are always looking for a few more good dedicated fosters to help. Please let us know if you can share your home with even one little cocker.

Emma

I am proud to announce that we have been accepted and now are! a participant in the Combined Fede! ral Campaign. Please think of OBG when its time to fill out the paperwork at the end of the year. We are always in need of funds to pay for our short term commitments: vets, food, toys, grooming, and other miscellaneous items are an ongoing expense which seems endless.

 Our long-term fund-raising committee is looking for ways to provide funding for our largest and most needed goal to date. We are looking for a permanent home for OBG. I realize this is a huge project, but it is one we

must reach and it must be soon. We are always short foster homes, and continued advertising has not helped. The number of dogs has increased and we can't provide room for all of them. That means an end for many sweet animals who through no fault of their own find themselves on death row. The goal of this facility would be to provide a sanctuary for up to 50 dogs. Here they would get the medical care, training, and socialization needed. Potential adopters could come and look at all the dogs in one place, and not wait for adoption shows.

We are always looking for ideas to raise funds. We are especially interested in knowing of any grants for which OBG can apply. Please let us know if you have any ideas that would help us. The need is great and time is short.
Lastly, I personally would like to thank all who have helped with donations the past few months so that cockers like Sam, Precious, and Emma can get the special care they need. Without your help, Sam would not be able to see. Precious's eyes are still blind, but for the first time in years, the pressure behind her eyes is finally starting to stabilize. Emma, at the time I'm writing this, still hasn't had her leg operation. Emma came into the shelter with an already broken leg. The vet feels that its an old break and she has been in pain for quite awhile. Our hope is to find Emma walking without a limp soon.

Don't forget to drop by the adoption ! shows and say "hi". Bring your family, especially your 4-legged ones. We love to see how each and every one of our former OBG boys and girls is getting along.

Debbie Reitz
Oldies But Goodies Chairman

Long Distance Sponsorship: a New Way to Help!

As our presence on the Internet becomes stronger, we are beginning to receive adoption inquiries from families far outside the mid-Atlantic region. As Oldies But Goodies has a policy that we will not ship our dogs, we have developed a sponsorship program for these individuals, offering them the chance to sponsor one of our homeless cockers while he waits for his forever home.

This program is not just for long-distance inquirers, however. Former adopters who "wish" they could fit a second (or third) dog into their homes, but cannot, for whatever reason, might also want to consider this program. Here's how it works:

As a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non profit organization, Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, Inc. is able to accept donations on behalf of the cocker of your choice, if you wish to support any of our rescued cockers for their care expenses while we work to find the dog a good home. All donations go 100% toward the upkeep of the specific sponsored cocker.

For your sponsorship, we will send you a certificate indicating the name of the dog you are sponsoring, and we will also include information stating that your donation is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

If you would wish to sponsor one of our rescued cockers, please send your donation check to Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 361, Newington, Va. 22122-0361. Please be sure to specify on your check which dog you wish to sponsor. Once the sponsored dog finds a new home, his/her photo is removed from our website and other sponsorships of other deserving cockers on our website are enco! uraged and greatly appreciated.

We thank you. And so do the dogs.

Little Mattie:
A Happy Ending

We were called by Tri-County (Maryland) Animal Shelter. They had a small black cocker, who was blind in one eye. She was a give-up. Did we have room for her? Her previous owners gave her up because she liked to dig in the yard -- apparently she likes to save bones. She seemed to be a good dog and her time was up. They needed the cage for other strays.

I was late at work that night so Gary picked her up. When he saw her, he was alarmed -- she was not only blind in one eye, the eye had deflated. It had to be removed.

Fortunately for us, when we went to the emergency clinic, a veterinarian met us who, unknown to us, was a champion of those who can't speak human.

Mattie's eye was removed and surgically sewn shut. He found tumors -- benign mammary tumors, which he removed. Mattie had to be shaved down. Her little coat was too matted. And she couldn't be bathed for another week. We were able to save a little hair on her ears though. She was a cute little button.

Now, who would want her? Who would understand her and love her? Everyone wants a "perfect" little puppy. That's why there are soooo many shelters. They don't research it out. A cocker spaniel is a 12-15 year commitment. Mattie would need care the rest of her life. And vet bills increase as the years go by. We are a throwaway society. When it breaks, throw it out.

Fortunately, Mattie has a happy ending, listen to what her new owners say:

When Matt and I wanted to get a second dog, our only request was that the dog be a female. Debbie R. told us about Mattie, and how she was about 7 years old, and had just had some tumors and her right eye removed.

Matt and I looked at each other and thought! no way. Like many others, we wanted a younger dog that had no physical problems. Our other dog, also from OBG, had been mistreated and abused and had emotional issues, but that didn't bother us. Physical problems -- they were another matter entirely.

We got to the show and met Mattie and her foster mom. We had Buster along with us and he didn't have any problems with her. We walked her around the store to get a feel for her personality, and we got nothing. At the foster mom's suggestion, we took Mattie home for the evening to see if things would work out. We got home, and Mattie started showing her personality. She sniffed everything and wagged her tail

 a bit. She checked everything out, then immediately jumped on the sofa, in Buster's spot, as if to say "here I am." I sat down next to her, and she jumped up on my lap, kissing my face. I was hooked.

It took Matt a few days to warm up to her, but once he did, she quickly became daddy's girl.

Mattie has been such a joy and delight -- there are just not enough good things to say about her. When we come home, she is there at the door wagging her entire backside. When my husband says even one word, she wags and wiggles just at the sound of his voice. She senses our every emotion. When we are happy, she is happy. If one of us is sad or hurt, she is right there, licking a hand, arm, or face to make you smile and feel better.

Once when I cried, she put her chin on my lap and cried and whined right along with me. Once, when I was sick and in pain, she brought me every toy she has and put them on the couch with me to help cheer me up.

She is afraid of thunder and lightening and she will shake with fear, but she doesn't try to sit on my lap for comfort during a storm; instead, she sits at attention at my feet as if to protect me.

Mattie (front) and Buster

She has! a little bed on the side of ours, and every night it's the same ritual. Our bed is too high for her to jump on, so she will sit at my side of the bed, whine and scratch the mattress in an effort to get me to notice her so I will bring her up for the night. If that doesn't work, she'll travel over to Matt's side of the bed and do the same. This goes on three or four times every evening. If we don't pick her up, she goes back to her bed with her head down, stretches out, lays down, and then stares at you with her big brown eye until we acknowledge her. If she does get an invitation up to the bed, she makes herself very comfortable -- right between Matt and I with her head on the pillow, snoring all night long.

And to think that we almost missed all of this because we wanted a perfect dog. I'm not perfect -- why should I demand a dog that is?

Not a day goes by when Matt and I don't look at Mattie and think how lucky we are, and how some pre-conceived notions almost got in the way of adding her to our family. What a lesson we have learned. I realize now that being 8 yrs old and having one eye wasn't Mattie's problem -- it was my problem. I saw her as "old" and "disabled". How wrong I was. Mattie acts no differently than any other dog. She has no limitations, and no end to her energy, enthusiasm,and love.

When Mattie woke up that Tuesday morning two months ago and we realized she couldn't see, my heart stopped. We ran her to the vet and didn't know what was wrong. Finally, the call came at 2:00 that afternoon -- Mattie had glaucoma. And she had it bad. The doctor thought she would never see again. I went to visit her that evening, and she was such a perfect little girl. She couldn't see anything, but was not scared. I couldn't stop thinking about how scary it must be for her not to see, and wondering how she would manage if this eye had to be removed.

When I told a colleague what had happened, the response was "are you putt! ing her to sleep?" I had never been so horrified in my entire life.

What a change! Going from someone who wasn't sure she wanted a one-eyed dog, to someone shocked that people could be so cruel as to think a blind dog was not worth having.

Mattie went in the next day for laser surgery to dry up the gland producing the fluid that was causing the glaucoma. The surgery was a success. Then, six weeks later, her pressure skyrocketed. She had the laser surgery a second and then a third time. I can happily report that Mattie's pressure is fine now. We take it day by day.

When I went to our neighborhood pharmacy to fill six prescriptions for Mattie, the pharmacist remarked how lucky Mattie was to have a family that would do this for her. But it is we who are the lucky ones. Little Mattie beats the odds again!

She, of course, was so sweet and lovable throughout the whole ordeal, and was never scared, even when she couldn't see anything around her. Now, she is back chasing squirrels, burying her toys in the garden etc. Her sight has been compromised to some extent: she has tunnel vision and can't see beneath herself (and, consequently, walks over Buster). I'm sure that it will just take some time for her to adjust.

We are so grateful that OBG had the ability to take in poor Mattie. I hate to think what might have happened to her if OBG hadn't stepped in.

Thanks to Judy's hard work and dedication, we have a dog that, in my opinion, turned out to be perfect after all.

Matt and Terrie Werner

Canine Eye Diseases

Reprinted from the Jan/Feb 2000 issue of MAGDRL, the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue newsletter

Cataracts: A cataract is a w! hitish discoloration (opacity) of the normally clear lens of the eye. It may block the passage of light through the lens. Consequently, images that arrive at the retina -- the sensory part of the eye that sends images to the brain -- are fuzzy and may be completely obscured. One obvious sign of cataracts is that the pupil of the eye, which normally appears black in color, becomes tinged with white. Cataracts are treatable by several surgical techniques. The most common is the same that is performed on humans (phacoemulsification) -- making a small incision in the eye and then using ultrasound to liquefy and vacuum out the lens. After the damaged lens is removed, the veterinary surgeon may replace it with an artificial lens. Under normal circumstances, a dog will recover completely in a few weeks. Cataracts tend to be a hereditary condition, often present in both eyes. It is very common in dogs suffering from diabetes mellitus. Other, less common causes include retinal diseases, foreign bodies in the eye, or trauma to the eye. Cataracts are not necessarily age related, but they occur more in some breeds than in others, specifically Cocker Spaniels, Bichon Frises, and Poodles.

Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctive, the mucous membrane that lines the eye socket. It's a common condition that can cause red, puffy eyes and unusual discharges. It is often caused by allergies, trauma, or abrasions to the eye itself. Conjunctivitis may be treated with a wide range of medications prescribed by your veterinarian, including antibiotic ointments and drops.

Corneal Injuries & Infections: Dogs are not usually sedentary creatures. As your dog runs and plays, the cornea (the windshield of the eye) can become injured. These injuries can develop into painful infections that sometimes lead to corneal perforations. Fortunately, most corneal infections are treatable with prescribed antibiotics. If you n! ote any surface irregularity of the eye or any unusual redness, discharge, or pain, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dry Eye (Keratoconiunctivitis Sicca or Aqueous Tear Insufficiency): This is a deficiency of the tears that normally protect and lubricate the eye's surface. It is a common condition that often causes a greenish-yellow discharge in one or both eyes. Untreated, dry eye can persist for months and can lead to discomfort, corneal scarring, chronic infections, and even blindness. In some cases, dry eye is a reaction to prescription medications such as sulfa drugs, which are given to decrease the pain of urinary tract infections. Dry eye may be treated with ointments that stimulate tears and cure associated infections. In rare circumstances, dry eye is treated surgically by rerouting a duct from a salivary gland to the eye.

Glaucoma: It's caused by excessive fluid pressure with the eye. Beagles, Cockers, and Terriers develop glaucoma more often than other breeds. The most obvious signs of glaucoma are blue or gray discolorations of the eye, redness in the whites of the eye, vision loss, and pain. Glaucoma may cause an enlarged eyeball and irreversible blindness. It can occur in both eyes, especially when the disease is breed related. In some cases, treating glaucoma with a drug that decreases fluid production can save a dog's eye. But surgery may be necessary. Laser surgery to relieve fluid production is one option. If the disease extensively damages the eye, it may be best to remove the eye's contents and replace them with a prosthesis.

"PRA" (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): PRA is an irreversible deterioration of the retina. It can occur in both young and old dogs and is untreatable. As the retina deteriorates, its ability to send visual messages to the brain diminishes. Eventually, it causes blindness. This condition is often related t! o breed and may be inherited. Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Poodles, among many others, are often affected. The first sign of PRA is difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions. PRA causes no pain and has no outward signs other than vision loss, and occasionally, widely dilated pupils.

Be observant, if there is any eye abnormality or sign that your dog is having trouble seeing, call your veterinarian!

This Issue's Cocker Angel:
Debbie Turley

I look around the townhouse and wonder why I am involved in dog rescue. The walls need a fresh coat of paint, the carpets need cleaned every week and I never seem to have enough time for me. What ever happened to a social life? Then I look at the 4-8 pairs of eyes watching me and I realize why. I am giving these guys a chance at a better life.

I have to be honest and say that cocker spaniels were not my first choice of a rescue breed. My close family consists of a Rottweiler, Justice, and a black lab, Buzz. But when my veterinarian, Dr. Jackson of University Veterinarian Clinic, said Debbie Reitz of cocker rescue was in desperate need of help I could not say no. That was when I began to know and understand cocker spaniels. Now I could not imagine helping another rescue group.

I have been involved with OBG Cocker Rescue for about 4 years now and I can't begin to tell you of the sadness I have learned from these rescues. My specialty in the group is the difficult dogs, which consists of the snappers or the ones that have been so badly mistreated that they do not trust anyone. These are ones I enjoy watching them change and see them become adopted. Yes, I cry every time, but I know I cannot keep them all and shelter them from the cruel world that they came from.

My days consist of my full time job, coming home to care for my growing "family", vet visits, home checks, adoption shows, picking up and moving rescues to fost! ers and adoption homes, and working closely with the fosters to help each volunteer and rescue dog and more. Yes, some days I am an insane person, but I love what I do.

No I am not a saint, but just a person like you, who now loves a cocker spaniel. My own 2 dogs just roll their eyes and say, "you are not bringing in another one are you?" I just smile and give them all my love and attention.

I really believe in OBG Cocker Rescue. Debbie Reitz did not just start this group to save a life from being euthanized but to help these babies to be rehabilitated and get healthy enough to find a new family to love them. Each volunteer in the group donates their time doing different jobs within the group. We need everybody and their expertise in life. If you can not foster how about helping out with another volunteer job. We need you!

I do want to thank a few people in my life that make a difference to these rescues. My family, my wonderful neighbors who do not complain about the comings and goings, my co-workers who allow me to take off early for the vet visits and transporting and allowing me bring a dog to work on rare occasions and to my biggest supporters Justice and Buzz -- who allow me to bring in these little guys who need help. I love you all!!

The Sad Side of Rescue: It's Not always a Happy Ending....

The following is the body of an e-mail message sent out to members of OBG's Board last May. Judy, our foster rep, was having a rough time. This is the side of rescue our website visitors DON'T get to see, but Judy has asked that we "share".

"The last couple of days have not been very good. For those of you who do not know, Jeffery was put to sleep on Tuesday. On Wednesday, We found out that Kasey had bone cancer. I thought you might want to know a little about them:

Jeffery

Jeffery was a tan and white parti with big brown eyes and a soft muzzle. When you petted him, he was soft all over -- easy to hug. He was a good boy who loved to have someone hold him.

Jeffery delighted in running after tennis balls, but after a while, even with the medication, he would huff and puff, two of his heart valves were damaged and he was fighting congestion in the lungs (Congestive Heart Failure).

Mackenzie was his buddy. If Mac went outside, Jeffery went outside. If Mac ate, so did Jeffery. When Mac got a bath, Jeffery would smell all over him to make sure it was still his pal.

Jeffery would not leave my side. I put him in another part of the house when I was

 painting, he and Mac didn't like it and howled to be with me, so I open all the windows and they sat and watched. Jeffery got paint on his paw and walked all over. Mac got some on the top of his forehead. I could never paint without making a mess. I wiped off Mac, cleaned Jeffery's paw and washed the pawprint off the floor.

We went back to the Vet for a checkup. That was Tuesday. His check-up did not go well at all. Jeffery's little heart would not survive the surgery—the damage was too great. So much was wrong. So we went for a walk in the grass and played with the tennis ball. Jeffery marked every tree and bush along the way. The sun was warm -- I was glad for that. We went back inside. I held him close and said goodbye. I left him on the steel table with his tennis ball.

I can still see his pawprint on the floor.

Kasey

Funny little boy, you were with me for only a few days. You had a grey chin and long, long black ears that bounced as you ran. What made you so protective of your

 food? Were you just telling everyone to leave you alone or have you been hungry too many times? I'll never know.

Kasey loved biscuits. Especially ones covered in peanut butter. Every once in a while, Chester would push him, but Kasey would just let him know that he'd been around and wasn't about to let anyone push him. Even if he did have a limp.

A limp. I scheduled an appointment to have it checked and get him neutered along with the others. When I called that afternoon the vet came on the line. Bone Cancer, advanced stages. The X-Rays were pretty clear. His limp was caused by crumbling bones and the left leg was soon to go. He never complained.

This time, we shared a hamburger and again the sun was warm. Kasey for some reason, decided to have a run. His head was high and his little legs skipped as best they could. Then he got tired.

We went inside. I held him tight -- he didn't like being there. Neither did I.

Judy Wollin, Foster Rep

2001 OBG Cocker Calendar

The competition for pictures of "The Sweetest Things" for our 2001 calendar has concluded and did we get some GREAT entries! Thanks to all who participated. The names of the winners of the contest (the dogs who will be featured in our calendar) will be available soon on our website, www.cockerspanielrescue.com.

We are taking pre-sale orders for our calendars. Cost is $10.00 per calendar. Order as many as you wish -- remem! ber, Christmas is just around the corner, and these will make great gifts for the dog lovers on your list. Calendars will be shipped in October 2000. To order, complete and mail the form below.

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone

E-mail address

Quantity to be ordered

Cost of each calendars x $10.00 ea

Total

please print out form and submit check w/your order payable to Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue

Please mail your order form to:
Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue
P.O. Box 361 • Newington, VA 22122-0361

 

President's Corner

Through an anonymous donor, Colonial Williamsburg is offering a special weekend package prize (2 nights for 2 persons) to the first individual who helps OBG obtain a funding grant worth $50,000 or more towards our long term rescue facility to house more rescued dogs.

Our long term fundraising committee needs all OBG volunteers as well as any of our friends and supporters, to join together to contact more donor agencies so we can fund this long term care facility. We have names and addresses of donors who we think would be potential donors to our cause, but we need your help in contacting them and then do the necessary followup to ensure our application is reviewed.

We hope this incentive award will help us send in many more applications to financial donors in the last quarter of this year. Our Treasurer, Jenny Hyman, already has the basic template describing our needs; what we need now are volunteers simply to help send out as many applications as possible.

Throu! gh this incentive gift by Colonial Williamsburg, some lucky person will get a nice weekend vacation with his/her spouse, friend, or significant other, as well as helping OBG with a real financial necessity if we are to grow and prosper in our rescue effort. Williamsburg's weekend prize includes a tavern room for two for two night's accommodations, a daily breakfast, dinner one evening and all gratuities. Also included is a welcome gift and tickets for touring all Colonial Williamsburg.

Remember, this prize will be given to whomever is the first to obtain a grant for the planned OBG long term facility totalling at least $50,000. (Our total needs are $388,000 est.). This special weekend prize will be awarded in March, 2001.

I want to thank Colonial Williamsburg for this wonderful gift and ask all volunteers and supporters to let me know if you are willing to help in filling out applications to financial donors. Please contact me at 703, 533-2373 or mail me a note at OBG, P.O. 361, Newington, Va 22122-0361.

Larry Eicher, President

Senior Spotlight

This month: Olivia!

Olivia's Mom reports: When I adopted her in Nov 97, Debbie said she thought Olivia might be 11. I never thought she was that old. She is now somewhere between 12-14, but we like to think she is 12 and will be with us forever. If you would like to see her story, she is listed on the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center web site under Happy Endings.

Olivia loves to be the center of attention and will be thrilled to be in the newsletter. Knowing "the Livvers", she will

 probably eat it. If Olivia thinks she is not getting an appropriate amount of attention because I am speaking with someone else, she thinks nothing of walking between us and tapping my foot with her paw so that I will be sure to know she is there. She is the funniest dog I have ever known. If I happen to be talking to Olivia's "sister", Miss P, she will come right between Persimmon and me to give me a cocker kiss. Olivia will not be denied and is a great communicator. She knows how to get what she needs to make her life pleasurable.

 

Oldies But Goodies recently received this update from Olivia (aka "the Livvers"), herself!

On the outside I was a crippled bag lady when I came to Mama Debbie's house in the fall of 1997. On the inside, I was "the Queen" who had fallen on hard times.
My "mother" found me on the Internet and I now live in a nice house in Asheville, North Carolina with my mom and my sister Persimmon, a yellow lab. (That's us -- above and left.) Miss P and I watch "the stories" during the day while mom is at work and we walk around the neighborhood with mom at different times of the day to "read postcards".

Since I can't get into the big bed by myself, during the day I sleep on my monogrammed arthritis bed. (In the South, we monogram everything!) At night, we all pile up in the big bed to watch TV before we doze off.
It took me awhile to train the household, but they finally shaped up. Since it is up to me to be in charge, I tell them when it is time for puppy kisses, dog cookies, walks, a ride in the car or a snooze on the deck. My sister, Miss P, is a couch potato, so I have to do all the work guarding the house, the refrigerator, and chasing off dogs and cats who ! come into our yard uninvited. I am also a big help in the house where I sit by mom and supervise her chores. I particularly like to help her cook.
If you are ever down this way, stop by for a visit. We keep a big jar of dog cookies and mom is trying to teach me Southern hospitality. (That's short for "Olivia, you be sweet like your sister".)

Olivia's mom, Trish, reports that Olivia runs everytime she sees the camera and it's impossible to photograph her pretty face, but they sent along a few other pictures.

Olivia and Trish L

Is one of our "Oldies but Goodies" living in YOUR home? Send us your story!!!

Come Visit Us!

We'd love to see you at our events. And it's especially a thrill to see our "alumni", happy and wiggly, showing off their new familes. Here"s where we will be in the upcoming weeks:

  • Sept 9: Adoption show at Springfield, VA PetSmart 12-3pm
  • Sept 9 & 10: Super Pet Expo at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds 9:30am-6pm
  • Sept 16: Adoption show at Greenbriar Petco, Chantilly, VA 12-3pm
  • Sept 30: Adoption show at Springfield, VA PetSmart 12-3pm
  • Oct 7: Adoption show at Springfield, VA PetSmart 12-3pm
  • Oct 21: Adoption show at Greenbriar Petco, Chantilly, VA 12-3pm
  • Oct 28: Adoption show at Springfield, VA PetSmart 12-3pm

See our website for any last minute updates, changes and directions.

Yes! I want to help the Cocker Spaniels financially! (OBG is tax deductible!)
Print out the form, fill it out and return it to us at:

Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue
P.O. Box 361, Newington, VA 22122-0361

Enclosed is my donation of: $___________ Please apply it to:

Sammy's Fund for dogs with extraneous medical needs

OBG Wish List Purchase ______ afghan raffle tickets (see page 6)

Donation towards land/facility purchase

Sponsorship of a specific dog: ____________________________________________

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone

Autumn Sun

In quiet moments I find myself pausing, just to look at Kodie. The telltale white of age defines his muzzle more clearly each day. Sleep has edged its way in as the number one priority. Sometimes, when he sleeps so very soundly, I can't look away until I see the familiar rise and fall of his great chest, until I reassure myself that he is, in fact, breathing. All things considered, Kodie has matured gracefully.

Kodie recently turned twelve. At our vet clinic, he's a legend. They've seen him through ills and injuries over the years. He's had at least his share of "bumps in the road" but he's handled them all with a pleasant attitude and ! patience.

Last month, on the fringes of healing from surgery, he became ill, fretful, painful. The clinic politely squeezed him into their busy Saturday schedule. Poor Kodie barely had a five o'clock shadow on his last surgical shave area. During his exam and treatment, I mentioned that Monday would be his 12th birthday. Clearly Kodie had carved his own place in the hearts of his friends at the clinic. Almost before I could say "thank you," Monday's schedule was arranged. Kodie would come back for a recheck and a birthday bath, courtesy of his clinic pals. When a new assistant helped me take Kodie to the car, she kept saying how special he is, how kind and sweet to work with.

No longer interested in recieving Cocker Connection? Mailing and printing costs are increasing, right along with the length of our mailing list.

! If you'd rather not be included,
please notify us at 703-533-2373 or
e-mail the newsletter editor at cockercondo@yahoo.com and we will remove your name from our list.

 When I went to pick Kodie up after his "birthday bath", I couldn't believe my eyes. He was led into the lobby wearing two new bandannas around his neck -- one bright teal with cowboy boots, and the other a red and white bandanna with adhesive tape messages taped all over it. "Way to go Kodie", "Happy B-Day", "We Love You, Kodie," and on and on. I didn't know whether to cry or giggle. Then it was time to head for home and let everybody get back to business. On the way to the car, memories jockeyed for position. I realize it isn't typical for a canine to always be escorted from clinic to car by two or more people. It isn't typical for a dog to spark so many phone call! s from vets and support staff, "just checking on the old guy". It isn't typical for a dog to be so kind in the midst of his own sickness or pain. But then, Kodie isn't typical.

What do we do when our loving pets face the last leg of the race? We do all we can to help them finish well, of course. We take time to read the unspoken needs of the friends we've come to know so well. We give the simple reassurance of a loving touch when the old boy seems confused for no reason. We groom them faithfully, but more gently, as age brings muscle wasting, and the arthritic bones aren't so well padded. We learn to slow down for their sake, as they enjoy the scent of the wind, or track a visitors trail across their yard. We expect to be inconvenienced, and aren't angry when it happens. We watch for pain and treat it, watch for changes in vision and hearing and do what we can to help preserve those precious senses for as long as possible. We take care of their teeth, and make sure their food is a manageable texture for them. We remind them of the need for a potty walk when they seem to forget. We remember the little rewards. We scratch the graying ears and tummy, and go for car rides together. When the pet we

 love has an unexplained need for comfort, we give it freely. When infirmities bring a sense of vulnerability, we become our old guardian's protector. We watch their deepest slumbers, when dreams take them running across long-forgotten fields, and we remember those fields too. When they cannot stand alone, we lift them. When their steps are uncertain, we steady them. And if their health fails, it falls to us to make the choice that will gently put them to rest. But until that is absolutely necessary, we pause to let the autumn sun warm our old friend's bones. And we realize autumn is not a bad time of year at all.
Old age is not a disease, or a reason to give up. It is a stage of life that brings its own changes. Autumn can be a beautiful time of harvest. And! , sometimes, the harvest is love.

Christy Caballero

Win this
Hand-Worked
Cross-Stitch
Cocker Spaniel Afghan!

Only 250 raffle tickets will be sold! Send us your check for $5.00 per chance (use the form on page 5).

Drawing to be held October 31st. Chances of winning: 1 in 250.

Afghan will be displayed at adoption shows and events in Sept and Oct.

Oldies But Goodies
Cocker Rescue, Inc.!

P.O. Box 361
Newington, VA 22122-0361
703-533-2373

Newsletter design courtesy of: Cocker Condo

e-mail: cspanielrescue@aol.com