Cocker News – Page 20 – My Cocker Spaniel

Cocker receives PAT Dog of the Year

An English cocker spaniel named Muppet has received the Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog of the Year. Nominations for Muppet poured in from Royal United Hospital’s children’s ward. Muppet and her owner Leisl De Lafontaine have been volunteering at the children’s ward for five years. They touched many hearts including that of a terminally ill girl named Emily who died later this year. Ms De Lafontaine said, “After she transferred to Bristol hospital I really got to see her come out of her shell. She loved Muppet dearly. Her parents even came to Crufts to see Muppet get her award, which was really lovely. Her dad sent me a text saying: ‘We are here and we are totally overwhelmed.'”

Pets As Therapy is national organization providing therapy dogs and cats to facilities such as hospice and special needs schools throughout the United Kingdom. The organization also conducts research in the advancement of pet therapy.

Purebred cockers found along road in Michigan

Motorists have been spotting purebred cocker spaniels along 5 Mile Road and Salem in Salem Township, Michigan since April 1st. Nine have been found so far ages 6-12 years old. The cockers vary in appearance; brown, black, buff, and brown partis. All but one appear to be female. According to veterinarian Carrie Allen, “All are in horribly neglectful states, with overgrown, badly matted feces-covered fur. It appears that they have been housed in small cages amidst their own waste.” She also said the females show signs of being heavily bred. Matt Schaecher of the Huron Valley Humane Society said, “The dogs were dumped and left to fend for themselves. It’s disturbing to see dogs discarded because someone decided they could no longer be used to make a profit.” He suspects the dogs were dumped by a breeder.

All dogs are described as sweet. Anyone interested in adoption can call (734) 662-5585. Some will require special needs. The Huron Valley Humane Society is offering a $500 dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible. You can call them anonymously at (734) 661-3551.

Still no takers for dog hero

Chadwick rescued by fellow shelter dog. Photo Redmond Humane Society

Nala, a black pit bull mix, is still looking for a loving home since coming to the Redmond Humane Society one year ago. Nala has gained fame for rescuing a special needs cocker half frozen in the snow. Last December a volunteer named Alan Borland was walking Nala when she began pulling at her leash. Borland gave into her demands leading them to a listless cocker lying in the frozen snow. “I thought he was dead at first,” said Borland. Interestingly, the blind 10 year-old cocker named Chadwick had been adopted from the Redmond Humane Society a month before. It’s speculated Chadwick headed back to the shelter out of instinct where he was found 200 yards away. Chadwick had been missing for a week in freezing temperatures after escaping from his adoptive home.

Nala is affectionate towards people but needs a home without other pets. If you are interested in adopting Nala or would like or donate on her behalf contact the Redmond Humane Society:

P.O. Box 1404
Redmond OR 97756
(541) 923-0882

OBG Cocker Rescue winner of Shelter Challenge

Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue

Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue (OBG) won Animal Rescue Site’s Shelter Challenge for the state of Virginia. The prize included $1,000 dollars. OBG won an additional $1,000 for gathering the most votes in a week. OBG president Beth Bauer said, “We are incredibly grateful for our supporters who, with their dedicated votes, propelled us into the number one spot in Virginia and the top ten in the nation.” OBG has won the Shelter Challenge three years in a row.

Lifetime pet ban and $10,000 fine

An Australian mother and son were charged with animal cruelty concerning the deplorable condition of their cocker spaniel named Bear. Bear’s wounds were so severe and neglected that he required euthanization. The court fined Daphne Kelly $10,000 dollars and forbid her from ever owning a pet. The court said she had failed to take reasonable steps in preventing Bear’s condition. During the initial RSPCA inspection, Mrs Kelly told the officer she could not take Bear to the veterinarian because she had a business appointment later that day.