Category: Cocker News

Cocker news gathered from the Internet

Cocker spaniels top ten as mixed-breed

Survey results from Maryland based Mars Veterinary rank the cocker spaniel as the ninth popular mixed-breed.  The study was a first-ever for mixed-breeds in hopes of determining risk factors for disease.  Interestingly, the top ten mixed-breed list doesn’t coincide the the AKC’s top ten.  Angela Hughes of Mars Veterinary explains the survey provides a “snapshot” of the past–Dogs that have fallen from popularity still make a large portion of mixed-breeds.

Top 10
Mixed-Breed AKC 2010
1 German shepherd Labrador Retriever
2 Labrador Retriever German Shepherd
3 Chow Chow Yorkshire Terrier
4 Boxer Beagle
5 Rottweiler Golden Retriever
6 Poodle Bulldog
7 American Staffordshire Terrier Boxer
8 Golden Retriever Dachshund
9 Cocker Spaniel Poodle
10 Siberian Husky Shih Tzu

Burglars stab cockers in Marple Bridge home: UK

Forty-one-year-old Jane Greytorex entered her home only to find burglars stabbing her cocker spaniels apparently in attempts to silence them.  The men wore masks and carried out their attack with a screwdriver.  The cockers, Millie (11 months old) and Hardy (5 years old) managed to chase the intruders away.  Fortunately, both only sustained minor injuries.

Mrs. Greytorex said she felt helpless watching the attack take place: “Millie and Hardy are the nicest, most good-natured dogs in the world, how anyone can stab animals like them is beyond me.”  Both criminals remain at large.  Anonymous tips can be called in at 0800 555 111.

Cocker thrown from car: Woman charged

I have been covering this story since March 19th.  Fifty-six year old Maximina Shelton has been charged with animal cruelty in the case of the cocker thrown from a moving car.  She and her husband tossed their cocker spaniel named Puddles from a 1985 green Buick LeSabre on March 18, 2011.  The vehicle had been identified thanks to witness description.  The Sheltons said they tossed Puddles from the car to get rid of her.  Puddles was renamed Bambi by the Shamrock Pet Foundation.  Bambi has kept her sweet disposition despite sustaining multiple fractures from the abuse done to her.  Sadly animal cruelty only carries a misdemeanor charge in Indiana.

Cocker spaniel adoption events

Adoption Events
Location & Map Date & Time Rescue
PetSmart S Alexandria, VA April 2 @ 11am-2pm Oldies but Goodies (OBG)
PetSmart Bellaire, TX April 2 @ 11am-2pm Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas – Houston
PetSmart Houston, TX April 2 @ 11am-2pm Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas – Houston
Mr. Detail Car Wash Houston, Tx April 2 @ 11am-2pm Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas – Houston
Bark Pet Store, MD April 3 @ 11am-2pm (OBG)
PetSmart Springfield, VA April 9 @ 11am-2pm Oldies but Goodies (OBG)
PetSmart Katy, TX April 9 @ 11am-2pm Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas – Houston
Dogma Dog Bakery, VA April 16 @ 11am-2pm Oldies but Goodies (OBG)
Petsmart Houston, TX April 16 @ 11am-2pm Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas – Houston
PetSmart Richmond, TX April 16 @ 11am-2pm Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas – Houston
PetSmart Rockville, VA April 23 @ 11am-2pm Oldies but Goodies (OBG)
PetSmart Lake Jackson, TX April 23 @ 11am-2pm Oldies but Goodies (OBG)
PetSmart Cypress, TX April 23 @ 11am-2pm Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas – Houston
PetSmart Manassas South, VA April 30 @ 11am-2pm Oldies but Goodies (OBG)

Additionally, 2nd Chance Cocker Rescue holds adoptions every 1st Saturday at Petco Sacremento, CA and every 3rd Saturday at Petsmart Folsom, CA. These are just a few events. Check your local cocker rescue for events in your area.

Distemper outbreak across the nation

Many animal shelters across the nation are experiencing high incidence of distemper. Shelters are either shutting down or euthanizing their animals to prevent spreading the disease. The Memphis Animal Shelter, Tennessee was hardest hit. They have euthanized over 50 dogs in the past few days including many that were ready for adoption. Stephanie Chozen from an unnamed cocker rescue was able to save the only cocker left, a black and white parti or roan. A buff cocker was pictured in news video. Apparently he didn’t make it. Stephanie will keep him quarantined before fostering him.

Buff Cocker @ Memphis Shelter
Buff cocker @ Memphis shelter: WREG News

Distemper is caused by paramyxovirus, a highly contagious and often fatal disease. Distemper can be prevented though routine vaccinations. Affected shelters are giving away as many dogs as they can and the rest will most likely be euthanized. The Memphis Shelter had a 77% euthanasia rate last year.