There is probably not a subject more controversial among dog breeders than rescue. Unfortunately, there are a lot more breeders who produce cocker spaniels than those that rescue them. And we all justify our uninvolvement in the most inventive ways! "I have new puppies." "I'm just too busy with my job and family." "I take responsibility for dogs I produced, why should I help the puppy mill dogs?" "Local ordinances won't allow me to rescue dogs." . . . and the list goes on.

While these ARE all viable arguments, the reality is that if you have time to produce a single litter in a year, then there is no excuse to NOT help ONE cocker spaniel in need. So what DOES rescue do? Rescue is NOT synonomous with "foster". "Rescue" means consulting with an unhappy dog owner on the phone, who thinks the last resort for their un-house-broken cocker is to get rid of it. Guess what? YOU just might be able to talk that owner in trying a new training method! "Rescue" means advising the owner of the 15 year old dog to do the kind thing and euthanize their family pet instead of dumping him into a strange, scary environment where he'll be euthanized anyway. "Rescue" means spending a Saturday at the adoption fair holding a cocker spaniel and educating potential owners about the breed. "Rescue" means going to the local shelter and grooming a cocker for adoption. "Rescue" means helping the local rescue group raise funds via a fun match, auction, raffle, etc. "Rescue" means SO MUCH MORE than just fostering a dog!

Who are the rescuers? People who rescue cocker spaniels include ASC members; responsible breeders who not only feel a responsibility to those dogs they personally bred but also to the breed as a whole; and caring individuals who just love cocker spaniels. The common link all of these people have is that they KNOW the breed well. Through their personal experiences with cockers, they are all well-qualified to evaluate an individual cocker for its' suitability to be re-homed and the type of home will best suit the dog.

My Rescue Philosophy -
Becki Buss,
Cocker Spaniel Rescue


Are all cocker spaniels turned in to rescue re-homed? Absolutely not! The ASC has written rescue guidelines and policies. An aggressive cocker spaniel is not suitable for re-homing. Regardless of age, a dog with chronic health disorders is not a suitable candidate. As heartbreaking as it may be, euthanasia IS a reality of rescue. It is frequently kinder for the dog to be sent across the Rainbow Bridge in the arms of his owner that he's known and loved.

I bear in mind that the consumer is not truly dealing with "Cocker Rescue" - they are dealing with "ME", the individual. Therefore, I have to feel as comfortable with the health and temperament of any rescue dog I place as I would one that I bred. I also have to feel as good about the prospective home for that rescue dog as I would a home for one of my pups. As a result of these high standards, very few dogs that I've placed have come back into the rescue network. It's really rewarding to have several adopters from past years looking for a replacement since their rescue dog has passed on.

It is so unfortunate that rescue is even necessary. In this day where people don't take responsibility for their children, how can we expect them to be responsible to their pets?