Furbabies by Sue

Near the end of February 2004, Skipper was found in a dumpster, enclosed in a sealed trash bag with her legs tied together, covered head to toe with sarcoptic mange. Someone heard her cries and whimpering and took her to the shelter in Dothan, Alabama. A telephone call from Renee Skipper at the Dothan Shelter was made to Joanne Halvorson, a volunteer of the Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center, Inc., a national rescue group for Cocker Spaniels. At approximately 4 months of age, Skipper weighted a mere 8 pounds. She was weak and close to death from the mange and lack of nutrition and proper care.

Skipper was nursed back to health by the vets and staff at Beaver Crossing Animal Hospital, led by Dr. Michael Smith. She thrived in foster care with Joanne Halvorson, who ultimately adopted her in April 2004. Joanne saw something special in this little dog and enrolled her in basic obedience classes at about 7 months of age. She excelled in training and at approximately 9 months of age and 2 weeks shy of completing basic obedience, Skipper passed the Canine Good Citizen test.

Because she was not yet a year old, Skipper had to wait until December 2004 to take the test to become a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International (TDI). She passed the Canine Good Citizen test again, coupled with the therapy test on December 18, 2004, and officially became a registered therapy dog and member of TDI in February 2005. She now holds the title of "TDIA" and is certified as a therapy dog.

Whenever she dons her “Therapy Dog” vest, it's as though she knows she's "going to work." The residents at the Lilburn Rehabilitation Center look forward to her visits twice a month. Her name is posted on their monthly calendar so they know the date and time she will be coming. The same holds true for Life Care of Lawrenceville. She also visits retirement homes, a skilled nursing facility, and nursing homes. It has brought new life to many of the residents because they cannot have pets. At Harmony Elementary School in Buford, Georgia, Skipper participated in their reading program, where first and second graders with reading disabilities get to read to the dogs to help in improving their reading skills.

Everyone who meets Skipper falls in love with her. She was a diamond in the rough; and with love, attention, patience, and training has developed into a true gem. On November 6, 2005 Skipper was honored as an inductee into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame under the category of Companion as she has benefited both Joanne and the community.

Although I love all furbabies, you have probably noticed that many of my portraits are of American Cocker Spaniels, and that my own dogs are Cockers as well. Since everyone has limited resources and you generally end up supporting the breed you know best, I would like to introduce you to the some of the wonderful rescue groups I support. Please give them a visit and consider a donation or you may find your own angel to rescue!

LIFE'S LITTLE PAWS www.lifeslittlepaws.com  

SEE MY MIKEY ON THE COVER OF "COOKING FOR COCKERS!"  http://www.cockeradoptions.org/

COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE OF NEW ENGLAND: http://www.csrne.org/

BETSY'S COCKER PLACE: www.betsyscockerplace.com 

 MAINE COCKER RESCUE:   http://www.geocities.com/mainecockerrescue/

ABANDONED ANGELS:  http://http://www.nyabandonedangels.com/

DFW COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE http://www.dfwcockerrescue.org/DFWCSR/