Adoption FAQ

In this world, there is no such thing as a free lunch. It's as simple as that. Certainly, your love and devotion to this rescue are important assets and we are pleased that you are interested in adopting. However, please remember the fact that this Rescue Group is a non-profit organization. We have dogs from shelters and humane societies whose adoption fees have been paid for by us ($55 - 65); dogs that are dumped on us by people who no longer want a pet; strays we find; and some dogs who have been terribly abused by former owners. Each and every Cocker we take in is given a health check, becomes up-to-date on shots, groomed, and is neutered or spayed before ever being offered for adoption. If a dog checks out to be Heart Worm positive we have the dog treated before being offered for adoption (which costs us $150). We also work with these dogs in an attempt to socialize them so that they will trust humans. For some of these dogs, it is a long and arduous task. Sometimes this takes weeks; sometimes it takes months and even years before an animal can be expected to trust human society again. During such a period, your Rescue Group has to pay for the dog's food, medicine and general upkeep.

The bills continue to mount up. As a non-profit organization, we do not have the funds to underwrite these kinds of costs. There is no way that $100 even comes close to covering all the costs of rescuing a cocker. Please note also that if you were to purchase a dog, you would pay more, well over the $200 adoption fee, for the necessary injections, health check, and neutering by your local vet. These items have already been done for you.

Finally, there is an old adage that something is more highly regarded when it costs something. We want you to bond with and enjoy your adopted cocker for the rest of your and your dog's life. Your payment helps keep Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue going while you get a wonderful dog for a reasonable price. To simply "give away" cockers to anyone, would be irresponsible on our part as Cocker Rescue people. Regrettably, there have been numerous incidents where dogs advertised in the paper as "free to a good home" were later found to have been picked up and then later sold to laboratories for medical experimentation. We wish to avoid this. Charging nominal adoption fees and conducting thorough interviews of all that apply to adopt a cocker spaniel helps ensure that a viable "match" is made forever. These dogs have suffered enough because of a previous owner's unknowing or uncaring attitude. They deserve better with their future owner. We hope you would agree with us that such a policy is necessary. The result is adopting an animal that will give you and your family great love and affection. After all, you are saving a life by adopting! And you are helping other cockers needing rescue as well. What greater good can there be?

Groom before you bathe your dog! Grooming is the process of combing all the knots out of your cocker's coat. Grooming a dog once a week will keep the coat, and the dog's general health in above average condition. Brushing out your cocker is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your faithful pet. Combing is crucial to the proper maintenance of your dog's coat. A coat that is knotted will retain soap, cause skin eruptions (hot spots) and create discomfort. Most of us realize that the oil is removed from our hair when it is washed - well, it is removed from the dog's coat too. You are left with a dry matted mess that can't be combed. The kindest thing you can do at that point is take the dog to a groomer and have the mess shaved off. Once the hair is off, the skin will be able to breathe and the sores will heal. Your dog's skin needs air to remain healthy. A thorough brushing at least on a weekly basis will help to stimulate the dog's circulation, and remove debris such as leaves or particles of sand. Brush from the tail to the head, and from the foot up. Brushing against the grain will remove the dead hair that has accumulated at the skin line. This dead hair lies on the skin and prevents air from getting to the skin. After you brush, Comb with a metal comb. Now your dog is ready for its bath.

Now comes the easy part. Wet the dog thoroughly with a sprayer or container of warm water. Do not submerge the dog. Be generous with your soap, always starting at the head and washing towards the tail and feet. If soap gets into the dog's eyes - flush them gently with water. RINSE - RINSE - RINSE. Get all the soap out of the coat. Brush the dog gently while you blow dry the coat, and comb with your metal comb!

Following these simple directions will give you a healthier and happier pet. It is perfectly okay to have some treats on hand during the grooming period to reward your pet's good behavior. The only dog that does not need combing before the bath is the Mexican Hairless!!!

BRUSHING IS BENEFICIAL; COMBING IS CRUCIAL.

When brushing and combing - do it on a table. Put a small bath mat on the table to give the dog traction. Teach the dog to STAND for grooming. It is impossible for a groomer to scissors a dog that is lying down. It will help the dog get used to heights. In the long run your back will be saved, and you will have better control of your dog. The undivided attention that your dog receives during grooming is just what they want - SO - keep it cheerful! This is not a time of drudgery - this is time spent with and for your pet. The very same pet that greets you on a daily basis with unconditional love!!!! A love which has yet to be equaled!!!