Rockstar Cocker Rescue fills a need to help the abandoned Cocker Spaniels

Lynne Turnquist has been part of a Wisconsin-based rescue group for years, but doesn’t think she has the courage to start her own rescue.

However, after failing to become a proud foster parent, what did the Fulton, Illinois resident do? Cocker Spaniel What does a lover do when faced with caring for an adorable dog — she starts her own rescue group.

Thanks to the many relationships she’s had over the years (and her dog-loving husband, Steve), Rockstar Cocker Rescuea 501(c) 3, introduced in January 2018.

Need to focus on the rooster

Cocker Spaniel is a lot like french fries – you can’t just have one.

Turnquist and Rockstar’s many foster volunteers are living proof of how special these dogs are.

Turnquist told The Dog People: “We adopted our first Cocker Spaniel from a shelter in 1987. “Every Cocker we ever owned was either found or adopted from a rescue facility. household or shelter.”

Rockstar helps through the rescue of Cocker Spaniels through a network of foster homes and supports in more than 12 states in the south and midwest. This nonprofit also organizes fundraising, education, and adoption activities to help get more dogs in more permanent homes.

Turnquist shared: “I’ve been fostering for 18 years and I’m so happy to see a ‘deactivated’ dog come out of its shell to learn how to be ‘dog’. “They learn to trust, enjoy the food and the soft and clean bedding, and they realize this is their new life. They learn to grow. ”

She adds, “Each nurturing is a new learning experience and everything you learn carries over to the next. [dog.] It fills the heart with a love like raising a child. ”

However, as with many breeds, irresponsible breeders contribute to rescue needs like the Rockstar.

The Plight of Puppy Mill Mamas

Recently, a group of “factory mamas” —awesome dogs from unscrupulous people puppy meat grinder—Go into the care of the rescue team.

Dogs like these are often fearful, show signs of neglect, and often don’t socialize. Turnquist said the dog group that came recently was terrible, but not the worst Rockstar group ever seen.

“None of the girls are ready to adopt, and they will in a while,” she said. “Half of them are in an adoption situation and the rest are slowly learning to trust.”

Six of the eight girls walked in with their hair disheveled. They are very decentralized and vulnerable, not knowing what will happen next. Volunteers and supporters stepped up their help from Iowa to Illinois. One of the children, Phoebe, fled her foster home eight hours later. Thankfully, Rockstar volunteers arrived to try and locate the petrified dog. They eventually located her at dusk near a busy interstate area.

“They are all coming out of their shells and faith is growing in many of these helpless dogs,” says Turnquist.

Riley’s Story: An Old Pet Was Thrown Out of Its Shell

Riley comes from a puppy mill where she is bred from time to time. It is fed pig and livestock feed and has no active contact with humans nor the opportunity to get along with other dogs. She has gone 4 years of her life without bathing and never grooming.

Clara Yochum, a Rockstar foster volunteer, said: ‘Her tail was buried in a giant carpet of fur that covered her entire backside. “Her silky coat has corn kernels embedded in it — all over her ears, paws, belly, and back. She smelled so bad that my Cockers backed off when I brought her home. ”

In all her years of rescue, Yochum says she’s never seen a dog as closed as Riley. She gave Riley a day to unpack and told her things will get better from now on. During her first shower, poor Riley behaved as if she’d been electrocuted. It took a few minutes for Riley to understand that the warm water was washing away the dirt and grime from years of neglect.

Yochum is still working hard to earn Riley’s trust, but she considers it a valuable investment of her time and love. Even though this heartbreaking story is playing out in her home right now, Yochum is up for the challenge. Riley followed her from room to room and trembled in fear at everything. Loud noises are a challenge, but her foster mom reinforces training with patience, praise, love, and repetition.

Roxy’s Journey: The Terror of Humanity

One can only surmise what Susan Spalding’s foster Cocker, Roxy, went through. As one of the factory owners, she was terrified of people, untrained to sit on the potty and fight against collars or harnesses.

“She was clearly never allowed to be a dog,” Spalding said. “Watching her come out of her shell little by little has been incredibly rewarding. She’s a great little dog and doesn’t deserve to live her life that way. “

For the first few days, Roxy doesn’t allow humans to touch her and she always looks very sad. After two weeks, she started to open up more. Even though she is sly, she will sit on her adoptive mother’s lap, following her and smiling with her little tongue.

Rockstar covers Roxy’s care so Spalding can focus on love and care. This is her first foster experience and she plans to adopt Roxy.

Spalding wants people to know how wonderful it is that a little love can make an abused and neglected dog.

Raelynn’s Road to Recovery: From a Cage, to Freedom

After nearly 5 years of nurturing, Katie Norbutas is a proud nurturer having failed twice, and possibly a third time in the near future. She is currently fostering Raelynn, who she describes as a “petrified breeder” who lives like a hamster, scared to get out of her kennel.

For the first week, Norbutas watched helplessly as Raelynn trembled with fear and felt uncomfortable when urinating. She seems very scared of her other dogs and doesn’t want to be around. Finally, the weather outside is beautiful, and it’s time to run and play.

“Raelynn started barking like she wanted to play for a long time,” said Norbutas. “So I set up a playpen for her outside where she bloomed around my other dogs.”

She no longer trembles when her mother picks her up, which is an incredibly brave thing for a dog that has been locked up for four years in a small crate. Now she is happy and free to run while learning not everyone is bad. She will never be bred again.

Why is it important to take care of a dog?

Nurturing a dog helps reduce the number of pets in overcrowded shelters but it also opens that kennel for another animal that can be rescued. Adoptive parents prepare dogs for their permanent home by building on their personalities, helping them regain confidence and recover from trauma.

Without foster care volunteers, Rockstar Cocker Rescue cannot function as it should. They will be overwhelmed and unable to bring the dog into a permanent home.

Adoptive mother Celia Campbell said: “Seeing my children’s progress has completely changed my life. “My failed dog, Ralphie, was born with a serious illness heart defectsand he’s had two heart surgeries in two years. ”

If Rockstar Cocker hadn’t rescued him, he probably wouldn’t have succumbed to his heart problems. Ralphie not only survived, but thrived and just celebrated his third birthday.

Ralphie’s story is not unique. Pet families provide daily care, transport dogs to and from the vet, and ensure they are groomed. Adoptive parents really become their own pedestal, helping abused or unwanted dogs live the lives they deserve.

Chico and Ralph, adopted dogs of Celia Campbell. Ralph is now Celia’s child. Image credit: Rockstar Cocker Rescue

Advice for those who have never fostered

Of the many petting volunteers interviewed for this piece, they all agree on one thing – fostering a dog has incredible rewards. In their own words, this is why they feel everyone should get a dog.

“Think of a pet dog as a dry cake mix. More food, water and lots of love. It can get messy, but you’ll have a beautiful result when you’re done. ” – Lynne Turnquist, Fulton, Illinois

“Patience is the most important thing. Remember, they are often vulnerable and fearful of humans. These are all reasons to do it. YOU become the reason they trust back. ” – Celia Campbell, Indianapolis, Indiana

“Nursing gives a dog in need the chance to have a better life. It is neither a lifelong commitment nor a financial burden. Fostering is a win-win for everyone.” – Emily Maple, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

“Stick with it and ask questions. The first two days are generally the worst. It can be stressful trying to get your new dog used to life at home, but see it from the dog’s point of view. Be patient and don’t rush or push too soon.” – Katie Norbutas, Peoria, Illinois

“Do it! Some days it will break your heart; other days it will test your patience. But most days the refresher will bring joy, laughter, and love.” .” – Clara Yochum

Mill Mamas: The Way Ahead

Although they have a long road ahead of them, the mamas have already begun their healing journey. They are being nurtured by interested volunteers in various states.

Turnquist reports: “All the girls are now slowly dying and their last vaccinations. “Several of those in foster care have agreed to adopt and each dog is making progress.”

Like turtles, they are slowly coming out of their shells and trust is emerging in many of them — it’s the power of nurturing and the life every dog ​​deserves.

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