June 19, 2012
A Few Words From The Adopters & Fosters Of Senior Cockers
"My adopted blonde Cocker Ruby, who is about nine years old, is the queen of my home and my heart. I am a 70 something active widow living in a wonderful active adult community. Although I was busy and had friends, when I came home, it seemed empty, so I felt alone and lonely. Now, with Ruby here, when I come in, she jumps off HER chair, and runs to me. She wiggles and squiggles with happiness, runs around the living room, jumps back on HER chair about stands on her head and wiggles inside out. No matter how I felt when I walked in, by the time I finish patting, talking to and loving her, I feel good and glad to be home with her companionship.
Ruby is a sweet, timid girl who lived in a cage, undernourished and bred constantly all her six years in a horrible puppy mill. She never had a childhood so doesn’t know how to play. I rolled a ball and she barked at it. I thoroughly enjoy spoiling her and giving her a late childhood.
With my daughters busy with their lives and grandchildren away in college, Ruby has won my love. I don’t have a fence, but she doesn’t require much exercise so we enjoy our three daily walks (strolls) together. When she jumps up to the bed to 'rest' with me, she gives me a sense of comfort lying next to me. She sits by me when I’m on the computer and when I’m in my writing room. HER chair is a comfortable overstuffed armchair and my only chair (I have a couch) in my small living room. When she first came three years ago, she found it to her liking, as it is comfortable! I think she feels safe there and has a panoramic view of everything from that spot. My friends call it 'Ruby’s throne.' She really is quite regal.
She LOVES food and riding in our golf cart. She sits or stands up, sniffing the air and with her ears flopping in the wind, she watches all the sights as we drive around our community. That is a special time for both of us because I wouldn’t do that alone. It makes me happy to see her enjoying our rides.
I have received so much pleasure and reward for my patience and love seeing her change from a dog who was scared of EVERYTHING, spent all her time in the back of my closet or under the bed, was scared to eat and scared of people into a loving companion."
Bobbie
Adopted Ruby in 2008
"The older dog brings loving companionship to any home. Unlike a puppy, they are often more mature. The older dog is often happier sitting next to its owner or at their feet rather than pulling them down the street on a lead. They truly appreciate the love, care and affection poured on them by their owners."
Mark & Marie
Adopted Sandy & Reese in 2012
"Let us tell you the importance of opening your home and heart to a senior Cocker Spaniel. Having been Cocker owners for many years, we found 11-year-old Winston (now known as Jenson) on the DFW Cocker Website in January 2012. Winston’s story was one that pulled at our heartstrings. Having been with DFW Cocker Rescue for 13 months after being rescued from a puppy mill, Winston needed a home…a home where he could spend the rest of his life knowing the love of a family. WE were that family! Since joining our family in January, Winston has gained instant fur-kid siblings, Jackson and Jaylo (formerly Fannie), as well as a human family that works every day to make him feel special. Truth is…it is Winston that shows us his unconditional love. Whether it is the way he 'paws' at us to let us know he is thinking of us, or the way he loves to snuggle, his love fills our hearts each and every day. Roger Caras once said, 'Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.' We believe this to be true. Winston, as well as Jackson and Jaylo, have allowed us to give and receive love each and every day. We encourage each of you to think about giving a senior Cocker the opportunity to live out their remaining years knowing the love of a family. Trust us…they will enrich your lives more than you ever thought possible!"
John, Shana, and Jacob
Adopted Jaylo (Fannie) in 2010 and senior Jenson (Winston) in 2011
"I started fostering with DFW Cocker Rescue in November 2011, and my first foster was a senior dog named Garth. Garth did have some medical problems, but he had to be one of the easiest dogs to care for that I have ever had. He was very well mannered, not a barker, completely housebroken and a true southern gentleman. Since Garth, I have fostered a darling 10-year-old cocker named Reba. Well, long story short, after just 3 or 4 days with her she was adopted by guess who? You guessed it, ME. What a delight this little girl is. She is not a barker, is completely housebroken and is a real joy to my household, which already consisted of 3 other dogs. I have also fostered two other senior dogs, one 9 and one 12. They too were such a pleasure to have as houseguests. Again, completely housebroken and very well mannered and one was blind. When I adopted Reba I had no intentions of adopting a 10-year-old dog as I had just lost a 10-year-old Cocker not long before fostering her. I have not regretted my decision to adopt her one time. The truth is that senior dogs are so much easier to care for. They seem to be usually housebroken, do not chew or bark a lot or any of those other annoying things that younger dogs do, but they do appreciate the opportunity to continue their life in a safe, loving and happy environment. I cannot say enough about the benefits of adopting a senior dog. It is true that they will probably not live as long as a younger dog, but you will be giving them the gift of love and safety that they so desperately want and need. Please consider fostering and/or adopting a senior Cocker. You will not be disappointed with your decision."
Shailene
Foster & Adopted senior Reba in 2012
