MISA Rescue

 

 Irish Setter Rescue combines the volunteer efforts of both MISA and other local Irish Setter clubs as well as our parent club, the Irish Setter Club of America.  Club members work diligently to find new homes for displaced Irish Setters as well as educating the public about our favorite breed.  We take responsibility for displaced Irish Setters from shelters as well as from private parties who, for a variety of reasons, are no longer able to keep their pets.

 Where do rescue dogs come from?

Ethical breeders take responsibility for all dogs they produce.  Our local clubs as well as the Irish Setter Club of America have ethical standards that breeder-members must comply with.  We therefore first attempt to locate the breeder of any dog before taking them into our rescue program.  However despite the efforts of responsible breeders there are Irish Setters who find themselves in need of new homes.  Some of the circumstances are understandable and completely unavoidable – such as the death of an owner, divorce, military service, or a health crisis.  Some dogs come to us lost or abandoned with little history.  Most rescue dogs make wonderful, loving family members and have no significant health or temperament issues. Some do have need of training or special health needs.  We prefer to foster each rescue dog with a club member so as to evaluate their behavior with children, adults, other dogs and cats, and make the best possible match to a “forever” home.

  How does Irish Setter Rescue work?

Our Rescue effort involves volunteers and foster homes in each State. Most rescued dogs are housed in a temporary foster home while Rescue works to match the right home for that dog’s needs and temperament.  All dogs are screened for medical and behavior issues.  If a rescue Irish is not available in your area, transportation for a dog in another area is often possible.   We prefer to place a rescue dog in their new home as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary stress and separation anxiety.  We spay or neuter the dog, have them examined by a veterinarian, and generally charge an adoption fee of $200 (discounts may be provided for special needs or circumstances).  We require the dog be identified by a micro-chip.  To adopt a rescue dog you must complete an application form (listed below). Once your application is received a club member will contact you to arrange a “home visit” and your references and veterinarian will be contacted to confirm your readiness for a new dog.  We never know when a new Rescue will be coming in, and often several applicants will apply for the same dog, so the sooner you return your application the quicker you can be approved and ready to adopt.

 The benefits of Rescue.

Once you adopt a rescue dog you are entitled to a one-year associate membership in our club as well as a $25 scholarship to an obedience class of your preference.  Our club puts on two Irish Setter Specialty Shows each year in January and in July in Portland, Oregon.  We host an AKC Hunt Test every spring, as well as a walking field trial.  And we do a variety of fun club activities throughout the year.  Club members are always happy to share dog stories, training tips, and grooming advise or assistance.  It is extremely rewarding to take into your home an Irish Setter which may have previously been abandoned or neglected and watch that dog flourish into a wonderful companion.  There may be some behavior “issues” at first that need to be worked through -- but the ultimate reward is the unquestioned love and devotion that a rescued dog provides.  We especially appreciate families who adopt older dogs who otherwise may be more difficult to place.  Each rescued Irish has their own unique story that we are happy to share with you.

 Our Rescue Chair may be contacted at clarendonirish@msn.com or at 503 226-6188.

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