I made a promise to my dog, Freckles, a few weeks before he passed, that I would return the favor and provide a foster home for other Cocker Spaniels in need. He had spent over 9 months in a foster home before he found his way to my home, his forever home.
I followed several Cocker Spaniel rescue groups for months and eventually reached out to Elizabeth Mazzetti at Second Chance Cocker Rescue (SCCR). I was impressed by the variety of dogs and the successful placement rates. When I met Elizabeth, I learned more about her experience and her philosophy on dog rescue. I let her know the type of home I could offer to a foster dog and some of my limitations.
Gigi
Since meeting Elizabeth, I have fostered several dogs for SCCR. It has been a tremendously rewarding experience. The number one comment I hear from people is, “I couldn’t be a foster because I would be too attached and it would be too hard to let them go.” I had the same concern. It can be difficult, even heartbreaking, to let go of a dog that you have nursed back to health only to trust its life to a stranger. And yet, with each foster dog that finds a loving, adoptive home, I am learning and growing in my compassion towards all beings.
Initially, I got into dog rescue to help the dogs, as there are thousands of dogs who need homes. Now, I am beginning to see the joy these dogs bring to their adoptive people. We aren’t just saving the dogs’ lives we are improving people’s lives. For the older gentleman who just lost his beloved companion of many years, this foster dog will step right up and lovingly fill a void in his heart. For the woman who is an “empty nester” approaching retirement, this foster dog will be grateful for the care and attention and return the love tenfold. These dogs have so much love to give. It just seems right to put them in places where they can love and be loved.
Being a foster home allows me to be a champion for the dogs. They didn’t get to pick their prior homes, but with me they get an advocate. Someone who is willing to get to know them and what they need to be happy. With that perspective, I can help match the people with the dog. I often visualize the perfect home for my foster dogs. It helps me to know what to look for when speaking to potential adopters. Bringing together a perfect match makes for a successful adoption and a happy ending.
Comet
To be a successful foster home, it is important to feel that you have the support of a larger community. I have always felt that Elizabeth Mazzetti and the community that is SCCR would be there for me if I needed help. Elizabeth has tremendous experience with dogs and people. She cares deeply and yet is grounded enough to take on dogs that can be helped and not to take on so many that the viability of the organization is jeopardized. Fostering dogs isn’t always easy and it isn’t for everyone, but I have always felt supported by SCCR.
Is it tough to say goodbye to the dogs? You bet! But working with the dogs I have learned how rewarding it is to have an impact in the lives of these dogs and their new owners and to be part of something larger. Help us spread the love. Often, the thing these dogs need the most is to be part of a family and to feel loved. That will help set them on the path towards adoption.
Zoey came to us in 2013. She was rescued from a shelter just north of Sacramento. Soon after, she was fostered by a family in Encino with two children who adored her. In early October of that year, a woman named Katherine saw Zoey on the Second Chance Cocker Rescue adoptable dogs page, and fell in love. Zoey’s foster family brought her over, and the bond was immediate. Katherine adopted Zoey, and they were best buddies, unseparated for two beautiful years. Zoey would sit with Katherine, who still lived in her own home, while she knitted. Zoey never left her side.
A few weeks ago, Katherine’s health deteriorated and she passed away. Her loving family returned Zoey to her original foster family. Before she returned, Katherine’s family told us that Zoey was the best friend and greatest gift Katherine could have had in her golden years.
Harley and Zoey
Zoey’s foster family only had her again for a few weeks, before a young couple saw her on the Second Chance Cocker Rescue adoptable dogs page. As many people look for young dogs, this remarkable couple was hoping for a more settled, middle-aged dog. They found that and more in Zoey. They officially adopted her this past weekend and couldn’t be happier. Thanks to everyone involved, Zoey’s love story continues.
It takes a community to rescue, rehabilitate, foster, network, treat, train, care for and adopt.
Any donations you can give are always appreciated.
We got a call last week from a woman in San Bernadino who found a Cocker Spaniel who had been hit by a car. Her vet thought he had some broken bones. Second Chance Cocker Rescue decided to take over and get this boy transported to our vet at Sycamore Creek Animal Hospital in Corona.
Although he was breathing easily, they found he had air in his chest and wasn’t bearing weight on his legs. They felt he was not in immediate danger or in need of surgery. After running tests and sending them out to a specialist, one of the vet techs took him home overnight to look after him. Early the next morning, he was returned to the veterinary office for further x-rays and tests. He was still not bearing weight easily on his legs or eating on his own. They put him on IV fluids, pain medication and a urine catheter. He slept at the veterinary hospital that night. The next morning the second round of test results showed he did not suffer a break or fracture. It was just a severe strain which will take a couple of weeks to heal. We were so happy to hear this news! He started eating on his own. He was still having trouble peeing but Dr. Beely, his main vet, wanted to avoid surgery to prevent any extra strain. He will be staying at the veterinary hospital until he is able to walk and pee on his own. This past weekend, he continued to get stronger. Everyone at the Sycamore Creek Animal Hospital loves this boy. They say he is the sweetest thing ever. He takes his medication easily, no matter how much pain he is in. They estimate his age to be between 5 and 7. Besides the injuries, his bloodwork came back healthy. His original rescuer posted his information all over. Nobody has come to claim him.
Any donations to help with his rehab and recovery are much appreciated.
Meet Ricki. He’s between 5 and 7 years old. A neighbor called us saying she found this gentle soul wandering through the neighborhood twice. His human mom has Alzheimer’s and has not been able to adequately care for him. Unfortunately, people with Alzheimer’s may have changes in their personality which make them do things they wouldn’t have done otherwise. According to neighbors, there was a time not too long ago when Ricki was this woman’s entire life. He meant the world to her. Recently, she was seen hitting Ricki with a stick, not feeding him properly and he has become deaf from an untreated ear infection that will require surgery. Both Ricki and his mom are hurting.
She’s going into an assisted living home soon, which leaves Ricki with no place to go. Second Chance Cocker Rescue stepped up and placed him in boarding while he waits for his surgery. He’s confused and scared. His whole world has turned upside down. He is a sweet boy, full of love and needs a safe, stable home.
Anything that you can give to help is very appreciated.
Lulu is dreaming about being featured in the calendar. She’s really hoping her cuteness will get her lots of votes. She’s posting these and other Lululicious photos you can view in our contest gallery.
You don’t need to be an alum of SCCR, just a Cocker Spaniel. Entering is free too!
Post as many photos as you like, videos too! Create a fundraising page and tell friends and family through email and social media to vote for your superstar canines.
1 – Click on the “Fundraise” button in the “Join this Team” box.
2 – Under “Join The Conversation” attach your file and add some information about your baby and click on “Post”. Use the “Admin Panel” to upload your pictures, customize the name of the fundraiser, the message and the thank you email your donors will see.
3 – Copy the web address for your page and email, or share via Facebook, Twitter, Google (ready to go buttons on the left side of the page.) Send out to all your friends and family to vote, vote, vote!
One dollar equals one vote. The top 12 dogs with the most votes get featured in our calendar, Donations can be made on the fundraising page or by check to SCCR 1168 Palomino Rd, Santa Barbara, CA. Just make sure you tell us what dog you are voting for.
You don’t have to enter the contest to get your dog’s picture in the calendar. For a $40 donation for each picture we will make your love muffin a star in the calendar.
The best part is all the donations go to benefit SCCR and all the good they do to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs.
Oh no Lulu! One of your competitors wants to post his adorable mug in this blog too. It’s Captain Comet!
Comet thinks he’s got the ‘goods’ to rise to the top of pooch popularity. That’s okay Comet, there are a lot of votes to go around.
We hope to see your handsome hounds on our calendar page. Thank you so much for your support!
The contest starts Aug 1st and voting ends Sept 31st. Calendars will go on order Oct 1 st and should ship out arounf Nov 1st.
Pictures must be atleast 200 dpi for us to use. Debra has written a quick “how to” to take great dog pictures. It will be available on Aug 7th on the website.
Meet Arthur. He was in pretty bad shape when we pulled him from the East Valley shelter last week. Arthur had had a cone taped to him, which stuck to his fur and skin. The cone was hiding a large tumor covered with maggots.
The shelter removed a few tumors and cleaned him up. The vet at the shelter also said he has bilateral cataracts and a grade 6 heart murmur, which will require immediate medication. They believe him to be about 12 years old.
Arthur on his freedom ride
When one of our volunteers met him, he had a sparkle in his eyes that said he was a fighter. He wants and deserves a chance to heal. He needs that second chance to love and be loved. His sweet heart continues to beat strong, knowing there are kind people out there to help him and take care of him.
He is being fostered in Romoland, CA and waiting for his happily ever Arthur. Adoption applications are available on our SCCR website.
IT’S A BIRD! IT’S A PLANE! IT’S THE SUPER-SENIOR FOUR! Mighty Maddie,Victorius Vayle, Electric Elkie, and Buffy the Bone Slayer. We are four, very young at heart, Super Seniors, looking for a place to rest our heads and paws, when we’re not saving the world.
We are all currently in boarding facilities, aka kennels, hoping to bust out of that situation real soon. Second Chance Cocker Rescue funds a Super-fantastic program called The Sanctuary Program.
We offer our senior and terminally ill Cockers, a permanent foster home: YOU supply all the love and attention. WE take care of the medical expenses. This allows us to save more lives, young and old, and keep the dogs we’ve saved, out of boarding and in comfy homes where they can feel safe until their forever home is found.
If you are interested in loving a Sanctuary dog, contact us directly or fill out a application and we will respond to you, right away. We are always incredibly appreciative of donations, so we can continue this special program.
Hi, my name is Brando. Aren’t I a cutie? Yep, I sure am! I bet just looking at me, makes you want to snuggle up with my cuteness! I wish I could say the same. To be honest, I’ve had a little bit of a rough start. It’s caused me to feel unsafe around humans, especially strangers. I get scared really easily and I don’t yet know how to handle my doggie emotions. Luckily for me, Second Chance Cocker Rescue saved me from the Camarillo Shelter and decided to take a chance on me. I’m going to need some training to get my “bad boy” personality in check. They promised me that they only use positive reinforcements, which means lots of treats and lots of love. I promise to work real hard so I can be part of a forever family soon!
This is my buddy, Robbie. Wait! You’re probably thinking, Robbie’s not a Cocker. You’re right. He’s a mix of a few different breeds. He’s seven years young. The thing we have in common is that Robbie needs “good boy” training too.
We’re here together with the same foster mom, who is ready to start our boot camp. What would REALLY help, is if you kind folks out there donate toward our training. We will keep you posted on how we are doing and update with videos too.
We promise to do our best to make you all proud! Hopefully, we can be your forever pal soon!
Dainty Nina was a dancing and prancing 7 year old beauty. She must have spun a little too fast last week, when she ended up experiencing a seizure and losing her ability to use her back legs. Now, that isn’t good for a graceful little dancer.
All of her blood work came back perfect, but she still couldn’t move her back legs. We took her to Dr. Tai, a neurologist at West LA VCA . After an MRI, we found out that Nina had suffered a herniated disk. We had three minutes to make a huge decision, go through with a very expensive surgery or have this little angel euthanized. We decided we couldn’t let this precious girl down. Her surgery was successful, and she is now starting to be able to hold her own weight on her back legs. She has been released from the hospital and is back with her foster family who is monitoring her carefully. She is not happy about the restriction of being in a crate but she is not in pain.
Nina is still having trouble controlling her bladder and bowels and has a long road of recovery ahead. She is on anti- seizure medication and needs to be monitored for this. We are doing all that we can on Nina’s behalf.
Nina will be starting acupuncture this week and physical therapy in two weeks. There is no definite answer that Nina will walk again, but we will do everything in our power to make that happen.
We want to thank West Los Angeles VCA and Dr. Tai for providing us a discount and amazing care. Even with the generous discounts, Nina’s bills were over $6,000. Nina has a long way to go. To continue doing the work we do, we deeply appreciate help from all of our generous donors.
Anything that you can give to help is very appreciated. Let’s give Nina the chance that she deserves. And if you would like to fill out paperwork to adopt this sweet girl, she will be dancing into your arms, hearts and home.
Once upon a time:
In a land not so far away,
a handsome prince named Prince, found himself without a home. This regal senior wished upon the stars above and along came Second Chance Cocker (to the) Rescue.
After a visit to the vet, we found that Prince’s royal eyes, ears and skin need some TLC. He also has Cushing’s Disease. Although this is a manageable condition, there are expenses involved in making sure he stays stable and healthy. This includes medication and possible surgery. These expenses could go up to $1,000 or more. After seeing the light emanating from this noble prince’s eyes, we just couldn’t say no. We also found that his majesty has a very sunny disposition. He loves everyone who approaches him.
Because Prince is a senior, he is blessed even more, because he qualifies for the Sanctuary program. This will allow whomever adopts him him into their home to love him worry-free of any future medical expenses.
Here is the link to help sweet Prince live happily every after:
Spaniel who had been hit by a car. Her vet thought he had some broken bones. Second Chance Cocker Rescue decided to take over and get this boy transported to our vet at Sycamore Creek Animal Hospital in Corona.
news! He started eating on his own. He was still having trouble peeing but Dr. Beely, his main vet, wanted to avoid surgery to prevent any extra strain. He will be staying at the veterinary hospital until he is able to walk and pee on his own. This past weekend, he continued to get stronger. Everyone at the Sycamore Creek Animal Hospital loves this boy. They say he is the sweetest thing ever. He takes his medication easily, no matter how much pain he is in. They estimate his age to be between 5 and 7. Besides the injuries, his bloodwork came back healthy. His original rescuer posted his information all over. Nobody has come to claim him. 
has Alzheimer’s and has not been able to adequately care for him. Unfortunately, people with Alzheimer’s may have changes in their personality which make them do things they wouldn’t have done otherwise. According to neighbors, there was a time not too long ago when Ricki was this woman’s entire life. He meant the world to her. Recently, she was seen hitting Ricki with a stick, not feeding him properly and he has become deaf from an untreated ear infection that will require surgery. Both Ricki and his mom are hurting.
The best part is all the donations go to benefit SCCR and all the good they do to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs.
Oh no Lulu! One of your competitors wants to post his adorable mug in this blog too. It’s Captain Comet!
IT’S A BIRD! IT’S A PLANE! IT’S THE SUPER-SENIOR FOUR! Mighty Maddie,Victorius Vayle, Electric Elkie, and Buffy the Bone Slayer. We are four, very young at heart, Super Seniors, looking for a place to rest our heads and paws, when we’re not saving the world.
We are all currently in boarding facilities, aka kennels, hoping to bust out of that situation real soon. Second Chance Cocker Rescue funds a Super-fantastic program called The Sanctuary Program.
We offer our senior and terminally ill Cockers, a permanent foster home: YOU supply all the love and attention. WE take care of the medical expenses. This allows us to save more lives, young and old, and keep the dogs we’ve saved, out of boarding and in comfy homes where they can feel safe until their forever home is found.
If you are interested in loving a Sanctuary dog, contact us directly or fill out a application and we will respond to you, right away. We are always incredibly appreciative of donations, so we can continue this special program.
Hi, my name is Brando. Aren’t I a cutie? Yep, I sure am! I bet just looking at me, makes you want to snuggle up with my cuteness! I wish I could say the same. To be honest, I’ve had a little bit of a rough start. It’s caused me to feel unsafe around humans, especially strangers. I get scared really easily and I don’t yet know how to handle my doggie emotions. Luckily for me, Second Chance Cocker Rescue saved me from the Camarillo Shelter and decided to take a chance on me. I’m going to need some training to get my “bad boy” personality in check. They promised me that they only use positive reinforcements, which means lots of treats and lots of love. I promise to work real hard so I can be part of a forever family soon!
Dainty Nina was a dancing and prancing 7 year old beauty. She must have spun a little too fast last week, when she ended up experiencing a seizure and losing her ability to use her back legs. Now, that isn’t good for a graceful little dancer.
SECOND CHANCE COCKER RESCUE 