A Rescue Tale

This is the story of an Irish Setter named Rowan. He was born in Arizona and at the age of 6 months showed up at local shelter along with his sister. The sister was named Cinderella and was adopted by a local dog trainer and worker in the shelter system in Sonoma County. Rowan was adopted out to a lady named Karen. At the time, the trainer offered to help Rowan and his new owner get acquainted and learn some basic commands, but Karen was not interested. She had never owned an Irish Setter before and did not have any idea what she was getting into. That did not become evident to her until she had lived with him for a while.

Rowan needed more exercise than Karen was able to provide. Her home had only a small patio in the front and backed the golf course at Oakmont. As often as he could he would get out and run that lush green lawn until he would eventually tire and return home. Of course, as soon as she got over being mad at him, he would cuddle up or lay at her feet and all would be forgiven until his next adventure. There were complaints and problems about Rowan running on the course and Karen decided that she could no longer keep him. She realized that Rowan needed more than she could offer.

At this point NORCAL Irish Setter Rescue came into the picture. The day I picked Rowan up I saw a happy and healthy looking youngster who greeting me eagerly wagging his tail and standing with his front paws on the gate. It almost seemed like he was waiting for me. I visited with Karen, gave her some phone numbers and told her I would follow through and let her know where her dog would end up. She cried as we drove away but later called to say she knew she was doing the best thing that she could for him by giving Rowan up.

Rowan came home, played with my setters, swam in my pond and had a grand old time.  We delivered him to a man in WestPoint who is a dog trainer and works with many dogs that need rehoming. He asked what I thought his issues were and I told him that he is just a young Irish!

Rowan spent 3 weeks there being reacquainted with some rules, commands and learning some manners. A family from Cupertino called, looking for a rescue dog. The family had previously adopted two rescue dogs through NORCAL Irish Setter Rescue and was ready for lucky dog number three. They wanted a young and energetic dog for their two children, ages 5 and 7, but did not want to go through puppy hood. After learning about Rowan they agreed to take him home for a trial period. They drove to WestPoint and met with the man who had been working with Rowan and came home later that night with a new addition to their family. It was truly as if Rowan was home for the first time. That first night there it seems everyone wanted to sleep with the dog, so they decided to have a slumber party. He went from the bed to bed and each family member got a little special time.

The story gets better every time I speak to them. Rowan is now Nedley, AKA “Ned the Red”. He is still a young dog but now he has a family that has the time and energy to exercise him properly, which was really his main need. Now that Ned gets to run and play he has settled down and found his place in life. Ned has finally found his forever home. He has company most of the day and visitors who will take him out for exercise when his family is working. This family is so impressed with their experiences with rescue that they are thinking of fostering when they can.

NORCAL Irish Setter Rescue strives to make all adoptions be as perfect as this one has been. If you would like to support or rescue program or are interested in adopting an available Irish Setter please visit the NORCAL Irish Setter Rescue, Inc. website at: www.ncisrescue.org/

Marilyn Commins
Rescue Volunteer