Please direct inquiries and referrals to American Water Spaniel Rescue, Inc.
New Rescue Relationship Established
After a disheartening experience with a rescue dog, the members of the AWSC Rescue Committee resigned. The Board wants to thank them for their service. As a result of these resignations, the Board decided that this was the appropriate time to examine our rescue program and explore alternatives.
The AWSC has come to agreement with
America Water Spaniel Rescue, Inc. to handle rescue dogs.
There will be a trial period for the remainder of 2009 to
determine whether this relationship between the two
organizations is working. Contrary to what has been
suggested in the past, the AKC does not require breed parent
clubs to have their own rescue, but simply to support a
rescue. AWSC support of AWSRI would fulfill this
requirement. Any financial liability to the AWSC due to
rescue dogs has been eliminated – that responsibility rests
with AWSRI.
AWSC will provide the following:
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Referral to AWSRI when rescue questions/needs arise.
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Free space in The Review.
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Free space at AWSC Nationals for fundraising.
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Partnership at Nationals for fundraising (possible auction or raffle.)
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Free web space.
AWSRI would request funds from AWSC for specific
cases. This would allow AWSC to distribute money donated to the club for
rescue purposes. Distribution would be determined by the AWSC board.
AWSC will provide a liaison to the AWSRI to facilitate communication
between the two organizations.
AWSRI will provide the following:
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Complete rescue coverage including but not limited to: picking up dogs in need of rescue, transporting or arranging transport for dogs, finding foster homes, evaluating dogs, finding permanent homes and performing other duties required of a rescue organization.
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Quarterly reporting of AWSRI activities to the AWSC.
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AWSRI will provide a liaison to the AWSC to facilitate communication between the two organizations.
Background information from AWSRI by Holly Lewis:
Our mission statement: American Water Spaniel Rescue,
Inc. was created to promote the well being of the American Water Spaniel
through the use of education, prevention, information and other
purposes. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. While we have no
other affiliations, we do work in partnership with other rescue groups.
Our focus is always DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE DOG. This is our focus
without regard to clubs, groups, politics, likes, dislikes,
disagreements, etc. Decisions are always made based upon what is best
for the dog!
The AWSRI Board includes a breeder, an active certified professional dog
trainer, and a state certified veterinary technician. AWSRI also has a
veterinary consultant familiar with AWS (Elizabeth Pannill, DVM).
Extensive breed experience - One board member is a charter member of
AWSC and has been a member in good standing since its inception, as well
as a member of AWSFA. Other board members are also members in good
standing of the AWSC.
Over 26 years combined rescue experience. Members have taken rescue
related continuing education courses. (i.e. temperament evaluation,
foster & adoptive home evaluations, fund raising, dog training).
Extensive AWS network, as well as other pure-bred and mixed breed
networks. Because of strong partnerships with other breeds and breed
rescues (including Boykin Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, and Golden
Retrievers), we are able to draw upon resources beyond our own
organization, including fostering, transport, evaluations, home visits
and more.
AWSRI is a 501c3 non-profit organization, which means all donations are
100% taxdeductible. Without this non-profit designation, it is illegal
to accept donations as a taxdeductible charitable organization, which is
the reason most rescues are separate from breed clubs or associations.
The group has a strong fundraising history in many capacities with plans
to expand revenue in the future.
For more information contact AWSRI at PO Box 413,
Kewaskum, WI 53040-9783; call
414/840-7411 or 312/339-4177; email
info@awsrescue.com. Visit the AWSRI website at
http://www.awsrescue.com.