AWSC Rescue Services

The rescue process offers an AWS a second chance. Dogs arrive into rescue due to different reasons. Some come in from good, loving homes that had to give them up due to major life-changing events such as divorce or death. Some dogs, unfortunately, come from having lived difficult lives and some have even been neglected or abused. However they come into rescue, rescue dogs often go through an adjustment period when they join a new home, which can be difficult. Adoptive homes must not only be willing to love a dog, but must also be dedicated to helping a dog adjust. Rescued dogs generally live with a foster family for an initial 3-4 week evaluation period. During evaluation, the foster home attempts to test dogs with children, cats and other dogs and receive a temperament evaluation. Depending on the foster home, it may not be possible to test all situations. All dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and fecal checked prior to placement. Appropriate steps are taken to assure a dog is in good health before being available for adoption. The evaluation period may be longer if a dog requires additional training or time to mend their health before adoption. Every attempt is made to match the dog and a potential forever home. At the time of adoption, the foster family will provide the forever with as much information as possible regarding feeding, habits, health and more.

Requirements of an adoptive home

• The dog must be kept inside.

• We recommend any other dogs in the house be spayed/neutered.

• You must show proof of ownership of your home or landlord permission of having a dog.

• Agree to care for the dog in a humane manner which includes regular vet check-ups, providing adequate food and fresh water, provide adequate exercise and socialization, attend obedience training with the dog, if necessary.

The adoption fee donation is $250 for any dog under the age of seven; older dogs may be less. This helps to cover the vet costs incurred while a dog is in a foster home. Donations above the normal adoption fee are appreciated.

Once you adopt a dog, you have a two-week trial period. If, for any reason, the situation is not ideal for both you AND the dog, you may return the dog to us at your expense and receive a full refund of your donation. A member of the rescue committee will follow up to see how things are going with your new arrival.

American Water Spaniel Club
Paul Olsen
503 W. 14th Ave
Spokane, WA 99204-3717
509-747-5726
paulatois@msn.com

Click here to read about one of our latest rescues: Splash

Click here to see a listing of dogs currently available: Up for adoption

Adoption Application...

From time to time the American Water Spaniel Club Rescue Program has AWS that need permanent, loving homes. If you would like to apply to be an adoptive home for a displaced AWS, please print the Adoption Application, fill it out and send it to Paul Olsen, 503 W. 14th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204-3717.

Rescue Donations Needed

The American Water Spaniel Club's rescue program is a self-supporting club project. The adoption fee is used to offset the expenses incurred in caring for a rescued AWS but often fails to cover all expenses. It is therefore necessary to rely on fundraisers and donations to pay for this all important club service. Fundraisers are conducted throughout the year including the sale of specialty merchandise and contributions from supportive breeders who contribute $5 for each puppy that they place. The rest of the money comes from club members and the public.

Our rescue reserves are always at risk of being rapidly depleted to cover health care, transportation, and housing costs for rescued AWS. Because of this, we ask that you consider making a donation to the AWSC Rescue Fund to assist us in our efforts. Send your donations to Teresa Marley, Treasurer, 255 Knight Drive, San Rafael, CA 94901-1443. Please make your check payable to the "AWSC, Inc." and indicate that your check is for Rescue.

To see a listing of the various fundraising items and programs currently available, just click here.

Thank you!