The Irish Setter Breeders Club Rescue
Scheme was established at the Club's AGM of 1970, based on concerns voiced
by Mrs Janice Roberts, founder of the Cornevon Irish Setters and author of
the book "The Irish Setter".
Janice, later to become Janice
Roberts Oldham (JRO), sadly died too young and much too soon, a victim of
cancer. The Club agreed that each year a rescue dog be named as the JRO
Memorial dog, and a case history be published in the Club's Year Book
The first JRO memorial dog was
chosen in 1988, but it was not until 2004 that the most recent dogs
appeared on the website
FAITH/
FAFFY Janice Roberts Oldham Dog 2009-033
We
were asked to find a new home for Faith, a four year old and her mother
Millie aged six, in July 2009 when their owner became unable to exercise
and care for them. Both bitches were spayed but because of the owner’s
illness we could not be certain if one or both bitches needed medication
for urinary incontinence. The owner had used a number of veterinary
practices, but the last one had only treated Faith. It advised that it had
almost ruled out Cushings Disease, and mentioned a possible Liver Shunt.
The Scheme felt that it was not going to make progress until the dogs were
in a new home and the new owners vet could look at the information
available and proceed from there. In the meantime we asked ISBC member
Jane Norris to visit the home, she reported back that the dogs were slim
and in good order with nothing obviously untoward except the owners
frailty.
We
wanted to keep this mother and daughter together, but realised the
difficulties of placing two dogs, particularly when one of them needed
veterinary investigation and might have a serious problem. Then
along came Lisa & Faith, yes a lady named Faith and an Irish Setter
called Faith!
Although
the JRO dog story is about a dog that needs more help than most, it is
also very much about people who put a dog first. Lisa and Faith were
willing to take both of the girls and cope with the stress of the
investigations and treatment for Faith, whose name has been changed to
Faffy to avoid confusion, while recognising that it might just be in vain.
The Irish Setter Breeders Club Rescue Scheme would pay Faffy’s expenses
but it could not cope with trips to the vet, the administration of drugs,
and possible surgery. This needed to take place in the comfort and
security of a permanent home.
We
knew that that Faffy and Millie had lived with another Irish setter in the
family, this was Seamus, an elderly gentleman of 12 years old, the owner
had thought she could manage him when he was on his own, now we were asked
to re-home him as well, and were looking for a comfortable fireside for
him on his own. However when Lisa and Faith realised that he was part of
the family, was in fact the sire of Faffy they insisted that we did not
part them and the threesome moved in with Lisa, Faith, and Cassie their
crossbred Jack Russell Bitch (also spayed).
The
story to date: All three Setters are now owned by Lisa and Faith, but the
ISBC Rescue Scheme pays Faffy’s veterinary account. Her new vet is
treating her for Diabetes Insipidus with some success but is still
concerned that the liver is implicated. Her treatment for urinary
incontinence is expensive because she does not respond to the usual drugs
for this problem. However to look at her and see her exercising you would
not know that she had a problem. Her mum Millie thrives and dad Seamus has
surprised everyone by his turn of speed and interest in life. Oh and
I must not forget to tell you that these two terrific ladies Lisa Stammers
and Faith Holt made yet another sacrifice, they have moved to a
bigger house with a larger garden. Thank you so very much both of you for
keeping this family together, it has cost you a lot of time and effort,
not to say expense. I wish we could clone you.
The setter
family
Four
friends
Added
by our New Owners
Lisa
& Faith would like to thank Barbara and all at the ISBC Rescue Scheme,
Roz the dogs’ previous owner and all at our local vets for bringing
Faffy, Millie and Seamus into our lives, and helping us deliver the best
possible care that we can.
It
is a real joy to be the custodians of Faffy, she has such a zest for life;
everything at top speed, a real bull in a china shop yet always first in
line for a cuddle. We feel honoured to be part of her life and to be
entrusted with her well being
2008 Janice Roberts Oldham
Dog (no.22)
JASPER - now
owned by ISBC members Phil &
Jackie Cater
On
20th February
2008, Jasper a large two
year old Irish Setter, was
handed into Wood Green
Animal Shelter. He was
described in the vet's
initial assessment as very
scared, easily panicked and
incredibly underweight at
just 28.5 kgs. Jasper was
allocated a dedicated nurse
to help bring him round and
build up his confidence.
Numerous tests were carried
out to check for any
underlying health problems
but fortunately none were
found. The Wood Green staff
did a superb job in
restoring Jasper's poise,
his notes from just three
weeks later confirmed him as
"doing well, really
confident and no longer the
nervous wreck he was when
taken in". However Wood
Green staff still had
concerns about his low
weight, now 28.45 kgs, and
came to the conclusion that
kennelling itself could be
stressing him. Concerned
that fretting was preventing
any real weight gain they
contacted the Rescue Scheme
to see if a home was
available. At this stage we
would like to acknowledge
the dedication and
efficiency of Wood Green,
and thank them for providing
Jasper’s case notes to us.
The Scheme asked Phil and
Jackie Cater who lived ten
miles away to pop into Wood
Green, meet Jasper and take
some photographs. This was
not entirely a random
decision because they were
back on our re-homing list
for another suitable dog.
Non-showing members, and very
experienced dog people, they
already owned two Rescue
dogs, Red an Irish/Pointer
cross and Benji a small fast
boy from the working side of
our breed. Although we were
thinking of a bitch this
time I knew that they were
far too sensible to take on
a dog that would not fit in,
and it was their decision to
take Jasper that probably
saved his life.
Barbara Rogers
We could see that he was a
very friendly, easy going
guy, and quite happy in
the company of our other
two. They weren't too
bothered
by him either, and as he
didn't pull on the lead this
meant that just one of us
could walk all three dogs
without any problems. So
Jasper joined the pack on
March 9th, obviously happy
from the start and making
himself quite at home. To
celebrate his arrival, the
very first thing he did was
take a small plastic
flowerpot from the garden,
playfully emptying the
compost in a wide arc across
the living room
floor...Settling the Setters
was straight forward
although Benji is a feisty
little character at times.
We took Jasper to meet some
other family dogs where he
mixed in easily with a large
collection of other rescues
of varying temperaments, and
he had a gradual weight gain
over his first month and was
now 30 kg.
Thursday 10th April.
11.30pm and way past
bedtime. Unusually, Jasper
stayed upstairs, not going
outside with the other two.
We could so easily have
ignored this and just gone
to bed, but we led him
downstairs when he did not
respond to calls, he was
unhappy - not his usual
active bouncy self, just
staying low to the ground
and murmuring. The odd
behaviour turned to real
concern as he started biting
when probed around his
sides. Clearly he was in
distress, and time was of
the essence. We rang the
vets and got a taped message
referring to the emergency
service. We then discussed
his symptoms over the phone,
unconcerned about the out of
hour’s fee - just anxious to
get him examined. Although
Jasper was uncomfortable
luckily he was still able to
get in and out of the car,
and walked on the lead into
the clinic. Within half an
hour of first spotting the
problem he was being
examined by vet Chris Thorne
at Cromwell Veterinary
Surgery in Huntingdon.
We explained a recent
episode of suspected
haemorrhagic diarrhoea and
mentioned bloat as a
possibility. Whatever it
was, the diagnosis wasn't
immediately obvious so we
waited for an X-Ray. Twenty
minutes later we had our
answer - it was bloat, and
Chris confirmed we had done
exactly the right thing by
not delaying. We left Jasper
in his care with his
assistant to perform the
emergency operation at two
the morning, and he phoned
us at three o'clock - Jasper
had come through OK. The
following morning, he was
transferred to our regular
vets, Ouse Valley Vets, for
a couple of days of post-op
monitoring and aftercare.
Unsurprisingly the eighteen
inch collar did not last
long.
We hoped to get him fit for what
we call 'Matlock Walkies'” the
annual Rescue Walk, with dozens
of other Irish Setters and
assorted others, followed by the
garden party with tea and cakes.
Here, Jasper met many new ISBC
friends, and he had a grand day
out, even if we all got a bit
damp. Being a resilient type,
doing the walk was no problem
for him, and the odd morsel or
three thrown his way afterwards
was also good news while his
weight was back at 'square one'.
The happy ending to this story
is that the 'Form 3' was
completed at Matlock - Jasper,
ISBC Rescue number 2008-017, is
now signed over to us, happy in
his new home with two other
rescue Setters. More steady
feeding (and occasional
forbidden treats while the other
two are distracted have had the
desired effect – he is now 34.5
kilos, about right, healthy and
happy.
PHIL and JACKIE CATER
Photograph, Phil Cater with
JASPER sitting.
SANDY JRO DOG N0
21 2007
Sandy
Aged
about five years old, came to the Rescue Scheme in March
2007, through the good offices of Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals in Ireland (ISPCA). He was in the most
appalling condition, skeletal, and covered in dog bites, the
wounds in his neck particularly severe, untreated and
infected. In an emergencey handover to our Ireland
Representative Dorothy Park, he was rushed to her vet where
he spent four days on a drip, his neck wounds cleaned, some
sutured with drains inserted, and others left open to heal
from the inside. He was given antibiotics and pain relief,
before released to the kennels of member Jane Hough, in
Belfast, with whom he spent some months fed on a puppy diet
to build him up. It is often easier to deal with the
physical problems of cruelty and neglect, and this badly
traumatised dog, very frightened of men, also needed time
and space to learn to trust before we could think of
re-homing him.
By July
2007, due to the excellent care he had received from Jane,
it was felt that Sandy had put on sufficient weight and
gained enough confidence to be found a home. A mature
couple, who had owned a setter before provided his first
home. This did not prove as suitable for Sandy as we had
hoped, and Sandy came back to the Scheme by mutual consent
just over a month later. The Scheme decided to kennel Sandy
again and do the much needed dental work that it had hoped
to do in a home situation. During his stay at kennels that I
know very well Sandy had three teeth removed by the Kennel
Vet. A tooth splinter, not thought to be Sandy’s, found
embedded in the gum near the nasal area meant that surgery
was more invasive than would other wise have been the case.
On
September 16th Steve and Ann Clapham visited the Kennels
with me, and met Sandy, although still very nervous of
strange people and situations Sandy was soon at ease with
Ann, and Steve was accepted after taking his lead on a get
to know you walk round the fields. Working with Children
with Special Needs Steve has the right approach, and Ann
said Sandy was soon watching for him to come home at lunch
time and the end of the day. Physically, although he still
needs a little more weight, Sandy looks a fit dog, but it
may still take more time for the mental scars to fade.
October
21st, and a visit to Sandy. It is obvious that his new
owners think the world of him and have done everything
possible to give him the security he needs. Eating well, he
is now at correct weight. Totally relaxed with Ann &
Steve, he was still not happy to have visitors, but was soon
offering me a paw. His mouth is healing well, and he has
been microchipped. This is a most affectionate little dog,
and one I will always remember. I am confident that Ann &
Steve will take his rehabilitation slowly, and that one day
he will recognise that most members of the human race do not
pose a threat to him. I was happy to sign him over and he
has an open invitation to come and see me.
Barbara
Rogers
I would like to pay tribute to
Jane Hough's dedication, not just to Sandy but all the
rescues she puts through her hands. Her skill and knowledge
of dogs really brought Sandy through the bad days he had
when he first arrived as a totally traumatised little dog to
discovering what a great sense of humour he has. It was a
privilege to have known Sandy.
Dorothy Park
It was extremely sad to see Sandy's
re-action to men but it made us more determined to work with
him. After the first week he began to come out of his shell
and approach Steve under his own steam, and his confidence
continues to grow. Now when Steve comes home from work he
gets the most fantastic welcome. Sandy is truly a joy to
have around and it is very rewarding for us to see him
becoming a normal happy dog. At the end of October we went
to Ulrome in north Yorkshire and took Sandy to the beach, he
loved every minute, and ran up and down splashing in the
water. He was so exited and happy it made everything the
more worthwhile. Our thanks to the ISBC Rescue Scheme for
its support and to Sandy for being a part of our family and
giving us so much pleasure
Steve and Ann Clapham:
2006
JANICE ROBERTS OLDHAM DOG (N0 20)
LUCKY/LUCY 2006/39 –owned by Cynthia & Roland Cooper
Lucky was
indeed lucky, when a man working at a house in Ireland
noticed her appalling condition. She walked on three legs
and was so very thin. He was told she was a stray that had
wandered onto the property a month ago, and that she had
since been hit by a car. This story cannot
be
verified, but on hearing that she was to “be put down” that
very day he phoned a friend who offered to take her in
The lady
who befriended Lucky told us how sad it was to see the bones
nearly coming through her skin, and how angry it made her.
The vet consulted said that a fracture of her left elbow had
been there a long time and prescribed Metacam for pain
relief. After a month Lucky had almost reached her correct
weight, and through contacts with Briarfield Sanctuary she
was notified to the Rescue Scheme.
On arrival
in the UK by Courier transport, in spite of care in Ireland,
Lucky was in a dirty condition and had some unnoticed
problems. Believed to be 8/9 yrs old, she presented as a
bitch that had borne many litters. Although house trained,
her skin, calluses, and enlarged nipples were ingrained with
dirt, suggesting that she had spent most of her life
outside, possibly on concrete.
Lucky went
to her new home with Cynthia & Roland Cooper on Saturday
5.8.06, supervised by Jane Illingworth. Jane accompanied
Cynthia and Roland on Monday 7.8.06 on Lucky’s first visit
to their vet.
We had
been made aware of the old injury to Lucky’s left elbow,
identified by the vet in Ireland, and now had confirmation
that nothing further could be done at this late stage; Lucky
was coping with it, managing at times on three legs. We had
also been told about a “sore” at the top of her right leg
but were not prepared for a weeping wound. The Vet said it
was a type of tumour, which could be cancerous, and took a
swab which was sent for analysis. Lucky was also producing
milk, but appeared to be in full heat, although we had been
told that she was last on heat in June when in Ireland.
Lucky was given an antibiotic injection at this time, put
on a course of antibiotic tablets and was to return to the
Vet in a week. She is in the most caring of homes, and Jane
says that in spite of her problems, she has the brightest of
eyes, and is not in the least put out by all that has
happened in the last few days.
The
tumour, although not cancerous, would not have healed
without surgery and was removed. When Jane saw her again on
1.09.06 Lucky, re-named Lucy had been bathed, now clean,
shiny and enjoying life. Her last heat also resulted in a
false pregnancy, so after a suitable interval Lucy was
spayed, and at this time X-rays of the fractured elbow were
taken. Surgery is possible but would be severe. Lucy is not
currently on medication and gives no impression of being in
pain. Options will be reviewed should the situation change,
Once again
we are indebted to a lovely couple, who are experienced
Irish Setter owners and knew that they would be taking on an
elderly and somewhat neglected bitch, but on finding more
serious problems, rolled up their sleeves and dealt with
them to help this most charming of little ladies.
From Cynthia &
Roland Cooper
When we
first met Lucy she seemed very subdued, her eyes
dull and looking into the distance; wasn't even sure
she likes us. However she has made herself at home.
She has become a lovely happy dog with quite an
independent sprit. On walks she has her own idea of
where we should go. In fact Lucy has settled very
well, full of charm and cheek, a loving dog and we
love her.
From Jane
Illingworth
Roland said
he felt that Lucy had been conditioned to accept
without question whatever came along. This to me
sums up what Rescue is all about -Dogs who are
grateful for a better life, and People who put the
dog's feelings before their own.
2005 JANICE ROBERTS - OLDHAM DOG (NO 19) FINN
2005/047 - RIP –
Cared for by Mr & Mrs L Fraser
We call
this tribute “The Janice Roberts Oldham Dog” but in truth it
is the New Owner who deserves the honour and Mr & Mrs Fraser
well deserve to join the ranks of those who have accepted a
dog that they recognised would need a lot of care – indeed
carers they became from day one.
Finn, his given name,
an elderly dog of at least ten years old was found tied to
the fence of a Dog Pound in the Irish Republic when it
opened one February morning: it was thought he could have
been there all night in deep snow. Severely malnourished,
dehydrated and with mobility problems he never the less
wagged his tail; and it was this greeting that probably
saved his life. Fostered by Dr Mary Jane Fox, in the
Republic, he remained with her until he gained enough
strength for Dorothy Park to collect him and take him to her
home in Belfast, where he rested a few days, before the
ferry journey to Stranraer in Scotland, and from there
towards Yorkshire and his new home. We are grateful to Mary
Jane for her Emails on Finn’s progress while he was with
her; they were to provide valuable insight into his
problems.
In mid
March when they first met Finn, Ann and Leslie Fraser’s
first impressions were good, better than they had expected,
he was bright and responsive. After a week to recover from
his long journey it was time to visit the vet. In Ireland
Finn had been given a vitamin injection and a first part
vaccination, now it was time for the second part. He was
also wormed and a blood profile proved normal – the one good
sign. A fortnight later I called to see Finn; his eyes were
bright and he was alert but still so painfully thin.
Mobility was a big worry – a foreleg lets him down and he
stumbles a lot, there was evidence of what looked like an
old injury at the elbow joint, either an RTA or kicking; but
X-Rays will be done when he has gained weight.
Early April
and Finn has put on weight but is only 18.5 kilos. His
appetite is poor, in that what he eats and enjoys one day he
refuses the next; these wonderful people are hand feeding
him, anything that he likes to make him stronger. Mobility
is still a problem, he is exercised little and often and has
been provided with pain relief. Leslie has made him a ramp
for easier access to the car. Housetraining is patchy,
could be because of his mobility and Ann is sleeping
downstairs with him at night. They do not complain but we
know how difficult it must be for Ann & Leslie; who remain
committed to this most charming, determined and plucky
little fellow.
Mid May and
X rays have been done; the news is not good.Finn is
riddled with arthritis, hips, shoulders and elbow joints all
affected. He also has damaged vertebrae in his neck from way
back in his life, and a chronic chest infection. If there is
any good news it is that the form of arthritis is “reactive”
and may respond to long term antibiotics, which will also
help with his chest. Finn may manage on his current pain
relief and there are steroids to fall back on. While under
general anaesthetic Finn had his ears and teeth cleaned,
warts around his eyes removed, anal glands emptied and claws
clipped. At this point the Rescue Scheme would like to
acknowledge the dedication of Vet Mark Goodman, who did
everything possible to help Finn and support Ann & Leslie,
and the Minster Veterinary Practice in York for its
consideration with regard to the Rescue Scheme’s account.
There
followed a period when Finn had good days and bad, days when
we all thought things were improving, and days when his
mobility and eating pattern deteriorated. Ann & Leslie never
went out together so that one of them could always be with
him. They were also worried because their Golden Wedding
Anniversary was due and their family had arranged a
celebration holiday. We would now like to thank Kath & Cliff
Smith of Banks Ghyll Kennels in Yorkshire. Friends of mine,
they have a reputation for looking after elderly and infirm
dogs, which live in the house with them during their stay,
Ann & Leslie took Finn to visit them and meet their two
rescue setters; and he later went back to stay with them in
August. Like everyone who has met Finn, Kath & Cliff fell
for his undoubted charms, and realising the effort it must
be taking care of him without their dog friendly floors,
offered respite care if ever it was needed.
We all knew
that Finn’s quality of life at this time was managed by
drugs and the exceptional care and devotion he was receiving
from Ann & Leslie. We talked often and finally accepted that
Finn’s back legs had become weaker, his front legs were
never going to compensate because the foreleg still gave
way. Finn could not manage to toilet without falling over
and became doubly incontinent. Mark said Finn had made the
decision for us and he was put to sleep on the 29.09. 05.
RIP Brave little Dog
The Rescue
Scheme is so grateful to Ann & Leslie that for the last
seven months of Finn’s life he had known only love and
kindness.
Barbara
Rogers
From Ann &
Leslie Fraser – Finn left his mark wherever he went, admired
for his courage. He gave us a perfect example of grace in
pain and disability, and introduced us to some very caring
and supportive people. We thank them all, Mark Goodman and
his colleagues, Kath & Cliff Smith, Dorothy Park,
and especially Barbra Rogers who personifies all the fine
qualities which lie at the heart of the Irish Setter Rescue
Scheme.
2004 JANICE ROBERTS-OLDHAM DOG NO 18 -
LADY
2004/003 NOW
14 YEARS OLD -
Owned by Mr & Mrs Copson
I first met Lady on 4th
November 2003 when I collected her from a local Police Station at 9am in
response to a call from them. She had been handed in to them the previous
evening after being found in distressed condition with her head stuck in
railings, remember this was firework time. The couple who found her told
the
police she had been sick and had diarrhoea while in their car and I was
warned she would not travel well, in fact she
travelled beautifully.This lovely bitch, approximately twelve years old,
white faced with spay type coat, and relaxed vocal cords appeared arthritic.
She was wearing an old, very dirty collar with no ID, but had a new flea
collar, and in spite of recent stress appeared confident. Her weight was
reasonable but her coat was full of dandruff, very greasy and had not been
groomed for some time, having large matted areas. Her ears were full of
infected wax, she badly need a dental and had a sticky discharge from her
vulva.
I said "Hello lovely Lady"
and Lady she became. Kennelling was arranged with a local Sanctuary and she
saw their vet the same evening. He started vaccination and it was decide to
clean and suture a cut on her ear the next day. Since this required a G/Awe took the opportunity to clean her teeth, remove one that was bad and
broken and clean her ears out. The vet agreed that she was probably spayed
and the discharge unlikely to be pyometra, a urine sample had blood in it so
cystitis was another factor. The antibiotics for the suture and dental work
would cover the cystitis and he would see her again in a week. During the
week I saw Lady to groom her and use body wipes to clean her coat, this she
did not like at all. She had been walked twice daily by the staff and the
stumbling that I had noticed on collection was less pronounced and she was
becoming stronger.
Vets and Pet shops in the
area she was found were contacted, Lost & Found adverts in the press were
checked. It seemed no one was looking for her. Then a final check with the
Police, it seemed that staff remembered taking her in before and had checked
records. The Police had contacted the owner and told
her
where to find me, but she had not been in touch, so wanting to know more
about Lady I phoned the number provided by the police. I was able to confirm
her age as twelve and obtain her name which is in fact LADY. This person had
owned her for four years, and "thought" she was spayed; she had not been
vaccinated in that time, and often strayed??
Lady was re-homed with Mr &
Mrs Copson on 16 November 2003, in time to spend Christmas in caring and
experienced hands. I met this couple at the Sanctuary and was impressed by
their concern and the way they handled Lady. She
was signed over in January 2003, by which time she had become quite a cheeky
character and her legs were very much improved. Preparing this article just
over a year later it is so rewarding to know that Lady has spent the last
year receiving the love and attention that is the right of every dog in its
old age. I hate to think what her condition would have been by now had she
not been lucky enough to be taken to the Police station on that fateful
night. The Rescue Scheme thanks two special people for going that extra bit
further and offering heart & home to an oldie. We hope Lady is one of those
dogs who will see sixteen.
Barbara Rogers
From Peter & Barbara Copson
In the last twelve months
Lady has put on a little weight and gained confidence, taking no funny
business
from other
dogs, standing up to their antics and sometimes joining in chasing them
around, which is a joy
to see. When
Barbara takes her for a walk she waits patiently until she is ready, and
then walks calmly beside her without pulling. With Peter - it's a case of
hurry up; I want to get in the car and prancing about like
a two year old. She has no difficulty getting in the car and promptly lies
down and we don't know she's there. All in all it's a pleasure to have Lady
in our lives and we can't thank you enough for giving us the
opportunity
to improve life for her, however long it will be.
-
Lady was supervised by
Barbara Rogers and Olivia Henson.
On
20th February
2008, Jasper a large two
year old Irish Setter, was
handed into Wood Green
Animal Shelter. He was
described in the vet's
initial assessment as very
scared, easily panicked and
incredibly underweight at
just 28.5 kgs. Jasper was
allocated a dedicated nurse
to help bring him round and
build up his confidence.
Numerous tests were carried
out to check for any
underlying health problems
but fortunately none were
found. The Wood Green staff
did a superb job in
restoring Jasper's poise,
his notes from just three
weeks later confirmed him as
"doing well, really
confident and no longer the
nervous wreck he was when
taken in". However Wood
Green staff still had
concerns about his low
weight, now 28.45 kgs, and
came to the conclusion that
kennelling itself could be
stressing him. Concerned
that fretting was preventing
any real weight gain they
contacted the Rescue Scheme
to see if a home was
available. At this stage we
would like to acknowledge
the dedication and
efficiency of Wood Green,
and thank them for providing
Jasper’s case notes to us.
