Big News!

As many of you know, in June 2009 I stepped down as President of the Rescue I founded: San Diego Spaniel Rescue. It was my dream in 2002 to create a strong 501c3 organization, with a governing Board of Directors that would carry on long after I was gone. Most of the SoCal Rescues are individually run, with no Board - when Anita's husband retired and they moved to OK from SoCal, Temecula Valley Cocker Rescue closed it's doors (but OK's gain is Okie Dokie Cocker Rescue!). A couple of other SoCal Rescues have to take regular breaks, to keep from being overwhelmed, or burnt out. A Rescue with a full group of dedicated volunteers and a guiding Board of Directors would avoid these issues. Last summer, with my being burnt out, with physical issues as well, I wasn't being the strong leader that I had been in the past. It was beyond time to finally step aside and let a capable Board take the lead. Those of you that know me, know that once I was beyond my immediate personal challenges, I would be back in the world of Rescue once again. My massage practice is going well, my pet photography business is rockin' n rollin' and my health is back on track. Just in time ... Earlier this month my membership into American Spaniel Club was approved! I joined at the invitation of ASC members after they approached me at last summer's National. I am hopeful that I will be able to be a proactive part of National Cocker Rescue through the ASC Foundation - assisting member Rescues around the country as they work on behalf of our chosen breed. I am also committed to organizing and presenting the National Parade of Rescues at each year's National Specialty (this year in Richmond, VA). I'm looking forward to meeting more of my National friends and making new ones. And I am VERY excited to take my Rescue work to a National level!

Photo Shoot Scheduled to Help Frankie

Dogs in the City Day Care and Spa is hosting a photo fundraiser this Wednesday, the 15th of April. Come have your favorite pooch's photo taken by me between 3 pm - 7 pm. Sitting fees are by donation only and all money raised is going to help Frankie, the Cocker Spaniel with the unusual medical needs. Before I get into her story, the phone number to schedule your reserved sit time is 858/997-7135. Dogs in the City is located at 555 West C Street in downtown San Diego. This is Frankie's shelter photo. She knew how to use those hazel eyes to charm folks from the start! Frankie came to San Diego Spaniel Rescue from the Apple Valley Animal Shelter. Charming people has been one of her favorite past times ... her foster family will be adopting her when Rescue is finished with her medical needs.

That's where DogBreedz.net comes in - the photo shoots this week (Dogs in the City) and next week (Camp Bow Wow, El Cajon) are dedicated to raising funds to help Frankie out.

You can see from this next photo how happy she is in her foster home. This was sent to us from her Foster Mom, Alyce, pictured with Lucky, Frankie and Archie (left to right), last Christmas. Frankie loves to wear pink, and we just know she is looking forward to her surgery being completed soon. This little girl is really a little boy/girl. Frankie is a rare hermaphrodite Cocker Spaniel and her condition is complicated by more than just the regular "hermie" issues. Her foster mom has a crack team of veterinary specialists who have also been hypnotized by those pretty eyes and are working hard to bring their costs down as SDSR raises the funds that will be needed. Book your photo shoot today - see you at Doggie Day Care this week or next!