Pass Along PDJ
January 2010

veryday it seems we hear about dogs that need rescuing. As dog owners, we already have that sensitive place in our hearts for man’s best friend. After all, we probably spend more time around them than anybody else. Most of us would say that our dogs are spoiled rotten, that they have lives we could only dream of. But a lot of dogs don’t. That’s where organizations such as the Illinois Birddog Rescue (IBR) step in.

IBR is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and licensed shelter by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. They are dedicated to saving, transporting, vetting, fostering, and adopting homeless American Field bred pointers and English setters. Since October 2000, IBR has saved 786 dogs and puppies from all over the U.S. from overcrowded shelters and humane societies. The dogs live in foster homes to receive the attention and socialization they have been deprived of. They are taken to the veterinarian for an exam, and many need special drugs or surgeries due to negligence and tick-borne illnesses. And of course, they are taken out to the field to do what they were bred to do -- hunt.

“Through patience, kindness, and commitment, quality and expensive vetting protocols,” says founder Lisa Spakowski. “Many of our dogs regain their confidence in the IBR program and are back working in the field to the joy of their adopters.”

The full article “A Place of Hope” will be posted on Pointing Dog Journal Online in February 2010. But we wanted to get the word out as soon as we could. If you would like to learn more about IBR, please visit www.illinoisbirddogrescue.org or find them on Facebook. You can help their organization by purchasing a 2010 calendar (we have a sample one, and it’s pretty nice) at www.cafepress.com.

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