NEWS FROM THE BOARD

Didn’t have time to join ESRA’s board for the Oct. 17 annual meeting of members? You can watch the video here, listen to audio only here, and review the PowerPoint slide deck here.

Here’s a summary of the key highlights:

Membership • ESRA’s membership is down from 1,915 in 2016 to 1,858 in 2017, and it’s primarily the result of the removal of

hundreds of inactive members from ESRA’s roster. • ESRA transitioned to an online membership management system, Wild Apricot, to modernize and secure our

membership and donation information as well as email communications with our members.

Leadership • ESRA expanded its board in 2017, from five members to seven. • Five new members joined ESRA’s board in 2017, one by appointment, and four by election. • In March, Barb Doolin of Oregon was appointed to the board. • Two members—Christi Cooper of North Carolina and Glay Weigand of Ohio—were elected to the board in

June. • Two more—Linda Parker of South Carolina and Barry Breckle of Oklahoma—were elected in September.

Financials • Financially, ESRA is in a very strong position. You can read its financials every month here. • Procedurally, ESRA’s financial systems have been improved by such things as updates to the expense report

system to permit electronic signatures and the continued expansion of the financial team. • For the second time in two years, ESRA’s annual financials were audited by an independent company. The

auditor found no issues in the most recent—the 2016 financials—audit. You can review ESRA’s 2016 Form 990 here.

• ESRA negotiated a cash settlement, paid the end of September 2017, to settle the civil suit against ESRA’s former treasurer and the balance owed from the criminal case. ESRA’s total recovery is $340,000.

Dogs in ESRA’s Care • As of Sept. 4, 2017, ESRA had 238 dogs in its care, 65 of which were pre-2016 intakes. • In 2017 alone, it took in 337 dogs and had adopted out 311 dogs; 44 dogs were humanely euthanized, 10 for

aggression. • There were more than 250 donations to special needs dogs in ESRA’s care. Six Springers entered the Special

Needs program in 2017: Clancey, Doodles, Lucky, Quinn, Bowie, Gunner, and Max. They joined Gibbs, Contessa, and Carmen, dogs accepted into the program in 2015 and 2016. All “graduated” from the special needs program but Carmen, who crossed the bridge in 2017, and Bowie who is still in ESRA’s care recovering from surgery for a torn ACL

The Web Team • ESRA’s web team created newer and better membership, adoption, and foster home applications, implemented

a digitally signed code of ethics (which means nobody needs to print, sign, scan, and send back their form!), improved the special needs process, and updated the extreme makeover page.

• The web team is planning an entirely new website, with a projected release in 2018.

Social Media Team • As of October 3, there were 12,839 followers on ESRA’s Facebook page—an increase of 25 percent from

2016, and all of it organic—and 5,758 followers on Instagram. • The social media team held ESRA’s first ever Facebook Live fundraiser, raising $3,610 in less than two hours. • It fields an average of three messages a day from the public and responds in less than seven minutes.

How she’s making a difference: Mitch has said yes to just about every request that’s been made of her, starting with a number of transports.

In the Summer of 2017, she crocheted and donated two Springer-faced afghans. One was sold in ESRA’s first Facebook Live auction, and the second was sold at the ESRA Wisconsin picnic—the total raised from the sale of both was more than $200.

In the Fall of 2017, Mitch agreed to join the team that creates ESRA’s annual Christmas card appeal, allowing Carolyn Malloy and Cynthia Pierson—who generously led the project for years—to step back and spend more time on the many other things they do for ESRA. Mitch stepped in and obtained bids from several printers while working with the team to help create the card and oversaw the printing and postage issues that come up with a 4,500-piece annual mailing, something she’d never done before.Also in the Fall, Mitch agreed to crochet two Springer scarves for a Clayton Nation fundraiser to benefit ESRA.

Just DO IT—don't wait! Just look at the cute faces filled with unconditional love that can't speak for themselves. Think of what you’ll be doing for them, especially those that are a few years old or seniors. Put yourself in their "paws"—how would you feel if no one came to your aid?

Meet Mitchelle "Mitch" Kmiec, Chicago

ESRA’S UNSUNG HEROESThe Springer in her life: Mitch adopted six-year-old Lucy nearly four years ago, four months after she had to put one of her three "inherited" dogs down. It was meant to be, as Lucy became available for adoption almost the same day, yet was still available four months later when Mitch was ready. Lucy’s dad had died, and she was kept outside in the backyard for three weeks while her owner’s roommate went to work each day. Lucy’s dad’s family finally contacted Anne Solak-Tennant, ERSA’s Illinois/Northern Indiana coordinator, to find a better life for Lucy. When Anne took Lucy in, she was flea-infested, and shortly thereafter, Lucy tested positive for Lyme disease. Today, Lucy’s happy and healthy and spends her time with her mom at her Chicago and Wisconsin homes.

When did you get involved with ESRA and why? I got involved with ESRA after I adopted Lucy. An "SOS" came from Lucy's foster mom to pick up two senior Springers from an elderly couple who could no longer care for them. Because of this, I met another Springer volunteer (Lisa Falk of Wisconsin) who lives in a town near my country home, and now we make sure we have lunch when I am there.

Why do you do what you do? It keeps me busy and gives me purpose and there's a need. I love dogs, and I love Lucy’s slobber kisses, cute face, and wiggle butt so much that I can't say no. She has brought me so much joy. I also know what it’s like not to have anyone. My parents and brother, all of whom have passed, were also always helping others, so I have big shoes to fill.

What would you say to others who are thinking of getting involved but haven’t yet? Don't wait: DO IT! It’s so rewarding. I’ve worked with many non-profit organizations and ESRA, by far, has been the most rewarding.

There are so many areas where you can volunteer. From just the short time I’ve been involved, I think the areas that can use more help are transport and fostering. I'm not saying there aren't other areas, but these are the two that can definitely use help.

If there’s something you think you can do that can help, ask. It may be something that hasn't been thought of before or an area that may need help that I don’t know of.

By Linda Parker

From an early age I knew that I loved animals. I was not allowed to have pets and I longed for one to love. When I married and started a family, my children grew to an age where I felt that they would appreciate having a dog, so we bought our first Springer from a backyard breeder, (not knowing any better) after doing a lot of breed research.

Then we adopted Micah from ESRA because I wanted to make a difference in the animal world by rescuing. That led to fostering full time for ESRA. Through the years I had a revolving door of fosters! When one left, another entered our lives. I have fostered over 55 Springers and Springer wanna be's for ESRA plus more for MAESSR and our local Humane Society. I failed fostering twice.

I had a few fosters that I could not wait for them to leave for one reason or another (females fighting with my female) but most of them I fretted about leaving and sometimes cried (especially the young ones and puppies).

Through the years I have received letters and cards and emails from the adopters thanking me and keeping me informed and also sadly letting me know about the rainbow bridge crossings. I know that I made a difference, ever so small compared to the world's cruelty to animals, but a real difference.

Fostering has it challenges but the awards GREATLY outweigh those challenges. Very few of the fosters gave me a problem. They blended into our family quite easily and went places with us. I loved fostering and helping that (usually) poor creature realize a safe home, good food and love made me proud! That's what fostering is all about. Helping. Foster homes make a positive change in our world. Foster homes create positive energy for themselves and the dogs and the adopters!

Please consider opening up your hearts and homes to foster a dog. It is very rewarding in so many ways!

ESRA is in desperate need of foster homes across the country— please let your state coordinator know if you would like to foster for short term or longer term situations – you will not regret it!

I remember those times when I cried and cried as I said goodbye to my foster as the adopters drove away with him/her. My Carolinas Coordinator, Kathy Patterson, sent me the following poem, which eased my heartache:

THE BENEFITS OF FOSTERING

A POEM TO MY FOSTER DOGBy Diane Morgan

I am the bridge,

Between what was and what can be.

I am the pathway to a new life.

I am made of mush,Because my heart melted when

I saw you,Matted and sore, limping,

depressedLonely, unwanted, afraid to love.

For one little time you are mine.

I will feed you with my own hand.

I will love you with my whole heart.

I will make you whole.

I am made of steel.Because when the time comes, When you are well, and sleek,

when your eyes shine, And your tail wags with joyThen comes the hard part.

I will let you go-not without a

tear, But without a regret.

For you are safe forever--A new dog needs me now.

ESRA Florida The folks in Florida ESRA will be helping the ESSFTA at the "Meet the Breed" booth at the AKC Invitational Show in Orlando, Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17. Come by and see us!

ESRA at the Atlanta Springer Specialty Show ESRA volunteers will once again, be joining in the activities at the Atlanta English Springer Specialty in 2018. We would love to welcome all of our ESRA family throughout the Southeast and beyond. Come join us!

The Atlanta Specialty is hosted by the Chattahoochee English Springer Spaniel Club of Greater Atlanta, and offers conformation (English Springer Spaniels only) and obedience trials (All Breed) that are wonderful to watch or participate in. The members of the Chattahoochee Club are welcoming to all and known for their hospitality at these events.

ESRA will be a big part of the show. We will be hosting our annual Parade of Rescued Springers – always a heart-warmer. We will have our ESRA booth, full of exciting Springer items from the ESRA Store. We invite all to join us for dinner out with friends, just for fun and laughs.

Be in the Parade! All rescued Springers (who have not previously been in the Atlanta parade) are eligible. Spaces are limited and are first come, first served. For more information on registering to be in the parade, contact Emily Pike at springerrescueparade@gmail.com.

The show will be held January 20 & 21, at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, Main Exhibit Building, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045.

For more details, and to keep up with all the planned events and activities, follow us on our website at: http://springerrescue.org/events/atlanta2018.html and via our Facebook Event at: https://www.facebook.com/events/125356571437095/?active_tab=discussion.

What does ESRA do at SEWE? For the 4th year, we have secured a booth which includes dog items (tee shirts, dog toys, leashes, homemade dog treats, paintings, interactive games for pets/children, etc.) to sell. All money goes to ESRA. We are in the early phases of organizing our booth and need your help in securing/donating some nice items to display and sell. Many of our local Charleston ESRA volunteers (and pups) help "man" the booth, however if you would also like to help out, we'll find a spot for you! People come from all over to attend this event. New for this year are thoughts to rent a beach house for all who come to help with the SEWE booth. If enough people show an interest, this rental will happen. Individual costs will be far less than a hotel room.

UPCOMING EVENTSESRA at the Atlanta Springer Specialty Show

Southeastern Wildlife Expo Here is your early invitation and announcement of ESRA's participation at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) February 16-18, 2018 in Charleston, S.C. The SEWE event is a three-day showcase of nature and wildlife, sportsmen, conservationists, artists, artisans, and families who converge to Charleston during this weekend to experience sporting demonstrations, dock diving, vendor booths, parties, and education of our natural world. Experts in wildlife and nature share their knowledge throughout this weekend. Click on this link for more info: sewe.com

ESRA Carolinas ESRA Carolinas has been asked back to provide breakfast/lunch for the Wateree Spaniel Club for their hunt tests (January 20-21, 2018) and for their field trials (February 3-4, 2018). Both of these events will be held at the H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area in Cheraw, S.C. We have wonderful cooks within our group, and last year we provided breakfast/lunch for two days and came away with more than $700 for ESRA! Glendel Huneycutt also donated a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her soup mixes.

The world of rescue touches people from many different sides. ESRA volunteers have a passion for assisting Springers with various needs, which come from a variety of circumstances. It is often a bittersweet journey to realize how unfortunate some of these beautiful dogs have previously lived, to assisting them in finding loving forever homes. Most can be saved and rehabilitated, which allows them an opportunity to know love, proper care, and the chance at a life that may not have otherwise been possible. Yet there are an unfortunate few who are beyond rehabilitation, either physically and/or mentally, whom we must assist on a different path. These situations touch our hearts deeply and are part of what makes rescuing Springers (or any animal for that matter) one that comes with its fair share of heartache.

In our quest to find ESRA Springers loving homes, we often meet very special families who develop a bond, not only with our Springers, but with our volunteers as well. The addition of a pet into a family’s home can certainly be life-changing, and one that can be very rewarding on many levels. When the adopter to volunteer connection is formed, it can often be one of the special “perks” of being a rescue volunteer.

One of our long-time volunteers, Kim Marvin of Michigan, who serves as ESRA’s midwest vice president, was recently contacted by a previous adopter of an ESRA Springer and received a very touching e-mail sharing the news of the passing of the family’s beloved Springer. While this was sad news indeed, the message that came with it was one of hope and encouragement, to not only Kim, but other volunteers as well, that our efforts are worth the time and the emotional investment that we, as rescuers, must put into doing what we do.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Here is an excerpt from the beautiful letter that Kim received:

“We recently lost our beautiful springer Lola who we adopted from ESRA 10 yrs. ago when she was 5 yrs. old. I just want to let you know what a wonderful and beautiful experience it was to have had Lola in our lives and feel blessed that we got 10 yrs. together. Lola was the most kind, gentle and patient dog we have ever owned and was a constant loving and understanding companion to our son Alex (in the pic) who is autistic. Alex spent all his free time with his best friend Lola who gave him constant companionship and unconditional love and he would respond and interact more with her than people, she was really a therapy dog for him as well as a pet. We would all like to say THANK YOU for the work you do in rescuing, caring for and finding homes for these special dogs.

Alex is understandably upset and sad that Lola is gone. I try to relate it to him talking about the rainbow bridge and how Lola is now young and free to frolic like a puppy in heaven and one day he will see her again. Our tears are also tears of joy at a life well spent, another 10 yrs that easily could have been snuffed out at a kill shelter and that would have been the tragedy.

We are just so grateful and wanted to say thanks to all that make opportunities like this possible.”

Letters, like this one from Lola’s family, are part of a rescuers own healing and help us to continue doing the good works that we do - for the love of the Springers that need our loving and helping hearts and hands.

On October 27 ESRA coordinator and board member Barb Doolin received an email alerting her that two Springers were in the city shelter in Valdez, Alaska. Barb coordinates Oregon, Washington, Idaho and just the previous week agreed to take on coordinator duties for Alaska. Barb was out of town on vacation, but looked up the shelter and contacted them letting them know ESRA could provide assistance.The shelter manager indicated that he wanted to wait about a month to see if they could be adopted locally before trying to figure out how to move them to ESRA. He explained that they were a no kill shelter and both dogs were doing just fine.

At this same time Barb decided to try two things.She contacted the ESRA out-of-area applications team and got copies of three adoption applications from Alaska that had been received in the past couple of years. Barb placed phone calls to those applicants letting them know that there were Springers in Valdez if anyone was still looking to adopt a springer. Sadly, none of those families could provide a home for a Springer at this time. Barb also reached out to the Alaska Airlines cargo department and worked with the director of sales and marketing-cargo in Seattle to plan to get these dogs to Seattle. Alaska Airlines doesn’t fly to Valdez, but could get them on a flight from Anchorage to Seattle for a special 501(c)3 rate if they could get to Anchorage. Trying not to be discouraged, Barb knew the dogs were safe and being well taken care of. She just had to be patient and planned to keep watching the Valdez shelter website for the next month.

On Friday, November 3, ESRA received an adoption application from Grace in Anchorage.She was heartbroken over the loss of her Springer and was hoping to adopt and figure out how to get a Springer from the Pacific Northwest to Anchorage. Saturday morning, November 4, Barb called Grace.They had a phone interview, and Barb told Grace about the dogs in Valdez. Grace was very excited to hear about the dogs and was going to check on them. By this time, only one Springer was left on the shelter website — Orzu a beautiful liver and white 7-year-old male.

Sunday morning, November 12, Barb received a phone call from Grace— she and her son had driven the 11 1/2-hour round trip from Anchorage to Valdez the day before, and Orzu was renamed Jameson and had started his new life with them.

SUCCESS STORY

NEXT NEWSLETTER: SPRING 2018 Be on the watch out coming this spring for our next newsletter containing Happy Endings, upcoming events, Volunteer Spotlights and interesting news about what ESRA does day in and day out to make this a better world for both our beloved Springers and their families.

If you’re like most members, you don’t know all of the literally hundreds of people across the nation working hard to rescue Springers through ESRA—they’re quite literally ERSA’s unsung heroes.

In every issue, we’ll introduce you to an ESRA member who’s making a difference in the lives of Springers in their own little corner of the world. If you’d like to nominate someone in your area to be featured in an upcoming issue, please email the newsletter team at volunteerspotlight@springerrescue.org with the name of the person you’re nominating and why.

www.springerrescue.org facebook.com/springerrescueamerica Instagram.com/springerrescueamerica

WAY TO GO! Because of the eight years she's spent building relationships as Illinois and Indiana coordinator, in a period of just two months, Anne Solak-Tennant received (unsolicited!) checks from four prior adopters totaling more than $3,500.

TAKE A BOW

AMAZING PATIENCE!

Teddy is ready for adoption! Teddy wouldn't let his foster mom Elizabeth Hall touch him for months. Now, a year later, Elizabeth's patience and hard work is paying off. Teddy takes treats from Elizabeth, lets her pet him, and sits. And Elizabeth believes he'll do just fine in a forever home.

Teddy is looking for his forever home.