My first cocker was a recue, and she had serious issues, so I appreciate that only dedicated people are needed.
One thing I feel I must point out (and sorry for using your post Karen to hang this on) is that many, many cocker rescues don't have issues that an experienced cocker owner would not be able to cope with - once they are walked on a regular basis, and given the correct mental stimulation. Most come into rescue because the owners have no idea that the cute puppy they bought was a working breed and needs exercise and attention. Many don't have issues at all - their owners become ill or for some other reason, can't keep them.
Dogs being rehomed from a previous good home have a remarkable ability to settle very quickly with a new best friend - as much as we may hate the fact that our much beloved will be happy with someone else. In fact, the owner should take it as a compliment!
I'm fostering two yorkies at the moment (8 yo boy and 15 yo girl - son and mother) who have been with their now elderly and ill owner from pup (15 yo) and one from birth (8 yo). They have settled with me immediately and are not pining at all. A relative of the owner was told by a rescue to pts the 15 yo because she was too old to be rehomed and would not be happy. This is nonsense - she is a happy dog who will settle very well in a new home with her son.
