A rescue dog.  All of the dogs pictured on this page are former rescue dogs.

                                                                  Where do rescue dogs come from?
Every year many Irish Setters, across the country, find themselves in need of new homes for a variety of reasons. Some of the circumstances are understandable and completely unavoidable, such as in the death of the owner. Some dogs come to us lost or abandoned.  Others because of the arrival of a new baby, a divorce, a new spouse, or a move over seas. These life changes usually are not a reflection on the dog.  While some dogs are relinquished by their former owners, Rescue also receives dogs of unknown origin from shelters. Whatever the reason, Irish Setter Rescue, works to turn the situation around to the best interest of the dog.

Do rescue dogs make good pets?
Good breeders take responsibility for the dogs they produce and take back dogs that are given up by owners for whatever reason. These breeders assess the dogs and place them in suitable new homes. But there are breeders who fail to act with integrity, selling puppies and severing contact with buyers, allowing Rescue to make up for their lack of responsibility when the dogs are no longer wanted.  Good bloodlines run through many dogs placed in the rescue program. Many  handsome dogs are frequently hidden under matted, overgrown coats.  With grooming and attention each one makes an astounding transformation in spirit and appearance. They seem to know they are in good hands. 
It is commonly believed that all rescue dogs have been abused or neglected. For the most part this is not true.  As for those that actually have been abused or neglected, many new owners tell us that these dogs seem to understand their good fortune and respond by demonstrating an especially attentive and loving attitude.

How does Irish Setter Rescue work?
Rescue dogs are available across the country. The Rescue effort is set up with volunteers and foster homes in each state, each case coordinated through Rescue's Regional Rescue Coordinators.  Dogs may be housed in a temporary foster home, remain with its original owner or live in a shelter while Rescue works to find a new home for the dog.  All dogs are screened for medical and temperament problems in order to insure that only sound, healthy dogs are placed.  Irish Setter Rescue will neither accept nor place any dog who is temperamentally unsafe or who has shown aggression towards people in the past.
An appropriate home for each dog is preferably sought locally.  If a rescue dog is not available in your area, transportation for a dog in another area may be possible.
If you are interested in finding out more about obtaining a Rescue dog, please visit our adoption information page.

2010 Rescue Parade Booklet - contains many stories about past rescue dogs.
Photos below of the 2010 Rescue Parade