Cocker Spaniel Rescue was doubly blessed the day that Kevin and Jennifer Hamlin let us know they wanted to be part of our organization.   There are not enough words to tell the world how wonderful this couple is both to and for this group and these dogs!

Jennifer & Kevin personify what it means to be an animal lovers and advocates.  They are pictured here with newest family addition Collin (left) and one of their other rescued furkids, Downey.   Their family also includes furkids K.C., Juliette, & Bunny. 

Kevin and Jennifer, both high school teachers and coaches,  have never let any of their foster dogs’ issues keep them from providing a loving safe haven where a dog can heal and learn to be a dog! 

Collin became an official part of their family when Kevin "gave" him to Jennifer for Valentine's Day.    Both Kevin & Jennifer spent many, many hours rehabilitating and loving Collin after his rescue from a very bad puppy mill situation.   After having been with several very caring foster families, he had shown little progress in coming out of his shell.   He was so afraid of the world that he lived under tables and beds and refused to look a human in the face. When Collin inexplicably attached himself to Jennifer at a Meet & Greet she and Kevin decided to take him into their home and work with him.   While still timid and wary of strangers, Collin has blossomed in the Hamlin home and now is even able to go out with them in public on a leash.   It is hard to explain what a HUGE deal that is for this dog, but anyone familiar with rescue can understand the joy at that accomplishment.

Two of the other Hamlin dogs, Bunny and Downey, also started out as fosters with serious medical issues.  Downey came to rescue with what was thought to be a prolapsed rectum.  Neither Kevin nor Jennifer batted an eye at taking her in and working to make her well despite the bowel/potty issues.  Surgery and medication worked wonders for Downey, but by the time she was well she was also so much a part of their hearts she wasn't going anywhere!   Bunny has a urinary problem that causes her to almost continually leak urine.  Kevin & Jennifer saw past that into the heart of a dog with so much love to give that it far outweighed any her physical shortcomings.  Bunny is now much better and a happy, content part of the Hamlin family.  They are saving up money for further treatment and surgery in the hope of curing her completely.

Another foster, Palmer, unknowingly came into rescue with distemper.  When he passed away, the Hamlins 'adopted' him posthumously "to give him a name and family".   They brought his ashes home and he will forever be safe in their home.