Well, this was unexpected.

[rob winemaker]

It is obvious that this site is not used that much anymore and seeing as this is the extent of my social media usage, here is the backstory on our 2 new girls that Beth posted about on Irish Setter Lovers. I want to say first that I think this is a great site that works as a tribute to the dogs we love and I hope the moderator continues to maintain it as an encyclopedia to these beautiful dogs.

As you know, I lost both Keba and Rooker last Winter 8 weeks apart and had sort of settled into my dogless life wondering when I would feel up to a pup. One evening I received a call from the county dog control stating that they believed they had my dogs which were found running loose only 2 miles from my house and somebody thought they could be mine. I told the gentleman thank you but sadly "no" but what a great thought. Two days later, my curiosity got the best of me and I called to see if an owner had been found. When they said no, I decided to go have a look. It was their belief that these 2 were dumped as they were staying close to where they were found and not runaways. This is a mostly rural area so it seemed obvious they didn't just 'show up'. They were severely matted, way underweight and smelling horribly of excrement. Yet for dogs so terribly neglected, they are the sweetest loving things. The thought is that they are 'Amish puppy mill' dogs and for whatever reason, deemed no longer needed. The vet believes they are between 3-4 based on their teeth. They are way undersized and despite the firestorm on IS Lovers, I believe they could be midwestern field stock based on their heads and profile when running. The dark mahogany is confusing though. They don't know any commands nor do they know how to walk on lead. They are ravenous.  From their behavior, I'd guess they were crated most of their lives. I was not anticipating a project of this magnitude but it broke my heart to see 2 sweet girls abandoned to a cruel fate. They are not 'chipped' and we had to wait a legal extent of time before they became county property and could be adopted. I've always had large,royal, regal males so this is a departure but maybe in a year or two......

[Laura Kolbach]

best of luck with the new ones! 
(and yes, big shame that this site isn't used much anymore, it was my place to be a decade ago - or even more now.)

[James Doran]

Have a great life together Rob! I know you will. Best. James.

[Carole Iverson]

Hi Rob,

It was just wonderful to stumble upon your September post about your two “new” adopted girls. Such a good story and great news — a boost for the spirit, for sure. As I read, I kept thinking that it was meant to be. I hope to hear more about them. From their photos, they have a field dog look. Beautiful girls.

Please forgive me for my extended silence after our posts when you lost your best boys. My big brother passed away a bit earlier than that and though we’re all doing well, there's been so much to go through and deal with…I think I just dropped off the radar screen. Life is now getting back to normal….

Birdie is fine and happy…Nine years old — nine and a half, really — a little slower than a youngster, but still so beautiful, vibrant and young at heart. She is such a gift.

Hope to hear more about your girls when you have a moment. All the best, Carole