Boykin Spaniel Rescue (BSR) is an organization dedicated to rehoming unwanted or neglected purebred Boykin Spaniels. Each Boykin placed by BSR receives veterinary care and a temperament evaluation prior to placement in an adoptive home. Based primarily in the southeastern USA, BSR is growing into a national network of volunteers who regularly contact their area shelters and veterinarian offices for Boykins that need help.
Boykins in the BSR system come from local shelters, some are found as strays, and others are turned in by their owners. BSR has experience with all types of Boykins and does not refuse services for any purebred Boykin Spaniel.
Boykin Spaniels are turned into rescue for many reasons. Often changes in a family's circumstances require the surrender of a pet. Often dogs are bought on impulse without proper consideration given to the responsibility involved in pet ownership. Boykins are typically high-energy dogs and require time and attention to "fit-in" as a happy, healthy family member.
For Boykins that have no available medical history, the dogs are taken to a veterinarian for all necessary medical treatment and vaccinations. All BSR Boykins are spayed or neutered. The Boykin is then placed in a foster home for a period of at least one week. The foster home "parent" evaluates the temperament and activity level of the dog and will begin addressing any behavioral issues that may be present. Generally the Boykin will remain in the foster home until it is adopted.
To adopt a dog from BSR, you must first complete an Adoption Application. You must print, complete and mail the original adoption application to the BSR Regional Coordinator at the address on the application. Once you have completed the application and it has been received by the BSR, a member of BSR will be in contact with you. Once you have been approved as an adoptive home, you will obtain information on dogs that are currently available. We strive to match dogs to a particular situation, and if a dog that meets your needs is not available your application will be held until the appropriate dog enters the BSR system. There is an adoption fee of $250 for each dog. This helps rescue cover veterinary care, food costs and incidentals for the dog while he is in the system. The adoption application requires extra postage, 58 cents, to mail.
The Boykin Spaniel is a member of the UKC's Gundog Group and was bred to be a versatile hunting dog. The Boykin is well known for its good temperament and are very social and family-oriented. They are inherently active dogs and are smart enough to amuse themselves if they get bored or are left alone for long periods of time. On September 1, 1984 the Boykin Spaniel was selected as the State Dog of South Carolina.
If you are considering adopting a Boykin, here are a few things to keep in mind: