Storytellers

Many of our readers will be familiar with Ranger. The black and white dog with the two distinctive black eye masks, as of this writing he is the dog on the cover banner for Southwest English Setter Rescue’s (SWESR) Facebook page. Anyone with SWESR calendars from years past will have seen Ranger gracing a monthly page. His markings are naturally stunning, and, let’s be honest, it helps to have parents who know their way around a camera.

Misty’s story is one of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a family and their dog. It all began when Misty, a sweet little English Setter puppy who happened to be born deaf, was surrendered by her original owners when she was 3 1/2 months old. They didn’t want her because they felt that she would be unable to hunt due to her inability to hear.

Fate had better plans for Misty. She found her way into the loving care of her Southwest English Setter Rescue (SWESR) foster mom, Sherry. Sherry is a kind and caring woman with a heart of gold who would train and care for Misty until she could find her forever family.

Mary and her husband Mark live in the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina. They have owned six Llewellyn Setters over the years, four of which are SWESR alumni. Rio and Tracee are their most recent SWESR dogs.

Solomon’s story really begins with a Setter named Harry. Martie and her husband had adopted Harry from a North Carolina shelter during the Pandemic. They had recently lost their elder dog and felt their lives were simply not complete without a dog with whom to share it. Harry proved to be quite a handful and seemed to have enough energy for three dogs, so Martie decided that he needed a friend to romp with. Smitten with English Setters, Martie brought home an eight week old female puppy. She named her Ginsburg. Raising a puppy with energetic Harry kept Martie quite busy, but nevertheless, life was good.   

When Randy and Kathy’s 15-year-old, 85-pound Irish Setter crossed the Rainbow Bridge in April 2020, they could tell their 54-pound red Setter rescue, Sorcha, was grieving her companion. The entire family wanted a second dog, and they decided to “downsize” to an English Setter.   

Phillip was five years old when he came into rescue. He’d been a family dog, but his family wanted more from him than companionship. He’d failed hunting school twice, and his family determined he didn’t fit into their idea of what they wanted from a dog. Thankfully, they contacted SWESR so Phillip could find a home who would love him for who he is, and not for who they wanted him to be.

In 2015, Alan and Cheri lost their beloved Irish Setter Riley. When they were emotionally ready to open themselves up to another dog, they decided to foster as they wanted to help a pup in need but weren’t sure they wanted to commit to adopting again. The Irish Setter organization had no dogs available, but after looking on-line, they discovered Southwest English Setter Rescue (SWESR).

SWESR Lucy came into rescue in 2021 as a 3-year old, after her hunting guide owner passed away. She’d been kept outside, in a kennel, and it was apparent she’d never been in a house before. She didn’t like loud noises, and a gruff voice from anyone (not even directed at her) sent her like a pancake onto the floor in fear.

While searching for a companion for her Irish Setter, Bailey, Carol came across the website for Southwest English Setter Rescue (SWESR). She scrolled through the pictures of available dogs and read their descriptions. She saw Lukie’s photo and was captivated. Well, maybe, she thought.

Nine and a half year old Thunder is a handsome English Setter who lived his entire life outside. He was used as a stud dog and was provided no medical care at all. The only time Thunder was allowed inside was if the weather was literally freezing cold, at which point he would be carried into the house and placed inside a crate until the morning. Can you imagine? His paws had never touched an indoor surface until he was surrendered into rescue in late June 2024.