Leo and Betsy have always had dogs. Betsy works in a veterinary hospital in an animal shelter, so it is no surprise that their pack consists entirely of rescued dogs. They have fostered numerous pups, including labradors going through heartworm treatment, as well as American Bulldogs. Their introduction to English Setters came when they agreed to foster a spaniel “just for a week”. The week turned into three years, and that “spaniel” was their first English Setter, a Llewellin named Taliesin (Talley, for short). They fell in love with the breed, and when Talley crossed the Rainbow Bridge Leo and Betsy discovered SWESR when looking for the next member of their family. 

SWESR Liz arrived to their New Mexico home in 2021, thanks to a caravan of volunteer drivers. Leo and Betsy are forever grateful to those volunteers for their altruism and generosity, who drove long transport legs. Liz’s name was changed to Taillevent, or Tai, for short. Syma, a handsome field Setter, joined the family two years later, in 2023. Tai, a sweet and fluffy-coated Setter, assimilated into the family easily. She was very well socialized and good with children. She had belonged to a couple in Dallas, but as they aged they realized they were unable to meet her needs, so they called SWESR to find a new home for her. Tai has plenty of energy, even as a 12-year-old senior girl, but she can also be quiet. Tai sleeps on the bed with her mom and dad and happily walks all over them when settling in to find just the right spot. 

Syma was more of a wild child when he arrived into rescue as a 9-year-old in 2023. He had been abandoned on a ranch in the hot Texas sun, just left on the property to figure out survival for himself. Leo and Betsy agreed to foster him, and he’s never left their home. From his behavior it appeared he’d never lived inside before. He received a thorough bath upon arrival, but was still described as “yellow” once it was over. His coat was dingy from living outside. Syma needed good food, lots of washing, lots of petting, and good care, all of which he got. 

The first thing Syma did upon arriving at their house was jump into Leo’s lap, where he might still be found when the family settles together at night to watch TV. Syma had some health concerns when he arrived in New Mexico. He had digestive issues, and he had deep pockets under his eyes, with one eye swollen shut. He received care from the only veterinary ophthalmologist in the state, and Leo and Betsy learned how to wash with a special solution and keep his eye pockets clean.

He’s very interested in birds, but he follows no hunting commands. He once caught a mouse and had no idea what to do with it. He can “roo” enthusiastically, and he carries on vocal conversations with the Chihuahuas that live next door. Syma loves his ball and must have it in his mouth when he goes out in the morning. He adores fetch, with a ball or a squeaky toy, he doesn’t care, just so long as someone throws the toy for him!

Both dogs are gentle, friendly, and people-oriented. With their easy-going personalities, both Tai and Syma have been demonstration dogs for veterinary assistants-in-training at Betsy’s work. It isn’t unusual for the vet tech students to borrow one of the dogs to film themselves cleaning their ears or wrapping a paw for their course work. 

The dogs love each other and their pack. Tai and Syma provide endless joy to Leo and Betsy with their enthusiastic morning greetings and their boundless glee when going for car rides, which they absolutely love. These drives might end up at a single-owner dog park for a romp or at the vet hospital, where they are welcomed by everyone. Leo and Betsy provide entertaining and enriching days for Tai and Syma, and quiet nights with everyone relaxing together. These two easy-going and good looking dogs can be found starring as the Ace of Clubs (Tai) and the Two of Clubs (Syma) in the green SWESR deck of cards.

Animal welfare and rescue are key components of Leo and Betsy’s lives. They are grateful to SWESR for all their efforts in saving these wonderful dogs, in particular their loving and beautiful companions, Tai and Syma.