Shane
Shane has really settled down now and has become one of the family, first on to the sofa at nights and only reluctantly gets up to go to bed. Recently we went to a local Steam Rally where there were a number of large fairground organs playing. He was totally bemused by them and a number of owners commented that they had never seen a dog so captivated by the display. We had to drag him away in the end. He also made friends with a guy giving a falconry display. Shane was intrigued by the bird's wing that he found in his bag which he used as a lure for the birds. Then, to top it all, he found a Macaw that was making quite a racket. Again Shane sat down and would not be moved. He is such an aware dog and doesn't miss a thing. If a bird call comes on TV, even if he is asleep, he immediately springs up and sits peering at the TV, oblivious to anything going on around him. He is a joy to watch and a constant source of entertainment. He makes us laugh but gets quite upset if he thinks you are laughing at him.

He is such a fantastic dog and we could not wish for a more loving affectionate addition to the family.

Keith and family - in Lincolnshire

Dezal
Thank you for such an excellent service from the English Setter Rescue Association. It has been a real pleasure with all the information and help - and for finding us such a lovely dog - Dezal - to give a new home to. We are all so pleased with him. He has settled in so easily with us, no problems at all, and he is just so eager to learn and to please. He is best friends with our Irish Setter Rolo, they have bonded so well. If one goes out into the garden, the other is at his side. No worries with Dezal being off the lead - he will run and enjoy his space in the field but if I slap my thigh he is at my feet in seconds, pleased to get the attention and always watching my every move for extra praise. He is filling his little body well, with no more bones protruding and, having taken time to build him up and put weight on him, he certainly looks a very healthy, happy dog. He is 100% loyal, unlike Rolo who is very easily distracted. It is lovely to see the two dogs snuggled up together on the sofa Thanks again to all at ESRA for making our lives, and Dezal's, a much happier one.

Gary and family - in Hampshire

Bouncer
After our English Setter passed away we put our names down on the Rescue register to be considered for adopting another one. Some time passed but we were suddenly contacted and asked if we would be able to take a 2yr old dog named 'Bouncer'. He was living on the Isle of Lewis in the outer Hebrides'. His passage from the Isle to the mainland was organised by Christine of the Scottish English Setter Rescue. Having landed on the mainland, Bouncer stayed overnight in a foster home and we travelled the next day halfway up the country from Lincolnshire to take charge of Bouncer. Christine travelled down country to meet us. It was very well organised. I shall never forget the first time that I saw him. I cried and felt so fortunate to be given a chance to adopt another English Setter. We have had Bouncer now for 18 months. As with all English Setters he has completely taken over and has to be included in everything that we do (as you will see from the picture). Bouncer has made our lives complete. We are still reluctant to let him off the lead as during his first two years he had roamed all over. We couldn't bear to lose him. Bouncer's environment now is very flat compared to the hills and mountains of Scotland where he spent his early years but he loves his garden and, of course, chasing everything that moves.

Sandra and Phil - in Lincolnshire

Ella
Ella is doing very well. She is absolutely a part of the family now. We love her very much and, more importantly, she loves us in return. She is well into our routine now. She loves her walks on the beach every day where she runs and runs but she also enjoys being in our garden. When we are gardening she lies in the sun near where we are working.

She is always with us. Sometimes Rosie (our Golden Retriever) will be alone in another room but Ella is usually with me, or with Ted if I am out.

She a beautiful little English Setter and it is beyond our comprehension how she could have been abandoned.

Kind regards.
Mary and Ted - in Lancashire

Henry & Solo
Just a quick update on our two boys - Henry and Solo.

Henry is doing very well, although at first he was very anxious at being left on his own - even if he was downstairs and my parents were upstairs. He is much better now and sleeps curled up by their bed. He has a liking for small covered places so I am going to try and make him a small 'cave' like bed.

Solo - well, he is a sweetheart, but on a different planet at times! It is usually when my nephews get him excited. He is just very young and quite obsessed with birds. When he is in his stance under the birdtable, pointing at a woodpigeon only two feet away, nothing can move him - other than another bird flying away. He never attacks or chases until they fly.

Last weekend I was looking after all three dogs - my other English Setter Merry, Henry and Solo. Merry was asleep so I took the two boys for a walk. Merry was waiting at the door when I got back so I put the boys inside and took her out. When I returned I looked through the window in the door - Henry was curled up and not at all anxious, and Solo was sitting (almost angellic, complete with halo) at the door. I went to go in but couldn't open the door - one of them had pushed the bolt across and LOCKED ME OUT! I managed to break in ... but how dare I go out without them!!! English Setters eh?!

Jane and family - in Gloucestershire

Merlin
We first met Merlin in the car park of a motorway service station in the early hours of an April morning. He had been travelling overnight from Eire, via road and ferry, and yet he greeted us, complete strangers, with a wagging tail and complete trust. He slept in the car all the way home to Cornwall - a perfect little gentleman.

Upon arrival he was a little more lively. He showed an inquisitive interest in our cat Willow, who fled upstairs to safety, and then decided to test the security of our garden, trying any gaps under gates, climbing onto a four foot wall but he didn't wade into the fishpond! At the vet the next day he was given a good bill of health. We had groomed him, cut out some tangles in his undercoat, checked his ears and teeth - he was so amenable that we were sure he had not been mal-treated, just abandoned.

We tried some basic training with him on a long line in the fields but we stopped when he learned the hard way what an electric fence is for! Just four days later we let him have his freedom. He was quite responsive but there is still some way to go in controlling him fully when he is in 'working mode'.

He is already in our hearts. He is so gentle and affectionate. Thank you ESRA for letting us have such a beautiful, loving and cuddlesome dog!

Carol and Dave - in Cornwall