Oxford Is Safe!
Oxford
Oxford was found as a stray and taken to the same animal shelter as Chester. He was the second stray GSP picked up within a week of Chester. Two stray GSP’s showing up at the same animal shelter is not unusual, but it does not happen often.
The California GSP Rescue Volunteer, picking up Chester, walked by Oxford's kennel and immediately noticed the German Shorthaired Pointer. Surprised to see a GSP that looked different than the image that the Rescue Coordinator had sent, The Volunteer double-checked the email and photo of Chester, the dog he was picking up. Chester was black and white, and this GSP was liver and white. The shelter ID numbers were different, too, confirming there was a second stray German Shorthaired Pointer.
While finishing the paperwork for Chester, The Volunteer inquired about Oxford, the other German Shorthaired Pointer. Oxford had just arrived and was on his stray hold. He wouldn't be available for adoption for another four days as the animal shelter is required by law to hold dogs for five business days for the owner to claim. Had Oxford been microchipped, the animal shelter would be mandated, by law, to keep him another nine days, ten days total, for the owner to claim. Someone would need to make a second trip if Oxford's owner didn't claim him.
Five days later, the Volunteer made the same trip he had made before. Arriving at the animal shelter, he found Oxford in the same kennel. No one had come to claim him. He looked up and walked to the gate. This visitor had treats to offer, and Oxford would sit before being rewarded with one. He looked up again, hoping he might be awarded a second treat, and he was. This visitor had already spent more time than most.
The Volunteer walked back the way he came - there was paperwork to be done before Oxford could leave. There was no reason to make him wait any longer than he needed. Oxford was safe!
Oxford is one of many young GSP’s that have shown up at the shelter this year. So many GSP’s. This year there appear to be more young GSP’s than usual. A possible reason for the increase is individuals not researching the breed before getting a GSP. California GSP Rescue is dedicated to helping educate potential adopters about the breed, ensuring they understand the needs of the breed. You can help by letting anyone who asks, "what kind of dog is your dog?" by answering, "a German Shorthaired Pointer, a very active breed!"
If you want to learn how else you might help, consider becoming a Rescue Hero. Your monthly donation will be used to see that the GSP’s in our care are fed and receive the medical attention they need while waiting for their forever home.
