English Springer Rescue America Inc

Steer clear of this organization. They are not looking for the best home for their dogs. They do everything in their power to prevent someone from adopting. Even if you provide answers to their questions over and over again, there is never a response given as to why it doesn't meet their standards. I hate to think that you have to be a big donor or a foster parent in order to be considered for a dog in this organization. I know I am not alone in the poor treatment I have received from this organization because many of the reviews reflect the same feelings. (I was able to rescue a Springer from another organization without any issues. However, that organization does not have available dogs in my area at this time and that is why I looked to ESRA.)

I tried to adopt with this organization. They said the puppy would not be able to be crated for up to 8 hours six months from now when we go back to teaching in person. I've parented five dogs and three cats, and know a ton of other people who also crate their dogs while at work. They also said the dog (described as laid back and docile) would not get along with our sweet alpha - they wouldn't even considering letting us meet the dog. Ridiculous. I was able to adopt a human infant, numerous animals from other agencies, and I am a state-award teacher, but this lady, Kim Marvin, thinks I don't know how to be a doggie mama.

My husband and I adopted a three year old female Springer from ESRA Oct 2016. The experience has been wonderful, with much support from the team in the midwest region. Yes, rescuing a dog is different than getting a puppy, you never know what you are going to get. They have baggage, some more some less. We did extensive training from the start, held our girl to the task of learning good behavior. It took time, dedication and patience. Did I mention patience? We could not be happier. I would recommend ESRA to anyone looking for a Springer, ask questions, lots of them, you will find a dog that is perfect for your family...

I wish I could choose zero stars. Having glanced at two of their most recent 990s I was horrified to find zero transparency in how their funds are spent. Worst was the following wording on one of the Schedules: "990s and supporting documents are prepared and filed by the treasure without approval of governing body." So 8 other board members were completely asleep at the wheel. There are so many small, dedicated and HONEST nonprofit animal rescue/welfare groups that could have put to good use even a fraction of their annual revenue. Flabbergasted beyond words.

Now the amount embezzled is nearly $1,000,000 - that's a million dollars! And the board still refuses to note this on their web page. People who donated but aren't members are completely in the dark about this. They are entitled to know what happened to the money they donated over all those years.

KTLA channel 5 Watch this and ask who was minding the store?

https://www.google.com/amp/ktla.com/2016/11/15/founding-member-of-dog-rescue-group-found-guilty-of-embezzling-funds-from-members/amp/?client=safari

ESRA’s longtime treasurer has pled guilty to embezzling $260,000 - the actual amount stolen was $500,000+. This happened over many years because the board did not do their duty and exercise oversight over the money people gave them (e.g., no audits - ever). These donors still don’t know that their money was stolen because ESRA has made no mention of this on their website. ESRAvolunteer2 is not correct - there is still one person who was on the old board and is still a board member today, This person is also the treasurer. It should also be noted that Guidestar doesn’t care that there has been embezzlement at ESRA - they only print information the charity gives them. So looking to an organization like Guidestar to help you decide what charity to give to is NOT the help it advertises itself to be.

Anon4ess' review was factually correct in every aspect. However, today the original board in California has been completely replaced. The org. headquarters are now in Woodstock, GA. External audits have been performed and best practices procedures written. I believe the org. is now being run competently and professionally and I will continue to work with this group "for the dogs".

Interesting that reviewer in Sept 2015 stated "This organization raises money in excess of $600,000 a year yet has never had an audit, does not operate with a budget, and is not transparent about any of their financial practices."

I have heard recently that their longtime/forever? treasurer was reportedly arrested by federal agents and was jailed for theft of ESRA funds. She will answer to the IRS and probably serve in federal jail. Any reputable organization, especially nonprofits, should undergo regular, at least yearly, independent audits. If none were done, they were begging for someone to steal funds.

I have yet to see any admission of this drama on their website, or even in Guidestar rating. One web search showed ESRA was delinquent on their 2014-15 report to IRS.

To their shame, the ESSFTA, AKC parent club for our breed, still actively supports ESRA to the detriment of other local Springer rescues. ESRA efforts to duplicate rescue efforts in states where local rescues are already established has served to destroy some good local organizations.

I have long suspected people in this organization are appointed almost for life, no matter what. There is a very close relationship between some board members and at least one "regional coordinator." This person regularly offloads injured and older Springer Spaniels to local rescues to avoid having to spend money on care for the neediest. Complaints about her behavior to the board have gone unresolved and she remains in her position to this day.

I've been put through the ringer by this organization for almost two months. I've answered questions. I've given vet references. I've done EVERYTHING and been ignored. I'm fed up. I think they're funneling money and don't care about the dogs or the clients.

In 2009 my husband and I decided to find another Springer to add to our family. In my search, I happened upon the ESRA website and saw the most beautiful dog! Tess was a relinquishment from a breeder/puppymill who had no socialization and was considered feral. We adopted her not totally realizing what we were getting into. The people at ESRA were so WONDERFUL and so full of good advice and help. We would not have the sweet pup we have today if not for all of their assistance. In the meantime, I was recruited and now do the adoption interviews for the southern part of Indiana. I have enjoyed working with this group, have made some great friends, and am amazed at the number of dogs they are able to save and place nationwide. Looking for a Springer addition? Look no further!!

Currently ESRA has not paid their 501.3.c fees with the State of California since 2011. They also have not provided the State with their 990's for 2011-2014. They were sent a notice of delinquency by the Office of Attorney General in September 2015. This organization raises money in excess of $600,000 a year yet has never had an audit, does not operate with a budget, and is not transparent about any of their financial practices. They do great work with the dogs that goes unquestioned. Two of the board members have been with this organization since inception and are reluctant to do it any other way. Do your research before donating to any charity.

My family and I adopted a middle aged springer spaniel from ESRA. They picked us out and said that we would make the perfect family for a specific dog. Meeting our springer for the first time we understood the average training would be required: sit stay, leash training, the name game, etc. We brought our new dog home with a very surprising find: the dog had severe separation anxiety and food domination we had to learn about the hard way. The dog fractured teeth sitting in a kennel/crate with his new family just leaving the room,and noise complaints from neighbors just having him outside to go to the bathroom without us standing there. There was no leaving at all without the dog self inflicting pain and anxiety. We learned from our vet and trainer that if we were to give the dog back to ESRA (due to their 30 return policy) we would only damage the dog and increase anxiety even more. It has been over a year now owning our spaniel and hundreds of dollars in separation anxiety treatment but after reaching out to ESRA many times during this difficult time, they offered no assistance. They claim they are saving spaniels but had our dog gone to another family, with no warning of this dogs condition, I fear others are not as able or patient and would just get rid of the dog. ESRA's foster parents were not honest with us. Without honesty, a life is at risk. Some of the new homes these dogs are going to are not going to have the resources and patients we have and may end up in a pound or given away and even more lost inside.

I learned of ESRA while reading an issue of Dog Fancy magazine, soon found that a friend was adopting through ESRA, and eventually was in a position where I really wanted and needed a springer spaniel with some special characteristics. All of the ESRA people I came across in my search were caring, understanding of my circumstances and eager to help me find the really "right" dog. They were very honest when I inquired about a dog they felt was not the right match, and went out of their way to search out the most suitable prospects for me. I felt as though these dear people had adopted me and made my search a special project. The result of my search and their outstanding help is sitting next to me right now, a beautiful 9 year old springer spaniel who was delivered to my doorstep just last evening by the ESRA volunteer who had been fostering her. His approximately 10 hour trip to make this delivery is just one example of the many services the selfless ESRA volunteers provide. Their very reasonable adoption fee does not cover veterinary fees nor the multitude of miscellaneous expenses incurred by the devoted volunteer foster parents. I couldn't think more highly of any non-profit organization.

ESRA rescues English springer spaniels and works to find them forever homes. ESRA takes great care in screening prospective adoptive families including an online application, phone interview, home visit and vet reference. In Floirda we worked with over 140 dogs in 2010. ESRA raises money to provide vet care to the rescue dogs. I have been impressed with the wonderful group of caring volunteers.

Ten years ago I started doing rescue for the love of dogs. It has now grown into a passion for the love of the English Springer Spaniel. I did this for the love of the breed but now have found so many wonderful friends and volunteers in this organization that is has now become my family.

I have volunteered for ESRA for about 2 years fostering dogs in my home. I have also transported dogs for them, located necessary veterinary care, taken dogs on home visits and done other tasks required by the organization. I have found everyone envolved with the group to be professional, warm and friendly.
The organization and the people do everything they can to meet the needs of each springer spaniel that come into our care. We sit up nights with sick dogs, get up every few hours to provide medical treatment, buy special food for dogs with alergies or dietary needs, love them and play with them until we can find a home that needs each dog.
At this time I am fostering Charlie, an overweight springer spaniel with multiple medical problems. But Charlie doesn't know that. He just knows that it's fun to ride in the car with the sunroof open, rawhide chips and stuffed toys are great, and bellyrubs feel good.