We live in a busy world. Everyone has commitments and a limited amount of free time. ISR understands and offers countless volunteer opportunities that do not require a huge time commitment. Any choice you make will further our efforts to save GSPs who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in desperate situations.
- Do you have a few hours to spare each week or each month?
- Do you love GSPs and have knowledge of the breed?
- Do you enjoy meeting compassionate people?
If so, becoming a German Shorthaired Pointer rescue volunteer with Illinois Shorthair Rescue may be just what you’ve been looking for!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
How Much Time Will I Have To Dedicate?
It’s really up to you. You can spend as little or as much time as you are can. Since we are all volunteers, we know what it’s like to have busy lives outside of rescue. Often just a few hours of “help” now and then can make a big difference for us and our rescued GSPs. We always welcome new additions to our rescue family.
What Will I Be Asked To Do?
There are many tasks associated with the rescue effort. Some require a larger time commitment, others only a few hours per month (or less). Here are some examples:
- Visit a GSP (German Shorthaired Pointer) in a shelter
Confirm the dog is a GSP, evaluate their temperament, interaction with you, general manners, knowledge of basic commands and how well they behave on lead. Time commitment: Depending on the location of the shelter, this task can take under an hour. - Contact a potential adopter
When we receive a new application from someone wishing to adopt a GSP, we carefully review the application. We speak with the applicant to get a feel for their knowledge of the breed, their family dynamic, etc. We ask questions about yard fencing, other animals in residence, and cover any “red flags” that may appear on the application. Time commitment: The length of each call will vary. - Call a Vet for a reference
We must have a Veterinarian’s reference for each applicant. We simply need to know if any current/past pets are current on vaccines and also receive regular veterinary care. Time commitment: These calls generally take 5 minutes or less. - Transport a dog from a shelter to foster home
If we accept a GSP into foster care from a shelter, they need to be removed from the shelter and transported to their foster home. Time commitment: Depending on location, a few hours at most. - Evaluate a new surrender
When we get a call from an owner who wishes to surrender their GSP for adoption, we need volunteers to “visit” the family and evaluate the dog, take photos, etc. Time commitment: Depending on location, a few hours at most. - Home visits
Visit the home of a potential adopter. Meet the family members and any current pets in residence. Evaluate yard fencing, home, proximity to a busy street, etc. Time commitment: Depending on location, a few hours at most. - Assist with a fundraiser
We participate in a few fundraising events each year. These are normally tables/booths at dog walks, shelter events, etc. To raise much needed funds, we set-up an ISR display table to share information about the breed and the rescue process. You can volunteer to assist at our table and talk about our dogs, hand out information, and sell different items from our rescue. If working with the public isn’t your “cup of tea”, we gladly accept donations of dog toys, treats, and related items we can “sell” to help our fundraising efforts. The events are a lot of fun and our volunteers are the BEST! Our attitude is, “the more the merrier!” Time commitment: Depending on location of event, 2-4 hours at most.
Sign up to be a Volunteer now!