An elegant speckled dog, jowly muzzle aimed decisively towards a colourful pheasant, silky ears pricked, front paw raised – this is an evocative image that has graced many a painting of old. The idea of the dog pointing out prey to its owner is fascinating and one that many Europeans are familiar with as pointing breeds have been popular for hundreds of years.
But, not that long ago, pointing breeds such as German Shorthaired Pointers (GSP), Pointers, Vizslas and German Wirehaired Pointers were not commonly seen in South Africa – many people had never even heard of some of them. Those that did have them, knew their specific needs.
In recent years, GSPs and other pointing dogs have grown in popularity due to their handsome looks and people-focused personalities. But not everyone is able to offer these dogs the right home.
Pointing breed know-how
Pointing dogs have been selectively bred to help people hunt for game, particularly birds like pheasant, grouse, or quail, by literally ‘pointing’ them out. They instinctively stop and aim their noses towards the game for their handlers, often lifting a foreleg, although some do retrieve and/or flush as well (known as ‘versatile hunting dogs’).
Dogs in this category are highly intelligent, athletic, focused, high energy, and with an excellent sense of smell and high prey drive. They’re bred to work closely with people, which makes them very people-focused.
Most pointing dogs today may never lay eyes on a pheasant in their lives - but the instincts, energy levels and people-focused nature are still very much there. These need to be channelled in the right direction; if their needs aren’t met, they can become unmanageable, depressed, lonely, destructive - and absolutely exhausting.
This doesn’t mean they have to go hunting; lots of exercise, plus replacement activities like simulated hunts, flyball, or even becoming therapy dogs, are excellent. Unfortunately, many people simply can’t provide what’s needed, which is where problems begin...
Why GSP Rescue SA exists
Sometimes much-loved dogs have to be rehomed for various reasons, particularly change in circumstance due to the struggling economy; sometimes very loved dogs have to be rehomed because bad things to happen to good people.
But what’s increasingly common is surrender of dogs when people realise they cannot cope with the demands and lifestyle of a pointing breed.
It’s hard not to fall in love with these beautiful dogs’ good looks and awesome personalities. The demand for puppies has increased and, unfortunately, not everyone buying them has done their research and not every breeder is a responsible one. Puppies are sold to the wrong homes for the wrong reasons; people buy them for their looks and perceived manageability.
It’s only once the pup starts to grow that people discover their high needs and realise that they’re in over their heads.
Regardless of the reason, we’re always willing to assist in rehoming without being judgemental. Our strict adoption process ensures that dogs are homed responsibly with people who know what they’re committing to. This prevents these dogs from ending up in the wrong hands.
Homes needed
The next problem is that desperate people often end up rehoming their dogs themselves; many find their way onto on social media and online classified platforms as “free to a good home”. People don’t seem to realise the dangers these avenues of rehoming pose to their pets.
Experience has proven that owner-rehomings often end up in disaster for the dog. This is where GSP Rescue SA comes in.
More requests for help in rehoming appeared on the German Shorthaired Pointers South Africa FB page (https://www.facebook.com/GermanShorthairedPointersSouthAfrica). We realised that there was a real need for help with ensuring dogs would be adopted into the right homes for the right reasons.
We linked up with other rescue organisations and shelters, through which rehomings were done. Over time and with the help and inspiration of many, GSP Rescue SA was born. In 2016, we registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC 2016/168762/08) because of the intake of dogs and the financial burden it had on us volunteers.
About GSP Rescue SA
Our main focus is on the rescue and responsible rehoming of pointing dog breeds; mainly (but not restricted to) German and English Pointers and Vizslas in South Africa.
We focus on purebred dogs and obvious crossbreeds. We also network lost and found Pointing dogs, arrange for the safekeeping of stray dogs, assist with information to support prospective and existing owners of these breeds, and arrange walks to be enjoyed by owners and dogs.
We aim to facilitate responsible rehoming of pointing dog breeds in South Africa to homes that understand and love these breeds, and can offer a home in which these dogs’ needs will be met.
Team work
GSP Rescue SA is a volunteer-run organisation and we work with other organisations to network and rehome dogs in our focus breeds. The team consists of a focused, small team of five volunteers. But every transporter, networker, volunteer, funder and adopter plays a part - animal rescue work requires team effort.
We work closely with a handful of selected responsible breeders, trainers, clubs and field trial associations – many of these refer potential adopters to us and offer support in terms of breed understanding. Where required, we call on accredited and experienced animal behaviourists to assess, work with and introduce dogs.
GSP Rescue SA adoption
Owning one of these dogs is a huge commitment. It’s a lifestyle - they need training, stimulation and exercise but, most of all, they need to be part of the family.
We rehome dogs surrendered to us in a responsible manner and have a formal adoption process, starting with a 12-page application form. If the applicant ‘survives’ completing this, we arrange for a home check to be done during which we ensure everyone is on board with the adoption and is prepared for a pointing breed. We then arrange a ‘meet ‘n’ greet’ with any other dogs in the household. We recommend that first-time GSP/pointing-breed owners come to our social events to meet other dogs and experienced pointing breed owners.
Our adoption fee of R1200 for adult dogs and R1700 for puppies helps to cover some of the costs, such as sterilisation and microchipping. For pups too young to be sterilised, a sterilisation contract is put in place and we are very selective about the homes we place young pups in. The adoption fee is held until they’re old enough and then is used to contribute towards this.
Our adoption procedure may seem strict but it’s important to place the right dog with the right family to ensure that everyone is happy and that the chances of dogs being returned are minimal. Since 2015, we’ve more than doubled the number of dogs successfully rehomed. We also follow up with the precious dogs placed under our responsibility.
What do we do for the dogs?
Every new intake is assessed by our vet (unless we have full, up-to-date medical records); sterilisation, updating of vaccinations, microchipping and parasite control are done as required. In most cases, the dogs are taken to a boarding kennel at a gundog school (Gauteng) which passionately supports our rescue. If a suitable foster home is available, we place dogs in foster care.
While in our care, we see to all their medical needs and that their parasite control stays up to date. We try and spend as much time with them as possible to get to know them; we also arrange open days where we invite members of the public to come and spend time with them.
Post-adoption follow-ups
We care about every dog we’ve rehomed and stay in touch with our adopters via WhatsApp groups and phone calls to see how they’re settling in and if there are any problems that we can assist with. We also encourage adopters to join us on any social events, like our GSP Walks and get-togethers. Where possible, we pop in to visit too.
We are always just a phone call or message away.
Funds needed
Rescuing and rehoming dogs is costly. The adoption fee hardly covers our expenses, so we arrange fundraiser walks, online auctions and we have people who make regular donations.
We also have a sponsorship programme, where people sponsor a pointer on a monthly basis for the duration of their stay with us. If the dog leaves rescue, a new dog gets allocated to that particular sponsor.
Every donation makes an enormous difference.
How you can help
- Adopt and tell others about our adoptable dogs
- Network our dogs up for adoption
- Monthly sponsorships or once-off donations are always appreciated for general use, or food, vet care, travelling, and communication.
- Support our fundraisers – these are mostly online auctions, social walks and merchandise sales
- Initiate and arrange fundraisers (written consent required to raise funds on our behalf)
- Let us know if you know of a pointing dog is in need of responsible rehoming
- We often require transport support (on a volunteer basis although the adoptive / surrendering home may offer to contribute financially)
- Support our long-term sponsors
- Come and spend some time with our rescues in the kennels - they love meeting new people, plus it’s good for your soul.
- Take one of our dogs out for a few hours to give it exposure, stimulation or basic training
- Foster (short or long term)
- If you have a pointing breed, help people to understand what to expect of them if they are new to the pointing breed world; take them out with you, show them how much goes into training a dog
- Support microchipping, and responsible breeding and ownership
Our banking details are:
Name: GSP Rescue SA
Bank: Nedbank
Branch: Sandown
Account number: 1136897062
Reference: Please add your surname and purpose of donation
To find out more, please contact GSP Rescue SA at gsprescuesa@gmail.com and visit www.gsprescue.org.za. Follow us on Instagram @gsprescuesa and join the group on Facebook at GSP Rescue SA NPC 2016/168762/08 https://www.facebook.com/groups/pointer.rescue.south.africa/
For assistance contact Rolien and Hendri on 082 418 8599 or Lianie Dalby on 082 753 3950.
