Dog rescue helps cocker spaniels feel like rockstars

Spare change is making it possible for some area dogs to get a better life.

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard in LeClaire has long run a Dimes for Dogs program to support local animal organizations. 

Rockstar Cocker Spaniel Rescue is the most recent recipient of the money. 

That cash was used to cover veterinary costs for the dogs being cared for by Rockstar.

The Rescue started eight months ago and is working to meet the growing need. 

Inside Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard in Le Claire are two very satisfied customers.

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard Manager Mary Reinking said, “Everyone here, we’re like a family. We all love animals, we all love dogs.”

Ellie and Willow are two pups under the care of Rockstar Cocker Spaniel Rescue.

Rockstar Cocker Spaniel Rescue founder Lynne Turnquist said, “Ellie came in at the end of April. We call here stone scared. She would not move.”

Lynne Turnquist launched Rockstar in January, but the work is nothing new.

Turnquist said, “About 14 years in rescue and involved with different groups.”

But cocker spaniels are a genuine love for the Fulton, Illinois resident and her family, adopting their first in the 1970’s, but it was one found on the side of the road leading Turnquist to this mission.

Turnquist said, “Went running out from the tracks, on the outside of town and I opened the Jeep door and called to it because I wanted to make sure it was safe.”

Eight months into Rockstar, Turnquist said there is a waiting list for dogs into the service.

Turnquist said, “Sixty, to 70 percent of the pups that come in are from puppy mills.”

She tells Local Four News every month the organization takes about six to eight dogs relying on a system of foster homes to help house and care for them.

Turnquist said, “They need that love, they need that attention, they need to learn how to be a dog.”

“We provide food, creates, anything that’s needed to have a cocker or two in the home and all we ask is kind of like just add water. We ask that you just add love,” said Turnquist of how they work with foster homes. 

Turnquist added they place about four a month into forever homes and that work is getting some help with small change.

Reinking said, “More awareness to what happens. Animals are helpless. It’s a horrible situation, and this just makes me feel better about being able to help.”

That’s the reason for Ellie and Willow to come into this convenience store to say thank you, after six months collecting about $500 to help these dogs.

Reinking said, “They [customers] just come in every day and donate money every day to add up to hundreds and hundreds of dollars.”

Leading up to a big difference.

Turnquist said she is looking for foster homes in the Quad Cities and the surrounding areas.

For more information and how to get involved, head to