Cavalier Corner Calendar Contest - Year in Review!

The votes are tallied on our 2011 Cavalier Corner Calendar.  The result is a gorgeous display of beautiful cavaliers from our forum and Facebook followers.  

July and December are designed for each person to personalize with special photos of their own dogs.  We've put together a nice collage on each month for those who may prefer just to order the calendar without personalizing.  

We hope you enjoy the calendar.  Shutterfly is running some nice specials on calendars over the next few days.  Whether you order or not, please feel free to check out the calendar and our beautiful winners.

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8Ibt2zluzaNZc

A Mill Dog's Happy Dance

Here's a cute little cartoon we are including as a special tribute to all of the Lucky Star Cavalier Rescues and all the English Toy Spaniel Rescues.  I am sure they all did a happy dance when they tasted freedom and continue to savor it every day!  

Dogs Decoded

This is a an EXCELLENT video on the evolution of dogs. It's one of the best I've seen. It's a full hour long show, so pop up some popcorn and enjoy. There are lots of gorgeous Cavalier to enjoy.

Watch the full episode. See more NOVA.

Cavalier Corner Calendar Contest - Year in Review!

We are currently accepting entries for the 2011 Cavalier Corner Calendar contest!

The way the calendar works is that we have voting for 10 months of the calendar. We decided October with the Halloween contest.  July and December will include collages of various entries, but are intended to be personalized with each person's favorite summer and holiday photos of their dogs.  Everyone's dog will get a special place in their own personal copy of the calendar!

After the voting, the calendar will be assembled on Shutterfly and we will post a shared link. This will allow everyone to include their own special pictures, as well as personalize it with their own special birth dates, anniversaries, etc.

We hope you enjoy the slideshow.  If you have a Photobucket account, feel free to login as yourself and then click the "view all" message at the bottom of the slideshow and upload your own!

How to Remove a Tick

It's a little late in the season, but apparently ticks don't seem to know this!

This is a great video from Fosters and Smith on how to remove a tick.  Hopefully, it's a task you'll never have to do.  Yuck!

Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween is upon us and that means it's COSTUME time!  Check out these Cavalier cuties!  We are hosting a autumn Cavalier photo contest featuring our Cavaliers (and Charlies) in costume on in autumn themed backdrops.  The winner will take the October slot in our calendar and will receive a Cavalier cookie cutter.  It's perfect for holiday baking!

Feel free to upload your photos as well.  The slideshow will automatically update with your autumn pics.  Just go to the link below and upload photos.  You'll need to be signed in through photobucket to do the upload.  Good luck!

http://photobucket.com/CavCornerHalloween2010

A Dog's Diary (Humor)

Excerpt from a Dog's Diary...

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 PM - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpt from a Cat's Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity....

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

AKC Meet the Breeds

This weekend is the AKC Meet the Breeds in New York City. There are 160 breeds of dogs represented and you get to meet each and every one of them. It's a fabulous day. If you ever get an opportunity to go, it is definately worth it.

Below is a slideshow of some really great dogs from the event. There is a Charlie, but sorry, no Cavalier. It was need to meet some really cool, less common breeds. The breeders were really great and the dogs were so well behaved after many hours of being pettted and photographed.

Online Pet Pharmacies

If your Cavalier is on long-term medication, perhaps you've considered buying your medications online. Purchasing online can be a bit risky. You may be particularly hesitant when dealing with your pets health. The savings, however, can be great.

The FDA recommends that you find an online pharmacy that is accredited by the National Association of Pharmacies. This is a voluntary program and the applicants must meet certain criteria. Only a few businesses have gone through the process. The list is slim, but they are companies you can feel comfortable trusting.

Please reference the links below for the FDA article on pet pharamacies, followed by the (short) list of NABP accredited pet pharmacies.

FDA recommendations
http://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/resourcesforyou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm203000.htm

List of NABP certified pet pharmacies:
http://www.nabp.net/programs/accreditation/vet-vipps/find-a-vet-vipps-online-pharmacy/

Check out this little love. Little Chloe is a small black Cavalier mix recently rescued from a SC shelter. Chloe was high heartworm positive and is being treated through a program called the Heartworm Project. She was set to be euthanized if an adoption was not found, so a loving soul rescued her and is currently fostering her through her treatment and her spay. All of these should be complete in December.

Chloe is a little skiddish, but friendly and gets along well with other dogs. She will be a wonderful pet for the right home.

Here's a video and photos of this precious little girl. You can read her whole story and how to go about adopting her at http://www.cavaliercorner.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=793&sid=4597fefb92c64d61336efef58987d540

They really don't come much cuter than this.

Dog Logic

A collection of some really great quotes. There's widsom in them there words!

The reason a dog has so many friends is that
he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
LOVE THIS ONE!
-Anonymous

There is no psychiatrist in the world
like a puppy licking your face.

-Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing on earth
that loves you more than he loves himself.

-Josh Billings

The average dog is a nicer person
than the average person.

-Andy Rooney

Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like
never washed a dog.

- Franklin P. Jones

If your dog is fat,
you aren't getting enough exercise.


-Unknown

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous,
he will not bite you;
that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.

-Mark Twain

Dogs are not our whole life,
but they make our lives whole.

-Roger Caras

If you think dogs can't count,
try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket
and then give him only two of them.

-Phil Pastoret

Cavalier Cousins

This weeks puzzle is of Lucky and Sparky, two adorable, loving ruby Cavaliers, and their cousin, Gemma. Gemma is an English Toy Spaniels. Gemma and the boys are "cousins" and live near each other. Cavaliers are also very closely related to English Toy Spaniels and share a common history. In this photo, Gemma, Lucky and Sparky are fresh from the groomer. We thought it might be fun to showcase the two together this week.

Enjoy. (If you are impatient to complete the puzzle, just click "auto-solve" and the computer will do the work for you!)

A Dog Named Beau

This is not about a Cavalier, but is a very sweet and moving poem from one of the legends of Hollywood. In this four-minute clip, Jimmy reads a poem he wrote about his dog beau. Yes, a Cavalier would never go after the mailman, but there are so many things to relate to in this poem. If you have ever loved-and lost-a beloved dog, this poem will make you smile and maybe shed a tear or two in remembrance of your own sweet dog.






He never came to see me when I would call- 
Unless I had a tennis ball.
But mostly he didn't come at all.
When he was young, he never learned to heel or sit or stay,
He did things his own way.
Discipline was not his bag.
But when you were with him, things sure didn't drag.

He'd dig up a rosebush to spite me,
And when I'd grab him, he'd bite me.
He bit lots of folks from day to day,
The delivery boy was his favorite prey.

The gas man wouldn't read our meter,
He said we owned a real man-eater.
He set the house on fire,
but the story is too long to tell,
Suffice to say, he survived,
and the house survived as well.

On evening walks, and Gloria took him,
He was always first out the door.
The old one and I brought up the rear
because our bones were sore.
He'd charge up the street with Mom hanging on -
What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out,
They created a bit of a stir.

But every once in a while he'd stop in his tracks,
With a frown on his face, and look around.
It was just to make sure the old one was there
To follow him where he was bound.

We're early bedders at our house,
I guess the first to retire,
And as I would leave the room,
He'd look at me from his place by the fire.

He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs.
I'd give him one for a while.
He'd push it under the bed with his nose,
And I'd push it out with a smile.
Before very long, he tire of the ball
And he would be asleep in his corner in no time at all.
And there were nights when I'd feel him climb up on the bed
And lie between us and I'd pat his head.

There were nights when I'd feel him stare.
And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there.
I'd reach out to stroke his fur And sometimes I'd feel him sigh.
I think I know the reason why.
He'd wake up at night and he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things
And he'd be glad to have me near.

And now he's dead, and there are nights
when I think I feel him climb upon our bed.
And be between us, and I'd pat his head.
And there are nights when I think I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair And he's not there.
Oh, how I wish that wasn't so -
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

Syringomyelia (SM) Diagnosis and Treatment in Cavaliers

Most owners of Cavaliers are aware that Syringomyelia (SM) is a very persvasive problem in our Cavaliers.  It's a very serious and debilitating disease that is much more common in Cavaliers than in most other breeds.  There is a wealth of information online about SM and every Cavalier owner (and prospective owner) owes it to their self and to their dog, to understand this condition, it's symptoms and the treatment and prognosis for SM.

Simply speaking, SM is a condition where the Cavalier's skull is too small to accommodate all of the brain's cerebellum.  This creates a lot of pain for the dog and is characterized by sensitivity in the neck area, including an urge to scratch at the neck and shoulders.  As the disease progresses, there is increasing pain around the head, neck, and shoulders.  It's is an extremely painful disease.

A few dogs on our forum (http://www.cavaliercorner.net) are living with SM.  It's an extremely painful disease for the dog.  Some members are finding some help by using Lyrica to manage the pain when traditional medications are no longer effective. Some dogs also undergo decompression surgery to attempt to alleviate the problem by relieving the pressure of the brain inside the skull.

This short video provides some basic information on SM, what it is, and how it's treated.  It's a good starting point for understanding the disease.  We urge you to also check out Cavalierhealth.com to further educate yourself on this horrible disease afflicting our Cavaliers.





* Please consult your veterinarian if you think your dog may suffer from SM.  The information on this video and this blog is not intended to replace the expertise of your veterinarian and is merely a starting point for learning more about this disease.

SNOODS!

If you feed raw or wet food, a snoods a MUST. Snoods help keep your dog's ears clean and dry when eatting. Your dog might resist them at first, but, once they realize the snood means yummy FOOD, they quickly

Tiabellas
http://www.tiabellas.com/boutique/snoodsclick-more-choices-p-507.html
Tiabellas has some gorgeous fabrics.  The site is easy to navigate and it's easy to see the available inventory.

Spanielbowls.com
http://www.spanielbowls.com/
(Click on "Available Now". You'll also get to view Cindy's gorgeous spaniel bowls, which work perfectly for keeping your Cavaliers ears ears dry!).
Cindy takes payment via Pay Pal and offers a higher degree of customized service. Cindy is very responsive.

Do you any other sources you love for snoods? Let us know!

Playing Dead

Not a Cavalier, but totally worth a view. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

Adorable Ruby Rescue Puppy for Adoption

A little ruby Cavalier puppy needs a home. This information is cross-posted from the OzCharlieList.

I don’t know if you heard, but we are picking up a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy from a rescuer in southern Virginia at the end of the month. The rescuer, Shanon, went to Oklahoma and rescued several dogs from a puppy mill, including a pregnant female Cavalier who had three puppies on June 8th. There were two females and one male. The other female went to her permanent home last weekend. And as I said, we pick up “Rosie” at the end of August. Well, Rosie has a little brother who is very cute, and who hasn’t found a home yet. In case you don’t believe me about the cute part, pictures are attached. Please feel free to share this with anyone you know who might like to be a puppy parent.

Here's a really cute little guy. This information is from the OzCharlieList. I am awaiting information on a contact, should anyone be interested. Just let me know.

Puppies' First Day Outside!

An adorable and fun video of a litter of puppies first time outside! It's absolutely adorable and might remind you what a great adventure life can be! It's filled from a dog's-eye view, so you can totally immerse yourself in the wonderment of their new world! Enjoy!

Dogs 101 - Cavaliers

For anyone who hasn't seen the Animal Planet Dogs 101 segment, it's cute and filled with adorable dogs.

Just a warning, it's a bit corny and there are some over-simplifications and inaccuracies. For example, they say that there are four colors, including the "Prince Charles" and "King Charles", which are actually English Toy Spaniel color names, but are known and tri-color and black and tan in Cavaliers. They also refer to them at one point as "King Charles Cavalier" (Boo). There's also no mention of SM in the health concerns. It's a cute view, but be warned that it was created for a very general mass-audience and there's lots more to the story than is told. :-)

The segment runs about 4:30 minutes.

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dogs-101-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel.html

A Totally Cute Cavalier Song

This is an adorable little Cavalier Song. You'll love the upbeat lyrics that totally reflect our little Cavaliers. It's a fun and happy song, just like a Cavalier.

If you like it, check out her songs on iTunes. She has 9 CDs with songs about several dog breeds. They are fun and so right on target.

http://www.stumbleaudio.com/#simmonds9/8

Dog Training and the Myth of Alpha-Male Dominance

This is an interesting article that compares the theory of the alpha-dog and some of the training methods of trainers such as Cesar Milan with positive-reinforcement training methods, such as those employed by Victoria Stilwell.

The article is interesting in that it doesn't totally debunk the training methods of Cesar Milan, some of which are shared with the positive training methods used by Victoria Stilwell, but rather explores how the deviation towards "alpha" techniques can create more harm than good. It's an interesting read.

Dog Training and the Myth of Alpha-Male Dominance

Three Gorgeous Tris

We are back after being gone for a week or so on vacation. We had a wonderful time visiting with friends, both human and canine.

Check out this gorgeous group of tris featured on this week's puzzle. This is Jake, Shelby, and Micah. Seriously, they could not be any cuter!

Dog CPR

Hopefully the time will never come when any of us NEED this information, but it's always good to know you have the tools to help your pet, if necessary. It's a bit of a weighty topic, but try to fit in a few minutes to watch this informative video. Four minutes could save a life!

This Week's Puzzle - Rocky and Johnny

This week, we profile too very special dogs, Rocky and Johnny.  Rocky and Johnny are brothers.  This photo was taken shortly after Johnny came to live with Rocky.   Rocky is a totally cool dog and loves agility.  Johnny is a true patriot and was born on the 4th of July!  

Meet Reese!  Reese was rescued and is currently being fostered by one of the moderators of the Cavalier Corner Message Board.   Reese was born in a puppy mill back in 2009 and sold to a petstore.  The owner went into a Petco asking them to help find a new home for this little guy.  Arizona Cavalier Rescue went to the owner's home to pick up this cute little guy.  He was on the patio of a 2nd floor apartment in 112 degree heat.

Reese is shy at first, but gets along great with other dogs and will give you little kisses once he gets to know you.  He will be in foster care for a few weeks while her learns to enjoy life as indoor dog and to start his housebreaking.

Please check out Reese's profile on Petfinder for more photos and details on Reese and application details for adopting him.

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16858618

Get a FREE 5-6 Pound Bag of any Natura Pet Food

Here's a deal too good to pass up.  We have to pass it along!

Go to this site http://www.evopet.com/ and complete the form for a special "high-value coupon".  You'll receive a coupon in the mail for a free 5-6 pound bag of any Nutura product.  This would include Evo, Innova, California Natural and Karma.

Free is good!  Pass it along!

English Toy Spaniels

From time to time, we post content on English Toy Spaniels, as well as Cavaliers.  Today, we bring yo a little background on English Toy Spaniels or ETs and Charlies as they are also known.  The Cavalier is a close cousin to the Cavalier, so it's some fun and interesting information to know!


HISTORY

As you may know, small spaniels were very popular among nobility in England in the 16th century. They were particularly favored by King Charles II , who is said to have seldom been seen without his dogs. During the reign of William III, the longer-nosed spaniels fell out of fashion and shorter nosed, Asian breeds, such as the pug and chin became popular. During this time, the small "King Charles Spaniels" were bred with pugs, chins and perhaps other breeds to create what is currently known as the English Toy Spaniel (or the "King Charles Spaniel" outside of North America). 
Some background from Wikipedia:

Quote:

During the 16th century, a small type of spaniel was popular among the nobility in England. The people of the time believed that these dogs could keep fleas away, and some even believed that they could prevent forms of stomach illnesses. These dogs were sometimes called the "Spaniel Gentle" or "Comforter", as ladies taking a carriage ride would take a spaniel on their laps to keep them warm during the winter. Charles I kept a spaniel named Rogue while residing at Carisbrooke Castle, however it is Charles II that this breed is closely associated and it was said of him that "His Majesty was seldom seen without his little dogs". There is a myth that he even issued an edict that no spaniels of this type could be denied entry to any public place.

The King Charles Spaniels of this time resemble those displayed in this illustration:

Quote:

...During the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II, the long nosed style of spaniel went out of fashion. The Pug was the favoured dog at the time in the Netherlands, and with William's Dutch origin, they became popular in England too. At this time interbreeding may have occurred with the Pug, or other flat nosed breeds, as the King Charles took on some Pug-like characteristics, but in any event the modern King Charles Spaniel emerged.

The dogs of that time are similar to the one displayed here:

MR. JOSEPH NAVE'S BLACK AND TAN KING CHARLES SPANIEL "COVENT GARDEN CHARLIE."

They resemble the modern day "English Toy Spaniel". Below is an illustration of the English Toy Spaniel from the turn of the century:


Cavaliers and ETS share a common history until around 1926. At that time, Roswell Eldridge offer a price for the best spaniels of the "old type", as from the time of Charles the II. It is from this contest that we have the Cavalier.

The following Wikipedia article contains a nice, concise summary of the common history and the emergence of the Cavalier (with the exception of referring to the ETS forehead "ugly").
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavalier_K ... es_Spaniel

from the article...

Quote:

In 1926, American Roswell Eldridge offered a dog show class prize of twenty-five pounds each as a prize for the best male and females of "Blenheim Spaniels of the old type, as shown in pictures of Charles II of England's time, long face, no stop, flat skull, not inclined to be domed, with spot in centre of skull." The breeders of the era were appalled, although several entered what they considered to be sub-par King Charles Spaniels in the competition. Eldridge died before seeing his plan come to fruition, but several breeders believed in what he said and in 1928 the first Cavalier club was formed. The first standard was created, based on a dog named "Ann's Son" owned by Mostyn Walker, and the The Kennel Club recognised the breed as "King Charles Spaniels, Cavalier type".

It is at this time the the two breeds diverge. The English Toy Spaniel is essentially the same dog that developed in the 1600s. Cavaliers were developed from the "King Charles Spaniel" and are the breed we know today. This is one of the reasons why Cavaliers are known as "Cavalier King Charles Spaniels" and it is not really acceptable to refer to them as "King Charles Spaniels". King Charles Spaniels aren't a breed in the United States and represent a different breed outside of North America.

DIFFERENCES IN THE BREEDS
Perhaps all of that is fascinating, but a bit more than you were looking for. 

The two breeds look very similar and come in the same color combinations. For English Toy Spaniels "Tris" are known as "Prince Charles" and Black and Tans are known as "King Charles". The same naming is not accurate for Cavaliers.

ETSs are generally a little smaller than Cavaliers, with the breed standard calling for 8 to 14 pounds, vs. 13 to 18 pounds for Cavaliers. ETSs also have dome-shaped heads and have a flatter face. The muzzle is very short and the eyes sit closer to the nose.

Like Cavaliers, ETSs are very affectionate, but are generally a little calmer and a bit quirkier. They are very happy and playful litlte dogs. They are known for their clown-like characteristics. They are also generally more stubborn than Cavaliers.



You can find this complete post, with additional references, on our message board.  We warmly welcome both Cavaliers and English Toy Spaniels to our forum.
http://www.cavaliercorner.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=491

Understanding you Cavalier's Test Results

Sometimes the information on your pet's bloodwork can be a bit confusing. One level may be elevated and another low. It can be difficult to understand what it means. The link below below is provided by a Seattle veterinary hospital for their own clients. It contains useful, easy-to understand information to help you understand your pet's diagnosis.

If you click on the File Name (Lab Test), it gives you a lot of other information.

http://www.broadwayvh.com/site/view/83223_AssessmentDescriptions.pml

The site is also full of other useful information for your pet's health.  We hope you find this site useful.

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

Here's a resource no dog owner should be without!

This book provides accurate, pertinent and up-to-date information on health problems your dog will face. It covers emergencies, parasites, infectious diseases, skin problems, digestive disorders, reproduction, pregnancy, whelping, pediatrics, geriatrics, drugs, medications, etc.  


At the back of the book is an appendix of human over-the-counter medications and the canine dosages.  This book is 600 pages and chock-full of of great, useful information.  You'll find yourself referencing it often!

A Cavalier in the White House

Perhaps you are lucky enough to remember when there was a Cavalier in the White House.  Meet Rex, our First Cavalier!   Rex was the family pet of the Reagans and "served" in the White House from 1985 until 1989.   What a little cutie!

From Wikepedia:

Rex, along with brother Fred, had belonged as a puppy to conservative commentator William F. Buckley, Jr.. Though Fred remained with Buckley, Buckley's political ally Reagan would give Rex as a Christmas present to his wife Nancy on December 6, 1985. The White House's previous canine occupant, the Reagan's Bouvier des Flandres named Lucky, had proven to be too unruly and had been moved to Reagan's Rancho del Cielo estate in California the preceding Thanksgiving. One of Rex's first acts that week was helping to throw the switch that lit the National Christmas Tree.

Rex would live in the White House from that Christmas until Reagan left office in 1989, once gaining headlines when he underwent a tonsillectomy at an undisclosed veterinary hospital. He was apparently named for Rex Scouten, the White House Chief Usher who retired in 1985. Rex was treated to a lavishly decorated doghouse, which included framed portraits of Ronald and Nancy and red window draperies. It was designed by Theo Hayes, great-great grandson of President Rutherford B. Hayes, and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor reportedly conducted a dedication ceremony for the new structure.

Cavaliers from Mars!

For today's puzzle, we spotlight a pair of gorgeous girls from our board.  Both are puppy mill rescue success stories.  Roxie was a puppy mill mama from a bad puppy mill breeder.  She's now learned what it's like to be loved and a cherish pet.  Little Ruffles is still a pup, but also a rescue from a mill.  Ruffles is is an example of a very rare solid black (or nearly so) Cavalier.  She's all Cavalier and as mischievous and loving as could be.  Ruffles came into rescue at 9 weeks.  Roxie adopted her and they've been inseparable ever since.

Animal Poison Control

Do you know what to do if your dog eats a bag or raisins or chocolate bar?   What if a pill drops on the ground and he swallows it?

It's a good idea to keep the number for Animal Poison Control on hand .  There are a few options.  The most well known is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.  Please note that all of these services, unless specifically stated otherwise, may charge a fee for their service.  Think of it like a visit to your vet.  If your dog ingested something potentially toxic, you'd run to your vet and there would be a fee for their expertise.  The Animal Poison Control Centers have veterinarians on-duty. The intake person will take your information and consult with a veterinarian on your behalf.   If your pet gets into something at home, you may have limited time to react and you may not be able to get to your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.  Animal Poison Control will advise you whether you need to induce vomiting or if other action is required.   

You may wish to print this page or save the link below to ensure you can react quickly in the event of an emergency.

http://pacc911.org/Poison_Control.html

Poison Control Hotlines
It's always a good idea to post close at hand your veterinarian's number, the number of an emergency clinic, and the number for the Poison Control Center. Before you call, note the time your pet was exposed to the toxin, the type of product ingested, the manufacturer's name and any ingredients you can find listed on packaging.

      ASPCA Ani-Med   1.888.721.9100

      ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center   1.888.426.4435

      National Animal Poison Control Center   1.800.548.2423        
         If you need to speak to a veterinarian there, this service will be billed to a credit card. An alternate
         number is (900) 680-0000. A veterinarian's services on this line will cost a flat fee for the first five
         minutes, and an additional fee per minute for each additional minute. These charges will be billed
         to your phone bill. (Call them for current pricing)
      Kansas State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital    1.785.532.5679
      FREE 24 hours poison control hotline for pet owners and veterinarians. Be patient. The person
         answering the phone may have to take a few minutes to consult the vet on duty. 
      Pet Lover's Helpline   1.900.776.0007

      Tuft University School of Veterinary Medicine   508.839.5395 

Choosing Pet Insurance

A frequently asked question on ours and other forums is whether it makes sense to purchase pet insurance for your Cavalier. That's a personal choice for each pet owner. There are a variety of different plans available on the market. The plans generally involve you paying your vet directly and having your vet submit a claim to the insurance company on your behalf. The exclusion and coverage varies dramatically based on carrier, so you may wish to compare providers to find the plan that best suits your needs and the reason you are seeking pet insurances. 


You may wish to consider:

• Does the company exclude hereditary conditions?
• Does the plan cover you rpet for life or just for the 12 month policy? (Will an ongoing condition be considered pre-existing in year 2?).
• Does the policy have a dollar limit per condition? This could become an issue with choronic, ongoing conditions. This means that over your pet's lifetime the policy will only pay up to a set figure per condition regardless of the total cost of treatment. Should your pet's treatment exceed the limit for that condition the company will simply stop paying claims.
• Will the company insure my older pet? (Some companies will not insure dogs over a certain age).

The link below contains information and reviews on the major pet insurance companies. By completing the form, you may receive quotes and/or receive email solicitations from a number of companies. If you don't wish to be contacted, it's also just a great resource for investigating your insurance options.


http://www.petinsurancereview.com/



We recommend Pet Plan. Several members of this board have had positive experiences with Pet Plan. They even cover dental cleanings (where extractions are required). This is generally not covered by most pet insurance plans. They cover hereditary conditions and will insure older pets. To receive a quote from Pet Plan, visit http://www.gopetplan.com.

 

Originally posted in the Cavalier Corner Message Board

http://www.cavaliercorner.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=428

Deal of the Day - Save 25% on Zuka Travel Bowls!!!

Check out these cool travel bowls!  They come in great, stylish terns and are very functional.  You'll want one for for your leash, your car and your dog bag!

The large holds 16 ounces and the small holds 12 ounces. Both come with a carabiner for easy attachment to your leash or belt loop.

Today, we are thrilled to be able to offer our readers a 25% discount for Zuka Bowls!  When you order, just use the code "BARK" to claim your discount!

You'll love them!  Click below to see more great styles and to order your own!

The Inspiring Story of Bailey the Cavalier

This amazing little girl has a congenital knee defect, but it doens't slow her down. She likes people, kids, other dogs and cats! I ran across this video on Facebook and she is just a delight to watch. she is a perfect Cavalier in every way except her knees. Look at her go! She seems like such a sweet little girl. What an inspiration to live life to the fullest!

She is 7 months old and being fostered by Cavalier Rescue USA in California.

http://www.cavalierrescueusa.com/compon ... sa-ca.html

Tips on Loose Leash Walking

This is a great 3 1/2 minute video on loose leash walking.  It's a great instructional video that can help you to get your dog to walk better on a leash. The focus is on dogs who like to pull ahead, but the same principles would apply in getting your dog to catch up on walks.    

You may also wish to check out the YouTube channel of the trainer in the video.  She has a full series of great videos on training.  

This is the YouTube channel for Emily Larlham at, also known as "Kikopup".  Emily specializes in positive reinforcement and clicker training.  Emily also has a dog training blog.  We hope you enjoy the video and find it useful!

Jake, Shelby and Micah

Today, we feature three terrific dogs from our message board, Jake, Shelby and Micah.   Micah is a happy, energetic guy and now about 6 months old. According to their mom,  Jake is the boss.  He tells everyone what to do and will bark at you until you obey.  He likes to referee Micah and Shelby's wrestling sessions, with LOTS of noise.  There's just one word for Shelby...sweet.  ...and gentle.  :-)  She is very tolerant of little Micah, even though he torments her.  Micah is a pistol with a capital "P".  He's so funny, outgoing, social, nosy, curious and then totally sweet when he cuddles.   These guys are a super-special trio!

Happy Independence Day!!!

Cavalier Corner is wishing all our readers in the USA a Happy Independence Day!!

Dealing with the HOT weather!

It's super hot out there. After a few days, it really wears you down. It wears our pups down too! We recommend the Canine Cooler to keep your Cavalier comfortable! On those hot days when they are stretched out on the cool bathroom floor trying to stay cool, they'll especially love this nice cool bed. The bed contains liquid that helps regulate their temperature. It will also help keep them warm on those cold winter nights.

Stay cool!

Click for the best deal we've found on the Canine Cooler.

Rescue of the Week - Sebastian in California

This week, we profile Sebastian, a happy, happy boy being fostered by Cavalier Rescue USA in Long Beach, California.

Sebastian is a delightful, 4 year old tri boy who's a bit on the small side at 15 pounds.  He's a quintessential Cavalier and always happy to have a warm lap.  He's also  reliably housebroken and loves his walks.  There's an extensive bio of Sebastian at the Cavalier Rescue USA website.  He would make a delightful addition to any Cavalier family.  

Click on Sebastian's picture below more details on this gorgeous, happy boy and details on how to submit an application to adopt him.   

Merlin's Magical Balls --Have a "Ball" and Help Rescue

Today, we profile a great toy that's for a great cause!  Merlin's Magical Balls  are made in Hawaii and originally designed a a toy for puppy mill rescues.

These special hand made balls were originally created for Rescued Papillons that may have
never had a toy in their entire lives. Often coming from Puppy Mills these shy lil dogs needed a soft small toy that would help them blossom. Each ball is made of soft fleece and stuffed with hypoallergenic batting and a squeaker! Handmade with love in Hawaii these balls are machine wash and dryable. A big favorite of the Rescues and due to popular DEMAND we now offer them for SALE.

They might have originated for puppy mill dogs, but LOTS of dogs, including Cavaliers, love them and they are machine washable.  They are not for heavy chewers though.

Today, we profile these great toys for a great cause.  Yep, they are for Papillon rescue, not for Cavalier rescue, but a good cause is a good cause nonetheless!

You can get a sample pack of 3 balls for jsut $10.00, including postage.  They come in assorted colors and are adorable.  Best of all, you can toss them in the house and not break a thing!


http://www.dancingdoghawaii.com/merlinballs.html

Keeping Your Cavalier Safe this Independence Day

The Fourth of July is a wonderful opportunity to relax with friends and family and appreciate all that our country has to offer.  It's also nice to have some time to spend with our pets.  Often, the celebration includes fireworks, either in your neighborhood or at a public display.  As tempting as it might be, remember that it's best NOT to take your dog with you.   A dog's hearing is farm more sensitive than ours and fireworks are far louder than we might remember.  Even the calmest of dogs can become afraid when confronted with the thunderous sound of fireworks.  If taken to a display, this could cause your dog to become frighten and bolt to attempt to escape the sound.

Even if you have the distant sound of fireworks in your neighborhood, your dog could become anxious.   You may wish to put a few drops of Rescue Remedy (the pet-safe version without alcohol) to help keep them calm naturally.  You may also want to turn on the television or radio to help distract your dog from the lound noises outside.

The ASPCA offers these additional safety tips to keep your pet safe over the holiday weekend.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/july-4th.html 

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

The Wizard of Dogz!

You may have seen this around the internet, but it's always good for a smile! Who doesn't love the Wizard of Oz! The only thing better than the Wizard of Oz is the Wizard of Oz with more dogs, including a CAVALIER!!!

20% off Holiday Deal from JB Pet

When we find a great deal, we love to bring it to you!

Save 20% on your entire order with JB Pet.

It's a great opportunity to stock up!

Happy shopping!

The Dangers of Rabies Vaccination for SM and other Health-Compromised Dogs

A member of our forum's Cavalier is currently facing a serious health challenge due to adverse effects resulting from a rabies vaccination.  The Cavalier, named Friday, suffered a severe reaction to the vaccine recently with her SM systems progressing rapidly over the last two weeks since being vaccinated.  Friday is currently undergoing treatment with prednisone and showing improvement.

The decision whether or not to vaccinate is a very serious issue and, obviously, not one to be taken lightly.  Rabies immunity, and vaccination, definitely have a place, but we want our readers to have access to all of the information so they may, in consultation with their vet, make an informed decision that is appropriate for their pet.  It is our hope that this information SAVES LIVES.   We want to make sure that you have the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your pet's vaccinations.

Most Cavalier owners are familiar with SM, MVD, and the other health conditions which potentially impact our Cavaliers.  If you are not, SM, or Syringomyelia, is a painful condition caused by a skull that is too small for the brain, resulting in a brain malformation.  There is a wealth of information on the the internet regarding this condition and we urge all Cavalier owners to become familiar with it, as is a very strong reason why breeders should breed responsibly and pet owners should buy from breeders who follow the prescribed breeding practices and NOT purchase puppies from pet stores.  A very good resources to read up on this hideous disease is CavalierHealth.org.  

There is currently research underway to determine how long the immunity provided by the rabies vaccine lasts.  Most states allow one to three years.   The Rabies Challenge Fund is supporting research to prove that the immunity lasts longer and to help extend the time period mandated by states for re-vaccination to five and eventually, seven years.  We invite you to read about it at The Rabies Challenge Fund website, linked above.    The fight to prove that immunity lasts for more than three years is important because of the mounting evidence concerning the adverse reactions which can be caused by over-vaccination.  Even the packaging on the vaccines indicates it is for healthy dogs.   Most people who have a pet and have a large network of dog friends, have have heard of friends' pets who have become severely ill due to vaccinations.  Including Friday, I personally know of THREE dogs who have suffered ill effects due to vaccinations.  Please note that one of the concerns of the rabies vaccines is the mercury, so the general information regarding the rabies vaccine, and potential over-vaccination, is applicable to ALL vaccines, however rabies is the only one legally mandated in all states.  You can read more regarding the effects of mercury at this site and will find much other information on the internet as well.

If you have a dog whose health is compromised due to SM or other health conditions, please get all of the information you can to make an informed decisions. Thirteen states allow exemptions for the rabies vaccination due to the health of the pet.  Now, if you decide to have a conversation with your vet regarding not vaccinating your dog, even with a health exemption, you need to also seriously consider the possible ramifications of that decision.  Depending upon your local or state laws, if a rabid animal is found on your property or near your property and you do NOT have proof of vaccination, the authorities could euthanize your pet.

All of us who take the time and spend the money to vaccinate our pets obviously want what's best for them.  The landscape regarding this issue is a bit murky and it's difficult to absorb all of the information and know you are making the correct choice.  All we can do is educate ourselves on as much of the information as possible and do what, in our gut, we feel is best for our Cavaliers.

Should you determine, after careful consideration, that your Cavalier should NOT be vaccinated, the first link in the cross-posted item below will provide information on whether your state allow a medical exemption and how to work with your vet to exempt your compromised pet from the legal vaccination requirements.  We have acquired permission to cross-post this information to provide you with as much information as possible so you may make an informed decision.

Please also visit our message board for an ongoing discussion on this important issue.

Crossposted from the K9 Epilepsy list with permission. If your state doesn't have the exemption law, a sample letter is included to send to your State government requested that they enact one:


Good morning!
13 States currently have legal medical exemptions for rabies as law.
http://www.i-love-dogs.com/forums/dog-h ... tions.html
My Border Collie, Fever, unfortunately lives in one of the states that does not.
As many of you know, rabies vaccination does carry the risk of causing seizure
activity. Fever's regular veterinarian feels it would be a risk to her health to
receive any further vaccinations of any kind. I carry a letter from her with me
in my glovebox to that effect and will be having a titer done every few years
for rabies. I have written to my local and state legislature and to Governor
Rendell.


If you live in PA, please consider writing your own letter to your local
representative in the house and senate and to Governor Rendell. Here is a link
to a great site which allows you to find your local legislature.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/leg ... ession.cfm
You can email Governor Rendell or find his address on his website:
http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/ ... ntact/2998


I have spoken with Dr. Dodds, who is wonderful, via email on this matter. The
Rabies Challenge Fund will be supporting the effort. I suggest that, if you do
not live in PA, you contact your own state and try to get a bill in the works
for your own exemption.
Here is the letter that I submitted for reference. Please forward to anyone you
feel my support this cause. It is the power of people's voices that have caused
these laws to be passed in the states who currently have exemptions in place.


Legislation is needed to provide an exemption from rabies vaccination for pets
with existing medical conditions.


My Border Collie, Fever, has idiopathic epilepsy along with other chronic,
serious and immune related health conditions. Her veterinarian, Dr. Barrie
Barr, DVM of Harmony Animal Health Care Clinic, feels strongly that further
rabies vaccinations would potentially pose serious risk to her health. I have a
letter written by Dr. Barr to that effect.


In conversation with a friend who lives in New Jersey who owns a dog related to
my own with the same medical condition, I learned that her dog’s veterinarian
fills out an exemption form annually. The form protects her dog’s life by
legally exempting him from rabies vaccination upon examination of a veterinarian
who has determined that it would be “medically contraindicated to vaccinate this
animal due to an infirmity, other physical condition, or regimen of therapy.”
[Attachment “B”]


The manufacturers as well as the USDA state the vaccines should be given to
healthy cats and dogs.


My dogs are a cherished and extremely valuable part of my life. Those of us in
Pennsylvania who own dogs consider them important members of our families. No
dog owner in PA should be forced by our state to risk their dog’s life if a
veterinarian has determined that a vaccination would jeopardize their health.
Thirteen other states have medical exemption clauses in their rabies laws, would
you please introduce legislation on my behalf that would put a medical exemption
clause into our state law?