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?

Rescue of the Week - Lady in MN

This week, we profile Lady, a gorgeous blenheim Cavalier being fostered by Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue. She is a 5 year old rescue from a puppy mill in Missouri.

Lady is a petite 14 pound Cavalier being being fostered by Lucky Star in MN. Lady is very enamoured with her new life of freedom and is very patient with the toddler at her foster mom's. She loves chewing on toys, but has some problems with her legs, due to past neglect and is currently only able to walk on three legs.. Lucky Star is investigating surgery to help her leg function correctly. If surgery is not an option, she'll need to have her leg amputated so she may get around well on her 3 good legs.

If you are interested in learning more about this pretty Lady and are near Minnesota, click on her photo to be taken to the Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue site.

A Charlie Puzzle

It's not exactly the NY Times crossword, but we think it's much cuter....

As you may know, the English Toy Spaniel, or "Charlie", is a close cousin to the Cavalier.  In fact, the modern Cavalier has it's roots in the English Toy Spaniel, or "King Charles Spaniel", as they are known outside of North America.

Today, we profile Charlie and Ellie, two very special ETs.  Charlie is the adorable blenhiem.  He is a certified therapy dog.  Charlie has recently had a lot of health challenges and suffers from Degenterative Disk Disease.  He''s undergone multiple surgeries with the specialists at Auburn University.  Charlie is a trooper and is now starting to be able to balance and walk a little on his own.  We hope Charlie regains as much normal movement as possible and send a special wag of love Charlie's way.  <3

20% Off Wagwear - Special Cavalier Corner Offer!

Check out the stylish items from Wagwear!!!   Wagwear is headquartered in New York City and  makes great, high quality bags, clothes, and toys.  We especially love the "Boat Canvas Carrier" (below).  It looks great, zips on top, and has a leash strap to keep your eager Cavalier from hopping out!  The extra-large will easily hold a 20+ pound cavalier with room to spare.  Toss a scarf across the top and your pal can accompany you on lots of fun errands! We've secured a special 20% discount for our blog readers!  Just enter the promo code "BARK" before July 22nd to take advantage of this special offer.   We hope to bring lots of great discounts to our readers in the future!

The Cavalier Song

This is an oldie, but goodie. Hope it brings a smile to your day!

Understanding Puppy Mill Rescues

The details below were put together by one of the moderators of the Cavalier Corner Message Board (http://www.cavaliercorner.net).  The original document can be found in our rescue folder.  This document was designed to help first-time fosters better understand some of the behavior you may see in a puppy mill rescue.  Even if you have some experience fostering, or are considering adopting a rescue, you may find so very useful information here.


Our message board is very rescue friendly.  If you have any questions, please feel free to join the message board and post questions.  You'll find lots of helpful people ready to offer input!

The long road home 
Don't be surprised if they are exhausted when you get them home. They are going to have to charge their batteries and get some rest! SOme of them will do nothing but sleep for a couple of days. They are exhausted. These little guys have had a busy long week or more. They have been routed from "home" bad as it may have been, they have had people they don't know handling them, etc. ; also moving around from place to place, all kinds of new things they have never experienced or seen before. Then, long travel in many different cars to different places. You may not begin to see their real personalities for weeks and that's so normal. They are scared to death and TIRED! 
SAFETY 
Leash walking 

Most rescues have not seen leashes or even collars before. We initially do not walk them on leashes unless it is really necessary. We carry them from the car to the house, into the vets office, etc.. Once the dogs are more comfortable, we start them on a leash. I clip it on and let them drag the leash around inside the house. The next step is walking them on leash in the fenced yard. They will get used to it just like a pup does. If you don't have a fenced yard, invest in an ex-pen! 
Flight Risks 

All mill dog survivors are high flight risks. Never take your dog outside a securely fenced yard until you are thoroughly bonded to the dog and it is used to a leash. And that takes lots of time, there's no hurry for leashes that first period of adjustment. When you do get ready to take your dog outside the fence, double-check to be sure the harness is secure enough. You can use a collar and harness, then run the lead from the collar through the harness for extra safety. I have also used a coupler to clip on to the collar and harness. Many a dog has backed right out of a collar or harness! So take lots of care. If a mill dog gets loose outside a secured area, he will likely run until he drops; catching him will be quite a difficult task. Prevention is by far the best policy. 

Practice really good door control to make sure they don't slip out an open door to an area that's not fenced. We have a gate we use across the opening before the front door so the dogs cannot get out when the door opens. 
Potty stuff 

Waste disposal: 
In the beginning, after you scoop/clean the area where they potty, spray the area with some bleach mixed with water to be safe. Indoors use something like Nature's Miracle or Oxy Solution Pet Stain and Odor remover. Use normal sanitary practices to clean/wash hands and safely dispose of waste, etc. 

Yard Odors: 
We use a mixture with the ratio: 

1 cups Amber Listerine with 1 tablespoon of Palmolive Original dish detergent. 

Put in a sprayer attached to the hose and spray the yard to kill any urine/feces smells that may develop over time. Our sprayer takes 3 cups Listerine + 3 Tbl. Palmolive and does the whole yard. We do this a few times a month or when needed. 

House training 

Crates and/or exercise pens indoors- we usually keep the dogs confined to a crate/x-pen indoors when we cannot watch them in the beginning and at night. You can put an old piece of linoleum or heavy drop cloth down under the x-pen to make cleanup easier. We try to not give them the opportunity to make a "potty mistake." Put them on a schedule. At first, as a minimum, I take them out in the yard with my dogs immediately when they get up in the morning, around 11 or noon, before and after dinner and then again right before bed. They learn the routine quickly. But you should limit their freedom in the beginning until they earn freedom by demonstrating that they are safe. The more vigilant you are in the beginning the quicker they will be trained.

-Don't put soft things in the crate initially. They seem to like to pee on soft things. Once you see that they are not peeing in the crate/pen, you can then add soft things like crate pads, blankets. 

-They are a lot quicker to housetrain than puppies! they will follow your other dogs and learn from them too. Have a party when they potty outside. I sing, clap and dance for them in the beginning (and yes, the neighbors think I'm nuts) and give them a high value treat. Chicken pieces, hot dogs, cheese and liverwurst and praise have trained lots of dogs here. 

-I never say or do anything if they have an accident indoors. I just ignore them and clean it. But if I catch them in the act or circling to go, I give a loud ACK, ACK verbal noise and scoop them up and rush them out. Then praise and party when they potty outside. 

The more careful we have been in the first week with not letting them have a chance to make a mistake indoors, the quicker they learn. I've had many that have a few mistakes in the first few days and none after that. Next thing you know, they have house freedom and are sleeping in our bed. LOL. Just use the methods you would use with a young puppy. 
Marking 

Some of the males and even females will urine mark initially. You can use a belly band indoors with a self sticking sanitary pad inside. Marking will lessen and usually disappear. It may begin again in a new place they go to visit. Use a belly if you are getting a boy. If you don't sew, I'll can send you a link for buying inexpensive ones. Just let me know. Most of the males have only marked for a day or two here and are then OK. 
Coprophagia 
Some of the mill dogs are poop eaters. Pick up the poop frequently. Prevention is the key to this. Some learn to stop over time. 
Soft stools and Diarrhea: 
Some may initially have soft stools or diarrhea due to the changes in food or stress. It usually clears up very quickly. You may want to have some cooked rice available to mix with food if that happens. You can stop food for a short time to let the gut rest or feed small amounts of rice with maybe some boiled chopped meat or chicken. Make sure they get lots of fluids. http://www.wellvet.com/diarrheadog.html acute diarrhea http://www.wellvet.com/diarrheadog.html#Ch chronic diarrhea 
Crates 

Most of the dogs are comfortable in the crates. They are used to it. I have crates in several rooms and once the dog has earned more freedom, we leave the doors on the crates open and often find a dog napping there. Some like the security of the crate and will retreat there for comfort when afraid. Some will stay in them in the beginning and have to be coaxed out to go outside. Let them feel comfortable coming out on their own. I drop a small piece of food or treat at the front of the open crate, then a small piece outside and like Hansel and Gretel and the bread crumbs, they will start to come out and follow the trail. Don't push them too fast and they'll be fine. But for those dogs who are coming along well, freedom is great for them. They have spent all their lives in cages. 
Feeding in crates or ex-pen: 
I feed them in the crate initially so that they can eat in peace without my own dogs trying to steal their food. It's also easier to see who has eaten, etc. I can then keep them confined till all dogs are all finished so we can send the whole crew outside together right after the meal. Some don't know how to eat out of a dog food bowl. Try putting the food on a flat plate to see if that works. 
Feeding fears

Some millers use the food bowl to temp the dog to the front of the crate so they can grab them. So some dogs retreat to the back of the crate or pen when you put down food. Just close the gate, walk away and let them come to the food when they feel safe. I give them 15 minutes or so to eat and then remove the food. Initially they may be stressed from the travel, the new surrounding, different foods, etc. and may not eat. They may only be used to a bad diet and don't recognize a new food. They will usually eat the next time the food is offered. None of them will commit suicide by not eating. LOL. 

They will need access to fresh water. Hopefully if they are crated during the day while you are at work, someone can who can give them a potty break midday is a plus. Just make sure that person knows the safety rules so the dog doesn't get loose. 
Other FEARS: 
Hands 

Many of the dogs are hand shy or afraid of loud noises. They may run from a hand because they were not treated kindly by hands before. Just be patient with them and let them learn that hands give lots of love and belly rubs. Build the trust slowly at the dog's pace. They will learn to trust you. And you will cry when they lick your hands for the first time. It usually doesn't take long. You can start by holding them and petting them gently for a very short time several times a day, talking quietly, then putting them carefully down. Try not to overwhelm them in the beginning and they will do fine. 
Eye Contact 

Some dogs will not make eye contact initially (submissive behavior). You can avert your eyes and talk quietly to them. They will learn to trust you. They don't understand English yet but they will understand your soft tone of voice. 
Stairs 

Many have never seen stairs before and are afraid. If they are very small or afraid, Try carrying them down (and/or up) at first. It is easier for them to go up than down. I tempt them with a small treat to come up just a few steps at first. Then you can start to put them on the second step from the bottom and tempt them down. Then we gradually add a step or two at the pace they seem to be comfortable. Soon, most are running the stairs. They are really afraid of open backed stairs. If you have those small stairs for the couch indoors, they will learn those really quickly by watching or being tempted up. That helps them learn the outside steps to your fenced yard. 
Surfaces 

Most of the dogs have never walked on grass, tile, carpet, wood surfaces, etc. They may high step and be afraid at first. Most will follow your dogs or you onto the surface and soon be comfortable and explore. Nothing is better than seeing them realize they can run freely around your yard on grass and they are so HAPPY! 
Toys and Play 

They do not know what toys are. They don't know how to play with humans. They might not even know how to play with other dogs at first. Just take it very slow. They usually get curious to toys later when they get over their fears. Some of the females will take the stuffed toys in your house and bring them to the crate. Remember, most have their puppies taken away very early and they seem to mimic mothering with the toys. Some will not let the other dogs take their "babies." Many stop the behavior later. 
Hose Water 

Many of the millers leave the dog in the crate and turn on the hose to clean out the cage. Your foster may freak at a hose running water even when someone's just watering the lawn. 
Other fears 
Some are afraid of men, men with hats, caps and/or beards. Might very well remind them of the mean miller. My other half takes these dogs on and calmly softly talks to them, pets them for short periods, feeds them, etc. Soon they are climbing happily in his lap. 

Some are afraid of children. I usually wait till the dog is more confident (and the individual dog will determine how long that will be). Then I have kids offer the dog treats and walk away. Soon they love to see kids coming. Just take it slow if the dog is shy around them. 

Some are noise phobic. Try and keep the house calm in the beginning. Just go about your business doing vacuuming, playing music/TV and they will get used to it. Mirrors freak some of them out. Just handle it like you would a brand new puppy. Lots of other things will scare them because it is all NEW to them. 

Just be patient and try to not force things too quickly. The dog will develop at their own pace; some very, very quickly and some take longer. It's amazing to watch them grow by baby steps and leaps. 

Puchase from Helping Udders and 25% of Your Purchase Helps Rescue!

Udder Tugs, from Helping Udders, are GrEAT tug toys made form actual recycled linings of cow milking machines.  The smell of the milk totally permeates the tugs and dogs LOVE them.  Until June 30th, buy any Udder Tug and 25% of your purchase goes to Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue (or the rescue of your choice!). Just specify Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue when completing your purchase.


Your dogs will thank you and so do the rescues!




From the Udder Tugs Website  (http://www.helpingudders.com/TugsinDetail.htm)....

What is an Udder Tug?  It's a dog toy made from recycled rubber liners used in machines to milk real cows.  Contact with all those cows leaves an irresistible cow-smell that us dogs udderly love! Mom calls it "Eau de Bovine!

Summer-time Car Safety

Summer's here and it's HOT out there!  Check out this great site for summer-time car safety tips.   Even on relatively cool summer days, the sun can make the car a dangerous place for your dogs.  Enter your zip code and find out if it's too hot for your dog to join your on errands and if it's safer to just leave him at home!

http://www.mydogiscool.com/weather_form.php.

Day Dog Designs

We love these great great collars from Day Dog Designs.  They are available in lots of fun, whimsical patterns and the price is definitely something to Woof!  about!  :-)

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/hstrial-daydogdesigns/-strse-Collars/Categories.bok

Fantastic Crate Deal

Every now and then a deal comes along that's too good not to share.

Here's one ... fabulous deal on a Midwest pet crates. Prices start at less than $15.

http://shop.tuesdaymorning.com/dsp_productDetail.asp?ssid=1&pid=7927

Here is the product description:

MidWest® Folding Pet Crate
$14.99 each
Compare at $29.99

Give your doggy a place to feel secure and call home with the Folding Pet Crate by MidWest® Homes for Pets. As a manufacturer of a diverse range of wire-formed products, experience has led to their success in the pet industry--making MidWest Homes for Pets the Largest Manufacturer of Pet Homes in the United States. Crate training leads to eliminating accidents and fewer behavioral problems. Constructed of sturdy wire with front slide bolt entry, this ventilated crate comes in various sizes for your pet.

Griffin and Chance Puzzle

Click the image below to complete the puzzle.

Rescue of the Week: Annie in Illinois

We offer a special tail wag to Annie in Bollingbrook Illinois.   This gorgeous and perfect little 9 year old girl is being offered by Cavalier Rescue USA.  Annie is a gorgeous girl, full of spirit and spunk.  Annie entered rescue after her mom had to go into a nursing home.  According to her foster mom, she loves naps and walks.

Here's hoping that Annie finds a wonderful forever home, full of fun and adventure.

Happy 4th Birthday To Lucky

Cavalier Corner sends a big tail wag out to LUCKY for his 4th Birthday!
Here's a few pictures of our happy boy throughout his first 4 years.
Happy Birthday, you happy Lucky Dog!!!