Cavalier Rescue of Florida We all know this beautiful story, a second chance of life to truly experience love and joy. This holiday season, in an enchanting moment of magic and joy, we share one of our most compelling rescue stories of the year. Our mission at Cavalier Rescue of Florida  is to rescue and rehome precious Blenheim, Ruby, Tri-color and Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles pups that find themselves in desperate situations. It is a labor of love to save these sweet cavaliers, help them get settled, heal their souls, organize and treat their medical needs and then find them the perfect home. It is road paved with second chances and everlasting love. Whitney is one of sweetest seniors who was rescued from a backyard breeder situation and at eight years old, her entire life was working as a breeder, living in a rustic doghouse surrounded by dirt, filth and very limited care.   CRF saved this beautiful girl in August, and when finally adopted , she has continued to flourish. Her forever mom has given her a life beyond her wildest dreams where she is cherished and surrounded in joy and love. With the season of love upon us we share her happy story. Our hearts runneth over with emotion and gratitude to her forever family and we are crying with joy for Whitney’s fairytale, a true puppily-ever-after.   Her mom writes, “I am the luckiest human there is! I never expected to love another dog as much as I love Whitney. She is just a perfect angel… she is always happy, never leaves my side, loves every human and dog she meets, she is extremely intelligent, and she not only listens, but seems to understand everything. Every new experience she takes on like a champ and thrives. At first, she was a little scared of our manicured grass, now she sits, basks in the sun and wants belly rubs… well, let’s be honest she wants rubs 24/7.     She is a Velcro dog 1000%, but I wouldn’t have it any other way because I love having her by my side. She has never had a problem potty training nor sleeping, she is not bothered if to leave her for a bit, she is jubilant when I return. There is absolutely nothing negative or wrong with this sweet pup. She loves to go in the car--trips to the puppy store, outdoor dining, Starbucks for pup cups, friends’ houses, Lowe’s, her Grammy’s house, and parks to chase lizards… we strive for a car ride every day after work!    Healthwise, all is good! Whitney has had her vet follow ups and we are going to schedule her for a baseline EKG. She just wants to run like a carefree puppy! Obviously, we just go on short cavalier sprints that last a few seconds. The vet team was shocked after reading her paperwork and meeting her that it was the same dog… it’s hard to believe that she is eight years young! Nobody believes that I’ve only had her for a few months. Our trainer told us that she’s worked with dogs for months and years, and many never look at their owners with such adoration and listen like she does. I feel like I’ve loved her forever!    The groomer took 2.5 hours to primp and polish our sweet Whitney. When finished, they said she was absolutely the sweetest and easiest angel -- they love her. The groomer now visits once a month, and we have already had two visits!    A huuuuuuge reason I feel like she was set up for success … our furry godmother and foster, Keely, she is an angel too. The amount of work she put in, not just the appointments and required tasks, but all the extra love… taking her on walks and cart rides, socialization, training and so much love. That foster family has just been amazing, and I’ve kept her updated since. I know all volunteers put so much passion and effort into their rescue work and there is just no way I can ever thank everyone enough, but especially Keely and her family.   I could go on for pages and pages, but I will keep it at this for now. I can never thank all of you at the rescue enough, seriously Whitney has completely been an angel who has blessed and changed my life. I promised her that I will do everything I possibly can to give her the best life ever! My focus and my purpose are all about her and I will love her forever; she is my heart dog!”   THIS. This is why we do what we do. Finding the perfect family and perfect forever. Sweetest senior Whitney is absolutely living her life to the fullest and deserves every bit of this wonderful life. We can’t thank her forever family enough for giving Whitney this beautiful second chance and we thank our entire team of volunteers for passionately working to save each and every pup we rescue, the love for these souls can move mountains. As Clarence said, “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.   There must be a lot of bells ringing…xo

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their friendly and sociable nature, but they can also be prone to excessive barking, which can be frustrating for their owners. Whether triggered by boredom, anxiety, or territorial instincts, excessive barking can disrupt the peace and harmony of the home, leading to frustration for both the owner and the dog. One frustration that Cavalier owners may encounter is trying to identify the underlying cause of their dog's excessive barking. Without understanding the root cause, it can be challenging to address the behavior effectively. Common triggers for excessive barking in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels include boredom, loneliness, attention-seeking, fear, and territorial behavior. To address excessive barking, Cavalier owners can implement various strategies to help manage and reduce this behavior. Providing mental and physical stimulation through regular exercise, interactive toys, and training sessions can help keep your Cavalier mentally engaged and prevent boredom-related barking. Establishing clear boundaries and consistent training routines can also help reduce excessive barking in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels . Teaching your dog the "quiet" command and rewarding calm behavior can help reinforce desired behaviors and discourage excessive barking. Addressing any underlying anxiety or fear issues is essential for managing excessive barking in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Creating a safe and nurturing environment, providing comfort and reassurance during stressful situations, and seeking professional help if needed can help alleviate anxiety-related barking behaviors. While addressing excessive barking can be challenging, it's essential for Cavalier owners to remain patient, consistent, and proactive in their approach. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate strategies, Cavalier owners can effectively manage and reduce excessive barking, creating a peaceful and harmonious home environment for both themselves and their furry companions. Ana is the owner of West Coast Cavaliers, a responsible and experienced breeder and a friend of CRF.  They have a strong commitment to forever learning and educating themselves to breed only the healthiest and happiest Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies that thrive.  West Coast Cavaliers is in Hoquiam, Washington and online at https://westcoastcavaliers.com .

The grooming requirements for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are similar to those of any other spaniel breed. Make sure to brush your bird's feathers with a comb at least once a week to prevent tangles and mats. Brushing more frequently is even better. If you intend to display your dog, you will not want to trim their feathers. If you don't trim their feathers, make sure to brush them every other day. Regularly trimming the fur between your pup’s paw pads is important to prevent it from growing out and covering their pads, which can make it difficult for your pooch to gain traction. It's true that many dogs don't like getting their feet trimmed and can be ticklish, but it's necessary for their well-being. Therefore, it's important to do it. Just like any other dog breed, it's important to regularly trim your dog's claws. Another method you can use is counter-conditioning to show them that grooming can be a pleasant experience. However, it is necessary for their well-being and should be done. Additionally, like any other breed, you will need to regularly trim your dog's nails. If you start introducing grooming and trimming during your puppy's socialization period, they will become accustomed to it as they grow up. This will make grooming a less stressful experience for both you and your dog. You can also use counter-conditioning techniques to make grooming a positive and enjoyable experience for them. You can adjust the frequency of bathtime for your dog, ranging from once a month to once every three months. It's important to wash them only if they're very dirty or starting to smell. Washing them less often is generally better because excessive bathing can remove the natural oils from their skin and fur, which may lead to skin problems. After taking your dog for a walk, simply towel them off to keep them clean in between baths. This is usually sufficient to maintain their cleanliness. Their paws and fur act like sponges, so toweling them off is a good practice. If they have any mud on them, you can also use a little warm water to spot clean those dirty areas. In addition to bathing and brushing, it's crucial to regularly clean your dog's teeth. Good oral hygiene is essential for all dogs, and their teeth should be brushed at least once a week, but ideally every other day. Ana is the owner of West Coast Cavaliers, a responsible and experienced breeder and a friend of CRF.  They have a strong commitment to forever learning and educating themselves to breed only the healthiest and happiest Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies that thrive.  West Coast Cavaliers is in Hoquiam, Washington and online at https://westcoastcavaliers.com .

< back to home Dolly Donate! Adopted Introducing Dolly ! Adorable Dolly , like her namesake, is kind, sweet, beautiful and charming. Dolly is a 5.5-year-old spayed Blenheim girl who was examined by Dr. Thomas J. Oakes at Oakes Animal Hospital. Dolly weighs 22 pounds and needs to lose two pounds. She is healthy otherwise, lab tests are pending and vaccinations are up to date. Great update for this little lady. We love you, Dolly ! xo "All you gotta do is smile that smile, and there go all my defenses.. . Just leave it up to you and in a little while, You're messin' up my mind and fillin' up my senses!" For more pupdates, follow our socials! previous next

Need help finding a new home for your Cavalier? ​We never turn away a Cavalier regardless of age or health. Surrender Need help finding a new home for your Cavalier? We embrace all Cavaliers regardless of age or health. To learn more, please call or text 1-386-237-8440 or email surrender@CavRescueFL.com to discuss what is involved in surrendering a Cavalier to CRF with our compassionate volunteer team. Surrendering a Cavalier Life can be unpredictable. Situations change. Health issues, job changes, family issues, financial issues, emotional issues. Any of these can leave us with not enough time, resources or strength to properly care for a Cavalier. Whatever the reason, we understand. We can help you find a new home for your beloved Cavalier. We embrace all Cavaliers regardless of age or health. They will be placed in loving foster homes where they will be observed, cuddled and vetted. Health issues will be addressed. We will analyze age, situation and temperament, and find the right match with a waiting home for your couch potato, cuddle bug or yard rocket. For a confidential conversation contact our Intake Surrender team at 386-237-8440 or email surrender@CavRescueFL.com . Up

Your questions answered about where our rescue pups come from, how you can help donate, resuce, or foster, and much more information on Cavalier Rescue of Florida. Frequently Asked Questions About CRF General FAQ Where Do Our Dogs Come From About Our Application Where do our dogs come from? Most of our dogs come from Florida, but we have, in desperate situations, gone as far as West Virginia to help Cavaliers in need. Florida shelters: Our volunteers comb the websites of Florida shelters looking for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which we save from being destroyed. (Yes, people do drop them off at shelters when they do not want a dog anymore.) Many times, strays are also a sad reality. CRF also checks craigslist for Cavaliers who need a new home. Puppy Mills: Sadly, some of our dogs come from puppy mill raids. We are contacted by the agency who does the mill busts to take care of the Cavaliers who have been severely neglected. We have also gotten cavaliers who have been dumped at an auction after living their youthful breeding years in horrible puppy mills. Owner Surrenders: We take in dogs from owners who can no longer care for their Cavaliers because of life changes. Some are moving and are not allowed to have pets. For some, job loss has caused financial chaos. One of the saddest reasons Cavaliers come into rescue is they have an elderly owner who is going into a nursing home or has passed away. Vets: Occasionally, we get calls from vets who want us to take in a Cavalier who has been abandoned at his office or dropped off to be euthanized. Breeders: Sometimes breeders will give us their retired Cavaliers to place in loving homes after their breeding years are behind them. How can I adopt a Cavalier? Be ready when they’re ready! The first step is to complete the CRF “adoption application” form. It’s important to read and complete all sections accurately, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! This is the initial way the Placement Team gets to know you. CRF has a rigorous and specialized program for our custom Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adoptions. We consider ourselves “matchmakers” – the Placement Team matches the dog and their specific needs to a home and family that already offers what that particular dog needs. Though you might be enamored with a certain dog, if you do not have the home or lifestyle that the Cavalier needs, CRF will not match you to that Cavalier. Our mission is to place a Cavalier in a home that meets THEIR needs – we are all about finding that furever, happy place for each dog! It is a very detailed, time-consuming and individualized process. We need to assure a perfect fit for both our pups and our adopter families. This is a big difference between CRF and a shelter, and even some other Rescues. If you are truly interested in adopting, it’s best if you apply to CRF before you even see a Cavalier of interest on our website. If you happen to see a Cavalier that you ARE interested in – who wouldn’t fall in love with their sweet faces – be sure to completely read their bio and understand the implications for you and your lifestyle. If you offer what that specific Cavalier needs for a happy life, then mention their name and your interest in the application. Do you adopt dog to families outside of Florida? We do! The adopting family is required to go to the home where the Cavalier is fostered to pick up their new furbaby. The options are that you drive or fly, but if you fly the Cavalier MUST travel with you in the plane’s cabin. We will NEVER ship a Cavalier or allow one of our Cavaliers to travel in cargo. You don't have to live or be a US citizen to adopt from CRF, but all fees, paperwork and travel requirements are the sole responsibility of the adopter. All requirements must be met prior to taking the dog into your possession. When will I hear back from someone on my application? CRF is an all-volunteer organization. Most of our team have part-time/full-time jobs, families, other obligations, etc. CRF receives hundreds of applications each month and it’s impossible to personally contact each applicant. You will here back from a Placement Team volunteer once we determine a potential match. This is why it’s important to fully complete the application, and to send one in before you see a dog that steals your heart. How long will it be before I can adopt? That’s difficult to answer. Since we customize each adoption--matching a Cavalier according to THEIR needs, we will search through our extensive database of applicants looking for the perfect home for that Cavalier. Some applicants have waited over a year; some have their dreams made true within months. We keep our applications on file for one year. In full transparency, if you have not heard back from us within 30 -60 days, your adoption application most likely did not meet the very exacting standards for our custom adoption protocol for the pups we currently have in rescue at this time. Feel free to apply to our volunteer program and support the many Cavaliers we have in Rescue! https://www.cavrescuefl.org/volunteer-application Where do the dogs come from? CRF is based throughout Florida, we get Cavaliers from across the state through various areas: · Relinquished from prior owners who can no longer care for the dog, for various reasons · Shelters across the state · Newspaper ads and Craig’s List · Breeder releases · Abandonment, as strays · Puppy mill closures and raids · Cavaliers that go to auction are there as castoffs from a puppy mill. They might be no longer “producing” puppies, or are sick, or maybe that puppy mill is closing down. Whatever the reason, CRF has a special donation fund, My Ticket Home, where we pull the funds that enable us to go in and scoop up as many Cavaliers as we can, no matter their condition. Our goal is to stop the inhumane treatment of these dogs and responsibly vet, rehabilitate and place a Cavalier in the best home for each one. My Ticket Home is funded by caring donors, such as you. If you would like to specifically donate to that fund, please click here. What happens to a dog once he/she enters the Rescue? Rescued Cavaliers are immediately placed in a loving foster home. The foster parent is responsible for socializing, ongoing training (when necessary), taking the dog to vet/specialist appointments, and providing a loving interim home. During the time the Cavalier is with their Foster, the foster parent assesses the needs of the Cavalier. It’s important to note that the foster parent has an important role in the adoption process, since they know their rescued Cavalier the best. Where can I go to see a dog I’m interested in adopting? CRF does not have a central shelter facility. Our rescued Cavaliers are in foster homes across the state of Florida, and even beyond – we have Fosters in close by surrounding states. Once a potential adopter is selected for a Cavalier, the adopter is usually encouraged to visit the Cavalier at a planned meet-and-greet at the foster’s home. Do you have a waiting list? Sometimes. Young, Blenheim female pups are the most popular Cavaliers, so we have a waiting list which is influenced by the needs of the individual Cavalier. Otherwise, we do not have formal waiting lists because the Placement Team matches each Cavalier, based on his/her needs, to an adoptive family as a custom adoption. If I volunteer for your Rescue, will I be able to adopt more quickly? We always have a need for more volunteers, but this is NEVER a guarantee. For example, we might have a long-time volunteer that lives in a lovely condo by the beach, without another dog, who might fall in love with the face of a Cavalier that LOVES running around a yard and playing with doggie siblings. The Placement Team would not recommend this match because the Cavalier loves running a yard with doggie friends, neither of which is part of this volunteer’s lifestyle. Why is there an adoption fee? CRF is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and we rely solely on donations and non-paid volunteers for the care of every Cavalier we rescue. Donation fees are far below the costs associated with medical, specialty and dental care, feeding and other related expenses. Your donation goes towards the rescue of TWO Cavaliers – the one you’re adopting, and the next one coming into Rescue. Why are the adoption fees different? The adoption fees are primarily based on age; the higher fees are associated with younger Cavaliers, and they become lower the older the Cavalier. Do you require that I have a fenced in yard? A fenced yard is not always required; it is solely based on the needs of the Cavalier. CRF Rescue Emergency Fund Cavalier Rescue of Florida is constantly rescuing more dogs than last year, often pulling a number of them at once, from neglected puppy mills or deceased owners with little to no notice. Please help us be prepared and able to rescue every pup in need. Thank you! Frequency One time One time Monthly Monthly Amount $10 $10 $25 $25 $50 $50 $100 $100 $250 $250 $500 $500 $1,000 $1,000 Other Other 0/100 Comment (optional) Donate $25 Up