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Cavalier Rescue of Florida loves the holidays! Beautiful festive plants play a prominent role in holiday decor. If you are planning to bring holiday foliage into your home this season, you will need to understand which plants are safe or not. In some cases, only mild indigestion and discomfort will result; in other cases, the toxicity can lead to more severe health problems, and even fatalities. Amaryllis The beauty of the flowering Amaryllis is only matched by its toxicity, which cause salivation, gastrointestinal abnormalities, lethargy and tremors. The bulb of the plant is reputed to be even more dangerous than the flowers and stalk. Amaryllis should be kept clear from our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and maybe out of the house, if you have cats, too. Poinsettias Thriving both inside and outside in the South Florida climate, poinsettia’s brightly colored leaves contain a sap that is irritating to the tissues of the mouth and esophagus. If the leaves are ingested, they will often cause nausea and vomiting. It is best to keep poinsettias out of reach of Cavies. Holly and Mistletoe Holly and mistletoe are also popular holiday plants. These plants, along with their berries, have a greater toxicity level than the poinsettia. Mistletoe contains multiple substances that are toxic to both dogs and cats. Keep kissing your Blenheim, Ruby, Tri-color and Black and Tan pups- who needs mistletoe for that? Christmas Cactus Fortunately, the Christmas Cactus plant is not toxic to dogs in either its parts or flowers. However, fibrous plant material can cause irritation to the stomach and intestine, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Curious Cavies, may be injured by the spines, so these plants should still be kept out of pets’ reach. O, Christmas Tree! There are other dangers to consider with the tree that go beyond lights and ornaments. If your pup chews on the branches, the oils produced by fir trees can be irritating to a pet's mouth and stomach, causing excessive vomiting or drooling. The tree needles may cause gastrointestinal irritation, obstruction and punctures. Additionally, the water used to nourish Christmas trees can be noxious causing your pup to become extremely sick with only a few laps of water. Keep the water covered and blocked off to prevent access to mischievous temptations. Keep the holidays safe, fun and festive! Be very careful about where you place your plants and if your pup does ingest any part of these holiday plants, call your veterinarian or poison control immediately to find out what you should do. The phone number for the ASPCA Poison Control is 1-888-426-4435, 24 hours a day. Love, the Cavies! Xo

Be an Older Dog’s Hero… Practically perfect in every way! If you are considering adopting a senior dog, you likely not only want a wonderful companion, but also want to transform the life of a pup in need. Older dogs are too often overlooked by potential adopters at shelters and rescues. However, those who adopt seniors find them to be wonderful companions — more mellow, better mannered, and quicker to adjust to their new homes than younger pooches. Soooo full of love... they are just grateful to be with you. Whether you have been considering adopting an older pup for a long time or were just recently inspired by the story of one in need, your new, grey-muzzled, Blenheim, Ruby Tri-Color or Black and Tan best friend may be a hop, skip, and a few hugs away. Most shelters and rescue organizations list dogs over seven years of age as "senior." Although the time you will have with an adopted senior dog may be shorter, your life will be forever enriched and you will have the honor and joy of being part of their final adventures. I am not crying, you're crying.... A big advantage to adopting an experienced dog—say, age 5 or 6 and up—is you are far more likely to be first in line for that dog. Cavalier Rescue of Florida tells applicants who want a young dog that they may wait months. But applicants who are open to a seasoned Cavalier often can get matched right away—and for a considerably lower adoption fee. LOTS of love and joy with senior pure-bred and very adoptable cavaliers. Rescue groups are constantly taking in middle-aged or senior dog because a Cavalier’s typical lifespan of 12-15 years­– a long time. A lot can change…people switch jobs, lose jobs, encounter financial difficulties, get deployed, get married or divorced, move, have kids, get sick, and sadly, even pass away. In today’s world, people have a much better chance of providing stability and love to a dog for five years than for 15, paying-it-forward for a pup’s second chance of love and happiness. ​ On those rare occasions when CRF gets rescue pups under a year old, we are deluged with adoption applications. But, forever families are not prepared for the amount of work a puppy is. Benefits of a senior Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Puppies are like human babies requiring a lot of time, attention and energy. They are not housebroken and will likely have many accidents before learning to control themselves. They cry when they are not getting enough attention. They need to be constantly entertained. They rarely do what you want them to do. A mature Cavalier is: Almost always completely housebroken. Infinitely trainable. It’s not true that you can’t teach an older dog new tricks--older Cavaliers are calm and want to please you, and thus easier to train. Comparatively calm and easygoing. Playful but just fine with a lower activity level. Polite and well-mannered in your home. Far less inclined to chew or destroy your possessions Predictable in a good way. More interested in love and companionship than activity. Eager to please and focused on you. Always a beautiful and dignified breed, even more so in twilight years. Endearing and easy to love. Exactly what you need—and vice versa! “Old dogs can be a regal sight. Their exuberance settles over the years into a seasoned nobility, their routines become as locked into yours as the quietest and kindest of marriages.” – Gail Caldwell Love, the Cavies! Xo

If the spaniels are built for royalty, that means the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is king. This regal toy spaniel dates back to the Renaissance, where King Charles I and his son Charles II were particularly fond of the breed. Eventually, the cavalier was dubbed after their namesake. Well into the 19th century, purebred cavaliers were a favorite among British aristocrats, and they bred different varieties of this special breed. The Blenheim, Ruby Tri-Color or Black and Tan’s medium-long luscious coat and silky, feathery ears signal royalty. The toy spaniel’s sweet expression with large, round eyes and noble demeanor looks best with regular brushing and bathing. Keeping this breed at their elegant, tangle-free best calls for a little time and some routine upkeep. All of the Cavies at CRF are very deserving of their spa days! It’s time for your pup to strut their royal stuff. Cavalier Rescue of Florida offers these guidelines about grooming a cavalier. Looking pristine is easy when it comes to the cavalier’s glossy coat. However, if you want your dog to really shine, a daily 10-minute brush-out is a must to keep them looking their best. With a medium bristle brush . Brush around the ears (gently) and skirts before brushing all the fringe. Brushing pulls out the dead hair, helps stimulate the natural oils in their skin, making their coat shine the coat should lie flat and feel soft. Be extra careful when brushing out the ears, as this is a sensitive area. A cavalier ’s hair naturally provides a soft wave that can sometimes lead to tangles. The back of the legs and under the tail are the areas that will most likely get matted first, so take extra time to brush those areas out for a thorough and fresh look. Baths helps freshen & keep the coat healthy. When it’s time to bathe your cavalier, remember: once a month is more than enough. Too much bathing removes the natural skin oils that make your dog shine. It can also lead to dry or irritated skin. We love their Grinchy paws--but, pad trimming is essential for injury-free feet, especially for seniors ! Hair grows quickly on the bottom of the pup's paws, between the pads of the toes . To avoid your Cavalier slipping on Florida tile and wood floors, trim the hair weekly regularly for better traction & stability. Good grooming and hygiene, including tooth care starts when they are a puppy ! Love, the Cavies! Xo

Summer temps are sizzling up… The summer months in Florida, especially South Florida can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for pets and people. It's difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone thick humidity, but things really get tough in areas that are hit with the double blow of intense heat and storm-caused power outages, sometimes with tragic results. Cavalier Rescue of Florida can help you keep your pets safe and cool this summer. Follow a few tips for healthy & happy summer adventures: Our little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels still need their walks. Midday walks can be too hot and the pavement can burn their paws. Stick to shaded paths, grass, cooler times of the day, shorter walks and lots of fresh water. Watch the humidity. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly. Maybe a small lick of ice cream…? How can we say no to those adorable Cavalier FACES? Does your pup like the pool? A quick dip is very refreshing! Don’t forget the life jacket for all water adventures, including boating. Or, try a pool float for your pampered pooch- no Pina Coladas! Cool your purebred inside and out. Whip up a batch of quick and easy DIY pupsicles for dogs. And always provide water, whether your pets are inside or out with you. No matter how quick the errand, NEVER leave them in the car. Happy and Safe 4th of July! More pups go missing during July 4th weekend than any other time of the year. Keep your Blenheim, Ruby, Tri-color or Black and Tan safe, secure and calm during fireworks celebrations. Love, the Cavies! Xo

For those in the Sunshine State of Florida, nothing can dampen our spirits like being in the cone of uncertainty. If your home is your shelter, be prepared to be hunkered down while the worst of the storm passes. Taking care of your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is equally import. Cavalier Rescue of Florida offers these reminders: Don’t surrender to the elements; never leave your pups outside, unattended. Have plenty of food, drinking water, treats and a manual can opener for canned food. Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container (including heartworm preventative, flea preventative). Current photos of you with your Cavie(s) in case they get lost. Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t run away. Set up a small section of sod so your pup can relieve themselves (on familiar terrain) in your garage, bathroom or laundry room If you are ordered to evacuate, take your pets with you. Cavaliers are family too. If it isn’t safe for you to stay, it isn’t safe for your pets either. Pack up food, water, medications, bowls, pet toys, pet beds, vet info, first-aid kit, blankets, treats and waste-bags. Make an evacuation plan and adopt safe practices: List of pet-friendly hotels, shelters, boarding facilities, in case you need to evacuate Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all Blenheim, Ruby, Tri-color or Black and Tan pups are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease. Acquire appropriately sized pet carrier, labeled with your contact info, pet ID, vet info, vaccination history (including rabies license and tags). Info on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, vet contact in case you have to foster or board your pets. Know which friends, relatives, boarding/animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers. Lots of patience, if you think stormy weather is stressful for you, keep your pup’s peace of mind on track too. Get a safe “shelter” room, lots of blankets and a feeling of security. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be pup-ared! Love, the Cavies! Xo