Welcome to Cavalier Rescue USA

Oliver in Riverwoods, IL

Hi! My name is Oliver. Like the song Mr.Brightside, “I’ve been coming out of my cage and I’ve been doin’ just fine!” My story begins with a goodbye from my family who had to give me up because of a significant change in their living situation. I’m 3 years old and was born 9/21/21.

I like to keep things slow. I spent my first week at my foster home hanging out in my crate. I was timid and moody. I was snappy when I would get petted and when my leash was taken on and off. But I’m coming out of my crate and I’ve been doing just fine! I’m snapping much less and now requesting snuggles, I’m giving kisses and do not mind getting petted.

Are you looking for a walking partner? I’m that boy. I’m a terrific listener, you won’t hear a peep from me. I am superb on a leash, except on the way back when I get excited to return home. How about this, you lead and I will follow during the beginning of our walk and then I lead ,you follow on the way back?

My foster mom says I’m very smart. I know how to sit, I wait patiently for my food bowl, I come when my name is called and I know how to use the bathroom outside if I’m kept on a schedule. I’m so special she even made up a song about me that goes ” Olipop, Olipop. Oh, Oli Oli, Olipop (boom boom boom boom). Then I hear her saying “Olipop” is “easy peasy”.

I’ve also eavesdropped on my foster mom’s conversation with the vet during my appointment. The vet told her I’m healthy, 17.5 pounds, neutered, up to date on my immunizations and won’t need any dental work for another 1-2 years ( thank goodness! I do not like dental work!). I had surgery a couple years ago for my hip due to FHO/femoral head ostectomy but the vet says I’m fully recovered from it.

Fun fact, I am heartbreakingly cute and smart. Not so fun fact, hands sometimes scare me and I need to work on my manners. l do not like hands in my crate, so, enter slowwwly when entering my humble abode as my crate is my castle. I also do not like hands near or around my face or head. I need to work on being more comfortable with hands near my face and head to get my leash on and off from my collar. I seem to not mind hands as much when I am out of my crate. The vet was able to pet me and check my teeth without me snapping and foster mom says I truly am getting much better with this. My previous medical records state that I was a “good boy” so she thinks that I will be just fine with patience and training. I am serious about learning my manners and I would really love a physically, securely fenced in yard so I can get trained on when my leash is taken on and off.

Though my foster brothers who are 11 and 8 have been welcoming by playing with me and taking me on walks, I’d prefer a furever home with older kids or no kids. Other dogs are okay (I barely notice them).

Let’s meet IRL (in real life). You won’t be disappointed. I’m eager to hear back from you . XOXO-Oliver. If you are interested in adopting me, fill out the online application if you haven’t already and then contact Meg Meg Hutson Eisenmenger at cavalierrescuemeg@gmail.com.

Online Application

Teddy in Washougal, WA

Meet Teddy, a sweet, 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who’s ready to bring endless love and joy into your life! Teddy is a special little guy with a heart of gold. Though he’s a tripod (he has three legs), this doesn’t slow him down one bit. The vet believes Teddy was likely born this way, and he moves with ease, happily hopping along on his three legs. Teddy’s vet says he would benefit from a lifelong joint supplement to keep his joints in tip-top shape as he enjoys life’s adventures.

Teddy found himself in rescue after being rehomed a couple times within a short period of time by way of Craigslist. The last owner had him a few days before realizing that caring for Teddy was too much in addition to other time-demanding commitments.

Teddy may be a little shy at first, but when he opens up, he becomes the most affectionate, cuddly companion you could ask for. Whether it’s snuggling on the couch or curling up in your lap, Teddy loves to show affection and receive it in return. He’s a calm and gentle dog who truly craves human connection, especially with his favorite person.

During his time in foster care, Teddy has shown that he gets along wonderfully with other dogs, cats, and older children. He’s well-socialized and thrives in a calm family environment. He really lights up when he meets other dogs and likes to play with them. He also does quite well with the two cats in his foster home. We think he’d really enjoy another pet in the home.

One of Teddy’s favorite activities is going on walks. He may have three legs, but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying the outdoors and exploring new places. He’s incredibly well-behaved during walks, and he’s a joy to take along on any adventure. Plus, he’s also a trooper when it comes to grooming—whether it’s brushing, bathing, or just getting pampered, Teddy is always a good sport.

Teddy’s crate trained, knows the sit command and will use a pet door. While he was not housetrained upon coming into rescue, he’s since made a lot of progress. Currently, he does best with trips outside every 3-4 hours as he does not ask to go out or want to go out when it’s raining. There are a few stairs into the backyard that he maneuvers just fine. However, if there were a lot of stairs to the yard, or inside that he had to use on a regular basis, it would likely tire him out and may be too much for him.

Teddy weighs 20 lbs, and since coming into rescue, he’s been vaccinated for rabies and distemper/parvo, neutered, microchipped, treated for ear infections, and had two minor incisor extractions (due to overcrowding/teeth being on top of one another). Unfortunately, Teddy gets car sick easily, but a trial with an anti-nausea medication has been helpful.

Teddy is looking for his forever home where he can continue to thrive and share his love. He would make a wonderful addition to a loving family, bringing affection, companionship, and lots of joy.

If Teddy sounds like the pup of your dreams, we’d love to hear from you. We’re happy to consider applicants within a 3-hour drive of his foster home that are a good match for his wants and needs in a new home. Please complete the online application, if you haven’t previously, and be sure to email rescue coordinator Melissa Cincotta at happycavaliers04@gmail.com so she knows to consider your application. Also, please take a moment to read about adopting at the following links: Process & FAQ.

Online Application

Button in Woodland Hills, CA

Update 12-23-24: We’ve received many good applications for Button and no longer accepting others at this time. We will review all that have indicated interest on this sweet pup and will find him a great home very soon.

Get ready to fall in love with Button, an adorable and charming nine pound, almost seven-month-old tricolor boy who is sure to steal your heart. This petite young pup is full of energy, enthusiasm and his love for people is contagious.

Button’s exact birthdate is not known, as he was part of a release from a commercial breeder and arrived with no documentation. At his vet intake exam, the vet gave him an estimated birthday as May 24, 2024 based on baby teeth.

Button arrived with a lingering cough and infection in his lungs, and some intestinal bug issues that have all been resolved with prescription medications and TLC. He has received his age-appropriate vaccines and is microchipped. Button is not yet neutered due to his young age. The adopting family must agree to have him neutered at nine months of age (or before he turns one year old) as a prerequisite to adoption, and to provide a Veterinary Certificate verifying the procedure has been performed.

While in his foster home, Button has begun to show his true puppy self. He is working on potty-training skills and is progressing well with many daily backyard outings. He now knows where his potty spot is with treat-motivation after each accomplishment. He gets more indoor freedom after all business is taken care of. Button is making great strides in being in unfamiliar situations. He needs to continue a variety of socialization exposures out in the world, and he is eager to begin a basic training class to reinforce good behaviors. Button has a good appetite and will be growing for a while, but will remain on the small size for the breed.

Button is crate (or dog-bed trained) for bedtime, napping and quiet time. Out in the yard, an exercise pen is a safe place to hang out when the weather is nice. When it is time for bed, he zonks right out and sleeps through the night until daybreak. He loves to play with toys. He is learning guidelines and boundaries in his foster home. Button needs continuous oversight on the many items that he may find to chew on when he has free-range indoors or out.

Button has much growing and learning ahead, and a number of phases of puppyhood await his new family. Please consider whether you will have the time and energy a puppy demands. Button will require tons of interaction, consistent and frequent schedules for on-going potty-training, and positive training enrichment. He will also need reinforcement for good doggie behaviors, cuddles and supervision most of the day.

All of these elements and good nutrition are the path to helping Button blossom into a loving, confident Cavalier. (Good “management” gear makes everything easier with a spirited puppy.) Exercise-pens, baby gates, puppy pads and a crate are keys in Button’s foster home in keeping him safely enclosed and out of stuff he shouldn’t get into. Other supplies on his wish list include dog beds, toys, appropriate chew stuff, grooming supplies, harness, leash, collar, and of course an ID tag.

For this pup’s new home, a work-at-home parent or family member that can be with him most of the day is ideal to keep him on a schedule and for overall supervision. Puppies require constant attention. Button needs minimal alone time. A secured fenced-in yard to run off his excess energy is best. Button would very much like a good-natured doggie playmate that is gentle and tolerant of an energetic puppy.

If there are children in the home, they need to be older and puppy-savvy, considering that Button is in his teething stage and this may be challenging with younger children. Button has many puppy stages yet ahead of him, and needs a family who will commit to help him meet all the developmental milestones. He is an excellent student, and is the right age for enrolling in a beginning basic training class. An obedience class is an excellent way to strengthen the owner/dog bond, and provide structure a puppy needs.

Button is clever and an energetic, fun loving boy full of puppy shenanigans! We can’t wait to find him the loving home he deserves. If you think you’re a good match, we’d love to hear from you!

Please complete our online application, if you haven’t already. Then email Donna Beirne at d_beirne@yahoo.com to let her know of your interest in being considered as Button’s family. Applicants within driving distance to Woodland Hills, California will be considered for a meet and greet rendezvous.

Online Application

Please read about our adoption process: Process and frequently asked questions: FAQ

Stewart in San Antonio, TX

Update 12-9-24: We’ve received several promising applications for this pup so aren’t taking more for now. Thank you!

Meet Stewart, a sweet and resilient three-year old Tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a gentle spirit and so much potential.

Rescued from an Amish puppy mill, Stewart is making tremendous progress in learning what it means to be loved.

Initially reserved, Stewart has quickly come out of his shell and now walks beautifully on a leash, enjoys treats and toys, and plays enthusiastically with his foster brother. His joyful, quirky personality shines as he hops when he runs and drags his favorite toys to bed for safekeeping.

Stewart’s calm and affectionate nature makes him a dream companion. He’s discovered the joy of snuggling and loves to curl up in laps, soaking up every bit of kindness he receives. At night, he sleeps soundly, content and quiet, showing just how far he’s come in feeling safe.

Stewart has a clean bill of health with recent bloodwork, a dental cleaning, and neutering, ensuring he’s ready to start the next chapter of his life in a forever home.

Stewart would thrive in a home with another small to medium-sized dog to guide and comfort him as he continues to build confidence. He needs a patient and loving family who can celebrate his progress and encourage him as he blossoms.

With his playful hops, lap-snuggling tendencies, and newfound love of life, Stewart is ready to bring endless joy and companionship to a home that will cherish him.

If you are interested in providing Stewart with a forever home, please fill out the online application, if you haven’t done so already. Then, contact Sarah Swanson at 210cavalierrescueusa@gmail.com so she knows of your interest. Applicants who live within a few hours drive of San Antonio will be considered. (Many thanks to Rob Martin for his wonderful photography. Follow him on Instagram: @paw_prints_photo)
Online Application

Brooke in Atlanta, GA

Meet Brooke! She is a very sweet, two-year-old tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is slowly but surely coming out of her shell.

She came to rescue underweight and very scared of everyone after her owner passed away. Despite her troubled past, she has a heart full of love for people and thrives on affection.

She enjoys car rides, eagerly wagging her tail with excitement before curling into a ball for a nice nap. This gentle pup also adores other animals, including cats, and is especially great with kids. She loves to sleep under the covers at the foot of the bed.

She is housebroken and so far does not bark. She is curious and very well-behaved. Brooke is healthy and an absolute pleasure to be around.

Her foster Dad says this is the best foster his family has had yet! Brooke is very eager to please and is a lovely dog who adores her people.

As she gains confidence, her playful and affectionate nature shines through, making her a delightful companion in a variety of situations. A fenced in backyard is key because she loves to run after squirrels, deer, and chases birds.

Brooke will be the perfect lady to join a loving family just in time for the holidays. Please consider Brooke as your next loving Cavalier.

If you think Brooke would be a great fit for your family complete an online application and please contact Beth Wilson at kinneywilson@bellsouth.net to express your interest in this sweet girl.

Rosie in Kenmore, WA

Rosie is a 1-year-old female tricolor Cavalier with a happy and active temperament. She absolutely loves to play fetch and will happily play until your arm is tired. Once she’s tired, she wants to sit on your lap and have a nice cuddly nap. She loves every person she meets! She plays well with the children in her foster home (10 and 12 years old) and knows how to drop her toy to play fetch.

She came to Cavalier Rescue USA as an owner surrender due to neurological symptoms of occasional yelping. She has been presumptively diagnosed with caudal occipital malformation syndrome (COMS) and syringomyelia (SM) by our trusted neurologist based on her symptoms, clinical signs, and breed predisposition. Since starting two medications (gabapentin and omeprazole), she is doing very well and her symptoms are almost entirely gone! She’s otherwise a healthy pup. She’s a smaller Cavalier at 14 lbs, and she’s been spayed and microchipped.

Rosie enjoys playing with small/similar sized dogs and would enjoy a companion, though she can be a little timid around larger dogs. She will also do well in a home where she’s the only one getting attention. She does ok with cats. Rosie is crate trained, although she doesn’t like to be crated at night. She’s had some basic training and knows sit, down, and leave it. She’s mostly housetrained but needs reminders to go potty outside to avoid accidents.

She has separation anxiety which worsens when she’s allowed to be near the door while you leave. We suggest crating any time you plan to go outside without her and working with her to become less anxious around doors. Her anxiety is much lower in the crate. She has gotten better with some work but needs to continue to work towards feeling safe when her people go outside without her.

Rosie is a busy girl and needs an active household where she can play fetch, go on adventures and take long walks. This will also help prevent boredom and her finding naughty ways to keep herself entertained. For Rosie’s presumed COMS and SM, she will need to continue to see the neurologist at least yearly. Her new family will need to be committed to lifelong medications to help manage her symptoms.

If you’d like to be considered for Rosie’s forever family, complete the online application (if you haven’t previously) and then email Melissa at happycavaliers04@gmail.com so she knows of your interest. Please take a moment to read about adopting: FAQ & Process

Online Application