Welcome to Cavalier Rescue USA

Shannon in Cinnaminson, NJ

Hi everyone, please meet Shannon, part couch potato, part whirling dervish. Shannon spent her 4 years of life being used as a breeding dog in a commercial breeding facility. She was definitely overbred and without much human interaction. Her most recent litter of puppies was born with umbilical hernias. With that Shannon became a liability and not worth the cost of feeding. Fortunately she made it out of the mill, and after a few different stops at other rescues, Shannon eventually made her way to CR-USA. Things were looking up for Shannon.

Shannon is a beautiful healthy, strong 4-year-old Cavalier mix. Her mix is not known, but current foster Mom and Dad think she may have some Golden Retriever in her. She weighs approximately 33 lbs, and could stand to lose a few pounds. She is approximately 16” at the shoulder. She has a beautiful dark red coat and soulful brown eyes. She is heart clear, up to date on all vaccines and monthly preventatives. She is spayed and recently had a dental. She lost 11 teeth but has no trouble eating kibble. Shannon came into foster care with an ear infection which is now cleared. There are times when Shannon seems a little itchy so she received a cytopoint injection. Her forever family will need to monitor her for possible seasonal or food allergies. Shannon is fed in her crate. Shannon is completely potty trained. No accidents! Shannon is still very skittish at quick movements especially when she is up and investigating her surroundings. She is very quick and will bolt when reached for. That should subside once she is settled in her forever home. When she is resting on the couch, which is often, she accepts all kinds of affection and likes to lay her head in your lap.

Shannon came into CR-USA foster care extremely frightened and shut down. At her first vet visit, they could not complete the exam because Shannon was basically frozen with fear. No aggression, just terrified. With a little time and some medication, her exam was completed the next week. It is possible Shannon may need some medications to help with anxiety long term. She is not currently on any medications.

It didn’t take long for Shannon to realize that she actually likes being close to her foster family, which consists of two retired folks, three Cavaliers (all commercial breeder rescues) and one very dog-friendly cat. Shannon loves to snuggle close to her people and her three foster siblings. However, early on she had shown some mild resource guarding over toys which, unfortunately, led her to swallow an 8” rope toy in one gulp because another dog was nearby. As a result, during her spay, she also had the rope toy (still in one piece) removed from her stomach. She had an uneventful and complete recovery from the surgery. Her resource guarding has dramatically reduced, and there have been no incidents since mid-February. She will need to be closely monitored in her new home as she adjusts. Also, any toys need to be oversized so it is not possible for her to swallow them. Shannon also likes to munch on mulch from the backyard. So far, this has not caused a problem but we are working to discourage this habit and her new family will need to do the same if she has access to mulch.

Shannon has mastered stairs, and sit. She walks nicely on a leash but still needs a bit more focus. So many smells! Shannon spends a lot of her day snoozing on the couch with her people and doggie friends and would prefer to sleep in the big bed at night. She would be very distressed if she were separated from her family at bed time.

Shannon will need a home with lots of patience and love and very little alone time. She can be crated for a short time. She is not happy with this arrangement but it is necessary for her safety. No children please. Quick movements will startle her and children’s toys may look good to chew on. Another friendly dog or two would be required as she does follow the pack and loves to be part of the puppy puddle. She is good with dog-friendly cats as long as you or the cat don’t mind an occasional and enthusiastic game of tag. A securely fenced yard is a must, and the bigger the better as she loves to stretch out her long limbs with a good run. An AirTag is recommended, just in case. Shannon is a strong and healthy girl who could be a great hiking buddy or jogging buddy or even good for doing some nose work. The more exercise, the better.

If you live within a reasonable driving distance of Cinnaminson, NJ and you are interested in adopting this sweet girl, please email Rebecca Plimpton at beckplimpton@gmail.com and fill out an application for her if you don’t already have one on file.

Online Application

Monty in Lebanon, IN

Monty is an adorable tricolor Cavalier puppy, born 09/05/2024. He came into care after being adopted with his sibling and developing littermate syndrome, making it ill-advised for the two of them to continue living together. He has no trouble bonding with his new foster family or foster Cavaliers, now that he is separated from his brother, however!

Since coming into foster, Monty has been a bubble of happiness. In true puppy fashion, he is buoyant and happy, energetic and adorable. He is busy, busy, busy, but truly not hyper. He just loves to play with toys and play with his foster Cavaliers. He excitedly greets visitors and is glad to give them a lick and a jump, so he’s working on “down,” but he is just too happy to remember most times. Like all puppies, manners are a work in progress, but he is doing well with learning them! He knows “sit” and comes when called by name. He loves to frolic in the backyard, and gives a little side eye when he isn’t quite ready to quit playing, but then comes running.

Mealtime is a huge favorite for Monty, so he tends to scarf down his food rather quickly and then try to “share” with his foster friends. He is working on mealtime manners, and a slow-feed bowl has helped tremendously, as well as just making sure he doesn’t give himself a tummy ache with eating too quickly.
He loves to take walks and is doing well on a leash. He pulls a little, as he loves to explore, but consistently training with him, and lots of practice and he will continue to do better and better. He is nice and calm (puppy calm, don’t forget) with all the people we meet along the way on a walk. He will let out a bark when we see another dog, but doesn’t get reactive, just more of a “hi”. He does not bark often.

Monty is working at potty training and doing well. He does still have occasional accidents as he hasn’t figured out how to alert us to when he needs to go out, but he does very well with being let out consistently. He sleeps in a crate at night and goes in when we tell him. He is also crated when we leave the house to further enforce potty training and house manners.

Monty is going to make an amazing addition to a family. He will do well with other dogs. He has not been around cats, but he is pretty non-reactive in general. He is friendly to the kids he is around, as well. Monty would be successful as an only dog, as well. Monty needs someone who has experience with puppies. He is still just a baby, so his new family needs to be understanding of the fact that puppies will get into things, chew things (like foster mom’s slippers!), have accidents, and learn bad manners if their family is not dedicated to helping them learn. He is an ever so good boy, and a quick learner with a sparkle in his eye. He has so much love to give and is an ever so good boy! Any family will be lucky to love him.

If you are interested in this Cavalier, please complete our online application if you haven’t already and then email Sherry Morgan at morgans817@sbcglobal.net so she knows of your interest.

Online Application

Daisy in Overland Park, KS

Say hello to Daisy – originally from a commercial breeder, she was acquired by a Good Samaritan and released to Cavalier Rescue USA. Initially very timid and shy, she’s coming out of her shell in her foster home. Daisy is getting familiar and comfortable with her foster parents, though she’s still a bit wary of strangers.

When Daisy came to us, she did not know how to walk on a leash. Foster mom had to wait until Daisy trusted her before she could put a leash on her. Now she goes on short walks with her foster parents. She still startles easily, so foster mom stops a few times during the walk just to praise her. She’s getting better and slowly getting used to this new activity. Foster mom is really good about using positive reinforcement, establishing routines, and building trust – and it’s working! Daisy is loving the life of being a house pet.

At first, Daisy would not get in a doggie bed, and now she likes it. She wouldn’t get on the couch, either – but now she gets up there by herself. She’s happy to just snuggle in and watch TV or snooze the day away. Daisy is still a bit skittish but improving. After she gets to know you, she shows her easy-going and gentle temperament. She thumps her tail when her foster mom walks by, and she sits by her foster parents in the evening. If her foster mom goes out for a bit, Daisy greets her with full body wiggles when she returns. It takes time for her to warm up… but once she does, she’s very loving and sweet.

Daisy gets along great with her foster brother Rocky. She lies beside him on the floor, and she often lays her head on his back to rest. She follows him when they go outside, and she loves to run around in the backyard. Daisy is generally quiet, but recently she started barking at squirrels when she’s outside. She hasn’t had any accidents in the house or her crate – perhaps having another dog around helps to show her the ropes. Although she appears to be potty trained, she should be supervised in her new home until she settles in and learns the new routine. Her foster parents also have a young cat, and Daisy likes Kitty. She gently sniffs him and lets Kitty groom her.

Daisy has been spayed and had a dental cleaning. She has recovered from her spay surgery and is doing well. Her heart is good (no cardiac murmur), and her knees checked out fine (normal patella). Daisy is microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and is current on monthly flea/tick/heartworm preventative. Daisy is a gentle, sweet, lovable girl with the most expressive brown eyes. She will make someone a very good family pet.

Daisy is being fostered in Overland Park, KS. If you think you might be the right person or family for her, please fill out our online application (if you have not done so already) – then contact Deborah Barnes at deborah@smarnes.com to let her know of your interest in Daisy. Applicants who live within a reasonable driving distance of the Kansas City area will be considered. Also, please take a moment to read about our adoption process by clicking this link: Adoption Process.Online Application

Raya in Concord, CA

Hi! My name is Raya. I’m a beautiful and sweet Blenheim girl with a classic queen’s thumbprint on my forehead. I weigh 14 lbs, am 5-6 years old, and came into rescue as a surrender from a breeder.

My temperament is shy and submissive, and I very rarely bark. I’m a mama’s girl and more apprehensive around men but not enough to turn down a treat or a pet. I do great with people, dogs, and kids, even taking part in big holiday gatherings with people and kids of all ages, receiving compliments on how easy and calm I am.

I’m a couch potato that loves to cuddle. I’m always happy and wake up wagging my tail. I have some separation anxiety because I have never really been alone and am used to sleeping with a lot of other dogs so a canine companion in my new home is required for me to be happy.

When I’m not napping, I like to play in the backyard. You can find me laying out on the deck soaking up the sun or chasing squirrels with my foster siblings. As I’m getting acclimated, it’s best to keep an eye on me as I like to dig at the fence, but that goes away as I get more comfortable. I don’t play much with toys or fetch, but I do like a good Nylabone.

I use a doggy door on my own and sleep quietly through the night. In fact, I’ll sleep in as long as you let me. I’m still perfecting my potty training and need to be reminded to go outside every couple of hours.

I’ve never had a leash or even a collar before coming into rescue, so I’ll need more practice walking on a leash and to get comfortable with all the sounds and movement of the outside world.

I love to eat and I’m not picky. I’m happy to share food with my foster siblings. I am not a pushover though and will stand my ground if needed.

I have been spayed and had a dental while in foster care and I also had several benign mammary tumors removed. I am up to date on all my vaccinations and am heart healthy. I do have a condition called dry eye and use two eye drops per day, and I don’t put up a fuss about it.

I need a family who is home most of the day with calm surroundings. I would do best in a house where I am the second dog in my forever home, where I can follow their lead, but I could also do well as an only dog to someone who is home all day and can make me the center of their world. Kids 10+ are okay.

If you are interested in this darling girl and live within a reasonable distance to Concord, CA, please complete an online application if you haven’t already and then email our Northern California Coordinator, Sarah Knudsen at sayrahk@gmail.com to let her know you’re interested in Raya.

Online Application

Phoebe in Pittsburg, CA

Phoebe is a lovely, five-year-old tricolor Cavalier. She is a little bit bashful in the beginning, but quickly warms up. After a while, she will lay by your side and want your attention. She is not a kisser, but will paw you for attention and likes to inch her way into your lap. Phoebe is not 100% Velcro, but will follow you around occasionally. Phoebe is also fine relaxing on the couch waiting for you to return from a short errand.

Phoebe is fantastic on her bathroom skills. She will bark lightly if she wants to go when you are not paying attention to her, or when her foster Mom asks “Want to go potty?” every few hours. Out she goes to take care of her business quickly.

Phoebe likes walks, but she pulls a little on the leash and may cut you off at times, so that needs ongoing work. Her one bad habit is shredding paper! Phoebe has gotten into the bathroom tissue for a “toilet paper caper,” and if she finds a paper towel, a Kleenex or piece of mail she will start to shred it!

Phoebe’s loving Mom surrendered her because Phoebe needed a very expensive surgery to remove her anal glands. Phoebe was spayed and had a dental at the same time, so now this sweet girl is 100% ready for her forever home! She does have a barely audible heart murmur that is common in Cavaliers.

Phoebe was free-fed before and came into rescue a bit chubby, not that we are body shaming! She is now eating measured amounts for two meals a day with each being a third of a cup of food. Phoebe is down to 24 from 28 pounds, with 20 pounds as her goal weight. Regular exercise will keep her in tip top shape. Phoebe hasn’t had any cat or small children experience.

Phoebe enjoys having another canine playmate, but would also be okay as an only dog getting lots of attention. She needs low alone time, so a retired person or someone working from home will be perfect.

If you can meet all of Phoebe’s needs and live within a couple of Pittsburg, please complete our online application. Then email our Northern California Coordinator, Sarah Knudsen at sayrahk@gmail.com to let her know of your interest in this sweet girl.
Online Application

June in Plymouth, MA

Meet June! June is a very special dog! This happy tricolor girl with the puppy face is 6 years old, born 6/1/19, and is a very laid-back, calm dog, loving. She came to rescue from a family who could no longer keep her.

June is up-to-date on immunizations and preventatives and she is spayed. She was diagnosed with a grade 3 heart murmur, but no medication is needed at this time. Her new owner should be willing to follow up with a cardiologist every 6-12 months. She is hearing impaired but gets around well. June has recently seen a neurologist who suspects she has Syringomyelia (neurological disorder) This condition is being managed with medication. Since she takes her medication 4 times per day, someone home most of the time is necessary. Syringomyelia can cause discomfort in her neck and shoulders. For this reason, June does not like wearing a collar or harness, so for her safety and comfort, we are requiring a fenced-in yard for her.

June loves her food and snacks and can be possessive of them. She would be happy as an only dog, but if you’re willing to work with her on this behavior, she could be happy with a dog sibling as well. June only has 4 teeth, but this doesn’t stop her! We soak her kibble and she has no issues eating and having soft snacks.

June is an absolute pleasure. She is house trained with no accidents in her foster home. Her guilty pleasure is having a comfy place to snooze. June loves napping and is quite the snorer! She loves her crate at night, so having a separate space for her to sleep might be best for light sleepers.

June is great with kids, has a calm, gentle presence and is a wonderful companion!

If you would like this adorable girl to be a part of your family, have filled out a recent application, meet the criteria for her adoption and are within a reasonable drive of Plymouth, MA, please contact Barbara Blanchette at blanchettebarbara06@gmail.com to let her know you are interested in June.

Online Application