Linus in Carterville, IL

Meet Linus! From his photo, you may be thinking, “He doesn’t look much like a Cavalier!” And you’d be right! When Linus came into Animal Control, they thought he might be a Cavalier mix, and we agreed that he certainly had some Cavalier-like features. So Cavalier Rescue USA was happy to give this sweet boy a chance, especially as the shelter was full and future for him not bright.

His foster family was curious and had DNA testing done, and it turns out Linus isn’t a Cavalier after all! But what he is is 100% wonderful. We are so incredibly happy we said yes to Linus and gave him the chance he deserved, especially knowing that the alternative was euthanasia.

We are also so grateful to Animal Control for taking the time to search for a rescue willing to help Linus. Because they did, this very special boy is now safe, loved, and looking forward to finding his forever home. Linus’ DNA test showed he is 29% Shih Tzu along with 19% Yorkshire Terrier, 13% American Cocker Spaniel, 12% Maltese, 8% Toy Poodle, along with small percentages of 8 other breeds! 

We don’t know what Linus’s background is since he was picked up wandering the streets. His veterinarian estimates his age to be about 7-8 years. He is 17 pounds and a well-mannered boy who obviously has experience living in a home. He immediately knew that the couch was the best place to be and he is reliably house trained. Linus gets very excited when he sees a leash, but he is frightened of traffic, so his foster parents have not been walking him in their busy neighborhood. He is great with his foster siblings and has followed their signals to become one of the pack. Animal Control said he is good with cats as well and he is neutered and up to date on vaccines and heartworm/flea/tick prevention.

Linus is a little love. He wants to be with people all the time but is an equal opportunity dog and moves easily between the members of his foster family. He is sweet and likes snuggling up next to people. He absolutely loves being petted. He does not like to be left alone and will protest loudly. He would be happiest following his person around during the day and he very much wants to sleep in the bed with his family. He has an easy-going personality and spends most of his time curled up on the couch and, occasionally, enjoying a spot of sun in the backyard.

When Linus came to his foster family, he was a very sick boy. He had fungal and bacterial infections on his skin and in his ears, as well as dry eye. The vet diagnosed all these problems as allergy related. With medication, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial shampoos, and a special diet, his allergies are under control. He has had a dental, with two teeth removed, and a lump was removed from his back(which is why he has a shorter patch of fur that is growing back). He is healthy now but will continue to need a special diet, regular shampoos, eye drops once a day, and to be monitored for allergies.

Linus is looking for a home where someone is home most of the time, due to his separation anxiety.  Because of his fear of traffic and history as a stray, a secure physically fenced-in yard is important.  Another friendly dog would be helpful as it does seem to help a bit with his anxiety if he has a companion.

Linus is fostered in Carterville, IL. If you are interested in providing a forever home for Linus, please complete the online application if you haven’t already and then email Meg Hutson Eisenmenger at cavalierrescuemeg@gmail.com so she knows of your interest. 

Online Application