Rocky in Charlotte, N.C.

Here is the pup with his new family…

Rocky is one of the sweetest Cavaliers we’ve fostered. He’s an extremely affectionate and active two-year old Ruby male born February 19, 2021. He was placed in rescue when his previous owner decided Rocky needed a more active home.

Rocky weighs around 22 pounds; he’s tall and sleek: an inch or two taller than the male Cavalier standard. He’s crate-trained and has recently been neutered so he’ll need some “paw-holding” in a new home to avoid marking and to re-enforce his house-breaking. Rocky is up to date on his vaccines with no sign of a heart murmur.

He is very healthy, however, Rocky has a mild case of bilateral hip dysplasia (both hip sockets are abnormal). His condition was not noticeable during regular physical exams, but it was identified and confirmed through physical examination and radiographs while he was sedated (detailed reports will be provided to the adopting family). We’ve seen some rare occasions where Rocky is briefly unstable walking or climbing stairs. At some point Rocky’s ability to do active exercise or his mobility may be limited and surgery might be required. In the meantime, Rocky’s active play and weight should be carefully managed, he should take joint supplements like Dasuquin or Cosequin, and he should have periodic exams and radiographs to assess if his condition has changed.

Rocky is bright, a good learner, is very friendly meeting people and other dogs and is always in a happy mood. His face lights up when he sees his friends and often follows us around the house to keep us company. He especially likes greeting folks with hugs and kisses before settling next to them or on their laps. Rocky is a good car traveler and enjoys long walks in the neighborhood or on trails and beaches. Rocky also loves to play fetch and chase balls. Activities like walking, playing, and companion events (like obedience, rally, barn hunt or scent work) might be a natural for him, as long as his hips are treated carefully.

Although Rocky has some reasonable obedience skills (sit, wait, responding to his name); he needs help developing these skills as well as with his loose leash walking. For example, his excitement when meeting people and dogs often results in jumping on them, so his new family will need to focus on obedience work to help him through this.

Like most Cavaliers, Rocky enjoys meal-time and shows his excitement when he’s fed. He usually rushes to his crate on command for meals and bedtime. He often pushes to the head of the line for a well-deserved treat. Rocky’s shown some anxiety when left alone at bedtime in new places, but usually adapts well to most situations.

Rocky would do best with a family that has someone home much of the time with a fenced yard (physical, not electric or virtual). Respectful, older children with dog experience in the house to play with him while avoiding overexertion due his hip dysplasia would be a plus. A family that has no more than one other dog and has a great deal of time to devote to Rocky’s training and enjoying life with him is very important.

If you think Rocky would make a perfect addition to your family, and you live within a reasonable driving distance of Charlotte, NC, please fill out an online application, and contact Angie Hansing at nccavalierrescuemom@gmail.com to let her know of your interest.

OnlineApplication