Welcome to Cavalier Rescue USA

Denny in Chesapeake, VA

Say Hello to Denny!

This handsome fellow came to rescue as an owner surrender in mid-May. He currently lives in a foster home with two other Cavalier siblings.

Denny’s anxiety was cited as the cause of rehoming. In the first week of foster care, he experienced one minor anxiety episode that lasted no more than three minutes. Other than that, Denny has exhibited no anxiety at all, and is actually a very “go with the flow” kind of guy. He has been exposed to low flying jets, thunder and fireworks and shown no reaction whatsoever.

Denny is an introvert by nature, but in the six weeks he has been in foster care he has relaxed a little bit more each day. It has been a joy to see his personality flourish as he becomes more comfortable.

Denny is a big boy. He is tall and long, but not overweight at 24.4 pounds.

It seems that Denny was not allowed on furniture by his previous owner. He has no inclination to jump on furniture. With coaxing though, he will now climb the pet steps to get on the couch.

Denny’s behavior is wonderful. He listens well and comes when called.

The price of getting him to join you on your lap is endless tummy rubs and ear scratches. He’ll stay on your lap until your legs fall asleep or you need to get up. Prepare to have your hands and arms licked.

Denny always wants to know where his favorite human is. He is quite content to nap alone on the doggy bed, but will occasionally come in to check on everyone once he hears activity.

Denny does very well on walks. He walks ahead of his two foster siblings, turning his head occasionally to check on the stragglers. He’ll stop to watch other walkers and dogs as they pass, and has only barked at another dog once.

He enjoys the frequent forays into the fenced yard. Denny and his youngest foster sibling fly out the door onto the deck looking for the neighborhood bunny. After that is out of the way, he’ll roam about the yard until it is time to go in.

Denny is not put off from going into the yard by wet grass or rain.

He currently sleeps with his two foster siblings in the sunroom. Denny prefers sleeping on a doggy bed, an open crate or just a floor rug. When he is awakened each morning, he is the first one out the door.

Denny has not been allowed table food, and therefore has excellent manners in the kitchen. He does know where the treat jar is kept, however, and is quick to line up once it is shaken.

He eats his meals efficiently and cleanly. He does not bolt his food.

Denny has some medical issues. He was on 10mg Prozac daily. Additionally he was on prescription dog food for digestive issues.

No information was available in his medical records on the need for Prozac or the requirement for prescription digestive care dog food. (Several attempts to get his records from a second vet were unsuccessful.)

After a week in foster care Denny had a check-up where a grade four heart murmur was detected. Based on this, he was started on Pimobendan pending the results of a scheduled echocardiogram. Denny’s echocardiogram of June 29 was excellent, and shall be provided to his new family. No cardiac medications are recommended. A twelve month follow-up is recommended.

Additionally, a discussion was held with the vet about weaning him off the Prozac. Two additional weeks of observation showed no anxiety at all. No changes were noted in his behavior after that. The vet decided to reduce the Prozac to twice a week, which is where he is now. All Prozac will likely be ended within the next thirty days.

The prescription dog food is being slowly phased out as well, with no digestive changes noted.

Denny did experience one unusual incident during his second week in foster care, wherein his front legs collapsed under him twice then followed by all four legs giving way. These symptoms have never been repeated. The vet could find nothing attributed it to his heart murmur. Denny has quickly resumed his full range of motion, and climbs stairs with ease.

Denny is a sweet boy, with an amazing ability to adapt and adjust. He is ready for a home with lots of love and snuggles.

If you think you would be the perfect fit as Denny’s forever home, please fill out our online application if you have not already done so. Then send an email to Diane Lombardo at cavalierrescueusamdwv@gmail.com to express your interest in Denny.
Online Application

Benny in Nashville, TN

Update 7-1-26: We think we’ve found a great match for this pup so aren’t taking more applications for now. Thank you!

If companionship had a face, it would probably look a lot like Benny. Benny is a 5-year-old Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighing 15.6 pounds, with a heart as soft as his silky ears. This sweet boy is gentle, easy-going, and happiest when he’s right by your side. Benny thrives on companionship and affection, happily following his favorite person from room to room before curling up beside them for a cuddle.

Benny came to rescue after his original owner entered assisted living. While the transition was undoubtedly difficult, Benny has shown just how resilient and loving he is. He has an affectionate, tender nature and is most content in a calm, steady environment where he can settle into a predictable routine and simply enjoy being loved.

Like many Cavaliers, Benny has plenty of charming quirks. He enjoys occasionally chewing on soft bones and has a silly habit of finding any item of clothing left around the house and pulling it onto the floor. He’s an excellent car rider and has been making wonderful progress with leash training, especially when his foster brother leads the way. However, Benny still occasionally decides he has walked far enough and will simply plop down wherever he is and refuse to continue—or insist on being carried the rest of the way! For this reason, a home with a fenced yard would be ideal, though he does enjoy short sniffing adventures when accompanied by a canine companion to lead the way.

Benny is somewhat timid by nature and would do best in a quiet, child-free home without a lot of hustle and bustle. He truly enjoys the companionship of another small dog and finds comfort in having a canine friend around, particularly when his foster mom leaves the house. He has some mild separation anxiety, but being with another dog helps him feel secure. Benny is crate-trained when left alone, though his favorite place to sleep is tucked into bed with his people, happily serving as the “little spoon” each night.

Benny is otherwise healthy, though he arrived in rescue a bit underweight and could benefit from gaining a few pounds. We also suspect he may have food allergies, as he is frequently itchy, licks his paws, and is known to be gassy at times. He is currently taking Apoquel to lessen his symptoms, but we would encourage his future family to pursue full allergy testing and/or discuss a hydrolyzed protein diet with their veterinarian. Despite his suspected sensitivities, Benny absolutely loves to eat and considers mealtime the highlight of his day. He also has a habit of begging for people food, and his foster mom has been working on teaching him to sit politely during meals instead of trying to sneak bites he shouldn’t.

During his time in rescue, Benny has been neutered and had a dental cleaning. He is microchipped, up to date on all core vaccinations, and maintained on monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

Benny won’t ask for much in life—just love, affection, and someone to share quiet moments with. In return, he promises to be your loyal little shadow, devoted cuddle buddy, and constant companion. If you feel like the person meant to give him the love, calm and consistency he craves, please submit an adoption application and then email Liz Nigh, Coordinator of TN & AL at lizcavalierusa@gmail.com to express your interest. Only applicants within 3-4 hours driving distance of Nashville, TN will be considered.

Online Application

Ozzy in Lansing, KS

Ozzy is a sweet Blenheim boy born Dec 30, 2024 who is looking for his forever home. He spent his first 17 months at a small-scale breeding operation, though we were told that he was not used for breeding purposes. Recently, he was sold to a young family. The family quickly realized that they could not give Ozzy the time and attention that he needed, and they contacted Cavalier Rescue USA.

At first, Ozzy was confused about his changing situation – though he has settled in quickly with his foster family. He likes to be near his foster parents, and he enjoys the company of his foster family’s dogs. Ozzy is a good eater and he’s treat-motivated, which helps with training. He loves dog toys, especially ones he can chew on. He also likes to play tug with his foster family & their dogs.

He was not housebroken when he came to us, though he is learning and making steady progress. Although he was not raised to be a house pet, he’s young and eager to learn. Initially, when going outside with his foster siblings, he would do his business on the cement patio. Now he’s starting to understand that he should go potty in the grass, so he’s improving in this area. We think his foster canine siblings are helpful by showing him the ropes. He wears a bellyband while indoors as he learns the routine, and he sleeps through the night in his crate. During the day, foster parents have been taking him out every few hours to keep him on schedule. He will do well with a positive and loving family who will continue potty training efforts and keep him on a regular schedule.

His previous owners mentioned that Ozzy can be startled by young children when they make sudden movements, so we recommend families with older children or perhaps just adults. Ozzy has a gentle personality, and like most Cavaliers, he likes people. He gets along very well with other dogs (and cats too). He’s not a fan of rainy days or wet grass, but he enjoys playing with his foster canines in their fenced backyard when the weather is nice. Mostly, he just wants to be near you – he loves to snuggle with you on the couch. We are looking for a home where he would not be left alone for long periods.

Ozzy had his teeth cleaned and was neutered in June. We are confident that his neuter surgery is helping with the progress of his potty training. He’s a healthy young Cavalier, and his heart and knees both checked out normal. He is microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and is on monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

Ozzy is being fostered in Lansing, KS. An ideal family for him will have a fenced yard and someone home for most of the day. It will boost Ozzy’s confidence and encourage success if his new family is willing to continue potty training efforts and keep him on a regular schedule.

If you can provide Ozzy with a loving home and you think you might be the right person or family for him, please fill out our online application (if you have not done so already) and then contact Deborah Barnes at deborah@smarnes.com to let her know of your interest. Applicants who live within a reasonable driving distance of the metro 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

Jeannie in Columbus, OH

Meet Jeannie, she is the sweetest, 7 year old female Cavalier who is full of joy, spunk, and the loudest snores. This precious pup came to Cavalier Rescue USA due to her loving owner being ill and not being able to take care of Jeannie anymore.

Since getting to her foster home Jeannie has shown everyone her goofy side with her strange grunts, happy snorts, and excited barks she makes sure to let everyone know how happy she is to be with you. She has settled into a routine of napping most of the day, sniffing through all of the grass she can and taking nightly walks with her foster sister.

She loves to be your shadow and will follow you around the house, even if it’s just a few steps. Jeannie is deaf so she can’t hear if you call for her, but as soon as she sees you patting your leg, she comes running at full speed.

She hasn’t had any accidents since coming to her foster home and always lets you know when she needs to go outside by standing at the door and looking at you. She loves to sleep in her kennel at night and will even lie down before bedtime just to hang out.

Jeannie is currently 24 pounds but could stand to lose a few pounds. She is up to date on all of her vaccinations, microchipped and on monthly flea and tick prevention. She does have a grade 2 heart murmur but is showing no other signs of heart issues.

Jeannie is the most precious joyful girl that will bring so much laughter to your life. If you are interested in adopting Jeannie and live within a 3 hour drive of Columbus, OH, 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

Lily in Little Rock, AR

Update 6-27-26: We’ve received several promising applications for this pup so aren’t taking more applications for now. Thank you!

Meet Lily!

If you’ve ever rooted for the shy girl to discover just how wonderful she is, then Lily is ready to steal your heart.

Affectionately known as “Lily Ann Skittles” by her foster mom, Lily earned her nickname because she arrived in rescue timid, skittish, and unsure of the world around her. In just a few short months, this sweet girl has made incredible progress. She’s learned that people can be kind, that gentle hands bring belly rubs and ear scratches, and that love is something she can trust. While she still approaches new people cautiously, each positive experience helps her blossom a little more, and watching her confidence grow has been one of the greatest joys of fostering her.

Lily truly is the perfect blend of sugar and spice and everything nice! She’s happiest curled up beside her favorite person, soaking up cuddles, belly rubs, and ear scratches. But don’t let that fool you—this young girl also has a playful side! She loves to run, jump, and collect every toy she can find, especially if it means tempting her furry foster brother into a game of chase. Having another playful, confident dog in her forever home would be a wonderful gift, as she looks to her canine friends for reassurance and enjoys having a companion to share life’s adventures.

At only a year and a half old, Lily is incredibly smart and eager to learn. She has mastered walking on a leash, enjoys several walks each day, and is always excited to see where the next adventure leads. Whether she’s riding in the car or relaxing in a dog stroller, she’s become quite the brave little traveler. Every new experience builds her confidence, and it’s been amazing to watch her discover that the world isn’t such a scary place after all.

Like many young dogs, Lily still has bursts of puppy energy and is learning that using her voice isn’t always the best way to get what she wants. She responds well to gentle guidance, consistency, and positive reinforcement. She’s mostly house-trained but may have an occasional accident as she continues to settle into a routine.

Lily is looking for a patient family who will celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and continue helping her become the confident little dog she’s meant to be. A home with another friendly, confident dog would help her continue to flourish, and she’ll reward your patience with unwavering loyalty, sweet snuggles, and the joy of watching a once-shy girl fully embrace the life she deserves.

As with all of our dogs, adopters must be willing to travel to Little Rock, Arkansas, to complete the adoption. We do not ship or transport dogs to their new homes, as we believe meeting your new family member in person is an important part of the adoption process.

If you think Lily might be the perfect addition to your family, please complete our online adoption application if you haven’t already. Then email Whitney Barron at wbarronp@gmail.com to let her know of your interest. Lily is ready to find the person who will continue helping her grow in confidence, and in return, she’ll fill your home with love, laughter, and endless cuddles.

See Lily in action here: Lilly_in action : AR

Online Application

Zeus in Hainesport, NJ

Meet Zeus, a handsome 6-year-old Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel born 11/18/19. This boy has a heart full of love and a playful spirit! Zeus came to rescue through no fault of his own. He was a cherished family companion, but with three young children and a busy household, his family made the difficult decision to find him a home where he could receive the time and attention he deserves.

Zeus is a sweet, silly boy who loves being close to his people. Whether you’re working from home, cooking dinner, or relaxing on the couch, Zeus is happiest right by your side. He also enjoys daily walks and exploring the backyard.

This lovable guy is both dog-friendly and kid-friendly. Zeus can be very excited meeting new dogs and can take some time to adjust. Zeus is well-behaved in the home and does not need to be crated; he is perfectly content free-roaming while his people are away. In fact, he prefers being part of the family and doesn’t enjoy being crated or separated from his humans. If you’re in a different room, he wants to be with you!

Zeus, who is at a healthy weight of 21 pounds, has a Stage 2 heart murmur and Syringomyelia, a neurological condition common in the breed. Both medical conditions are well-managed with medication but he would benefit from an annual consultation with a cardiologist and neurologist moving forward. Because of his Syringomyelia, he wears a harness instead of a collar and may scratch when touched around his chest, ears, or shoulders. He is up-to-date on vaccines and monthly preventatives, was microchipped, neutered and received a dental while in foster care. He is also fully house-trained, great in the car and on the leash.

Despite these medical considerations, Zeus is a happy, affectionate companion who has so much love to give. He’s looking for a family who will appreciate his gentle nature, respect his needs, and welcome him as their loyal sidekick. He would prefer to be an only-dog so he can receive all the attention, but has done well with the resident pup in the house. He is not cat tested. If you’re searching for a devoted best friend, Zeus may be your perfect match.

If you are interested in Zeus, please complete our online application if you haven’t already and then email Rebecca Plimpton at beckplimpton@gmail.com so she knows your interest.

Online Application