Welcome to Cavalier Rescue USA

Ivy in Villa Park, IL

Meet Ivy, your future little shadow! Ivy is a 4-year-old stunning female Black and Tan girl born 5-24-2022. She was given to Cavalier Rescue USA by her breeder who wanted the perfect forever home to be found for her.

Ivy has a clear heart and sound knees, and has recently undergone a spay, dental, is up to date on core vaccines, heartworm/flea/tick prevention and is microchipped. Although she is a very healthy girl, upon intake a 4DX test (heartworm and tick panel) was performed and Ivy tested positive for Lyme and Ehrlichia. She had not been symptomatic in her foster home or previously with her breeder, and has been consistently on preventatives for a long time, so it’s suspected the infection occurred several years ago therefore is not a current illness. Lyme and Ehrlichia are not contagious to other dogs or to people. Ivy has been treated with Doxycycline and there is no follow-up required since she might test positive for quite some time.

If you’re looking for a loyal best friend who will absolutely adore you, that is Ivy! This sweet girl is the definition of a velcro dog. She’ll follow you from room to room, curl up in your lap for as long as you’ll let her, and may even peek into the shower just to make sure you didn’t disappear! Ivy can be a little shy when she first meets someone, but give her a little time and her sweet, affectionate personality comes shining through. Once she decides you’re her person, she is ALL IN. Her favorite place is right by your side – or, even better, in your lap getting pets. Ivy previously lived in a home with young children that were very gentle and dog-savvy and she enjoyed their company, so a home with children would be fine for her as long as they are respectful and let Ivy get to know them on her terms since she is reserved with new people.

Ivy has also enjoyed the company of the other dogs in her foster home. Her one-year-old Cavalier foster brother worked hard to win her over, and now the two love running and playing together. She also gets along beautifully with her 12-year-old Lab foster sister. Ivy will even bring her treat over to lie next to her foster sister while she eats and has taken it upon herself to help keep her eyes clean. She’s also become buddies with a 50-pound dog she sees regularly; Ivy was unsure of her at first, but after a few visits, they became friends! Ivy enjoys the company of dogs both large and small, so having a canine friend or two is something that is important for her in her forever home. Ivy has not been around cats.

Ivy is crate trained and currently sleeps comfortably in her crate in her foster mom’s bedroom next to her foster brother. She is reliably housetrained and currently enjoys free roam of the house without any accidents. Ivy loves to take walks wearing a harness and enjoys her daily exercise in the quiet neighborhood. She also enjoys exploring the physically fenced yard in her foster home, so a fenced yard would be important in her forever home as well.

She also takes her neighborhood-watch duties very seriously! If something is new or different, Ivy will make sure you know about it. She may bark when someone comes to the door, but she settles quickly. Her foster family has been working with her on her barking, and she has already made tremendous progress.

Ivy is looking for a family who will give her a little patience while she gets comfortable and plenty of love once she does. In return, you’ll get a devoted little companion who wants nothing more than to be your best friend. If you have room in your home—and your lap— Ivy just might be your girl!

If you meet all of Ivy’s requirements and live within a reasonable driving of Villa Park, Illinois, please complete our online application if you haven’t already and send an email to Carrie Thiergart at cavalierrescuecarrie@yahoo.com so she knows of your interest.

Online Application

Leo and Isobel in Loretto, MN

My name is Leo, and my “sister’s” name is Isobel. I’m younger (7 years old), and very handsome. Isobel is older (10 years old), and she’s cute, but needs to slim down a bit (no offense, sis!) We are a bonded pair, and we want to go to our forever home together. I’m going to speak for both of us because I am more outgoing than she is. My foster mom says that I have a little bit of a type A personality, whatever that is! I love to go on walks (and I walk nicely), chase flies and bark at strangers and other dogs (especially those scary t.v. dogs!). Isobel is more relaxed and she doesn’t mind walks, but really just likes to nap in her favorite chair.

We are both microchipped, have all our vaccinations, and are on flea and tick preventatives. I do have a heart murmur at a level ¾, and Isobel has one too at a level ½. We don’t have to take any medicine for that yet. I have seen a cardiac specialist at the U of M, so there is a baseline echocardiogram. I am diagnosed as B1 – mild valve leak with no heart enlargement. We both have sparkling clean teeth, but a few had to be removed. We both have gotten itchy lately, so our foster mom gives us Benadryl twice a day inside a yummy pill pocket. We get to have the pill pockets until there is a hard frost. I weigh 18 lbs and Isobel weighs 23 lbs.

I like to follow my foster parents everywhere and see what they’re up to. Even though I like to stay busy, I really love attention too and curling up in one of my foster parent’s laps. Sometimes Isobel likes to cuddle too, but mostly she just likes to nap near her people. Neither of us are really very interested in wrestling or playing with toys. But we do love when the older grandkids come for a visit, and we also think car rides are fun.

When my foster parents go somewhere without us, I feel better in a doggie play pen with my sister, rather than in a small kennel. I bark a little to let them know they should take us with them, but then we both just take a little nap. At bedtime, Isobel and I would love to sleep in the big, comfy bed with our forever family but could also settle in a crate or pen. We get along well with our foster dogs and old guy cat.

My foster mom says that we are both very sweet and loveable. She especially likes my curly tail, and Isobel’s long tongue that sticks out when she naps, and uses for kisses. We would like a fenced yard, and someone home most of the day. We love to be with our people!

If you think we are a great match for you, please complete an adoption application if you haven’t already and then email Gail Jansen at cavalierrescueusawimn@gmail.com if you’re interested in meeting us.

Online Application

Remy in Sidney, IL

Hi! My name is Remy. I’m a little guy at just 10.5 pounds, born 10/07/2024, and full of puppy energy. My foster family sometimes calls me “Remy Roo” or “Little Stinker.” Before coming to Cavalier Rescue USA, I never really had the chance to enjoy being a puppy. Now I’m making up for lost time by running, playing, and loving life!

I currently have a short haircut, but my soft coat is growing back beautifully. I’m thriving with a healthy diet and plenty of fresh water, and should sport a nice, full Cavalier coat soon. I’m neutered, up to date on my vaccines, and in great health. I do have a slight overbite, but it doesn’t slow me down one bit.

I’m still a little shy around my foster dad and teenage son, and sudden movements can startle me. I’ve bonded closely with my foster mom, and I love cuddling with her on the couch or in bed. I live happily with three other Cavaliers and a kitty. I occasionally chase the cat and enjoy following my foster mom and the other dogs around.

I’m making great progress with potty training. I keep my kennel clean but will need continued patience and consistency in my new home as I adjust to new routines. I currently wear a belly band indoors as a precaution while I’m learning. I get to go outside a lot and do potty outside but at times I get distracted as to what I’m supposed to be doing because there are so many new things I’m getting used to in my new life.

For safety, I wear a harness when I am leash walking outside the fenced yard and am still struggling and learning how to walk on a leash. I also love chewing on Nylabones and dog toys, and with a little practice, I think I’d make a great fetch partner!

I’m a sweet, affectionate boy looking for a calm, patient family that will continue building my confidence with love and positive reinforcement. I’d do best in a home where someone is around for part of the day and where I have a securely fenced yard to safely run and play.

If you think we’d be a great match, please complete an adoption application if you haven’t already and then email Meg Hutson Eisenmenger at Cavalierrescuemeg@gmail.com so she knows you’re interested in meeting me!

Online Application

Tinkerbell in Glencoe, IL

Hello! My name is Tinkerbell (or Belle or Tinker); thanks for checking me out. I heard you are looking for the perfect Cavalier companion; here’s a little bit about me.

I have spent my entire life with my loving human. However, she explained to me that although she loves me very much, she can’t take care of me anymore and that it’s time for me to be with another family who needs a beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I miss her but I know that Cavalier Rescue USA will find the perfect forever home for me.

I am a 2 year old (my birthday is January 24, 2024) female, black and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. My foster mom says I’m gorgeous. I am spayed, up to date on core vaccines, heartworm/flea/tick prevention and am microchipped. I have a clear heart and sound knees, and at 20 pounds the vet said I should lose a pound or two, but I think a little extra padding makes me look strong. I am a good eater, but I am allergic to chicken so no chicken for me. I am an avid treat eater and I’m so smart that I can find them anywhere; on the floor, in toys, under the couch, wherever they might end up.

I am very well house trained, although my foster parents are home most of the time to let me outside quite often. I am crate trained and sleep well through the night (although I prefer sleeping with my human instead of in a crate – who wouldn’t?). I am a marvelous kisser and love to surprise people with kisses, especially on the face when they’re not expecting it! One thing that makes me stand out from other Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is that I don’t have a tail. I wasn’t born with one and I don’t mind. In fact, I think it makes me unique and I don’t have to think about getting it dirty and having it brushed all the time!

I think my greatest strength is home security; that is definitely my calling. I will alert you by barking at any squirrel, rabbit, bird, butterfly, leaf, delivery person, other dogs and anyone we don’t know. But, oh no, it’s not a mean bark at all. It’s just my way of saying “hello, I’m here and I see you!”. Due to my tendency to bark at these trespassers, I would be best in a single-family home. My other great strength is chasing toys and balls. I will do it endlessly! I don’t always bring it back to you, so you’ll get some exercise finding it. It sort of makes us workout partners. That’s good, right? I enjoy running, playing and hunting all sorts of small animals and butterflies in my foster parents’ physically fenced yard, so this is something that is important for me to have in my forever home since I have a very high prey drive! I enjoy going for car rides with my foster mom, especially when I can sit up higher in my Snoozer car seat and see out the window and watch the world go by. Other passengers smile when they see me; I mean, who wouldn’t smile when they see my adorable face?

If I have to think about my weaknesses, the obvious one is that I bark. But let’s be honest, this may or may not be a weakness. It’s true that I will bark at just about anything (see home security above). I’ll bark at first but if I can approach carefully and give a sniff I’ll easily settle in and become a best friend. I sometimes tend to jump up on people, too, because I’m so excited. After I become your friend, I will jump up and say “hi” because humans are much bigger than me and I’m afraid they might not see me. My foster mom is working on this “bad habit” as she calls it, but it’s a work in progress.

I am very very strong – why is this a weakness, you ask? When I go for a walk, I like to pull you along. My foster mom said I can’t do this and she’s working on it but, heck, I just have so much energy – maybe I was meant to be a sled dog? I need someone who will be dedicated to giving me a lot of exercise each day, whether it’s long walks, agility, or another activity; I would be great at dog sports, I’m a very athletic girl!

I am fine if you leave me alone for short periods of time, but having my person who is home most of the day would be best because that’s what I have been used to my whole life and I get very attached to my people. I like other dogs, but since I love my people so much I’d also be fine as an only child as long as I am not left alone and am kept busy, getting plenty of walks and exercise; I can be your personal Velcro dog. I have been around children and older, calm, respectful and dog-savvy children are fine, but I like children on my own terms (meaning I like to approach them). I will love anyone else after I get to know them. I have not been around cats but due to my high prey drive I might have the tendency to chase them.

If you’re looking for an energetic, affectionate girl that loves attention and being with you all of the time, have a secure physically fenced yard, are home most of the time and live within a reasonable driving distance of Glencoe, Illinois, please complete our online application if you haven’t already and send an email to Carrie Thiergart at cavalierrescuecarrie@yahoo.com so she knows of your interest.

Online Application

Katie in Okemos, MI

Here is Katie with her new family…

Sassy-pants, Katie! Hi, I’m Katie and I’m full of energy and optimism that my equally energetic fur-ever family is out there. I’m a 15-pounds-little, Blenheim female born 2-24-25. I’ve been told I have a busy little spirit, a heart that loves everyone, and a story that deserves a soft landing.

I came into rescue when my senior owner developed health issues, the kind that made it impossible for my person to keep caring for me the way they wanted to. Now I am enjoying the company of the other dogs in my foster family who are helping to teach me good house manners. They are great teachers but a little too old to be great playmates. I blossom with a buddy. I wiggle, chase, bounce, and share toys. I’m the kind of girl who thrives with companionship, another dog my age and size who understands my goofy energy and my love of play.

While I like the companionship of another dog, I LOVE people-attention! I’m a lively, curious, busy puppy at heart. I trot around my foster home checking on the people. Thankfully, my foster mom works from home, so there is someone around to help reinforce my potty-training with frequent trips outside and walks in the neighborhood. I adore humans of all ages —kids, adults, seniors— if you’re a person, I’m already your biggest fan! I greet everyone with joy because I truly believe every new face is a friend I haven’t met yet.

And yes… I’m trying very hard to be a guard dog. I know Cavaliers aren’t known for security skills, but I give it my best effort. I’ll bravely bark to alert you to suspicious leaves, questionable delivery trucks, and any squirrel who dares to exist. I’m tiny, but I’m determined! My foster mom says I belong in a home, not a condo or apartment where my barking might disturb the neighbors.

Underneath all the feigned bravery and silliness, I’m a loving and loyal little soul. I definitely want to be part of a family’s everyday life — the morning routines, the laughter, the quiet evenings, the moments that make a house feel like home. I want to be someone’s comfort, someone’s joy, someone’s reason to smile. I want to be your everything!

My dream home is one with lots of dog-centric activity and people with time to play and engage with a puppy. I desire a family that will include me in all their activities inside & outside. I will do best with a similar size/age dog companion to help teach me good habits and/or a person fully committed to me and my training needs. A fenced yard would be great, so I can run around and burn off some puppy energy under my family’s supervision. Please don’t leave me alone in my fenced area, though. I’m just too little to face off predators. In addition to a fenced yard, I would like my people to take me on walks at the park, the beach, around the neighborhood, etc. My foster mom says I can walk for miles. Are you up to the task?

I’m spayed, up-to-date on my vaccinations, and microchipped. At my recent vet visit, the vet suspected that I may have an elongated soft palate. This is a genetic condition common in dogs with short snouts. Right now the vet said that no surgery is recommended. But my new family should have their vet pay close attention to this as I get older. To help me manage this condition, I use a harness instead of a collar and at mealtime, I use a slow-feeding bowl. I snore a lot when I sleep and snort when I am excited, both symptoms of this condition. Aside from this, I am not bothered by this.

I’m full of life, and ready for my next chapter. If you have room in your heart for a sweet, busy, people loving girl, please consider adopting me. I’m ready to belong to an active family forever.

Please complete our online application (if you haven’t already) and then send an email to June at June.cavaliers@gmail.com to let her know that you are interested in Katie. We will only consider applicants that have a fenced yard, another small young dog and someone home during the day to help with potty-training. Potential candidates should demonstrate that they are able to provide an active lifestyle for this energetic little girl.

Online Application

Aspen in Oak Park, IL

Here is the pup with his new family…

Say hello to Aspen, a gentle, handsome 15-pound Tricolor Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a heart of pure gold! He is 6-years-old and was born on April 19, 2020. Aspen came to Cavalier Rescue USA from a commercial breeding facility, and while he started off a timid, cautious and shut down little fellow, he has truly started to blossom into a confident, affectionate, and downright delightful companion. He is still shy and timid around new people and children seem to stress him out so he would be happiest in a calm, all adult home.

Watching him discover the joys of family life has been a blessing, and he is now ready to find his forever home! Aspen is the perfect blend of cozy couch potato and playful pup. Most days, you will find him peacefully lounging in a plush bed or comfortably snuggled up right next to you. Once Aspen bonds with his human, he becomes the ultimate “Velcro” Cavalier, always eager to keep you company and offer gentle devotion. Yet, don’t let his relaxed demeanor fool you—this boy has serious skills! Aspen has become quite the expert treasure hunter when it comes to the toy collection. He has learned how to open the toy chest all by himself, carefully selecting his favorite treasures and building an impressive stash on the couch. He also has a playful streak and absolutely adores a good game of fetch!

When it comes to daily life, Aspen is easygoing and quickly settles into a routine. He shares his foster home with a younger, energetic Cavalier and handles her playful antics with maturity, though he would also be perfectly happy as the only dog in his forever home.

While he occasionally appreciates a little gentle encouragement to head out the front door, once he’s outside, he happily settles into a relaxed, carefree rhythm on leash and truly enjoys his walks.

Aspen is house trained but will need to learn his forever family’s routines. In his foster home he does well with multiple outdoor trips and leash walks a day. He currently does well with short periods in his crate where he steps in happily to get all of his meals, but we are yet to test him with longer crate time and haven’t felt the need as he is very well behaved in the living space.

He will thrive best in a patient, loving home that appreciates his sweet soul, values his affectionate nature, and will continue to encourage his newfound confidence. Whether you are looking for a loyal lap warm-up partner or a fun fetch buddy, Aspen is ready to fill your home with boundless love and gentle joy.

Since coming to rescue, Aspen has been neutered, brought up to date on vaccines, had a dental cleaning with a few teeth needing extraction, and is on heartworm/flea/tick prevention. He is also microchipped.

If you are interested in this Cavalier, please complete our 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