Welcome to Cavalier Rescue USA

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

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

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

Kitty in Plainfield, IL

Update 7-29-26: We’ve received several promising applications for this pup so aren’t taking more applications for now. Thank you!

Kitty is the most lovable and snuggly 3-year-old Cavalier girl. She recently turned 3 on July 2nd. She was given to Cavalier Rescue USA by her breeder and is enjoying life on the couch. Kitty enjoys playing in the backyard and cuddling on her foster mom’s lap.

Kitty has made herself very comfortable in her foster home after taking time to explore and becoming familiar with the stairs. She is becoming more and more comfortable walking on a leash with a harness. She prefers to keep step with her foster sister; neighborhood walks help with her puppy-like energy. She is comfortable with her collar and does best walking alongside her foster mom with a light, loose leash. She is eager to take in all the smells and noises when she is outside and shows no signs of lunging toward cars. Her forever family will need to continue working on her leash manners and teach her how to not get tangled up.

Kitty is consistent with potty time when taken out regularly. She should be kept to a regular schedule of every two to three hours when awake and not in her crate. She does not bark and will need continual training for a “signal” when it’s time to go potty. Her most telling sign is a prolonged smell of the floor. Kitty and her foster sister go out for potty time and she easily gets distracted by the smells. When she goes she is immediately rewarded with a small treat. Kitty will need someone who can offer patience, praise, and consistency in regard to potty training.

Kitty entered foster care a bit unsure and very cuddly. She immediately bonded with her foster mom and spends most of her day with her in the office. Kitty is not scared of her crate and sleeps well in there through the night. Because she loves snuggling on the couch, she has also shown interest in the people bed. Anytime her foster family is running errands she is crated. Kitty is interested in small toys but has not shown a big desire to play with them when she can run outside instead! Kitty takes naps on the couch or on a dog bed in her foster mom’s home office. She sleeps easily through the night (10 pm – 7 am) without needing any potty breaks.

Kitty does well at meal times and occasionally needs direction to start eating. She is currently being fed “Blue Buffalo” brand food twice per day as she grows into a healthy pup.

She is a great passenger in the car. Kitty has traveled comfortably in crates and carriers. She likes to ride and has shown no signs of motion sickness. Kitty is the sweetest dog, full of pep-in-her-step and unconditional love!

Kitty is looking for a loving fur-ever home where she can enjoy plenty of snuggles, soft blankets, and a family that is home during the day to provide regular potty breaks. She would thrive with another friendly canine companion to keep her company.

Kitty is a curious and adventurous little girl who loves to explore her surroundings. Because of her inquisitive nature, she likes to investigate doors and gates and often stays close underfoot. Her new family should be active, have good mobility, and be mindful whenever doors or gates are opened.

A home with a consistent routine, moderate activity level, and short daily walks would suit Kitty best. It is currently unknown how she does with young children, teenagers, or cats, but she has done well with other dogs.

Kitty weighs 15 pounds, has been spayed, micro-chipped, treated for ear infections, had a recent dental cleaning with only 2 teeth extractions, and is up-to-date on her vaccinations. The vet noted that she is a healthy pup.

We’ve also been told that Kitty is capable of climbing a chain link fence, so she will require a secure, solid wood, block, or vinyl privacy fence that is over 4 feet tall to help keep her safe.

A home with a consistent routine, moderate activity level, and short daily walks would suit Kitty best. Kitty grew up with children in the home so she is good with respectful, dog-savvy kids. It is currently unknown how she does with cats, but she has done well with other dogs.

If you’re looking for a sweet companion who will happily curl up beside you after a little adventure, Kitty may be the perfect addition to your family! Please complete our online application and then email Meg Hutson Eisenmenger at Cavalierrescuemeg@gmail.com so she knows of your interest.

Online Application

Josie in Lake Forest, IL

Here is Josie with her new family…

Hi! My name is Josie and I am the definition of FUN! I am 6 years old (my birthday is April 4, 2020) and I was given to Cavalier Rescue USA by my breeder who wanted the perfect forever home to be found for me.

I have a clear heart and sound knees. At 21 pounds I was told that I need to lose a couple of pounds, so I’m currently on a diet. I have recently undergone a spay, dental, am up to date on core vaccines, heartworm/flea/tick prevention and am microchipped. Although I am a very healthy girl and had a dental earlier this year, I was told that I will most likely need dental cleanings every year.

I have beautiful Tricolor markings and a very expressive face. I love to run around and explore the large physically fenced yard at my foster home. I am a very strong girl and I like to play tug and chase my foster sisters (especially the bully mix, she’s so much fun!), so I would love to have at least one other playful dog in my forever home.

I’ve been to my foster parent’s lake house and I went in the lake with my foster mom; I can swim, but I prefer to sunbathe on the deck.

I absolutely love my foster siblings. I can usually be found in the middle of a giant cuddle puddle or curled up with one of them. I love going on car rides and on new adventures, even if it’s just running errands with my foster mom; I love tagging along since I get lots of attention everywhere I go. I enjoy meeting new people and I like respectful, dog-savvy children of all ages – I am not shy at all! I love to snuggle my foster siblings and my foster parents – if there’s an empty lap, I will climb up into it! Whoever wants to snuggle I’m all in, anytime.

I am a very good girl; I am reliably house trained (although my foster mom is home quite a bit to let me out), I sleep all night in my own crate, and during the day I have earned the trust of my foster parents to have the run of the house. I do have quite the snore for such a small dog, so my foster mom uses a sound machine to help muffle my cute little noises.

I like to partake in neighborhood watch duty with my foster brother and sisters; there are so many trespassers that I like to yell at when they walk by the house! Therefore, I would do best in a single-family home where my alerts won’t bother any neighbors. I walk well on a leash using a harness, so walks would be a great part of my weight loss plan. I LOVE food and am a voracious eater, and I have enjoyed all of the fun and healthy foods my foster mom has given me; goat milk ice cream is my favorite special treat.

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

See Josie playing with her buddy… Josie and Friend

Online Application

Maggie May in Fort Wayne, IN

Meet Maggie May…

With her gentle eyes and quiet devotion, Maggie May is the kind of dog who will softly steal your heart and never let go. This tender, shy little shadow girl is just beginning to discover what love truly feels like-and she’s ready to share that journey with a family of her own.

Coming from an Amish breeder, Maggie May has known uncertainty, but now she is spayed, healthy, and ready to begin a new chapter filled with love, safety, and belonging. She weighs just under 12 lbs, so a petite pup.

At first, she may be timid, quietly observing the world around her. But with patience and kindness, she begins to trust-and when she does, she will gently follow you everywhere, becoming your devoted and loyal companion. Watching her slowly come out of her shell, gaining confidence and revealing her sweet personality, is a truly heartwarming and rewarding experience.

Maggie May has light pigmentation around her eyes, but her vision is perfectly fine-it’s simply part of what makes her beautifully unique.

She does well with children and other dogs, making her a wonderful addition to a loving family or a home with other canine friends.

Maggie May is searching for a patient, gentle family who will give her the time, reassurance, and unconditional love she needs to truly blossom. In return, she will give you her whole heart—a quiet, faithful companion who will cherish you every day.

If you feel that Maggie May could be the missing piece of your family, we would love to hear from you.

Please read Our Process and FAQ’s and then 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