Cavaliers as Companions November / December 2024 / January 2025 Edited by Dennis & Tina Homes |
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’A Royalist Decree’, by Roger Inman (British, 1948-2016)
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CAVALIERS OF LONDON
Cavaliers of London is a group of Cavalier owners from in and around the London area to meet up and enjoy fun days with their dogs. It was started by Candace Burr Queathem who is American and moved to London in 2018 with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Biscuit. She soon realized that she wanted to connect with other Cavalier owners in London so started the Cavaliers of London social group.
She says, "It is open to all, free, and primarily a way to support cavalier families with a Cavalier community. We share information, health tips, care for each other and build strong friendships. Over the years many people have asked to join our meetups to discover the breed for a first time. On the other hand, dear group members have also joined us in the wake of losing their cavaliers and it’s a special, sacred time to share with them. We’re really proud of the group we’ve built and enjoy the fun memories shared together!"
It is open to all Cavalier owners who live in or around London, or even much further if they wish to travel to London for the meet ups. Both show exhibitors and pet owners are all welcome. It’s for everyone who loves the breed.
One active member is Julia Wilson who often enters shows and has been quite successful with her Black & Tan Naomi. She says, "We love going to all London dog events and I organised few Cavaliers meet ups in London. Different goodie bags were kindly made with our sponsor’s support. I joined Cavaliers of London in 2021 and we are really proud to be involved in meetings of this beautiful breed."
For anyone who wishes to join this group please check into their Facebook page "Cavaliers of London."
Here are a few photos from their last summer meet up.
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DOG YEARS
Many people tend to think that seven years in a dog’s life is the equivalent to one year in a human’s life. This assumption is quite widespread and is in fact untrue. There is a very slight variation among different breeds but this chart shows how dog years match up to human years.
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 A Cavalier pops by for a drink!
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PRODUCTS TO BEWARE OF
We have mentioned in the past various products that can be hazardous to dogs, but there are two items that we feel are worth mentioning again. The first is Xylitol, an artificial sweetener has dramatically increased in use over recent years. Like chocolate, that contains xanthines, it appears to have no adverse reactions in people but can prove hazardous, and in some cases fatal, to dogs. It is used in some of the popular non sugar type chewing gums such as Orbit. In fact Orbit have mentioned xylitol as a main ingredient in some of their TV adverts where they are promoting their product as useful in combating plaque and keeping teeth healthy.
Xylitol, which is found naturally in very small amounts in both strawberries and raspberries, tastes just like sugar but with far fewer calories. The food industry has been using this non-sugar sweetener in many foods particularly in diabetic preparations, mints, sugar-free puddings and chewing gum. Although it has been deemed safe for human consumption it can be fatal in dogs. Even small amounts can cause mass insulin release in dogs which quickly leads to severe acute hypoglycaemia. The rapid loss of blood sugar levels soon leads to liver failure.
The stark warning to all dog owners is be very careful with what you leave lying around. Sweet minty things are like magnets to dogs, and as we have mentioned before on these pages there are many food stuffs that are regular parts of the human diet and yet can be highly toxic to dogs. Only give dogs treats that are specifically prepared for them. It is far better to be safe than sorry.
The other thing to keep a check on is potpourri. Although the vast majority of potpourri items are perfectly safe there are others that can be extremely hazardous to dogs. There are some potpourri products manufactured in India that may contain strychnine. In its commercial source it comes from a certain tree grown in India. In Europe and North America there are strict rules about ingredients that go into any form of commercial production. Unfortunately, in the booming economies of the Asian markets such as India and China procedures are lax and many products are being imported from the Far East into Europe and North America without vital checks being made. If you have any potpourri in your home, (you may have received some as a Christmas gift), please check where it was made, and above all keep it well away from your dogs.
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SUNLIGHT SOAP

In 1884 Lever & Co first began producing Sunlight soap. In just three years they were making 450 tons of Sunlight soap a week and William Lever purchased a large plot of land on which he built Port Sunlight — a large factory on the banks of the Mersey opposite Liverpool, with a purpose-built village for its workers providing a high standard of housing, amenities and leisure facilities. Sunlight soap soon became very popular in Britain but its biggest rival was Pears soap which had been used extensively by the middle classes since the mid-1800s. In 1914 the Lever Company took a major shareholding in Pears and by 1920 the process was completed and manufacture of both soaps was produced at Port Sunlight.
What then is the connection between this and Cavaliers? Well, the symbol for Pears soap for many years was the painting ’Bubbles‘ by Sir John Everett Millais who was the grandfather of Amice Pitt who probably did more to establish the Cavalier breed than anyone else. Millais had also included Toy Spaniels in several of his paintings.
  (Left) ’Bubbles‘ used extensively in adverts for Pears Soap. (Right) A painting featuring Cavaliers by the same artist Sir John Everett Millais.
In the early years of the twentieth century a Cavalier was used in adverts and posters for Sunlight Soap as can been seen below.
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BOOK REVIEWS
Dog Psychology
How dogs think, feel and bond with humans
By Dr Carlos Vazquez
Dive deep into the mysterious and fascinating world of dogs with "Canine Minds: Understanding the Emotional and Cognitive World of Dogs" a groundbreaking book that unveils the intricacies of canine psychology. Written by Dog Psychologist, Dr. Carlos, this comprehensive guide explores the complex mental landscape of our four-legged companions, offering readers an unparalleled insight into how dogs think, feel, and form unbreakable bonds with humans. Drawing on years of extensive research and real-life case studies, Dr Carlos delves into the canine brain, decoding the subtle cues and behaviors that reveal their thoughts and emotions. From the exuberant wag of a tail to the subtle tilt of a head, "Canine Minds" helps dog lovers decode their pet’s actions and understand their needs on a deeper level. The book also explores the evolutionary history of dogs and the role of domestication in shaping their psychological traits. Discover how the ancient bond between humans and dogs has evolved over time, and learn how you can strengthen this unique connection. "Canine Minds" is not just a scientific exploration — it is also a practical guide filled with tips and strategies to enhance your relationship with your furry friend. Learn how to harness the power of positive reinforcement, create a stimulating environment, and provide the emotional support your dog needs to thrive. Whether you are a dog owner, a pet professional, or simply a dog lover, "Canine Minds: Understanding the Emotional and Cognitive World of Dogs" is an essential read that will transform your understanding of these remarkable animals and enrich the bond you share with them.
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Puppy Brain
How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love
By Kerry Nichols
How do you raise a happy, healthy, and emotionally resilient dog? Full of actionable guidance, "Puppy Brain" will show you how to create a harmonious, fulfilling relationship with your pet, from Kerry Nichols, founder of Nicholberry Goldens. Do you want to learn how to help your dog feel safe? Do you dream of owning a dog who enjoys meeting new people and exploring new places? Kerry Nichols, founder of Nicholberry Goldens, brings readers into the whelping box and onto the frontlines of a puppy’s developmental journey with her trademark clarity and wit.
With guidance about everything from crate training to spaying and neutering, "Puppy Brain" distils the latest insights and breakthroughs from canine research into practical, actionable, evidence-based guidance. Through years of research into brain development and the use of intentional rearing protocols that focus on honoring a puppy’s choices and needs, Kerry has developed an approach that results in a harmonious, fulfilling relationship with our dogs rather than one steeped in rote obedience. "Puppy Brain" will reshape the way you think about your dog and show you how to meet your dog’s most basic needs. With irresistible photos, clear guidance, and engaging humor, "Puppy Brain" reveals the best training practices based on how your dog’s mind works. As her hundreds of thousands of followers can attest, Kerry’s guidance will help you raise dogs who are confident, loving, and happy. The perfect gift for dog lovers and psychology enthusiasts alike, "Puppy Brain" is the definitive resource for anyone looking to raise their puppy with respect and love.
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A FEW FUN PICS
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PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
"A quick sneak!"
"What are you reading?" |
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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
"The journey of life is sweeter when travelling with a dog. In a perfect world every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog."
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For further online Cavalier news and stories don’t forget to read some truly inspirational articles by logging on to the Pawz and Pray page at pawzandpray.com
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
If you have any questions about owning a Cavalier then click on the envelope to email Dennis and Tina who will only be too pleased to try and help you.
However please remember that we are not Vets or Lawyers so questions on these topics should be addressed to the professionals for advice.
Questions and answers that are of interest to other owners may be published on this page.
The Cavalier Club is not responsible for external website content. |
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