Lately, we have noticed several untruthful remarks posted to our Facebook page and other places on the internet. We are compelled to respond to these remarks, both because we are committed to provide the best care for the cavaliers in our program, as we have always been, and because we must protect our reputation. Otherwise, some people might take our silence for acceptance. It is not.
A breeder called and asked that we take title (transfer) of her litter of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. She described symptoms that were consistent with Syringomyelia (“SM”), which is an extremely serious condition in which fluid-filled cavities develop within the spinal cord near the brain. SM is also known as "neck scratcher's disease,” because one of its common signs is scratching in the air near the neck. She sent us video to document her belief that some or all of the puppies from this litter exhibited this symptom.
When we picked up the puppies, the breeder transferred title (i.e signed an owner release) to us as is common, for four puppies. We must have title to the puppies to make sure we have the ability to get them the best possible care. We immediately vetted all of the puppies, at our expense, including having them examined, diagnosed and treated by some of the best veterinarians in the country. The veterinarians did not believe that the scratching was due to a vaccine reaction.
We also found appropriate, loving foster families for these puppies, which is what Cavalier Alliance does. Contrary to what has been asserted, we do not, and did not, sell these puppies. Any assertion to the contrary is false.
Shortly after we began working with these sick puppies, we were contacted by the breeder who wanted the puppies back. At first, she offered to buy them, and for a substantial amount of money. When we refused, she hired a lawyer, which is her right, and brought a lawsuit to try to compel us to get them back.
The easiest thing for us to do would have been to sell them back to her and take the money. We chose not to take the easy way out though, for three reasons:
- First, we were very concerned about the health of these puppies when they came to us. They obviously had not been properly vetted, if they had been vetted at all. It was also evident that they were suffering from symptoms that were indicative of dermatologic and neurologic issues (consistent with SM). Their condition had to be properly diagnosed and treated by a veterinarians and specialists- once again this had not been done before we received them.
- Second, one these puppies had actually been sold by the breeder to an unsuspecting person who soon recognized that the puppy was ill. That person should have been told of the symptoms in advance of the sale. The buyer returned the sick puppy to the breeder and this was one of the four puppies that were transferred to us.
- Finally, we do not sell puppies and we were not about to start. We were getting increasingly concerned that there was an effort to hide the condition of these puppies, which is not right, in our view. We were committed to getting these puppies the best veterinary care we could and providing them with loving families if we could, and were not willing to sacrifice these principles for money or to advance ulterior motives of others.
That unfortunately necessitated us hiring our own lawyer to defend the lawsuit brought by the breeder. After all, just as the breeder was entitled to counsel, Cavalier Alliance was, as well. We decided to pay for legal counsel rather than accept a substantial offer from the breeder to take these puppies back, because we had no confidence that the puppies would be treated properly or that the breeder or others might not attempt to profit unfairly from the situation.
We are happy to report that the lawsuit ended quickly with a judgment in our favor. This was not a settlement – the breeder’s lawsuit was dismissed and a judgment entered against her. We are happy to supply anyone who wishes with a copy of the judgment.
We are distressed that we had to spend so much time on this, and that we were compelled to write this lengthy description of events. But these are the facts, the truth, and we could not remain silent while others were saying untrue things about us. We hope that this is the end of this and that we can all get back to spending our time on caring for these beautiful cavaliers, who need and deserve our love and attention.
Our 2018 desk top calendar is now available for preorder. It's a perfect size at just 8.5" x 4.25" and makes a perfect gift. To order, clink on Shop in the task bar above or visit http://cavalieralliance.org/shop.
Poppy’s cardiology recheck this week was great! There were no signs of heart failure and though her heart is still a bit enlarged (typical at this point), the team is hopeful it will continue to resolve (remodel). We will know more in another 8 -10 weeks.
Best news of all? She's cleared for normal puppy activities and play. 
Lately, we have noticed several untruthful remarks posted to our Facebook page and other places on the internet. We are compelled to respond to these remarks, both because we are committed to provide the best care for the cavaliers in our program, as we have always been, and because we must protect our reputation. Otherwise, some people might take our silence for acceptance. It is not.
The 2016 Cavalier Alliance ornament is now available for pre-order! This year our ornament was again designed by the talented Lauren Hamelin, and each one will be custom made for us.
This year's ornament features a sweet cavalier with a matte gold bow, dark red ribbon and a small gold heart charm. Each ornament is approximately 3" high and almost 2" wide.
The ordering period will close soon to allow for plenty of time in manufacturing and shipping.
Order at: Cavalier Ornament 2016 and check out with your Paypal account or via credit card. If you’d like to order via check, simply send the check with your name, shipping address and details on your order to us at: 64 Cedarwood Road, Boxborough, MA 01719.
Thank you so much for supporting the Cavalier Alliance!
We are so excited to share this update with you! HONEY CAN SEE!
Honey, the sweet blenheim with severe cataracts, came to the Cavalier Alliance several weeks ago. She struggled with pneumonia, severe dental disease, and was basically frozen in place due to her blindness. Her cataracts were almost 1/2" thick.
In this early photo you can see the cataracts on her eyes:
And just look at the post-surgical difference:
And the best part of all? After two days of hospitalization, she returns to her foster home and sees her four-legged buddies for the very first time. Her tail hasn't stopped wagging! Click on the line below to see the short video:
Honey Sees Her Buddies
Many many thanks to Deb Glottman, Honey's foster mom, the amazing team at Vermont Veterinary Eye Care including surgeon Sarah Stone Hoy and techs Angi and Ashlie, and all all of our wonderful supporters and donors who made sight possible for this deserving Cavalier.
Duncan, our long-term foster boy who has been struggling with Cushing's disease, is finally on the mend. His recovery is progressing well and our vets tell us that most pups with this disease take 3 - 6 months to stabilize. Since joining our program, this sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has had four ACTH tests to ascertain his cortisol levels and had his medicines adjusted to stabilize him.
Due to the generosity of our donors, he has also had a much-needed dental, with extractions, to allow his gum disease to heal. His tail was also amputated - only part-way - a complication of his untreated Cushing's disease.
Now his skin is healing, his fur is growing back and he loves to wander the garden. Take a look at his latest home movie!
