Danny is a gorgeous, handsome ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was rescued in late Spring of 2009. He had been ‘selected’ as a breeder cull, no longer useful to a puppy mill in Nebraska. With a mouthful of decayed teeth and a growth on an eyelid, he was vetted in South Dakota. He was neutered and the teeth (except one molar) and eyelid growth were removed. After a short time in a foster home, we met Danny at an Adoption Event sponsored by Small Dog Rescue. We chose the very shy and fearful fellow to join our senior family (two and four-legged) along with our Great Pyrenees, D’Artagnon and two Cavaliers, Marina and Michael and one cat, Tucker.

Now, in Danny’s own words:

I was very shy and scared, but my presumed 10 years in the puppy mill as a breeder precluded any inhibitions over marking any territory in or out of my new home. Soon after I was adopted, my family was excited to foster two more rescued Cavalier girls. I turned up the heat. I peed on furniture, the other dogs’ bowls, their toys and a dog or two. Anything was fair game.

My new mom was happy to have the foster sisters. I had other ideas. With my breeding background, my behavior of marking was in full swing! Plenty of vinegar, paper towels, and doggie odor remover was utilized! My family has a doggie door to the yard. I used that regularly with the others, but the old behavior was very ingrained. If I was caught in the act in the house, my family scooped me up and took me outside to the designated potty spot. After the foster girls were adopted into their new homes, I had less of a need to keep up that job. With all the action, my mom forgot to be thankful I did not have the need to mount any of the others! I still squirt here and there once in a while. I am more content to keep the outside spots freshened up on our daily walks. My mom thinks the exercise is very helpful in venting that energy. Oh yeah, we have no carpeting in the house. Perfect!

At first I was afraid of human hands reaching to touch me. I would splat myself to the ground, trying to look unavailable to whatever doom may be coming. My family learned to approach me by squatting to my level and chucking me under my chin with gentle words. I didn’t find that as intimidating. My dad is a kisser of the family dogs. I have taken a time to think that is an acceptable gesture. I am learning he is just lovin’ on me.

Doorways remain a reason to stand back. I wait for reassurance that the door is not an unexpected weapon in my face. I accompany my family on Pet Therapy outings and trips to the pet store. It is a bit scary sometimes when kids run up to pet me. I try to slide behind Michael or Marina to be sure I am safe. Then I join in to be petted or especially get a treat from the cashier at the checkout.

I want to eat anything Michael and Marina eat. My mom cuts up fruits and vegetables for me because of my toothless mouth. I eat regular dog kibble with water on it. My tongue stays in my mouth unless I am sleeping.

I sleep in the family bed with everyone except D’Artagnon. He remains on the floor on a rug. Sometimes if I am alone in a room, I will ask for someone to join me. In my hoarse voice, “Woof! Woof!” I call for companionship. I will repeat myself as many times as it takes to get attention. I love company and especially enjoy being with Michael. We help D’Artagnon keep the neighborhood safe by barking briefly at passers by. We have very low windows in our home so we have a great view. Our favorite is to have our parents sitting on the couch or the laying on the bed with all of us. Beyond food, side by side is the best.

How can we say, “Thanks?” My family and I say, “Bless you, SDR!”

With love,

Danny