Cavaliers of the Bluffs

Want to make something special for your Cavalier this Valentines Day?

 

Here are two Yummy Recipes from The Honest Kitchen.  Let me know how yours turn out and if you come up with any great variations.

This recipe uses heart-shaped or other cookie cutters to make pretty treats as a gift for your pet – or his or her boyfriends and girlfriends.
 

Ingredients

4 cups fresh raw chicken liver, preferably organic
2 free range eggs
¼ cup olive oil
2 cups instant quinoa flakes
3 tbsp applesauce
¼ cup dried cranberries or blueberries
1 clove fresh garlic, crushed
1 tsp of dried basil
Filtered water sufficient to make a batter

What to do
Preheat the oven to 350°F
Process the liver in a blender or food processor, until completely pureed.
Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour in the oil.
Add the pureed liver.
Mix in the dry ingredients slowly, stirring continuously so they are thoroughly combined. Add water gradually, until you have a ‘batter’ consistency.
Pour this batter into a flat 1 ½ to 2” cake tin.
Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
Cool in the tin until able to be handled, then gently turn the ‘cake’ out onto a rack and refrigerate* to cool completely. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters** to gently press out individual shapes. Save the scraps as a healthy topper on their next meal!

*The other advantage of cooling this recipe in the refrigerator is that it reduces the risk of thievery by your dog, before you have actually finished making it. This is a frequent occurrence with the dogs in our office.

**If you don’t have a cookie cutter, it’s also perfectly fine just to cut the loaf into bite sized squares. Really tiny squares are excellent as training treats because they have a good aroma and can be consumed quickly without filling up your dog’s tummy.

Valentines Pup-Cakes

Ingredients

2 cups Honest Kitchen Force™ dehydrated dog food
1 cup warm water
¾ cup whipped cream cheese
2 eggs
2 tbsp runny honey
½ cup fresh cherries, pitted
Optional: 4 or 5 fresh strawberries

(You will also need a muffin pan and paper cupcake cases for this recipe)

What to do
Preheat oven to 375°F. Insert the cupcake cases into the muffin pan.
Combine the Force, warm water and eggs together in a large mixing bowl.
Stir in ¼ cup only, of the whipped cream cheese, reserving ½ cup for the frosting. Next, gradually add the honey.
Fold in the pitted cherries.
Carefully spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases, half filling each one.
Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.
Let cool on a rack for 10 minutes.
Top with the remaining cream cheese and if using, slice the strawberries lengthways so the slices resemble hearts, and place one or two slices on each finished cake. These cupcakes will store in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Serve them up to your pup and her friends!

Find these and other homemade pet food recipes in Made out of Love!

 

What To Feed Your Cavalier . . .

That is what many of us Cavalier owners obsess about.  And since Cavaliers like to eat so much, they obsess about it too.

There are so many options out there, that I think that there are healthy choices for every dog, owner and lifestyle. Whether you feed raw, dehydrated or kibble there is information available to help you make better decisions that will benefit you and your pet.

I personally love feeding raw, however due to lifestyle changes I have had to make some adjustments.  So my goal right now is to feed my dogs the best that I can.  Here are some resources that I use on my quest.

One of my favorite books out there is Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats by Kymthy Schultze. You can purchase this great little book for under $10 and it will get you started.  And be sure to spend some time on Kymthy's web page.  It is a wealth of information.

You should also visit the blog Real Food for Dalmatians.  Even though you may not have a Dal in the family this blog offers sound advice that applies to all dog breeds.  My only complaint is that it is not updated more frequently.

Be sure to go to  The Honest Kitchen website, download their ebook and sign up for the newsletters.  This is a amazing company that is willing to share information.  If you have a pet with a health problem and need help, they have a nutritionist on staff and will give you the information that you need.

No matter what you feed your dog, become a frequent visitor at Dog Food Advisor for information on all types of food, ratings, recalls.  You will get up to date information from people that are more passionate and knowledge about food than anyone else I know!

 

If you have any other great sources that I should add to my "go to" list, please let me know!

Want To Help Rescue? Vote For Winston!

If you have an extra minute or two, please take the time to vote for Winston in the Bissell MVP Photo Contest. He is hoping to win the $10,000 Grand Prize that will go to his favorite charity.  And of course he would not mind having his photo on a Bissell box!  All you need to do is follow this link:  http://bissell.promo.eprize.com/mvpcontest/gallery?id=10936

 

Wishing You All A Warm and Wonderful Christmas!

 

Long Time . . .

Well, it has been a long time since I have posted on this blog. A lot has happened in the past year.  Since my last post, our lives have changed dramatically.  We have relocated to Ohio and are beginning to readjust and rebuild our lives.  And just in case you were wondering, no dog was left behind.  All of them are healthy, happy and enjoying the snow.  Well, all of them except Winston, he really doesn't like the snow.

My dedication to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and their first cousin the English Toy Spaniel has not changed.  If you need a referral to a reputable breeder, rescue dog, have questions, or want to share, please feel free to contact me.

 

Rescue Assessment Help Needed.

Is there anyone in the Riverside area able to do an assessment for a potential Cavalier rescue situation? If so, please message me. Thanks!!

Darling Little Bella Is Looking For a Forever Home . . .

Here is what her foster mom has to say about Bella . . .

Bella is a sweet as can be Cavalier Blenheim a little over a year. She

 is full of energy and will follow you everywhere hoping you give her

 love or play with her. She likes to sit with you on the couch, chair,

 bed, under my desk, or anywhere you are.. She is very sweet, good with

 other dogs. Is not aggressive. Though she is shy around new dogs at

 first. She knows all the basic commands, sit, down, etc.. but she is

 high energy and very bouncy so you must be patient. She enjoys walks,

 rides and likes to be groomed. She is potty trained and spayed. Bella

 needs lots of exercise or another dog in the house to play with. She

 loves playing with toys and even tries to take them to bed with her.

 She has been to the dog park and has learned how to fetch and retrieve

 this week. Did I mention she is also super smart and a total love bug?

 

 Bella was first bought at a puppy store at a mall and then given up on

 craigslist to another family who could not keep her because their

 granddaughter was allergic. She is being fostered by a family (me)

 that has two other cavaliers in Mar Vista in West Los Angeles.

 She just had a visit to the vet and everything checked out great.

 * * * Doesn't she just sound like the perfect puppy?  She just didn't get the right start, coming from a pet store and being on Craigslist.  Please, please do not try to find homes for your precious pets on Craigslist, it might be fine for used furniture, but not the place for our precious pets. * * *

You can contact Bella's foster mom directly at yourlahomegirl@gmail.com
 

And For A Shameless Plug . . .

I help support my rescue dogs by selling Avon.  All of the profit from my Avon "business" goes to help rescue Cavaliers that are in the animal shelters.

If you are interested in any Avon products, please go to www.youravon.com/lizdickens

Also if you are interested in selling Avon to help with your rescue projects, I can help you with that too.

Cavaliers Looking For Homes . . .

It seems as if there is an abundance of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels looking for loving homes.  Right now, good things are coming in pairs.  Here are some Cavaliers that are looking to be placed together.

First up is Dexter & Dillon,  five year old, healthy tri colored neutered brothers.  True Cavaliers in that they are affectionate and loving! Unfortunately I do not have a picture that will post, however I can assure you that they are extremely handsome boys! 

UPDATE on the two boys, it looks like their owner has decided to keep them.  I hope all of the challenges in her life have been solved and that she will be able to continue to provide for them, if anything changes, I am here to help.

Next up are two charming 4 1/2 year old girls.  I believe that they are available through the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue USA, or you can contact pmyers3528@yahoo.com for more information.

And in looking at the webpage for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue USA, it looks like they have a boy that is being fostered in Costa Mesa that has been there for awhile, so it is time that he got a permanent home. Meet Bhodi . . .

And just got word that there is going to be another Cavalier posted later today as soon as I get pictures.  She is a 1 1/2 year old girl named Bella . . .
 

 

Cavalier Fun Day Is This Sunday ~

It is a great place to meet people if you are looking for or need to place a Cavalier.  Lots of food, fun, great people and a beautiful day in the park with Cavaliers.  It doesn't get better than that! 

We Asked The Universe To Help Rescue Chloe ~

thank you to everyone that answered the call.  This lovely little 1 year old Cavalier girl was at the Orange County Animal Shelter.  Found as a stray, she did not have a collar or any other type of identification.

What you did not see from her picture, was that she had a horrific eye condition and was in desperate need of medical attention that was not available at the shelter.  And to make it even harder, is that while we knew she needed care, it could not be provided until she became the property of the shelter. 

So we waited.  She was finally available on Saturday, which is a day that I could not go and get her.  Fortunately Lynn and Mike were able to be there first thing in the morning to bail her out and take her to Dr Duston at Costa Mesa Animal Hospital.

Dr Duston took excellent care of Chloe and on a Saturday (those of you who have pets, know how hard it is to get treatment on a weekend, much less the Saturday before Easter) he removed her eye and spayed her.

Then today, sight unseen, Chloe's new family picked her up and took her home!

Thank you to those who made Chloe's rescue possible, Lynn, Mike, Dr Duston, Mary. Beverly, Nicole, Nathalie and all the others who sent good thoughts, offers of help and unconditional support, it is all very much appreciated.

The rescue of Chloe could not have happened without each one of you.

 
 

OK Universe ~ I am Sending This Out to You!

This weekend, there are two Cavaliers that are scheduled to come into rescue.  The first one is this 1 year old little girl.  What you don't see from the picture is that she has an eye problem that needs further evaluation from a Veterinarian, so that a decision can be made on how to treat it. 

 * * * Just got an update from the shelter, the eye is not savable.  So she will need to have it removed as soon as we are able to get her * * *  If anyone is interested in making a donation,  please contact www.costamesaanimalhospital.com or email me at dogslovemoe@aol.com, Dr. Duston has agreed to care for this wonderful little girl.

The second Cavalier is a 7 year old boy, who's Mom would like to keep him.  However she is working long hours as a flight attendant and lives in an apartment that does not take pets. 

He is good with cats and other dogs.  And like most Cavaliers hates being outside alone.  He needs medication for his MVD, and to avoid stairs due to his hip dysplasia and arthritis in his back.

We are looking to find a foster home that can take care of him for about 3 months.

So Universe, it is in your hands!

Save The Date ~ If You Love, Want, or Have a Cavalier This Is Where You Need to Be.

The Cavalier Fun Day will give you a chance to meet some wonderful Cavaliers and their owners.  Everyone is a lot more relaxed than they are at a show, because they are here to have fun!

The Freezers Are Full!

Julie at Easy to Spot has sent out word that her freezers are full and need to be cleaned out to make room for a new pickup.

Pickles is doing her bit to help, however no matter how hard she works at it, it won't be enough.

So if you are a raw feeder in Southern California contact Julie so she can get you taken care of.

Spring Has Sprung!

And with all of it's beauty, there are a few things that we need to look out for.

1.  Allergies.  With the big bloom that is going on many dogs will suffer from allergies, just as people do.  Olivia is the first one to show the signs.  Her eyes get swollen and itchy. 

For our dogs we have a routine that works well for us. If the irritation is mild, I use a warm wash cloth and gently wipe to the nose where the tear ducts are.  If the irritation is a little more severe, I use an eye wash from the pharmacy.

I then follow up with a drop of GenTeal Eye Drops.  I usually use the gel. Be sure to visit the website since there is almost always a coupon.

2.  Rattle Snakes.  Depending on where you live you may or may not run into these creatures.  Hopefully not.  Reports are that they are coming out early this year.  And the babies are even more dangerous than the big guys.

There are 3 things you can do about rattlers.  Avoid. If you are in a high risk area, consider the vaccine, and  attend a rattlesnake avoidance training clinic.

3.  Keep your dogs away from Sago Palms.  This plant is all over Southern California and very few dogs ever recover from the damage that it does.  For in depth information, the Orange County Register published an excellent article on this deadly plant.

And don't forget about the beautiful lily.  We all consider this plant a passage into spring.  Another beauty that is deadly to your pets. To help you decide what to plant this season here is a link to toxic plants.

4.  Cocoa Mulch.  Looks and smells good.  But is a definate no no if you have a dog. The best information that I found on this was on Snopes.

With all these warnings I hope that you are able to enjoy all the beauty that spring provides, longer days, mild weather, time outside with your pets, lizards, bunnies, birds and all of the beautiful blooms.

Meet A1011253 - Adopted.

 
This cute fella is currently residing at the Orange County Animal Care Center and will be available for adoption on Sunday the 21st.

He is 2 years old, neutered and very sweet.  It looks like he has a yeast infection, and that is very treatable with a visit to the Vet.  All of the rescue Cavaliers that I have been involved in have had one. 

He also needs a grooming and some good loving.

If you can pick this boy up, please let me know.  I will be in San Diego that day and not able to get to him til Monday. 

Happy St. Patricks Day ~ May The Luck Of The Irish Be With You!

I caught my little Leprachaun.  Now go and get yours! 

Thank you Linda for taking this picture of us at the Silver Bay Kennel Club.

Abundance~

Our dogs have been blessed.  My friend Julie over at Easy to Spot has started to participate in a landfill reduction program.  What this means to our dogs is that they are getting lots of variety added to their diet.

The meat is out of date and is due to be rotated out of the stores.  As part of the program Julie picks it up and helps get it into the hands of other raw feeders.  Like us.

We have found these meats to go perfectly with Preference by the The Honest Kitchen.

Preference is very easy to use.  It is a grain free base, that you soak in water and then add whatever meat that you want to use.  This is great for dogs with allergies that need to eat some of the less common meats. 

We love it for the variety that we are able to feed our dogs.

And don't forget to give those raw, meaty bones!

Good Morning Sunshine!

What A Wonderful Weekend ~

We had it all.  Three holidays, the Tet Spring Festival and New Year, Valentines Day and Presidents Day, and beautiful sunny weather!

We decided to kick off the weekend to The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, which just happens to be one of my favorite places.

And as luck would have it we made it in time for their Open House for their Chai Teas.  I sampled the the Chai Rooibos and now have a new favorite!

Then off to the Irvine Central Bark Park with all three in tow.

Pickles found a great place to roll in the grass.  I am not sure that I want to know what she was rolling in, but it was her holiday.

Olivia opened up and enjoyed running in the open space.

And well, when Winston was done checking the perimeter for escape routes, he decided to get some cuddling from Daddy.