Dog Handling Tips: Crumble and Bleecker – 9 and 6 year old female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Crumble and Bleecker are a pretty pair of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel girls, aged 9 and 6 respectively. They are currently in an Oldies Club foster home in Cricklade, Wiltshire while they wait for a permanent home. Bleecker gets her unusual name from the Simon and Garfunkel song Bleecker Street. They both get on well with the other dogs in their foster home, as well as other dogs they meet out and about. Big, bouncy dogs worry them a little but they are still very sweet-natured with them. They’ve never lived with a cat and seem keen to chase any they see outside so no cats or small furries at home please. Both girls seem to like children but due to medical issues, they cannot be pulled about. It’s thought that sensible children from age 8 would be fine for them.

At the moment Crumble and Bleecker have one 45 minute walk a day. This, with garden time, is enough for their little legs. Two shorter walks would be fine too. Despite their size, they can both be strong on the lead. Bleecker, more so than Crumble, gets excited about walks and can be vocal at the start, just with the thrill of the great outdoors! Off lead they have both proved to be excellent, staying close and with good recall. They would be off like a shot if there was a rabbit to chase though, so secure fields only for zoomies.

Crumble loves playing with her teddies and lying in the sun. Bleecker likes swimming and chasing bubbles. They both like cuddling up to you on the sofa and are very often cuddled up together! Crumble and Bleecker’s dislikes thunder and fireworks. That’s about it! Apart from not liking cats, Crumble and Bleecker are relaxed and happy in most circumstances. They do have some breed specific health concerns, so someone experienced with CKCs would be good or at least someone willing and able to learn how to watch out for and manage the issues.

Health notes: Both girls are spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and flea/worm treated. Bleecker has Episodic Falling Syndrome, which is a genetic disease unique to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This causes her muscles to sometimes stiffen and she will then collapse. Episodes are rare (the last one was six months ago) and she recovers within a few minutes. No medication is usually need but she can be given Diazepam if necessary.

Crumble has high blood pressure (treated with Amlodopine) and Syringomyelia (controlled with Pregabalin and Amytriptyline). Since being in foster she hasn’t shown any symptoms but it’s a condition that does have flare-ups and will need lifelong management and regular vet checks. Estimated cost of her current medication if bought from a vet is around £80 a month, but could be slightly less from a reputable online pharmacy, with the advice of a vet.