History of Dallarock Cavaliers.

My introduction to the Cavalier came in 1984 when I was visiting a bookshop near my home and noticed a pretty little tricolor dog sitting quietly on a chair. From time to time I would visit "Ruthie" and was so taken by her sweet, friendly temperament and beautiful eyes, that I was determined to find my very own.

About a year later, I was fortunate to find a breeder quite close to home and Thornhill Bristol (Bandit - a tricolor dog) and Thornhill Rockingham (Higgins - his Blenheim litter brother) sons of Tiger Mountain Barry, came home to live with me.

For ten years, I began collecting these little dogs as pets. My youngest son, Scott, acquired his own Cavalier from the Brimstoke kennel - Brimstoke Beau Brummel. "Brando" was the only Cavalier I've ever known that was a 'one-man dog' - Scott was his man and he didn't care about anyone else.

Several years later, I decided to have a little fun in the showring and began showing a beautiful Blenheim girl we called Jenny, MacNichols Pride Lorna Doone, who now lives with my nephew, Michael, in San Francisco. My foundation bitch came along in 1996 when I was fortunate enough to meet Anne Eckersley-Robins. Anne sent me Chadwick Musical Harmonee, "Duet", a Ch. Sanickro Hunky Chunk of Travtana daughter, who is the absolute love of my life.

Duet is nearly nine years old and she remains heart clear; however, she was diagnosed with Syringomyelia two years ago. I have not yet had a homebred Champion, but I feel so lucky to have had the pleasure of acquiring two outstanding examples of the breed and showing them both to their CKCSC Championships.

Ch. Sanickro Crusader of Dallarock (Alex) came to this country when he was just 6 months old and was made up before he reached the age of two, now co-owned with Cynthia Scanlan of Cloudbase Cavaliers. Ch. Pinecrest Vicktorias Secret of Dallarock (Lacy) is my other CKCSC Champion, sired by another Sanickro dog, AKC Ch. Sanickro Made to Measure of Pinecrest.

Lacy will be 7 years old in June of 2005 and she was heart-cleared in April of same. Lacy is a lovely example of our breed, healthy and pretty and has produced three litters with ease. She is the dam of Dallarock Moonglow by Keyingham Joachim (Beth) who has done very well at the Club shows thus far.

In 2001, my dear friends, Colin and Mary Park in the UK, allowed me to bring Keyingham Joachim across the pond. The Parks have been mentors for years and I feel quite fortunate to have the Keyingham line in my breeding program. Jimmy has produced some lovely puppies, including Beth and Barb Hoorman's Benchmark Highlight (Sunny), both girls winning Best Puppy awards at our Club shows.

Early in 2003, during a trip to Germany with my sister, Linda, (who not only breeds Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but also whelps all my litters!!), we visited my good friend, Tanja Engel. Tanja generously parted with a beautiful Blenheim bitch named Angel's Pride Naughty 'n Nastie, and Rachel came home to California. Not terribly fond of the showring, I've let her off the hook as she prefers to run in the garden! None sweeter, quieter or less demanding, she is simply a joy! I am looking forward to her first litter in the spring of 2005.

My little showoff, Chantiz Spring Chief, "Joey", is now 7 years young, heart clear - still looking and acting like a puppy, with one major in the CKCSC to his credit. Joey has now retired and owns a lovely couple in Stockton, CA who dote on him as their only dog.

Living at Dallarock, but not liking the showring are also Chadwick Double Feature (Starlet), and Karabel Krystal Gem (Belle). Belle is the dam of a lovely little bitch I co-own with Paula Colombo - Dallarock Rose Tiara (Molly) and Alex is her sire. Molly, unlike her mother loves to show and has done very well in both the CKCSC and AKC venues.

Starlet, who is nearly 6 years old, was cardiologist-cleared in April of 2005 and from three separate litters, she has produced some lovely puppies; including, Dallarock Spellbound (by AKC Ch. Sanickro Magic Star); Chadwick Top Billing (by Ch. Sheryane Rutherford Jamieson); and, Dallarock Bronson (by Keyingham Joachim).

Committed to protecting the health and welfare of the Cavalier, I ensure that all my Cavaliers are health-tested by board-certified specialists on an annual basis. Health clearances on both the sire and the dam are given to all those who purchase puppies or dogs from the Dallarock kennel and include hearts, hips, patellas and eyes. At present, only by MRI can a determination be made as to whether a dog suffers from the disease, Syringomyelia. Duet is the only one with whom I have had the diagnosis made; however, I do suspect (from observing symptoms) that she did produce a daughter who may have same. Both Duet and her daughter are spayed.

Having these special creatures goes way beyond what I'd dreamed of when I first met Ruthie! Bringing incredible friendships in both the United States and all over the world…….friendships that never would have been without the Cavalier!