The beginning began with the desire to bring a dog into the family. We were childless, newly married and had plenty of time on our hands. So we began to research dogs and were immediately drawn to Cavaliers. Everything screamed perfect dog to us: small, intelligent, loving and trainable...not to mention breathtakingly beautiful. Shoot, if they also cleaned up after themselves, we would have bought 100 of them. Ever heard of 101 Dalmatians...
But there were those serious health concerns just living beyond the surface. We knew the risk, but simply could not resist the breed. So we did our due diligence and found a good breeder with relatively healthy lines. I say relatively because no lineage is perfect, but hers were pretty good.
Thats what led us to a small breeder on a chilly November morning. As we excited the car, I remember saying "we're just looking". But let's be honest that went out the window the moment we saw the litter. There were 2 rambunctious males and 1 highly frightened female.
We wanted a female. As I picked her up, she looked directly into my eyes as if peering deep within my soul. Her tail went limp, hidden between the legs. She wiggled uncomfortably. And generally appeared to be saying leave me alone! At one point, we put her down to talk with the breeder. The two boys playing between our legs. Not the female. She had strategically placed herself underneath the end table. I'm pretty sure she was willing herself to invisibility. Everything screamed what not to look for in a dog as stated by the "dog experts".
We'll take her. I don't know why, but we were drawn to her. As we left, the breeder placed all three pups in a box. The two boys each took their turn walking all over her as she sat sulking, huddled in the corner. We were not deterred. This dog was made for us.
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