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  • "Until one has loved an animal, part of his soul remains unawakened."....

  • "Every volunteer does a little bit to help needy Cavaliers; together we do a lot."....

  • "Heaven help the little Cavaliers who call for help, and no one comes.".....

Rainbow Bridge

  • Tulip-190

    Tulip came to GCCR at age 7, in September of 2010.  She was adopted by Sandy Greenwood in November 2010.  She was a puppy mill survivor and gave much love with her sweetness for 5 years.  Tulip was diagnosed with a stomach tumor that had metastasized. She lost her sister Kaitlin, just two weeks before her passing on February 7, 2015.  Tulip will be forever missed and loved by Sandy.  She now will run free over the Rainbow Bridge with Kaitlin and Dundee.  Our prayers, support and sympathy goes out to Sandy for her loss of sweet Tulip.  



  • Simon-220

    Simon came from a puppy mill to GCCR in April of 2011, at the age of 3.  He had to have all of his teeth pulled and had to have his jaw wired for 6 wks.  During his adoption process, he turned down several families and finally chose Nancy Grandgeorge. Nancy loved and cared for him for him for 5 yrs.  In Jan. of 2015, he was diagnosed with PLE, an enlarged heart and a heart murmur and passed on Jan. 26, 2015.  Our heart goes out to Nancy for her loss of this loving Cavalier.  He may have left this earth, but will remain in her heart forever.        



  • Kaitlin-108

    Kaitlin spent her first seven years in a puppy mill and came to GCCR in 2009.  She was adopted by Sandy Greenwood in September of 2009.  Sandy loved and cared for her for six years.  Kaitlin was diagnosed with SM in the fall of 2014, which finally took her on Jan. 26, 2015 at the age of 13 yrs.  She will be forever loved and missed by her brother Buddy, sister Tulip and of course Sandy.  Now, she can run with her big brother, Dundee, since she has passed over the Rainbow Bridge.  Sandy's heart full of memories are now keepsakes that will live on forever.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sandy for her loss.  



  • Rocky-421

    Rocky was adopted by Anne Copeland's family in Sept. of 2014, although he had many health issues.  He passed on Dec.1, 2014 with only a little over one year with the family.  He was a sweet, loving soul and will leave a large hole in their hearts.  Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Copeland family.  Rocky may have left the presence of the Copeland family and many companions, but his memories will be with them forever.  



  • Annie-26

    Annie was brought to GCCR, from a mill on 11/1/2007, at 3yrs. old.  She was adopted by the Wilson family in the same year.  In December on 2013 she started having issues, associated from her congestive heart failure.  She finally passed peacefully at home, on her own terms, 10/9/2014.  Annie took time to warm up to people, but once she did, she gave her total devotion.  She spent seven loving years with the Wilson family before leaving them.  They miss her very much, yet are thankful for the years of love and devotion she gave to them.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilson family for their loss of Annie.  Cavaliers may leave us here on earth, but stay in our hearst forever.  



  • Juliette-157

     Juli (Juliette) was @ 9yrs. old when she was brought into GCCR, from a mill,  on April 1,2010.  She was adopted on June 4, 2012 by Jeri Davis.  She knew only love and affection from Jeri for the 2 years they had together.  Juli passed on Sept. 5, 2014.  Juli went peacefully and is now up in heaven with Annie and Lucy, has a new body and can run and play like a puppy.  Juli was a special girl to Jeri and she will be forever in her heart.  We know that the cavaliers may leave us on this earth, however leave memories that we will never forget.  Our sympathy and heartfelt thoughts go out to Jeri for her loss.  



  • Rocky-343

    Rocky came to GCCR from a Cabool, MO auction at 4.9lbs.  While in foster care, he was diagnosed with episodic falling syndrome at just 2months old.  The Eason family adopted Rocky, knowing his issues,  in August of 2012.  This loving family took care of him, adjusted medications and enfolded him into their family, which include,  his brother cavalier Nikko and shi tzu brother, Cody.  They helped him learn to  trust and have confidence with other dogs.  "Rocky my baby" became a snuggler like no other.  The Eason family enjoyed every snuggly moment and the joy that only Rocky could bring to those who loved him, until Aug.14, 2014.  Our hearts go out to his loving family.  Cavaliers may leave over the Rainbow Bridge, but they never leave our hearts.  Memorial gifts  for Rocky or any cavalier can be  made at http://tinyurl.com/GCCRMemorial.  



  • Treasure-46

    Treasure was brought to GCCR in April of 2008 at just 4 years old.  This beautiful, little blenheim girl was adopted by Judi Gootjes in September of 2008.  Judi has loved and taken care of this little girl for about six years.  In August of 2014,Tresurer developed an inoperative cancerous tumor on her jaw/esophagus.  This on top of having CHF, she was having respirtory distress. On August 4, 2014, Treasure passed over the Rainbow Bridge.   Judi made the decision to not let her suffer anymore and will have her ashes and spirit with her forever.  Our sympathy and prayers go out to Judi for her loss.  



  • Peaches-194

    Peaches was 5 yrs. old when she came to GCCR, from a breeder.  She was adopted by the Ross family and was taken care of very well until she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, July 18, 2014.  Peaches was taken with a combination of Cushings disease and advanced heart murmur.  She was very shy and just loved her retirement, spending most of her time, on the Ross' bed.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Ross' for the loss of Peaches.  Cavaliers, even the shy ones,  fill our hearts, even after they have left our presence.  



  • Bailey-445

    Bailey was released by his owner to GCCR in March of 2014 at the age of 7.  This beautiful Blenheim was overweight, had arthritis in his hips and a grade lll-lV heart murmur.  Due to all of his complications, he was taken in to GCCR, as a "permanet foster".  He craved human affection, loved to run and play.  All of his needs were met, both medically and emotionally, by the loving foster home,  in which GCCR placed him.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to both the orginal owners and the wonderful foster family that helped him live well, until he passed over the Rainbow Bridge, June 7, 2014.  



  • Remington-134

    Remington came to GCCR at age 7, in 2009, with many issues.  Margaret Rapp, adoped him as a "crazy ball of stress and obsessions".  Maragret cared for and loved Remington, and over the years, he became a "peaceful, loving soul".  His heart failure finally took Remington from this earth on May 30,2014, but not from the hearts of Margaret and his many friends.  We send our support and prayers to Margaret for her loss.  



  • Scarlett-9

    Scarlett came to GCCR in 2006 at age 3.  She was adopted in Sept. of 2006, by Kelli Bender.  Kelli shared so many special times with Scarlett.  Last March, Scarlett developed heart issues and finally was taken in June of 2014.  This little Ruby was loved and gave love to Kelli and the entire neighborhood for eight years.  She may have left Kelli physically, but will always be in her heart.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kelli for her loss.  



  • Lucky-243

    Lucky came to GCCR in June of  2011 and adopted by the Bauer family in late Dec. of 2011.  He loved and was loved by the Bauer family for 2 years before developing congenital heart failure.  They treated him with medicine and love from  Dec. 2011 until May 16, 2014, when he left this world to cross over the Rainbow Bridge at age 12.   We grieve with the Bauers, however we know that the cavaliers never leave the hearts of the people they have loved.  



  • Clarabelle-364

    Clarabelle was brought to GCCR in Jan. 2013, with a Grade V heart murmur and was put on medication.  She was adopted that March by Carol and Al Helverson.  She would accompany her family to church and enjoy the attentions of all, in the after service social events. In March of this year, Clarabelle was struggling and passed  May 13th, 2014.  What makes this a much sadder situation is that Carol, also lost her husband within hours of losing Clarabelle.  The only comfort to Carol was that they both went gently and feels Al took Clarabelle with him.  Our hearts and prayers go out to Carol.  



  • Alex-40

    Alex was brought to GCCR in March of 2008 and was adopted in April of 2008, by the Gedvilas family.  He enjoyed running and being free for 6 years with this loving family.  He would talk eadh morning to the Koi in the pond.  Unfortunately, in April 2014, Alex developed a rare and aggressive throat cancer, which took him over the Rainbow Bridge.  Our hearts go out to the Gedvilas family for their loss of this wonderful cavalier.  He may be gone in presence, but has left paw prints on their hearts.  



  • Dory-53

    Dory was brought to GCCR on Sept. 1, 2008, she was est, 5 yrs. old.  She was adopted by Tanya Cornely and her loving family.  Dory was soon loved by four human brother & sisters.  She loved to curl up next to anyone.  Part of her activity was chasing cats and she loved her peanut butter as a treat.  Dory may not be with the Cornely family since February 15th of 2014, but she will always be loved by the entire family and be in their hearts.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Cornely family.  



  • Diesel-382

    Diesel came to GCCR at age 6, in May of 2013.  He had a personality that only allowed some people and dogs into his world, yet loved playing with his fur brother and cousins.  Just a month after he arrived at GCCR the owner's mother realized how much she missed Diesel, and grandmom adopted him.  Diesel had a Grade IV heart murmur; he died unexpectedly in February 2014.  Diesel has a forever place in the hearts of the Fiorita family.  Heartfelt sympathy goes out to them for their loss.



  • Kali-23

    Kali came to GCCR in Nov. 2007, at not quite 3 yrs. old.  She was adopted by Pat Lovati in Jan. of 2008.  Kali was a sweet little girl with abit of shyness.  Pat loved that Kali enjoyed traveling with her, allot!  Kali sadly succumbed to lymphoma in Febr. of 2014.  Our hearts go our to Pat for her loss.  Our cavaliers leave us, yet they remain in our hearts forever. 



  • Jake -77

    Jake was received into GCCR in 2008 and went to live with Ron and Virginia Stibbe in Yorkville, where he enjoyed a wonderful life. Jake was very skinny at 9 lbs. He lost all of his teeth at intake. Months of chiropractic care helped ease his obvious pain on movement. Quiet, gentle, his greatest occupation was snuggling. Jake at an estimated age of 14,  showed signs of CHF only in the last three weeks, and then passed during the night, in late January of 2014.  Tears are falling for this sweet little boy. Our sympathy goes out to Ron and Virginia for loosing this great little cavalier boy.  



  • Riley-326

    Riley was born in 2002 with a grade III heart murmur, yet he was adopted by Eleanor Breden.  He was a loving boy, and had little wants of his new owners.  Being close to them,  sleeping on the bed, taking naps in the sun, and just wanting to be included in their adtivities.  Unfortunatly, on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, his  heart let out and he just laid in his bed and silently stopped breathing.  Our hearts go out to Eleanor and family for the loss of this wonderful cavalier.  Our cavaliers may go over the Rainbow Bridge but stay in our hearts forever.  Thank you Eleanor for being such a great cavalier owner.  



  • Kaiah-154

    Kaiah was about 5yrs. of age when she was released to GCCR in March 2010.  She was withdrawn and sedentary when she arrived with Charlene Ewald.  Kaiah brought great joy and many smiles to this loving family, until Oct. 28,2013.   We all know how hard it is to loose a cavalier, but they are forever in our hearts.  Our thoughts are with Charlene at this time, dealing with the loss of Kaiah.  



  • Bella-259

    Bella was brought to GCCR at 5-6 yrs of age, in 2011 and pasted away Tuesday, Oct. 15,2013.   She was a beautiful Ruby and enjoyed two wonderful years in the home of Forrest Wagner, his family and their other dog Lucy.  Bella was outgoing and friendly and helped Lucy break out of her shell.  Bella was found, passed in her kennel and the cause will remain a mystery, even after an exam at the hospital.  We send our heart warming sympathy to her family.  Cavaliers steal our hearts and remain there forever.  



  • Minnie-110

    Minnie was brought into GCCR in 2009 at 6 years old, as a worn out girl from a commerical breeder.   She was adopted by Bruce Bowers and spent everyday forward with him at his doggy boutique.  At the young age of 10, she developed an intestinal tumor and unfortunately, her health was never really back again. Minnie passed over the Rainbow Bridge Sept. 26, 2013.   Our hearts and prayers go out to Bruce for his loss.  We also give thanks, to Bruce, for giving Minnie the good life she had with him and all the people she met along the way in his boutique.  Our cavaliers may leave out presence, but never our hearts.  



  • Bentley-49

    Dempsey/Bentley came to GCCR and the Yates in 2008 with the estimated age of 5 yrs. old.  The Yates both fostered and adopted the beautiful tri-color cavalier.  For five years, they have loved and shared their home with Bentley, when he pasted over the Rainbow Bridge on Aug. 21, 2013.   Our thoughts are with the Yates family in their time of sorrow for so much loss.  The cavaliers may leave us, but their spirit remains in our hearts forever.    



  • Ollie-106

    Ollie was born in February of 2009 at an Iowa mill.  Do to defects, he became a non-seller. This is when GCCR brought him into the organization.  With all of his medical issues, Patti Olsen not only fostered Ollie, but adopted him.  He has enjoyed his loving home until 8/3/2013, when he passed with unusual medical problems.  Our hearts' go out to Patti as she tries to mend from her loss.  



  • Josie-143

      Josie-143 came to GCCR from a family that could not care for her in 2003.  Although she was 5 yrs. old, had some medical and spinal issues, Doug and Kathy Cohen adoped her anyway. They have given her a wonderful life, sharing her with their granddaughter. Josie became an instant member of their family.  Finally her medical issues took over at age 10 and she passed on June 26, 2013.  She will be greatly missed and loved in their hearts.   



  • Laddie-20

    Sherry Gregg drove through a snowstorm with her friend Sandy to pick Laddie from a foster mom and adopted in January of 2008.  Laddie became the therapy friendly dog to both her consumers and at home, without training.  He was quite the model with belly bands.  He took pictures with Santa, for those that did not have a dog.  Laddie developed a grade 2-3 heart murmur, with 2 holes in his little heart.  He passed over the Rainbow Bridge in June of 2013.  Laddie, a little ruby, made a difference in many lives and  gave to medical research to help save other cavaliers.  Sherry knows well that quality of time, not quantity mades the difference in being the owner of a Cavalier King Charles like Laddie.  Our hearts go out to Sherry for her loss. 



  • Abigail Adams -202

    Abigail Adams met each morning with the joy of the sunrise and the wonder of the possibilities of the day. Even as cancer stole her body, her spirit remained strong as she taught us the joy of life with her tail high and her eyes filled with love, endlessly.  She passed over the Rainbow Bridge on April 14, 2013.  She will be missed by all of us.



  • Hope-189

    Hope was one of five Cavaliers who came from a mill in Sept 2010.  She was then age 8.  Pat and Dave Berk embraced her and took her into their hearts.  Hope was blessedly free of the nasty genetic diseases; she succumbed without illness or warning to a large, fast growing tumor on her spleen that burst and she passed on Sept. 3, 2012.   What bliss Hope enjoyed for those two years with the Berks!  She will be sorely missed.



  • Annie-38

    Annie has been in Barb Lyon's heart for over 4 years.  A mill discarded her in 2008 at age unknown, maybe 3-4.  Soon after placement in Barb's home Annie was diagnosed with SM.  Annie's diagnosis was confirmed at the U of Minn and identifed as inoperable.  Barb drove hundreds of miles back and forth from Antigo to Minneapolis to participate in a blind pharmeceutical study, later known to relate to Lyrica, still not approved though often used for dogs.  Ever sweet through the whole ordeal, Annie was a therapy dog in Barb's classroom plus a constant companion and therapy for Barb.  Annie could have found no greater love.  Annie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on June 30,2012.  



  • Ian-14

    Ian  was found as a stray in Oak Lawn in October 06.  He was covered with fleas so thick they were jumping off of him.  Then estimated to be 7 years old, Ian had a Grade III heart murmur, stiffness in joints, and became aggressive with other dogs, perhaps out of remembered injuries.  Karla his adopter embraced him, gave him new life, and allowed him to grow old in her love.  Ian passed on June 1, 2012.   He will be sorely missed.



  • Emma-100

    Emma 100 came to GCCR in March 2009 when she was anywhere from 3-5 years old.  She was one of four Cavaliers discarded by a large scale commercial puppy mill in Iowa.  Her illnesses were apparent: low grade luxating patellas, Grade III heart murmur, arthritis/spondylosis, recurring cysts between her toes, recurring urinary tract and ear infections.   Two families in turn adopted and then returned Emma, saying she was not responsive.  In May 2010 Sandi and Tom Black (Kanakee) took Emma into their hearts and gave her a wonderful life, filled with grandkids, cuddle times, and her own special ways of getting attention.  Emma succumbed to congestive heart failure on April 15, 2012.  She is sorely missed.



  • Princess-180

    Princess 180 came to GCCR from an Iowa shelter in August 2010.  She was thought to be about 6-7 years old and had obviously born many litters.  Princess was deaf, had rotten teeth and urinary tract infections.  Over the ensuing months in the foster home she experienced episodes of scream causing pain in her ears and neck; Ohio State vets diagnosed SM, and surgically treated her for PSOM.  Princess' adopter Debbie felt her pain and took her in late May 2011.  Within months of her adoption Princess was diagnosed with protein losing enteropathy -- the condition that led to her demise on February 12, 2012.  What glorious love Princess experienced in her final months.  She'll be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for her beloved Debbie.



  • Lucy-182

    Jeri and her husband adopted Juliette first and then Lucy.  Lucy passed away 11-1-11 after suffering a brain tumor.  The family including Juliette misses Lucy deeply.  Jeri fondly remembers that she was a great dog and faithful companion for Rick.  She helped Rick tremendously with his recovery from a head injury, and will be sorely missed.  Char is keeping an eye open for another companion for Rick.



  • Gracie-31

    Gracie Released to GCCR by a puppy mill January 2008 at approximate age 3-5 years, succumbed to heart arrhythmia October 7, 2008. Beloved of Dennis, Nancy and Shawn Davis



  • Hercules-661

    This is a test to see how the new form works, enabling saving and forwarding of Patti's notes about her calls to foster families.



  • Buddy

    Buddy, a beautiful tri-color boy has passed as of 11/10/13.  Although Buddy was not a GCCR adoption, he did lead his owner Kim Saving to GCCR and the adoption of Lilly.  He loved jumping for bubbles, locking the car doors and cuddling down into the blankets.  His enlarged heart got the best of him on the 10th, and our sympathy goes out to his family.  Cavaliers just steal your hearts and when they leave us, that is where they remain.  


  • Winston

    January 15, 1998 - June 17, 2013  Laurel and Tom wrote of Winston:  "Mr. Winston brought great happiness, love and enjoyment into our lives.  His personality was unique and he was a very determined little man and never, ever gave up, not even at the end. When he fell,he always got up and forged ahead, when he banged into things, he turned around and went the other way, until the very last day.  He endured a great deal and always bounced back...What a wonderful blessing to have had him as a part of our life." 


  • Audrey

    In July 2009 when Audrey was just one year old she appeared on a website for a shelter called FurKeeps in Barrington Hills.  Carmen and Rich drove in 100+ degree weather to meet her.  It was love at first sight!  She was a smart, quirky, beautiful and funny little girl.  Born 5-19-08, Audrey pass over the Bridge on 11-12-12.  She will live forever in the hearts of her loving parents.


  • Ellie

    Ellie was retired by a breeder in Cadillac MI in 2008, when she was 3 years old.  Ellie had no interest in breeding, and so was sold off.  Born 2-22-05, Ellie passed over the Bridge on 6-15-12.  Her very enlarged heart suddenly failed.  This was Sara's first Cavalier. -- she will always have a special place in Sara's heart.


  • Kingston

     Kingston April 25, 2000 - June 1, 2007 Sorely missed by Jackie and Kevin Spielman


  • Cozzy Cosette

     "Cozzy Cosette" Nov 8, 1997 - Feb 11, 2007 Beloved of Jane and Mike Tellor


  • Reno

    Reno, a CH Campanards Mr Sweden was owned and loved by Sandra Jones-Schauble. He passed of congestive heart failure on Nov. 25th, 2014.  Reno was surrounded by many family pups, including Cavaliers.  He lived to play fetch and tug of war.  Reno was lucky to have been loved by Sandra.  Her memories are becoming keepsakes and will live on forever in her heart.  We send our heartfelt sympathy to Sandra for her loss.