What We Do

From its inception, GCCR has been proactive in reaching out with offers of assistance to animal control organizations, shelters, humane societies, other rescue organizations, as well as to Cavalier owners. Brochures describing the breed and its special needs are posted at shelters, to guide prospective Cavalier owners and shelter administrators. Media releases spotlight events where GCCR is represented, and tell GCCR's story. Other breed organizations are informed via email and e-mailing lists about GCCR's existence. For all who hear the message, we're simply saying we're here if needs arise. We might not be able to fill all the needs, but we will do our best to network to others who can.

Rescue Cavaliers come from our contacts with animal control organizations, humane societies, and owner give-up situations as well as other rescue organizations within the greater Chicago area. Every effort is made to find the owner who lost the dog, or the breeder who placed the Cavalier in its last home. If the owner or breeder can be positively identified and requests return, he/she will be asked to pay the cost of the rescue. No dog will not be released for adoption until an identified breeder/owner has signed the necessary form to release the dog to rescue.

After entering the program, our Cavaliers are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, heartworm tested (and given monthly heartworm preventative), and chipped (a computer microchip placed in the dog's lower neck for help with identification should the animal ever become lost).  While awaiting adoption, most of our Cavaliers live in foster homes throughout the greater Chicago area where we attempt to evaluate their temperaments, learn their behavioral quirks, and work on basic manners and obedience.

We endeavor to place each Cavalier into a home best suited for that individual dog.  Some factors we take into account include the dog's reaction to children, other dogs, and cats.  We carefully screen all applicants since we want to ensure that each adoption is a good match and provides a permanent home for the dog.  We maintain contact with our adoptive families and encourage them to contact us in case of any questions or problems.

If for any reason the rescued Cavalier is not working out in its new home, the adoptive home is legally required to first contact GCCR to allow us the option to accept (or decline) the return of the Cavalier back into the GCCR program.

   Our mission is:

To help ensure the health and security of abused, abandoned, and otherwise endangered Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: 

• by rehabilitating and placing Cavaliers from shelters and similar situations,

• by assisting breeders and owners in finding new homes for their Cavaliers,
         and

• by providing assistance to Cavalier owners who can no longer care for their
   Cavaliers.

In achieving this mission, we add resources to Cavalier rescue efforts in the Greater Chicago area, and help educate current and prospective Cavalier owners about the health and care of these wonderful animals.