A New Meaning to Man's Best Friend- Canine Genome Research not Just for the Dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not the only ones who suffer from Syringomyelia and Chiari Malformation.  Humans also suffer from this painful condition but it is not nearly as common as it is with a Cavalier.  Bobby Jones, a famous golfer, was diagnosed with Syringomyelia which eventually restricted him to a wheelchair. 

Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels provide the clues of this condition?

Yes, in fact recently with the Human Genome Project gave valuable information on understanding genetics. I am not a scientist but this YouTube Video explains that with we are not that much different.  Dr. Clare Rusbridge along with others started to build a DNA database and has already had some major discoveries.  They believe to have already found the genetic region for SM. This is all thanks to Rupert's Fund along with other organizations that have contributed. Here is a document that describes more in scientific terms.

The American Syringomyelia and Chiari Alliance Project

They wrote about how dogs might just be the answer to some of their pain. The genetic understanding and research would be extremely valuable information. Thanks to the worldwide campaign they were hoping to be able to pinpoint this gene. How great would that be for human kind!  It looks like Dr. Rusbridge is on the right track.

They could get a better understanding of how things develop. How it passes on through certain generations. Since there are more Cavaliers and other dogs Friends of Lola with Syringomyelia and that the generations can be traced gives scientist knowledge and humans hope. 

What a pet owner of an SM dog can learn from a human

I always wonder what Ella goes through because she can not tell me. Sometimes it is hard to hear people talking about the terrible pain but it makes me understand more.  We need to learn from each other.

Don't Give up on a Breed

Purebreds do have hereditary conditions. It is easier to pinpoint these health issues because they have several generations and history. Understanding and being able to trace this valuable DNA, may do wonders for mankind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6MEpJK0eN8

Please see futher information

Dog's Provide Chiari Clues http://www.conquerchiari.org/subs%20only/volume%203/issue%203(11)/spaniels%203(11).asp

  Dr. Clare Rusbridge Website detailing finding the gene (s) for Syringomyelia

And As Always Please Visit Rupert's Fund-

The Little Cavalier that Could

This weekend a terrible thing happened to Ella, yet she remained strong, brave and a true inspiration. People said when they learned she was attacked by another dog that she has already gone through so much. It's not fair, I felt her pain but something came over me. I just knew I needed to take care of her and that she would be ok. I have always thought she was special and I knew if that nothing could change her spirit.


“God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight” Reggie White

I saw everyone react to her getting attacked with shock, tears, panic, and hysteria. I am not saying it was not traumatic for me, but I knew that this was not life threatening. She would make it and she is a strong little girl. I have been going through the acceptance process with Ella and her SM. To me, that is much more hurtful to her. I was picking up Kennedy (another Cavalier) at his owners friends house. It happened and who, what, when, where, why is not important. The important thing is how we take something we can not change, and move forward.  Also the importance of people being there to support you.

My friends rushed to meet us at the hospital, tears in their eyes, and their hearts filled with love.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Having them want to be there and concerned meant so much to me. Everyone I have met online has been there to not only support me with this, but with her Syringomyelia. It is hard even for another Cavalier owner, to know what Ella has been going through. You can see her eye and her face with blood, but you can not see the inside of her brain and the syrinx. She can not tell someone the pain she feels inside but it is easy to see pain when there is blood.

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.” unknown

They keep saying they don’t understand how I could have remained so strong. That is very simple. Ella is dealing with so much more than an eye. Although it may seem tragic to someone with a healthy dog to lose an eye. I have posted how I felt staring into her eyes, I still know that is would be hard for me but that it would not matter to her. She will get over the initial pain but with SM there is no end. I stare into her one eye, (the other one may or may not be saved but it is shut) and I still see this beautiful soul. It did not change that and that is all that matters.

I saw people blame, say how it’s not fair, and get angry and not understand how I didn’t. I know that blaming someone else does not change anything. I am responsible for her and I need to make sure she is healthy. I knew the other owner was probably just as hurt as I was.

I have learned a lot and it is all because of Ella. She was able to forgive and keep a smile on her face no matter what happened. She looks at me with love because she knows she is loved. I have also learned to have faith. I know that she has made me a better person. I also know I have to stay strong for her.

"A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug." Patricia Neal

The Dog Bar

I recently posted about a photo competition to raise funds for Rupert's Fund and Cavalier Rescue and one of the pictures sparked some interest.

Ella loves the Dog Bar in Charlotte and has spent several nights there.  So tomorrow is Kennedy's birthday and what better way to celebrate than at the Dog Bar. That is where they first met.  I love the owner and she is familiar with Ella. She makes me feel like Ella is the most special dog and one of her favorites (but I am sure most people feel the same way).

We have gone to the Dog Bar since Kennedy's 2nd birthday. She is now turning 5! My cousin used to go there all the time but now her job is taking that time away. You can actually see her behind the bar in the picture with Ella on the bar.  I miss the Dog Bar and I am so thankful to have that in Charlotte.  I am looking forward to tomorrow!  Even though I feel like this place is family, I saw that another blog wrote about it. http://www.ohmidog.com/

I was thrilled to see that it got this attention.  Look at the video they did!

You Tube Clip of the Dog Bar

Here is there post you have got to see and when I can figure out why I am having trouble uploading pictures I will add more!

http://www.ohmidog.com/2010/08/18/chasing-the-blues-away-at-the-dog-bar-where-everybody-knows-your-dogs-name/

I want to say that this is my favorite and basically only place I like to go out.  You would be surprised at how easy it is to meet people when you have a dog. It is different than coming up to a person at a regular bar, there is an instant conversation starter.  Other than that the most important thing is you are around dog lovers. People who have a kind heart and passion.

It is where one time I was real upset about Ella and I walked into the Dog Bar and carried Ella in and cried to Audra. She knows the love you feel for your dog and I know she loves her.  It is a place where you can let all your problems go away or even talk about them. 

I have met other dog lovers online and they are great but it is also good to see some others in person over a beer.  Ella will be happy to see her boyfriend and play and I know I will like to have some time to be with friends.

I am looking forward to tomorrow night!  That reminds me, I am going to try to make cookies. I told Kat that I would but now I hope I can do it!!!

Cavalier's Make a Difference

I have often talked about the first time I held Ella and my heart exploded with love.  I was fortunate to see eyes of the elderly in nursing homes instantly come alive when in her presence. The eyes of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can show so much. Sometimes you can see the expression when they are about to do something naughty. The best and worse is the look they can give you when you are about to leave saying "don't go". Ella has this look mastered when she wants food. She can look like she has not eaten for days begging for a piece of cheese or any food. She fools many.

These beautiful eyes that have given so much, now tell a different story. I can see the pain asking for help.

Seeing these eyes full of pain is hard to forget. I think that is why I don’t want to make these beautiful eyes less magical. Going through this, I have talked to some extraordinary people who have a passion for this beloved breed. Tania is one of these people. She started a website called Cavalier Matters (www.cavaliermatters.org). It has everything from SM information to brushing teeth. It is such a great site for information and just to look at all the cute pictures of Molly and Dougall.

Now Tania is making a difference for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. There are some important health matters that are concerning for this breed. Tania has taken steps to inform the public on things to look for in buying a puppy, symptoms that could be a health concern, things being done to help the future of the breed, and turned it into (I hate to say this) fun. The most important thing is she is raising money for Rupert’s Fund and Cavalier Rescue. All of this is done to help the future of the breed we adore so much. It is a matter and a matter of the heart. Once you learn that there are some major things that need to be done, it is hard not to do anything.

So I would like to share some things that she did at the recent Bermondsey Street Festival. You can see that her tent drew some attraction. You can also see from the pictures the fun. The children with a Cavalier stuffed animal, the pictures taken in the picture booth, and all of this in an effort to raise awareness of “Cavalier Matters”. She now has a shop open on her website where you can buy your own Rupert stuffed animal along with other things that have proceeds go towards such a great thing.

Even though there are some important matters that need to bring awareness to, there also is a way to do this by coming together as lovers of the breed. Ella’s eyes are lighter knowing there are people doing things to help future Cavaliers.

Why Did I Want a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

I could say that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the best breed, but a more accurate statement is they are the best breed for me.  My cousin has a weimaraner but she runs marathons and is active which did not run in the family.  That dog is perfect for her.  Could I see her with a Cavalier, no.  Then there are the dogs that have functions, like police dogs, working dogs on farms, the hunters, watch dogs, etc. None of those fit my need.

I have always been in love with dogs. I used to draw the same dog over and over again when I was young.  It just so happens that the dog looked exactly like Ella.  Maybe I got the picture from the move Lady and the Tramp, or maybe I knew something about the future dog that would steal my heart. When I searched for a dog, I did not look for someone who had that image. Even though I think they are beautiful, I had a different reason for wanting one.  I needed a dog that would show me the affection that I needed. I wanted a dog that would be by my side and want to lay with me in my lap and by my side.  I have said that my choosing to have a dog was because I was in a difficult place and depressed. Someone (I don't think of her as a dog) that loved me unconditionally would be just what I needed.  That might sound selfish but it was a mutual bond that I can not even describe.

When I was young I went through my parents divorce and it was extremely difficult for me.  I got my first dog as a birthday present. Okay buying a child a dog may not be the best decision because Flip (my cocker spaniel) soon became my parents responsibility. However, there were times when I wanted to hide. I would hold on Flip and every thought would make things okay. 

When I read about Cavaliers and there eagerness to please, show affection, complete love was what made me know this was the breed for me.  Yes, Sex and the City, made me familiar with them, but it was not the social status of this breed or anything else that was my thoughts.  When I went to see the puppies from a breeder I researched, I met Ella. She instantly came to me. She was not playing with the others but fell asleep in my arms and on my chest. I heard her heartbeat, I felt the bond and I fell instantly in love. Ella was not one of the puppies for sale. Actually the breeder was going to keep her for breeding.  I have said God gave me Ella and maybe another reason was because she having SM would have saved others from this condition. I guess it is more complicated but she was my angel.

I was instantly lightened with joy. I had a purpose to live, and I will always be thankful to her.  As I look into her eyes, I see that closeness. I feel so strongly that I sometimes can see to her soul.  A dog having a soul maybe a stretch but there is something unique about dogs.

I have read stories and heard from friends about dogs having a sixth sense.  I know personally, Ella will know when I am feeling a certain way and come to me for comfort.  How can a dog sense that. The amazing tales of dogs and cats and knowing things before they occur.  Recently you may have read the story of Ollie the cat at a nursing home who could tell before a person died. Scientist might say it is because of certain smells etc. but any explanation still remains that this story shows that the future is known before.  I have a friend that a lab found a spot of cancer and saved her owner before anything was detected. There are many stories of animals knowing people are sick before.

What about the ability to tell an earthquake is about to happen.  Coming home several months later and miles away. So many stories but one that stole my heart was the story of HACHIKO.  I watched the Richard Gere movie on this legendary dog in tears. It is a tail of devotion and a bond I feel with Ella.  http://www.northlandakitas.com/hachiko.htm tells the legend of this dog that even after his owners death, would go everyday at the same time to the train station awaiting the return of his beloved friend. 

I really suggest reading this or watching the movie. If you thought Marley and Me was a tear jerker, then it is even more. 

To sum up my story of Ella is pretty simple. I wanted a dog to have a bond with. To share a mutual affection and love that I so long desired. I look at her everyday and I feel it.  Some people thing of dogs as pets, some family, some I hate to think of but I think of Ella as a love that I have in my heart that will live on forever.