Graham

Graham/ Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  

4yo/ 15lb

neutered/microchipped

UTD on vaccinations

Flea/Tick/Heartworm prevention current

Adoption Donation: $550

Please read the bio in its ENTIRETY. If you feel you are a perfect match, please send an email to gateway4paws@gmail.com for additional information. Only complete & qualified applications will be considered or contacted for adoptions. We are a 100% foster-based rescue. Applications can be found on our website.

We do not allow shipping & do not transport. You must live within 350 miles from Maryville, IL& able to drive for a meet and greet.

Graham was released to us with some other Cavaliers when a breeder was downsizing. All he has ever known is breeding, that is the only time he was touched or held. He was moved from his crate to breed & then put back in his kennel. Left in a crate, day after day, week after week, year after YEAR. Never going outside, never seeing sun or grass, never being cuddled.  

If you aren’t familiar with this breed, please do some research. His wellness exam was “unremarkable”, meaning the doctor found him to be healthy! He has been so excited & happy with the new comforts he has found. He is an excellent car rider & loves to relax on the couch with his foster siblings. 

Graham has learned the freedom of having a big backyard where he can explore. He loves to run big giant circles all around the yard until he is out of breath! He will tolerate a harness but not a leash. He certainly will not do his potty business on a leash. After all his trauma, we are not going to approach leash training or recommend it at this time. We will be requiring a VERY secure physically fenced yard/area for potty training, as that is something he will need to do immediately upon arriving at his new home. 

Graham is doing well with house training. Graham still feels the urge to mark until he is comfortable in his area. Therefore, he wears a belly band until he is familiar, then the belly band is removed. This prevents Graham’s foster mom from having to make sudden movements (which scare him) if he needs correction. Graham certainly enjoys the treat he gets for being a good boy when he potties outside. His family will need to establish a schedule so he can continue to be successful. 

Graham will take a treat from your hands. But he is still wary of hands. Being in his previous environment for so long, trust was never established or earned, Graham simply doesn’t have that relationship with humans, yet. 

Graham’s foster family has Cavalier experience & he has foster Cavalier siblings, so they have really been working on what it is like to live in a house with normal everyday noises & activities. Graham is not ready to be a “pet” yet. He needs time to continue decompressing, time to build trust, time to establish relationships. Until then, Graham’s family will need to be prepared to be very patient. He will not let you pick him up, but he enjoys being around people & other dogs. He needs a chance to just exist in his environment until he sees that this good life is forever. His nightmare is over & there is only love & comfort in his future. 

At night he sleeps with his foster siblings, sometimes they choose the big bed, sometimes they choose a kennel. When his foster family is gone, he likes to crate with his foster siblings & have soothing music or the television on.

Please apply quickly if you meet the requirements. Graham would like to start getting to know his family as soon as possible!