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I purchased an older puppy, (11 months) from Blue Rose Cavaliers in November 2022. We've had him for a year now and absolutely love him so much. He was very skinny when I got him (11 lbs) and quickly gained a couple pounds in the first few months. He was a ravenous eater when we first got him, now since food's been stable he's become a grazer. He sits comfortably right about 15 lbs. He's been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. My vet thinks it was brought on by having giardia when he was younger that went untreated. We've battled diarrhea regularly over the last year, which ended up causing an anal gland abscess that required surgery. He's now on a prescription diet and has been through multiple rounds of antibiotics, we're trying to heal his intestinal tract.
At 11 months old he had no idea what his name was. When I got him at the airport I called him the name they gave him and he never responded. I changed his name and within 3 days of being in my home he was responding and coming when his name was called. He definitely was not properly socialized and I believe was mistreated.
He immediately got along great with my other cavalier and larger dog and the cats, but was completely terrified of people, especially men. It took a good 2 months of consistency for him to finally be comfortable with my husband who is now one of his most favorite people. He is still leery of new people and it takes him a long time to warm up. He will not let strangers touch him. He's not aggressive in any way he just backs away and tries to run. This is not typical cavalier behavior. With the people he is comfortable with he is the most loving cavalier you've ever seen.
I have no proof, but John walked with a cane and the first time my husband was putting a fire in the fireplace and grabbed the fireplace poker, he panicked and ran away like someone was going to hurt him.
They state the dogs are in the home, but I don't believe they're assimilated into the family. I don't know if they're kept off somewhere on their own. He was dirty when they brought him to me, I even gave him a little mini bath in the bathroom at the airport before getting on the plane.
The parasite issue seems to be consistent through most of these complaints. I am just grateful that I got him when I did because he has an amazing life now and he's so smart and sweet.
Desired outcome: Awareness
Follow up -
Hi John,
My name is Julie Dove, and I purchased Kona (Darrius) from you on November 5, 2022, when he was 11 months old. He is now 4½ years old.
I am writing because I want to share what Kona's life has been like since I brought him home. I am incredibly grateful that I was able to give him the loving and stable home he deserves, and I want you to know that he is deeply loved by my husband, Tom, and me. He is an important part of our family, and we would do anything for him.
However, I also feel that you should be aware of the health and behavioral issues we have experienced with him, because I have serious concerns about the care and breeding practices that contributed to his condition.
When I picked Kona up, he was extremely skinny and sickly looking. He did not seem to know his own name, and it was immediately apparent that he was very fearful of people. Even now, although he absolutely loves other animals, he remains uncomfortable and distrustful around most people. Tom and I are essentially the only people he completely trusts. For a long time, he was especially terrified of men and small children, and some of his behaviors were consistent with a dog who had experienced significant fear or mistreatment.
Kona also experienced ongoing gastrointestinal problems for a considerable period of time. In August 2023, he required surgery for an abscessed anal gland.
Last year, at only three years of age, Kona also lost his hearing.
Today, I took Kona to see a veterinary cardiologist. He has been diagnosed with Stage B2 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and has a Grade 4 heart murmur. He has now been prescribed Vetmedin. At only 4½ years old, he is extremely young to have heart disease that has already progressed to this stage.
I understand that not every health condition can be predicted or prevented, and I also understand that Cavaliers are unfortunately predisposed to certain medical issues. However, the combination of Kona's health problems, his early progression of heart disease, and the significant behavioral issues he exhibited when I brought him home have left me deeply concerned.
I feel it is important for you to know what has happened to Kona and to understand the impact these issues have had on him and on our family. While we are incredibly grateful that he is now safe, loved, and receiving the care he needs, I cannot ignore the fact that he came to us in a condition that raised serious concerns about his prior care and overall well-being.
Kona is a wonderful, loving dog, and we will continue to do everything we can to give him the best life possible. He deserves nothing less.
I hope you will take the time to reflect on what I have shared and consider whether the breeding and care practices you are following are truly serving the best interests of the dogs in your care.
Sincerely,
Julie Dove
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