Life springs up

The Darcy Bussell rosebush my friend Tamela planted in Darcy's memory has some beautiful blooms and more buds waiting to open. The Darcy Fund is a lot like that rosebush. Planted in memory of our beautiful girl, it has brought forth blooms not only in the form of donations by other Cavalier fans, but also in the education of people who might have been unaware of MVD or who needed help in recognizing the disease process and going through treatment. We are ever grateful to the many kind people who have supported us and the Darcy Fund over the past four years. I know that one day we will all make a difference.

Small dogs, big training challenges

Darcy was awfully smart. You could almost see the wheels turning in her head as she watched everything going on around her, taking it in and storing it for future reference. In many ways, she was very easy to train, but because she was so low to the ground--the typical Cavalier stands only 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder--it was sometimes difficult to get and keep her attention, especially when she was walking on leash. Small dogs can have other training issues as well.

That's why we've invited Maryanne Dell, CPDT, to be one of the speakers at the 2010 Darcy FUNDay. Maryanne has small dogs herself, including a Tibetan Spaniel, one of the cousins of the Cavalier, and she has lots of great tips on getting the most out of training sessions with a diminutive dog of any breed or mix.

If you're interested in learning more about training your small dog, sign up now for our event. It takes place on Saturday, October 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Passionate Pet in Irvine, California. Early-bird registrations are $25 before September 17; $35 after that date or at the door. For more information, e-mail Kim Thornton.

Mark your calendar!

If you are in Southern California, please bring your Cavalier and the rest of your family to the fourth annual Darcy FUNDay. It takes place Saturday, October 2, at Passionate Pets, 18871 Teller Ave. in Irvine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We have two great speakers lined up--veterinary cardiologist Sarah Miller and dog trainer/pet writer/therapy dog handler extraordinaire Maryanne Dell, plus a pet portrait photographer, a potluck lunch with all your Cavalier friends, contests, a raffle and a silent auction.

We'll post more information soon about how to sign up at the early bird rate of $25. Tell your friends!

2nd Annual Darcy FUNDay a HUGE success!!

The second annual Darcy FUNDay was held May 31, 2008, at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel, California. Thanks to everyone who attended and to all those who donated but couldn't attend. We were able to raise over $1,700.00 for the Darcy Fund!!!

New Study Funded!!

We are pleased to learn from the ACKCS Charitable Trust that the Darcy Fund has raised enough funds to finance a second research study, this time at the University of Edinburgh, titled "Alteration in Protein Expression in Canine Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease" (phew!). Although we haven't verified it, we believe this study is looking for protein markers that start and/or change over the course of the disease, which will lead to faster, simpler, and more accurate diagnostic tools. A side benefit could be identifying how those proteins are created pointing to the biological process that drives valve deterioration and leading to treatment.

Thanks so much for your donations, which allow the Darcy Fund to continue funding ongoing projects as well as fund new ones.

Darcy Fun(d) Day A Rousing Success!

The Darcy Fun(d) Day was yesterday and it was an unqualified success! Approximately 50 people showed with almost 40 dogs entered, and we were able to raise over $1300.00!!!! Along with the usual dog show categories of puppies, veterans, etc., there were "waggiest tale", "most freckles", "fastest eater", "fastest run to owner", and "longest ears". There was a pot-luck lunch and a raffle for many small cavalier oriented gifts that were donated by various organizations and individuals. Kim and I owe special thanks to our good friend Tamela Klisura who organized the event and Kathy Aycock (a real live show judge) who judged the show. I will post photos very soon.

Again, it was a great success and Kim and I are honored by everyone's support.

Announcing The Darcy Fun(d) Match!

Darcy's good friend Tamela is organizing a Cavalier Fun Match (all Cavaliers are welcome) to raise money for the Darcy Fund. A Fun Match is just like a real dog show with a real judge but no pedigrees are required. They are a great way to see what it’s like to show a dog, learn what judges look for in the ring or just spend time with your Cavalier friends. Besides typical fun match classes—Puppy Dog, Puppy Bitch, Color Variety (1 year and up), Junior Handling (kids up to 18 years and any age dog) and Veterans (Cavaliers 7 years and up)—we’ll have contests for waggiest tail, longest ears, best trick and more, plus a Rescue parade and a raffle with lots of great prizes.

Bring a potluck dish to share and groom your dog to the nines. Winners (1st through 4th place will be awarded in each class) can be photographed with the judge. Or have your dog's picture taken just because he’s special.

Entry fees per event are $5 per dog and photos are $5. Prizes have been donated and all monies raised will be donated to the Darcy Fund, for research into causes of and treatments for chronic valve disease, also known as mitral valve disease, a serious problem in Cavaliers.

For more information email Tamela at cavalierpark@cox.net.

Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel, CA
Date: Saturday May 12, 2007
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM