THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
May 2024
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
We just held our May general meeting and elected in a new board. They are all the same people as we finished this year with. Besides myself, the board is Paula Ayers, VP, Carolyn Powell, Treasurer, Sharon Utych, Secretary, and LaVada McCosh, Ashley Powell and Alice Alford as our 3 Directors. Thank you all for continuing on in your roles and I look forward to an exciting year.
We have several associate members that have surpassed or are close to surpassing their one year anniversary. Did you know you are now eligible to become a full, voting member? Please consider upgrading to a full member and having a voting say in the running of our club. Several of you have stepped up and are becoming more and more active, so why not have a voting say. The forms are on the website.
Please remember to join us at Paula’s on June 23rd from 12 to 4 for the puppy social. The invites have been sent. Please RSVP Yes.
The sponsorships for the February 2025 are now opened up on our website. Please consider sponsoring the major winners and/or the social Saturday night. We also have the room block at our host hotel now opened up. Please sign up early so we can expand the room block once we fill up the current allotment.
Lastly, a huge congratulations to Paula Ayers who was voted in as the Vice President for the parent club, a very prestigious honor, but a lot of work.
Thanks
Jim
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
Thank you everyone for continuing to provide content for our newsletter! Please keep the content coming, and if you have any suggestions, general feedback, and especially brags, please send them to CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks -
Beth Lassiter, Editor
2024 MEETING SCHEDULE
June 10. 2024 – Board Meeting at 7:30pm
June 23, 2024 – Puppy Social at Paula Ayers (Noon to 4pm)
July – NO MEETINGS
August 12, 2024 – Board Meeting at 7:30pm
Please remember that we have moved our meeting day from Tuesday to Monday to accommodate our members’ attendance to the meetings.
JUNE PUPPY SOCIAL
Mark your calendar for Sunday June 23 from noon to 4pm for our quarterly puppy social at the home of Paula Ayers. It will be held on her breezeway. Bring a chair and a side to share! The club will have water and soda. This is always a great time for your cavaliers plus there are usually puppies galore to cuddle and love on!
An evite invitation has been emailed to members and reminders will be sent out closer to the date.
CLUB MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to club member Paula Ayers for being elected to the position of Vice President of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC) at their AGM at the Dallas National Specialty Week. Paula also has been approved by AKC Judging Ops to judge Cavaliers!
Congratulations to club member Beth Lassiter on becoming a regular member at our May meeting!
If you are interested in becoming a regular, voting member of the club please contact Sharon Utych at utych@earthlink.net
2025 SPECIALTY NEWS
We are holding our specialties on Saturday February 1 and Sunday February 2, 2025 in conjunction with the Cherokee Rose Cluster shows! (Pending AKC Approval)
Location: Atlanta Expo Center South, 3850 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta GA
Superintendent: MB-F
An opportunity for 6 shows in 4 days during the Cluster! Cluster is held indoors, food and vendors will be at this show.
Judging Panel: (pending AKC Approval)
Saturday Puppy Sweepstakes & Veteran Sweepstakes - Judge: Ms. Susan Savage Green (Sorella US)
Saturday Regular Classes and NOHS - Judge: Ms. Leila Tarabad (Khatibi UK)
Sunday 4 to under 6-month Beginner Puppy Competition - Judge: Ms. Sharon Masnick (AKC)
Sunday Regular Classes and NOHS - Judge: Ms. Sharon Masnick (AKC)
Our Ringside Basket Auction will also be held on Saturday and Sunday!
Our baskets are FABULOUS! Tickets will be sold at the show and the social. $5 each or 5 for $20.
2025 Specialty Sponsorships Are Now Available!
Placement Sponsorships are available on the Club website for both shows!
Because of your sponsorships, we are able to put on a fabulous show with great prizes and rosettes! Please consider sponsoring one or more placements on Saturday or Sunday. Your generosity helps us defray the cost of putting on a wonderful specialty with great prizes, rosettes and fabulous judges! Your sponsorship will also be displayed ringside and you can dedicate your placement sponsorship "in honor of" or "in memory of" if you wish!
Click HERE to access our safe and secure store to purchase a sponsorship!
2025 Specialty Host Hotel Information
Our host hotel once again during the Cluster is the Drury Inn - Morrow GA
Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Morrow
6520 South Lee Street
Morrow GA 30260
phone: 770.960.0500
Rates: $114/night excluding taxes & fee for King or Queen; $144/night 2 room suite, king bed excluding taxes and fees. $85 one time pet fee.
The Drury Inn is 5 minutes from the Jonesboro Road show site! The Drury Inn offers free parking, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, free hot breakfast, free evening drinks and snacks, free soft drinks ; popcorn and free on-site facilities (business center, fitness center, pool)
METHOD OF RESERVATION
Reservations will be made by: Individual Call-In
Individual Call-In reservations can be made by reserving online, go to www.druryhotels.com, then enter Group number of 10102038. Reservations may also be made by calling 1-800-325-0720 and refer to the Group number of 10102038. Individual reservations must be cancelled prior to 12:00 p.m. on the confirmed date of arrival in order to avoid a non-refundable fee equal to one night’s room rate plus tax. The hotel requires a valid credit card and photo ID to be presented at check in. Check In Time: 3:00 p.m. Check Out Time: 11:00 a.m. Arrangements may be made for baggage storage with the Hotel’s front desk staff.
CUTOFF DATE
Reservations by attendees must be received on or before JANUARY 27,2025. After the Cutoff Date, the hotel will release the unreserved rooms for general sale. Reservations received after the Cutoff Date will be confirmed on a space-available basis at prevailing rates. The hotel does not offer shuttle service to and from the Atlanta airport.
2025 Specialty Show Saturday Social
Join us on Saturday evening at 7pm after the show at our host hotel, the Drury Inn (Morrow) for food, drink and socializing! The club will be providing the meal, beverages, snacks and sweets for everyone! We will be holding the social in the meeting room on the lower level of the hotel. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the evening! Our menu is still in the planning stages and will be updated here once
finalized.
Click HERE if you would like to donate to help offset the costs of catering and room fee.
Please be sure to RSVP to LaVada McCosh (email: lavadamccosh@gmail.com) if you plan to attend. We will also be holding a live auction of some lovely cavalier related items! COME JOIN US! ALL ARE INVITED!
Exhibitor Bag, Prizes and Raffle Basket Donations
We plan on having exhibitor bags again this year as we have bags left over from last year to use. Included in the bag will be a stainless steel tumbler, which was donated. We would love to have members donate items for the bags. Items such as pens, tissues, note pads, candy, water, dog treats, dog toys, poop bags, protein bars, etc would be greatly appreciated. We plan to make 60 bags. Contact Ashley or Carolyn Powell if you wish to donate items for the bags.
We would also like to offer all our first place class winners a prize on Saturday and Sunday. If you would like to donate 36 like items for this, please contact Jim Utych. Last year we offered microfiber towels to the class winners on Saturday and this year we would like to offer prizes on both Saturday and Sunday.
2026 SPECIALTY SHOW JUDGE INPUT
We would like to solicit judge suggestions for our 2026 Specialty as we need to secure judges’ contracts in the next few months. If you have suggestions, please email Paula (playerscav@aol.com) with these by June 1, 2025. As a reminder we would like to have names of judges that have not recently judged our specialty nor judged a specialty in our surrounding area (NC, SC, TN, FL) within the year of Feb 2026. Foreign judges and American judge suggestions are appreciated.
SAVE THE DATE
The Newnan Kennel Club will be hosting a show on October 18, 19, 20 at the Coweta County Fairgrounds. Our club will be supporting their cavalier entry for the three days and we hope you all can make plans to attend. The venue is outside, however the toys will be judged indoors. They have a great judging panel lined up for cavaliers: Barbara Pepper (Friday), Cindy Huggins (Saturday), Deborah Barrett (Sunday). Superintendent is Foy Trent.
DID YOU KNOW
Did you know that in addition to our website, the club also has a Facebook page AND will be introducing an Instagram account? These social media accounts will be managed by club members Victoria Babcock and Jess Hillman. If you have suggestions for fun posts, etc., please contact them at
victoriaandjessbahill@gmail.com
If you haven’t “liked” our Facebook page, head on over and click the “Like” button!
SEPTEMBER (OR OCTOBER) PUPPY SOCIAL
Would you like to host our Fall Puppy Social? All you need is a fenced area for puppies and a set up for members to bring potluck to share. The club will provide utensils, paper products, water, soda and ice. Participants bring their own chairs and a side to share. We usually hold this social at the Utych’s, but if you would like to get involved and host, let Jim Utych (jim.utych@firstgroup.com) know. You can pick the date that is convenient for you (typically held on a Sunday from noon to 4pm).
BRAGS
AKC GCH CH Brookhaven Number Nine Dream CGC "Lennyn" (Jim & Sharon Utych - Finnickyskye)
At the Crossroads of Georgia Cluster in Perry, Lennyn was awarded Select Dog and Best of Breed Owner Handled on Thursday and Best of Opposite Sex on Sunday.
AKC BISS CH Almeara Visionnaire CGCA "Stevie" (Jim & Sharon Utych - Finnickyskye)
At the Crossroads of Georgia Cluster in Perry, Stevie was awarded Select Dog, Best of Breed Owner Handled and an Owner Handled Group Three on Friday and Select Dog on Sunday. Stevie competed as a veteran during the cluster at almost 10 years old.
CH Monticello Rock N Roll "Reagan" (Carolyn Powell - Monticello Cavaliers)
Carolyn Powell (Monticello Cavaliers) is thrilled that, for the 2023 year in the ACKCSC, the top dam was her Reagan (CH Monticello Rock N Roll), with four of her daughters achieving their championship titles!
GCHB Monticello Crown Jewel "London" (Carolyn & Ashley Powell - Monticello Cavaliers)
Carolyn & Ashley Powell (Monticello Cavaliers) are so proud that their girl London (GCHB Monticello Crown Jewel) traveled all the way to NYC to compete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! London was the only tricolor in the whole lineup of Blenheims and one Black and Tan. Proud would be an understatement! She and Savannah (London's handler) showed their hearts out and made memories that'll last a lifetime.
Brookhaven Take Me Home RA CA DCAT SWN SEA CGCA TKA "Collins" (Beth Lassiter)
At the ACKCSC National in Mesquite, TX, Beth Lassiter and Collins competed in rally, obedience, scentwork, and Fast CAT. Collins earned 3 new titles (Scentwork Novice, Scentwork Novice Buried, Rally Advanced), was awarded High in Trial for Scentwork Novice, and earned 10 placements in total.
PERFORMANCE CORNER: FAST CAT
This month I was able to interview TWO people about their experiences with Fast CAT - Lu Dunham (a member of CKCSC of Greater Atlanta), and Beci Markijohn (a member of Central Carolina CKCSC) . Please enjoy the conversation!
Picture to the right is of Lu's Gr CH CH O'SKOT'S DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME AT BRYTHON CA BCAT "Balvenie"
Beth: What is Fast CAT?
Lu: It’s like measuring a track star’s speed: Dogs run individually in a timed 100-yard dash, one at a time, chasing a lure. Fast CAT is an electronically timed race in which a dog's speed is converted into mph. Titles are awarded based on points that are determined by multiplying a dog's mph by its handicap, a derivative of its height at the withers.
Beci: Your dog is released by one person and runs, chasing the lure (plastic bags tied to a string) to another person. Your dog can be either prey-driven, or driven to get to the person at the other end of the chute.
Beth: Why do you / your dogs participate in the sport?
Beci: A friend of mine convinced me to try it with my B&T cavalier, Ramsay, when he was young. He LOVED it! It is an event that I can get outside and do with my dogs that is purely for THEM! They mostly get in the show ring for me, so I do Fast CAT for them because it makes them so happy.
Lu: It’s really fun to watch your dog run. Mine have a great time chasing the “bunny”. It’s a low pressure environment, lots of time to enjoy the outdoors and visit with other dog owners. The title rosettes are awesome!
Beth: How do I know if my dog will like it?
Beci: Does your dog chase butterflies, squirrels, leaves, birds, or anything that moves in your yard or on your walks? Your dog might be interested in Fast CAT! That kind of behavior often suggests the dog has a "prey drive" to chase prey. It doesn't always hold true, but in general, it mostly does.
Lu: You should try FUN RUNS. Fun Runs allow your dog to run the FastCAT track but it's not competing in the Fast CAT trial. Fun Runs are open to all dogs who are in good health, however females in heat are not allowed on the track. (It’s just too distracting to the boys!) The track is completely enclosed and safe. No training is required. If your dog loves to run, just come out for the fun of it! It’s great exercise for your dog and a great way to bond and have fun with your dog!
Beth: Are there any specific concerns for cavaliers involved in the sport?
Lu: If your dog is healthy, it can do Fast CAT!
Beci: You should be aware of the physical athletic shape as well as heart health and any other medical conditions your dog may have, and use your best judgment. Also be aware of the impact they're placing on their knees - patella injuries (while more common with CAT than Fast CAT) can occur. If you are planning to breed your dog, you might want to consider how much/often you are going to run your dog before the age of 2 years when you have the patellae officially checked.
Beth: Wait - what is CAT? How is it different than Fast CAT?
Lu: Instead of a straight 100 yard course, each dog chases after the lure on either a 300- or 600-yard long, non-straight course and must finish in less than 1 ½ minutes and 2 minutes, respectively.
Beci: In this event your dog must be prey-driven or at least enticed to leave you and chase the lure. Veteran dogs run 200 or 300 yards, half the main courses, depending upon height.
Beth: So how do I sign up for a Fast CAT?
Lu: The requirements for your dog's entry are: at least 12 months of age, have an AKC number (or PAL), and must pass physical inspection at the venue (an inspection committee will inspect each dog for lameness and fitness to compete). Females in season are not eligible to participate.
Beci: There are Facebook groups dedicated to Fast CAT in different regional areas of the country and clubs or lure operating companies that are hosting events often post their premiums and information about their events in those groups. You can also find events on the superintendent websites such as Infodog. However, the most comprehensive place to find all the events is through the AKC Event Search here. Under "Performance Events", select Fast CAT (FCAT), the date range of interest, and then "Retrieve Events". There will be a premium attached to the event of interest to provide further information about how to register. There should also be someone listed in the premium to answer questions: the trial secretary or the field chair. If you can't get the answers you need, feel free to reach out to me at kymeritecavalers@gmail.com I'm happy to help if I can.
Beth: Where do I go for more information?
Lu: Check out this video: Fast Cat for Beginners.
Beci: Also the AKC site has plenty of information for you here.
O’Skot Jack of Hearts "GIbran" (14 weeks old!)
O’Skot I’ve Been Naughty "Coal"
O’Skot’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz "Ozzie"
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
Send your favorite inspirational thought to CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com
Special thanks to Mikayla Belden and Old Pup New Pics Photography for use of the photo.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Natural Remedies for Dog Vomiting
Dogs are prone to upset stomachs, just like their owners. The cause of your pet’s upset stomach could be many things, and we usually do not know our pet is feeling under the weather until they start vomiting. Vomiting is a common occurrence for pets and as an occasional problem, it is nothing to worry about. Provided that your dog has no other symptoms and the vomiting does not go on for more than a couple of days the best thing you can do is to make your pet comfortable and help them get over their upset stomach. However, it is important to keep in mind if your dog has been vomiting for more than a few days, has other symptoms, or cannot keep water down then it is time to call your veterinarian.
Home Remedies for an Upset Stomach
Most digestive problems are minor and will clear up quickly. Sometimes the best remedy for vomiting is simply an adjustment in feeding for a few days. Fasting is one of the best ways to clear out your dog’s digestive system. Dogs in the wild go a day without food frequently. Sometimes they go two or three days, depending on the availability of prey. So, a short stint without food will not harm your pet and might help to heal whatever is ailing him. When it is time for your dog to start eating again, making a watery rice porridge is the best place to start. You can add broth instead of water to make it more palatable and the rice should be mushy. Other good foods to help soothe an irritated digestive system include pumpkin, bananas, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes.
Natural Herbal Remedies for Vomiting in Dogs
Your best option, if you want to try natural remedies, is to consult a holistic veterinarian. Digestive systems can be sensitive and dogs come in a wide range of sizes so choosing the appropriate dosing can help avoid further upset. Here are a few of the alternatives available: Kefir or probiotics – Kefir is fermented milk. While dairy typically upsets the dog’s digestive systems, fermented milk does not. Kefir has probiotics which can soothe your dog’s stomach. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that occur naturally in the digestive system. They aid in digestion and help boost the immune system. You can also add probiotic powders and supplements to your dog’s food, but these can be expensive. Digestive Enzymes – Proper digestion requires enzymes and while dogs produce some of the enzymes on their own, they do not produce enough to digest their food properly. A dog’s natural diet before domestication included the enzymes their bodies lacked. The average pet food today is void of enzymes and this can create stomach problems for some dogs. Herbs such as catnip, fennel, chamomile, and ginger – These herbs serve to calm an irritated stomach. Add herbs to a bit of canned food or rolled up in a ball of canned meat to dose your dog. You can also brew ginger into a tea and add to your pet’s food. Homeopathic Remedies –For car sickness in dogs Cocculus (Indian cockles) is one of the most popular remedies. You can give this to your dog right before you leave on a trip.
Knowing When to Go to the Vet
Nobody wants to rush into the vet for every little stomach upset or minor problem. However, there are any number of different diseases, disorders, and other conditions that have vomiting as a symptom. If vomiting persists for more than a couple of days, your dog cannot keep water down or has other symptoms such as fever, it is vital your dog sees a veterinarian right away. Other symptoms to watch for include bloating in the abdominal region, lethargy or nervousness, hacking, and heaving, or chronic diarrhea. A dog that has both vomiting and diarrhea can become dehydrated rapidly and may need to go to the vet for IV fluids. Most dogs experience stomach upset and vomiting at least once in their life. Some dogs, like people, just have sensitive stomachs. A bit of stomach upset is nothing to worry about. Be on the lookout for any other symptoms that might indicate something more than a bit of upset stomach and keep a careful watch on how long the vomiting persists. If home remedies do not clear it up, it might be time to have your veterinarian dig a bit deeper to ensure your dog does not have an underlying condition that needs treating.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Beef & Veggie Crockpot Creation
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chopped butternut squash
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned (omit if feeding to a breeding bitch) - substitute 1 cup chopped kale
DIRECTIONS
- Stir ground beef, brown rice, kidney beans, butternut squash, carrots, peas and 4 cups water into a 6-qt slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, stirring as needed.
- Let cool completely.
NEED SOME SUNSHINE?
Do you know a club member who needs some sunshine?
Our Sunshine Committee Chair is Ashley Powell. If you know of a club member that needs to be remembered or encouraged, please be in touch with Ashley.
Ashley can be reached at ashncav@gmail.com.
THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA
Beth Lassiter, editor