Brrrr

February 2, 2019 · by · in Blog

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” Alexa, play Motown”…”Alexa, what is the temperature?”….”Alexa, how long do Cavalier spaniels live?”

Man, I wish I hadn’t asked Alexa so many questions.  She said, “Cavaliers live an average of 11.2 years”. Just like that.

She pulled the rug out from under my feet. Amelia is going to be 10 in April and Lily will be 9 in October. This is awful!:(

Look at those sweeties, trekking right out in the snow and ice. They are perfectly trained, wonderfully sweet companions, cheerful like children and keep the house warm and welcoming. How can you even consider we have a couple of years left together?

I asked, “Alexa, what is the oldest a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel can live to be?” Of course, “I don’t know”, she said.

What about google? What does it say?

Hypoallergenic: No
Life span: 9 – 14 years
Mass: Female: 13 – 18 lbs (Adult), Male: 13 – 18 lbs (Adult)
Temperament: Affectionate, Fearless, Patient, Sociable, Playful, Adaptable
Colors: Black & Tan, Tri-color, Blenheim, Ruby
Height: Female: 12 – 13 in. (Adult), Male: 12 – 13 in. (Adult)
Well, the veterinarian has not said they have a heart problem, but Amelia did weigh 21 pounds, so she is a little overweight.
October 2018: UK Kennel Club cavaliers’ average lifespan drops to 9.75 years in 2014.

http://cavalierhealth.org/overview.htm

As it happens, Lily has been favoring her left front paw since December. It seemed to be fine, but she came back inside today hopping and fussing- holding her left paw up to walk. I hope we don’t have patella disease. Amelia had issues but she got over them in 2015-2016.  I really WISH I had not asked.  I call them the “love dogs” for their unconditional love and acceptance.

Dean Koontz in The Darkest Evening in the Year, said:”Dogs lives are short, too short, but you know that going in…..there is beauty in accepting and giving love while always aware it comes with an unbearable price.” I will hope for 5 more years……..