Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue

What happens to Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue dogs immediately following an auction?

All rescued Cavaliers are immediately transported from an auction to a licensed veterinarian for boarding and examination.

What veterinary care do the dogs receive?

All dogs are tested for brucellosis and receive a thorough physical exam. The vet will check the condition of the teeth and gums, eyes, ears, patellae, heart, skin and coat. Treatment for coccidea and other intestinal parasites is begun and vaccinations are given. All rescues are spayed/neutered. They will be boarded for 10 days or more (dependent on the needs of each dog) and given any additional treatment or procedure determined necessary by the veterinarian.

How can I apply to adopt a Lucky Star rescue dog? How does final placement occur?

All dogs are fostered for a minimum of two weeks once they leave the vet. To apply for adoption, simply follow the link on our website, fill out and submit the form. It will be kept on file and you will be personally contacted should a dog become available for whom your home and situation sounds perfect.

Final placement is NOT done on a first come-first served basis, but rather on the individual needs of the dog. We take into account the temperament of the rescue, the ability of the adopting family to physically and financially care for the rescue, the specific and particular needs of each rescue, and the knowledge/experience of the adopting family as it relates to dogs, and Cavaliers, in particular. Please also keep in mind that we make every effort to place a dog near to where it is being fostered. If this is not feasible and the perfect home for this dog is a distance away, we would ask that the adopting family have a plan in mind for how to come get the dog. It is very rare that we will ship a dog...the dog must be one who would handle that well and the time of year and temps also come into play. We do have a transportation network of wonderful volunteers who will help when they are needed, but it is always best if the new family can come get the dog themselves.

"Forever" homes are selected based on information gleaned from the application, interviews, home visits, vet recommendations, and sometimes recommendations from various Cavalier clubs, forums and current owners.

It is extremely rare that we will have puppies available for adoption. This only happens when we may get a mom and young pups at auction...or a girl who is pregnant. When we do have puppies, first priority for adoption is given to those who have lost another LS dog or another Cavalier (pups can be so healing!), and to regular volunteers who are interested. From there, we will canvas our existing applications. If you are truly interested in a Cavalier puppy, we urge you to do your homework...go to a source like http://www.ckcsc.org/ for a breeder referral and learn, learn, learn! A reputable breeder should do appropriate testing at the appropriate age with specialists on their breeding stock and be willing to supply you with those results. PLEASE do not ever buy a Cavalier puppy from a pet store or back yard breeder. You will pay the price up front...and likely through the years in vet bills.

Lucky Star charges an adoption fee for each dog. This allows us to (hopefully) cover the vet costs, and it allows us to continue to rescue more dogs. The general fee is usually $500 for an adult dog....$600 for a puppy.

How are foster families selected? How can I help by fostering a rescued Lucky Star dog?

Application to foster may be accessed on our website. The forms will then be mailed to you to fill out and return.

All prospective foster homes must have an approved application on file with Lucky Star, sign a waiver and release of liability, and be willing AND able to work with the rescues on housebreaking issues and basic obedience skills. A veterinary recommendation must be obtained and/or a home visit conducted by a Lucky Star board member or designee before foster approval will be given. If possible, foster homes will be lined up prior to every auction, or in the alternative, upon boarding of the dogs at the vet’s.

Are ALL rescued dogs placed in foster care?

Yes, all Cavaliers are placed in carefully screened and approved foster homes upon the dog’s release from veterinary care. Rescues will receive a minimum of two weeks in a foster home, but foster care may sometimes be needed for up to a few months, dependent on the needs of the dog and the interest in adopting him or her. Occasionally, the foster home will need to continue ongoing veterinary care. Foster care is where the newly rescued dog begins his/her transition to a new life… which includes housebreaking, basic training, and assessment of temperament and behavior. The assessment is tantamount to finding the perfect match for a forever home. The foster home is the vital link between the deplorable puppymill situation and a "normal Cavalier" life. Interaction with family members and good socialization skills are developed with an eye toward a bright future.

- What is the role of the foster family in the placement of the Lucky Star rescues?

It is understood that foster families play a crucial role in the placement of Lucky Star rescues. Foster families are relied upon for information and recommendations regarding a particular rescue’s personality, temperament, needs and desires. Hence, placement decisions regarding a particular rescue will not be made by a Lucky Star board member without input, feedback, and in most cases, approval from the rescue’s foster family. If, after discussion regarding a potential adoptive home, the regional Lucky Star board member and the foster family fail to agree, the recommendation of the regional board member responsible for that rescue will prevail. This provision only addresses the potential disagreement between the Lucky Star board member responsible for the rescue and the foster family. It is asserted and customarily understood that the optimum placement for a Lucky Star rescue is one agreed upon by both the foster family and the Lucky Star board member responsible for that rescue. Should conflicts, disputes or disagreements arise between board members regarding placement of a particular rescue and those board members are not able to resolve the conflict satisfactorily among themselves, the placement issue will be brought before the Rescue Committee. The Rescue Committee, after reviewing and discussing all pertinent facts at its disposal, will make a final, binding placement decision.

- What paperwork must a foster family work with?

The foster family will complete a Personality Profile on each rescue being fostered. The foster family will supply the regional Lucky Star board member with copies of any vet work done while in the care of the foster family. The foster family will request from the regional Lucky Star board member, in writing, reimbursement or tax receipts for vet expenses. Upon adoption, the foster family will forward copies of the paperwork listed below to (1) the Rescue Chair, and (2) The board member responsible for the particular rescue:

The Home Visit inspection report

The rescue’s vet information

The Personality Profile

A printed picture of the rescue

The signed Adoption Agreement

Any other pertinent contracts/agreements (i.e. spay/neuter contract)

Upon adoption, the foster family will forward adoption fees to Lucky Star via the mailing address at PO Box 7054, Carmel, CA 93921.

Auction Information

What is a puppy mill auction like?

A most eloquent description comes from this first hand narrative by Darlene Cummins.

"We were told it would be crowded. We traveled great distances from five different states to come here. We thought prices would be high, as advertisement appeared everywhere. We dreamed of getting them all out. We arrived to rescue Cavaliers from a life of constant breeding.

Upon entering, a sign was posted warning against the use of cameras and any sort of photographic equipment. The security guard recorded our license plate number as we entered the property. To register for bidding, my driver’s license, home address and phone were logged into their computer. I received my half-inch thick catalog of pedigrees, a bidding sheet, and my bid numbered sign.

The main auction room was jammed. Grandstand seating and aisles packed with bidders. Young and old, kids and babies joining mom and dad, all feeling quite at home here. And the smell…the combination of fecal stench, wafting in from the kennel viewing area, thick cigarette smoke and concession stand aroma of hot dogs and chili.

The back kennel area was dimly lit. Condensation dripped down from the ceiling in a room where air never circulated. Cages, aisle after aisle, were filled with the chain-collared, numbered dogs. Larger fenced areas held Mastiffs, Bouvier de Flandres and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Angled trays were beneath each cage to send excrement flowing to a trough towards the main aisle. Most of the waste stuck to the plastic tray. The cement floor had a corresponding gutter in the center to catch the flow from either side. The teenage kennel staff used the gutter as a fast lane to get around. The floor was wet. Brown stained aisles were crowded as bidders opened cages to check out the stock. We knew which ones we wanted…the Cavaliers.

Inside the fenced perimeter of the auction area were crates for sale. An announcement was made that kennel equipment was being auctioned off in the back room. Most of the men in the audience left our room for this sale. One hour later the auctioneer welcomed all. Let the auction begin…

Children brought out many of the puppies and dogs. The woman who showed the dogs on the table gently displayed them. Frightened older dogs crouched and trembled as she tried to bring them to life for the crowd. Excited pups were scratched, hugged, kissed and talked to as they, for a brief moment, were not looking through bars or feeling the cage rungs beneath them. The auctioneer continued his fast bidding plea. Two assistants in cowboy hats flanked him. They pointed and with a loud grunt you knew your bid was recognized. The auctioneer called out for higher prices on the dogs…informing the crowd that they go for much more than that, "this dog checks out OK." The display girl nodded in agreement to the audience, pointed to the dog and mouthed the words…this is a good one. The high bidder gave his number and the sale was recorded. The dogs appeared quickly and bidding resumed over and over again, breed after breed.

One particular Brussels Griffon came up for bid. Full of pups, she was eased into different positions on the table so all could see her engorged belly. Note was made of a large wound on her right backside. Bidding began.

Seeing the first Cavalier on the auction table sent tingles through my body and caused an immediate welling up in my eyes. Trying to keep my feelings in check was extremely difficult. I thought of my Cavaliers at home and my heart sank. This little female ruby was like my Lena…but this girl was being sold to the highest bidder. It had to be Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue…we had to step in here, now. Lucky Star DID step in and went home with 11 of the 15 Cavaliers up for auction! 9 females and 2 males. All of us at the auction felt the support and conviction of those who donated their time, talents and money to make this rescue possible.

What are the ages of the dogs that Lucky Star rescues?

We see more and more young puppies at the auctions. They are usually those rejected by the brokers for some reason…but selling puppies at auction has become very lucrative for some of the commercial breeders. To contribute to their profit by purchasing these young pups, we feel, is wrong…and will only condemn the parents of these dogs to continued breeding and suffering.

Therefore, our Policies and Procedures state that we will only purchase dogs of breeding age...and we always try to get the oldest dogs...those who have already suffered the most and deserve a soft bed and good food.

Financial Questions

Where does Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue get its money?

Monetary donations and the purchase of items from our eBay auctions are the main source of income. All items being auctioned are donated. We also receive donations through purchases made by those signed up to support us by shopping online at iGive.com. For the past few years, we have offered annual Cavalier wall calendars…as well as t-shirts, polo shirts and holiday cards....and many other fun items as they come available. Monetary donations may be sent to:

Lucky Star, P.O. Box 7054, Carmel, CA 93921

Items donated to be auctioned on eBay should be sent to:

Chris Swim, P.O. Box 1173, Sorrento, FL 32776-1173

Links to auctions and shopping areas that result in Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue funding are:

http://www.igive.com/

http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/luckystarcavaliers/

We also receive donations through the United Way, so you may wish to check with your local organization to find out if they will allow donations to Lucky Star.

In several instances, we have received donations through Matching Gift programs from contributors’ employers. This is a great plan!

You can order personal checks with your pet’s picture through http://www.comchecks.com/ and list Lucky Star as the organization you support. We will receive $1.00 for every box of checks you order.

What benefits can I, as a supporter, get from the fact that Lucky Star is tax-exempt?

Monetary donations are 100% tax-deductible for you, and a receipt will be provided for single donations of $250 or more. Purchases from our eBay auctions are deductible for the amount paid in excess of "fair market value" for the items. It is up to the individual to determine what that amount may be, perhaps with the assistance of a tax advisor. Likewise, items donated to be auctioned are deductible for "fair market value" and receipts will be provided at the end of the year for donated items with a value of $75 or more. Additional information regarding deductible donations to charities may be obtained at the IRS website: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/

How can I get corporate information about Lucky Star?

This information, in accordance with IRS guidelines, has been publicly posted online at http://www.guidestar.org/ Do a simple search on Lucky Star. IRS tax form 990 is automatically posted there every year. You may also view our Mission Statement, purpose and goals, a list of the current Board of Directors, contact information, and our EIN# at the site.

How are Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue funds used?

All Lucky Star board members, in addition to donating considerable personal time, pay all of their own travel and expenses when attending an auction, attending an information venue, or transporting dogs. All equipment needed for the rescued dogs (i.e. crates, collars, leashes, blankets, toys and food) is donated either by board members or caring supporters.

Operating expenses include postage, bank charges, fund-raising items (i.e. t-shirts, mugs), printing costs, vendor fees at shows, and insurance.

The vast majority of the funds go to the purchase and veterinary care of the dogs. We always operate with this goal in mind. Due to our careful management of the funds entrusted to us, we try to maintain an 85-90% rate of funds going to the purchase and care of the dogs.

Does Lucky Star accept credit cards?

Not directly, but donations and auction payments may be made through PayPal http://www.paypal.com/ by using the "pay to" name of luckycavaliers@aol.com