THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE

Big changes ahead for the club and added events as we look to expand our reach to the members.

For 2026 our February Specialty is being moved to the end of June. Westminster is the same weekend as we were scheduled to have the Specialty, and the Conyers Kennel Club decided to postpone the all-breed and we were able to secure the facility for late June. History has been that any all-breed events hosted at the same time tend to see their entry cut in half. By rescheduling this event, the Drury Inn, our host hotel, is not able to accommodate us. In late June there are events, practices and matches related to FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United Staes and the Drury is booked solid the last week of June. We have secured a new host hotel, the Sonesta on Virgina Avenue at reasonable rates and dog fees. This is only slightly further from the show than the Drury (maybe a mile or two). Needless to say, this also poses problems with our Saturday Social that the board is looking at options for. The Conyers Kennel Club does plan to revert back to February for 2027.

In May 2026, we are adding two specialty shows in Perry, GA. The Macon Kennel club is very excited for us to join their weekend and have been very accommodating. Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us for this special event.

For 2026, our two specialties will be about 6 weeks apart. With all the planning for these events and the efforts at the how site, we are looking for volunteers. Please consider helping the club out. Contact me if able to help.

We will be adding a Fast CAT event in the fall (still working on setting a date). It will be open to all breeds and all we need to provide is willing participants and volunteers. The great part about this is any dog that loves to chase can do this one. We have a person lined up that does this all the time on their property and will handle coordinating this. All we need to do is provide 5-6 volunteers to help them out for the two days.

As part of the Puppy Picnic we have always had Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification (Alice did for many years and now Ashley is picking this up). We will be adding Trick Dog next year. Over the next several months, we will begin publishing what it takes to pass. As we get closer to the event we will share what it takes to pass CGC. Don’t say your dog can't do these things -- we thought the same and every one of ours has managed to pull it off. Don’t underestimate your boys and girls. In addition, we will begin posting information on Trick Dog with respect to what qualifies as a trick and how many tricks they need to know to earn titles. Many of your dogs probably already do a lot of the tricks today.

Jess and Victoria will be hosting our fall puppy social at their house in Stone Mountain. Please plan on attending. Nothing better than puppies, good food and good friends on a fall afternoon.

We will also be wrapping up plans for the Holiday luncheon in the next several weeks and will share those plans as we finalize them so you can plan accordingly.

Keep cool and safe and enjoy your summer.

Jim Utych

President

I hope you enjoy the July newsletter. This month the sports focus will be FIT Dog. Unfortunately we don't have any submissions for "Behind the Lead" or "What's in a Name" this month. I'll send out a separate email later to ask (beg) for submissions to both, so be on the lookout! We'd love to get to know more about both your kennel and you personally!

If you have any overall suggestions, have general feedback, and especially if you have brags, please send them to CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com.

Thanks - Beth Lassiter, Editor

July - NO MEETINGS

August - NO Regular Meeting, Board Meeting - TBA

Keep your calendar open to attend our Autumn puppy social at the home of Victoria Babcock & Jessica Hillman in Stone Mountain! The date has not yet been set but we are targeting either the last weekend in September or first weekend in October. In person socials are always a fun time and especially when the weather is turning cooler! More information will be forthcoming!

Big news! We will be holding TWO different specialty show weekends in 2026! Our regular February Winter Specialty show was moved by the Cherokee Rose Cluster to June 25 – 28, putting our specialty shows on June 27 and June 28. That show will still be held at the Atlanta Expo Center South. We still plan on having great ringside baskets, exhibitor bags and good ole southern hospitality!

The Drury Inn could not accommodate us in June, so instead we secured the Sonesta Airport North. We don't have a booking code or booking link yet, but the information about the hotel / rates are as follows:

Sonesta Atlanta Airport North

1325 Virginia Ave

Atlanta GA 20244

phone: 404.678.6660

The Sonesta is a full service hotel with a restaurant (Benton's Grill), bar/pub (Richard on the Rocks) and a shuttle from/to Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

Rates: $138/night excluding taxes & fee for 1 King. $138/night 2 queen beds excluding taxes and fees. $75 one time pet fee excluding tax. Mini fridges are also in every room.Our exhibitors booking under our group code will be comped the daily hotel parking fee and a daily hot breakfast buffet for 2 in Benton's Grill.

We have added a brand new specialty show weekend in Perry GA at the Fairgrounds in conjunction with the Macon KC. These shows will be May 9 & 10 (Saturday and Sunday). This is a 4 day cluster at a lovely indoor venue.

Please help us to celebrate the following members and their accomplishments!!

If you've ever noticed your dog chasing a butterfly, stalking a lizard, or high-tailing it after a chipmunk then Fast CAT is definitely for you!! Even if your dog is a couch potato, Fast CAT may still be for you!! If that's you, then we have great news - pending AKC approval, our club will be hosting 2 days of Fast CAT in the fall (tentatively Nov).

Some of you may be asking...

• What is Fast CAT? Fast CAT, which stands for Coursing Ability Test, is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs chase a lure.They run individually down a straight course, following a lure (a plastic bag) on a pulley system. It's a fun and relatively easy way for dogs of any and all breeds and sizes to participate in performance events. We ran an article about the sport last month in the newsletter - you can read more about it there.
• But how do I know if my dog will like it? Does your dog have any prey drive? If so, they'll probably chase the bag. Does your dog have issues being separated from you? If so, they'll probably run to the end of the course to get to you! If you're still not convinced, any new dog can do a Fun Run to test the waters and see if they like it. If they like it, then they can move to "regular" runs and start gathering points toward their first Fast CAT title!
• Does this require training beforehand? Nope! You just show up and let the dogs do their thing!
• I'm still not convinced that either my dog or I want to do this.. Fantastic!! Because we need volunteers to help put on the event! Please reach out to Beth Lassiter to volunteer - we need you! (bethlassiter76@gmail.com).
• But I want to volunteer AND run my dogs. Can I do that? Absolutely! Please reach out to Beth Lassiter (bethlassiter76@gmail.com) to volunteer.

Be on the lookout for more information coming soon! In the meantime, if you have any questions about Fast CAT or the event itself, please reach out to Beth Lassiter (bethlassiter76@gmail.com).

Do you (and/or your dog) need a little health and fitness motivation? FIT DOG may be for you! AKC FIT DOG titles were designed to provide a structured, individualized fitness plan that you and your dog can do together. These titles are noncompetitive, meaning it's just up to you to set a goal for your fitness plan based on the criteria below and then to work to meet it.

There are 3 levels of AKC fitness titles—Bronze (FITB), Silver (FITS), and Gold (FITG). Each title requires a specific number of activity points to be completed, which varies based on title level.

• Bronze – 5 Points
  
• Silver – 10 Points
  
• Gold – 20 Points

Within each level, there are 6 categories of activities to choose from to earn your points. Dog owners may choose different activities to earn titles. Details for each category appear in the Participant Guide.

AKC Fitness Title Categories:

1. AKC FIT DOG Course
2. Runs (community runs such as a Turkey Trot, Spring Scurry, etc.)
3. Walks and hikes (Independent or Group)
4. Unique to You and Your Dog (e.g., swimming, Parkour)
5. AKC title that is fitness related (e.g., FAST CAT, agility)
6. AKC Parent Club Performance Titles (e.g., pack dog, sledding)

For each of the 3 levels of titles, a minimum number of points must be earned in at least 2 categories for the title to be awarded.

How to Get Started:

1. Begin by reviewing the AKC FIT DOG Checklists. Each variation of checklists (Gold, Silver, Bronze) requires various levels of commitment, so it is important to evaluate which level is best suited for you and your dog’s activity level.
2. Next, with the checklist in hand, take a look at the Participant Guide and review the program’s rules
3. After reviewing the participant guide and checklist. You must now decide which activities you and your dog would like to complete to earn your title. (I.e., FIT DOG Course, Walks, Swimming, etc.)
4. Once you have completed your specific activities you can fill out the title forms.
5. Submit the 1) Title application, Checklist, and required documentation to https://www.apps.akc.org/title-application-portal/

Would you like to volunteer and help the club out? We would love to have you consider taking on various roles in the club listed below. Please let Jim Utych know of your interest or any questions you may have!

Programs/Speakers – Do you have an idea for a topic or better yet a speaker that would like to speak to the club at one of the zoom meetings on a topic of interest? In the past we have had vet specialists speak regarding SM, CM, nutrition, and holistic approaches. We also have had an animal communicator speak to us on the topic and had an in person grooming seminar. Give us your thoughts, leads and topics!

Fundraising Committee – We would like to have someone as our point person for fundraising – especially this pays for most of our Specialty expenses! You would coordinate raffles with Kathy Knoles Small Dog Club Facebook Fundraising for our club, manage the sponsorships and trophy donations by soliciting via Facebook and email, working with Ashley Powell who does a GREAT job of sourcing items from vendors for our raffle baskets and auctions.

Did you know that in addition to our website, the club also has a Facebook page AND an Instagram account? These social media accounts are 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!

Our Instagram page is: https://www.instagram.com/CKCS.OF.GREATERATL

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.

Dogs with normal ears that appear healthy and clean are proof that the ear environment is well maintained and under control by bacteria. However, if for some reason or another, the dog's system is disrupted, bacteria may no longer be able to protect the ears from invaders, therefore, yeast may take over the battle and begin to proliferate. This is when trouble begins. But what is really yeast? What causes the yeast to proliferate in the first place? Why is bacteria no longer able to keep yeast under control?

WHAT IS YEAST?

Yeasts are single cell forms of fungi that resemble spores. They are naturally found on skin and in ears in small amounts.

CAUSES OF DOG EAR YEAST INFECTION:

1 - Antibiotics

One of the most common causes of yeast infections is a prescription for antibiotics. Antibiotics are well known to kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut, and this is why yogurt is often prescribed. However, antibiotics can also kill the good bacteria in the ear as well.

2 - Weakened immune system

Dogs that are stressed or weakened because of fighting against a disease, are more likely to develop yeast infections in their ears. A good way to prevent these annoying infections is therefore to ensure your dog is fed premium dog food, gets sufficient exercise, and lives stress free.

3 - Weakened ear environment

If your dog's ears are already bothering the dog because of allergies, the constant scratching and the higher production of oils, may open the way to yeast growth. So a dog may have ear problems such as a bacterial infection and an ear yeast infection on top of that because the skin in the ears has become vulnerable.

4 - Ideal environment

Yeast thrives in humid, dark and warm areas, therefore, your dog's ears make yeast a perfect place to live and settle causing those annoying ear yeast infections in dogs. This is mostly seen in floppy ear dogs and because of their conformation it is easy for the yeast to settle in and thrive. Dogs with erect ears therefore, may be less likely to get ear yeast problems because their ears are naturally more likely to be exposed to light and air.

DOG EAR YEAST INFECTION SYMPTOMS

A dog affected by a yeast infection in its ears is very likely prone to be quite miserable. Symptoms of ear yeast infection in dogs may be as follows:

• Head Shaking
  
• Pawing at Ears
  
• Ear Scratching
  
• Rubbing Ears
  
• Swollen Ears with Ear Discharge
  
• Foul Smell

DIAGNOSIS

Ideally, the dog should have a veterinarian check the ears so to exclude other ear problems. If he ears have a black coffee ground discharge there may be actually ear mites, which require a totally different treatment than yeast. The best way to diagnose an ear yeast infection is by having the vet collect a sample and view it under the microscope. In some cases, a culture and sensitivity test is recommended.

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES

1 - Before using any home remedies the ear canal needs to the cleaned well. Medications or home remedies may not work in a dirty ear because they are unable to treat the surface of the skin directly.

2 - One of the best home remedies for yeast infection in the ears is white vinegar. White vinegar is able to return the ear's PH back to an acidic state that makes the ear inhospitable for the yeast. The vinegar should never be used in its pure form, rather it must be diluted. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water may be mixed well and poured into a spray bottle.

3 - After the ears are clean, the solution should be sprayed in the ears and dried out with a cotton ball twice a day. The ears should improve within 48 hours.

4 - Over the counter ear solution Zymox is an effective product that relieves bacterial and yeast ear infections without side effects. There are many success stories on this product. If this treatment does not work the dog may need stronger prescription ear drops from the veterinarian.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Floppy ear dogs should never be left with their ears wet. If you are planning to bathe a floppy ear dog follow what groomers do: put cotton balls inside the ears to prevent them from getting wet.

*Disclaimer: All remedies suggested are not to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you pet is sick refer to your veterinarian for a hands on examination.

Homemade Dog Biscuits Ingredients
(Makes about 5 dozen)

Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour *
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer's yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup low-sodium canned chicken stock, plus more for brushing

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, yeast, and salt; set aside

2. Place oil in a large bowl. Add stock and flour mixture in three alternating batches, beginning and ending with stock. Mix well.

3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to about 3/8-inch thick. Shape biscuits using a dog-bone-shaped cookie cutter or by cutting around a store-bought dog bone with a butter knife.(Make biscuits that are appropriate for your dog's size.)

4. If desired, you can spell out your dog's name or a holiday message in the dough with a toothpick (wet the toothpick first so it won't stick).

5. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.

6. Bake biscuits 10 minutes. Brush with stock; rotate baking sheets, and bake 10 minutes more. Turn off oven, leaving door closed. Let dog biscuits stand in oven to dry completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Wrap as a gift, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

* if you have a dog that is susceptible to seizures use gluten-free flour; wheat can cause seizures

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA

www.ckcscatlanta.org

Beth Lassiter, editor

CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com