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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels And Comfort Hill Kennel A Winning Combination

photo provided Introducing Rhuberry: a Cavalier King Spaniel and her friends at Comfort Hill Kennel

Tuesday December 20, 2011

By Cookie Steponaitis

Linette and Bill Poquette’s first encounter with the rare but wonderful breed of dog called a Cavalier King Charles came in the form of a visiting friend. Whenever he came to Vermont, he would talk with a great love and admiration for his dog Rusty, who happened to be a Cavalier King Charles. When the family American Cocker Spaniel died from old age the suggestion to get a Cavalier King Charles became more than an idea and   the beginning of a love affair with a new member of the family.

Linette Poquette is certainly not new to loving pets and appreciating a wide variety of species and breeds and can trace her love of animals back to her own family pets that included dogs, cats, a few ducks and a goat. While she grinningly admits her first pets were, “…five imaginary white roosters that she claimed lived in her basement,” her family was also used to her parading around the house with the family cat Smoke Joe draped in her arms.

Bill and Linette wrote a business plan supporting the need for a boarding and grooming kennel in the Addison County area that blended their passion for animals and a desire to run their own business. They looked for land and talked to neighbors about the business plan, seeking input and checking interest. They looked at the Comfort Hill Jersey Farm and got very excited because they envisioned their kennel in that fantastic barn setting. After a lot of work acquiring financing and retrofitting the barn into a kennel facility they opened the doors of Comfort Hill Kennel on April 1, 2004. Their mission has expanded to not only providing a safe environment for animals housed under their care, but providing professional grooming services and a positive and nurturing place for their employees as well. Comfort Hill Kennel provides boarding and grooming for cats and dogs, as well as dog daycare and a retail store for pets.

The Comfort Hill Kennel boasts a unique collection of animals that include a pair of Eclectus Parrots,  three varieties of Pea Fowl, Red and Yellow Golden Pheasants, many Guinea Fowl, Cayuga Ducks and some mix breed ducks, Royal Palm Turkeys, three guinea pigs that live with the birds, three Fallow Deer, two miniature horses, four miniature donkeys and thirteen goats. The arrival of a litter of Cavalier King Charles puppies is resulting in a lot of attention and questions since they represent a growing in popularity breed in the state.
“Cavaliers are bred to be wonderful little lap dogs as well as being a spaniel with a strong sporting instinct,” shared CHK co-owner Linette Poquette. “They love living with other pets, but will give chase to anything that moves. They need supervision to keep them out of trouble. The Cavalier, as purebred dog comes from generations of breeding dogs and has a breed club CKCSC, USA dedicated to the health and welfare of the breed while conserving the typical happy, laid back small sized family companion. The CKCSC, USA is the only registry which requires that anyone registering a Cavalier must abide by its Strict Code of Ethics. These pups are happy, confident, well balanced dogs, exposed to many noises, dogs, cats, birds, people, weather conditions, car rides, etc. They are in the process of being crate trained and house broken.” Linette invites anyone curious about the pups and the breed itself to stop by Comfort Hill Kennel to see them and talk to Bill or Linette about this unique breed of dog.

While Christmas time seems the perfect time to run out and get a new pet, both Linette and Bill caution new pet owners to stop and think about what pet best fits their lifestyles and needs. “Make sure it’s a pet you want 365 days a year,” remarked Linette. “I put an Old English Sheepdog on my Christmas wish list for seven years before my family allowed me to purchase my first OES.” Both Bill and Linette adore their pets and credit the animals with giving them a sense of balance and making them slow down to appreciate the partnership they bring to a life. And, like any meaningful relationship in our lives, pets take time to learn to communicate with and to establish the patterns and bonds that carry us through a lifetime together.

So, if you are curious or already a regular at Comfort Hill Kennel with your pet; stop in and see what all the hubbub is about. Meet the Cavalier King Charles pups and see for yourself what a great dog this breed really is. Better yet, talk to Linette and Bill about your pet and as we move into the holiday season full speed ahead, pause a moment to give thanks for those pets in your life and the joy they bring all 365 days a year. Comfort Hill Kennels hours are 7:00 am – 6:00 pm., Monday-Friday as well as 7-10 & 3-6 pm on the weekends. Bill, Linette and the Comfort Hill Kennel staff are ready and waiting to board your pet, groom your pet or share with you their passion for animals and products that are dedicated to helping your pet to live longer and a healthier life. Give them a call at (802)877-8308 and remember, come on by, Rhuberry and the other Cavalier pups are ready and waiting to show off for you!

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