Meet Kona

Kona is a welcome member of our staff!

Kona is an 8-year old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel rescue turned therapy dog. He was rescued from Hawaii and appropriately came with his name. Kona was initially an “understudy” to Charlie when he first joined us, and began to spend more time in the office as Charlie was aging. Now he is a full time which he loves. Kona is very affectionate and loves to give kisses, and has been known to lay on people just to get his tummy rubbed.

To adopt a Cavalier like Charlie or Kona, please visit Cavalier Rescue USA

It is with a very heavy heart that we share with you that Charlie passed away February 4, 2022. He was 14 years and 5 months, and after being diagnosed with a heart condition at age 8, we treated every day as a “gift.” For those who knew him, he was a very special guy, a rescue turned therapy dog, who was in the office every day. Charlie loved attention and tummy rubs, and especially the kids who gave him treats. He loved to hunt for lizards and looked forward to the kids who took him on adventure walks. He spent most of his “Golden Years” sleeping and snoring and enjoying the company of people. He was a great listener, and when he lost his hearing, he learned to “listen” with all his senses. 

Charlie had his share of “old man” issues, including mitral valve disease (common in Cavaliers), seizures, and intervertebral disc disease for which he took a variety of medications and supplements. In the Summer of 2021, Charlie was in physical therapy and he built up his leg strength on an underwater treadmill (see pictures and video below). Unfortunately he developed seizures which further weakened his back legs and he had to stop his therapy. During his last 8 months, he had a few “sleepovers” with staff at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital, including New Year’s Eve 2021! 

Charlie was a happy, loving companion right up till his last day, which he spent at the Del Mar beach park, and then at home, eating his favorite foods. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He brought joy to everyone who knew him, and we all miss him greatly. His picture still hangs in our waiting room.