Del Sol Cavaliers is located in Tracy, CA (just outside of the Bay Area between Livermore and Stockton)

I was introduced to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed by Joanne Nash (Rambler Cavaliers and Dalmations) in the early 90's when our family Golden Retriever Cora took puppy school at her home. I was quickly drawn to the little spaniels that were running all over the place. Little did I know those same dogs would OWN me a decade later.

My addiction to cavaliers began in August 2001, when I purchased my first dog Baker as a pet from Kim Johnson (Allegria Cavaliers, in Los Angeles, CA). It was amazing how my life changed and almost everything I did from then on became dog related! Dog training, dog club meetings, doggie daycare, doggie playdates, showing , handling classes, rescue etc. I had volunteered and worked for several animal shelters prior to this and had experience fostering MANY MANY kittens, and working with dogs at the shelters but hadn't had my own dog until Baker came along.

I learned how to show Baker, but he really wasn't meant for the show ring and I hadn't ever intended on being THIS involved in the breed. When Baker was about 1.5 I took care of a sweet cavalier for Kim Johnson for awhile , Cosmo and that is when I realized I needed to have another one. I showed Cosmo on a limited basis and when he was returned to Kim I had the opportunity to add a quality female to my home on a co ownership with Kim. Kelly was special though, because she had broken her jaw at 5 weeks of age and wasn't a candidate for the show ring. Kim suggested that I take her and if she turned out we could breed a litter down the road.

But I wanted to SHOW..! So along came Colin (Trefoil Calamanco) bred by Stephanie Abraham and co-owned with Kim Johnson. I was deemed Colin's caretaker from around 7 months old to about the time he was really ready to hit the show ring at age 2. He and Kelly are 3 days apart in age, so it was pretty cute to see them bond and it took some of the heat off of Baker since Kelly LOVED to play. I got the wonderful experience of training him for the ring, learning how to groom a show dog and then getting my first show point under Sandra Goose-Allen . I enjoyed seeing him take off and attain his Championship at the age of 2.5 with his handler back east. Colin is how being specialed with his new owner Jennifer Oki in Hawaii.

I still didn't have my own show dog!!! Through the generosity of Kim Johnson (Allegria), Patty Kanan (Torlundy) and Cindy Huggins (Courtlore) I was able to bring home my first tri -color named Billy (Torlundy Allegria Billabong) in April of 05. With 3 majors , a Best of Breed and an Award of Merit , Billy became my first Champion in February 2007 at age 2. Billy has gone on to be an awesome juniors dog and has sired several litters of beautiful puppies with fantastic temperments.

Kelly's 1st litter of puppies in August of 2005 provided me with a tough choice between a blenheim girl and a tri colored girl. It was a toss up as to which one to keep but the markings were better on the Blenheim and I found an excellent home with a friend for the Tri, so Del Sol Lucy in the Sky became a permanent member of the household and a spitfire in the show ring. What enthusiasm!!! Once Lucy toned her actions down a bit she picked up many wins quickly and attained her Championship from the Bred By Exhibitor class at just under 2 years of age qualifying her for Eukanuba 2007.Kelly fell in love with a wonderful woman Carol Nicolet and decided to move out and enjoy the life of an only dog. It was a match made in heaven and I am so happy for both Kelly and Carol that they found eachother.

Mackie (Allegria Made You Look) joined us in September of 07 . He now has one major win and is well on his way to his Championship. Several of his points were attained by Jazmine! 's expert handling, the rest by me. Mackie has recently sired his first litter of puppies.

Recently we are excited to have a visitor " Bonnie" here to hopefully have some sucess in the show ring. See her page for more info!

After several years as the Bay Area Club's Rescue Coordinator and Regional Director (CA)for the ACKCS Rescue Trust I have stepped down from day to day rescue responsiblities and will be spending my time focusing on my own dogs. I am happy to talk to anyone searching for a rescue or a puppy , so feel free to email me and introduce yourself.

Mary is a Regular Member of the BACKCSC , CKCSC USA, and COTW as well as an Associate Member of the ACKCSC.

Thanks for taking the time to come visit our site!

Mary McHenry (& Jazmine too!)