💜 Every dog who enters Cavalier Rescue of Florida deserves a new beginning.

For three-year-old Penelope, that new beginning was tested almost immediately.

CRF was contacted after Penelope suddenly began limping. By the very next day, she could no longer walk.

Learning from another recent spinal emergency, we knew time was of the essence. If Penelope had suffered a spinal disc injury, there would be only a short window in which advanced diagnostics and surgery might give her the best chance for recovery.

Our volunteers sprang into action.

Penelope was immediately secured into rescue and rushed to one of our trusted local veterinarians for evaluation.

After examining her, he suspected a serious spinal injury and urged us to get Penelope to the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital as quickly as possible, where a specialized neurology team could perform advanced diagnostic imaging and determine whether surgery could help.

By 6:00 the following morning, Penelope was on her way to UF.

An MRI confirmed everyone's fears.

A ruptured disc between two vertebrae in her spine was causing severe compression of her spinal cord.

The damage was significant, but because it had happened so recently, the neurology team believed surgery offered Penelope her best chance.

By 4:00 that afternoon, Penelope was in surgery.

❤️‍🩹 We were in time.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help cover Penelope's emergency hospitalization, advanced diagnostic imaging, spinal surgery, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Every gift—large or small—helps ensure that when a dog like Penelope needs lifesaving care, CRF never has to hesitate.

Thank you for believing that every Cavalier deserves a chance at a new beginning. ❤️

🐾 Follow Penelope's Journey.

We'll continue updating this page with Penelope's recovery, milestones, photos, and videos throughout her journey. Be sure to check back often to follow her progress.

Cavalier Rescue of Florida is an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) rescue, organized to benefit Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in need. For 24 years now, Cavalier Rescue of Florida, Inc. (CRF), has saved hundreds of Cavaliers, placing them in loving homes. Being all-volunteer allows us to utilize 100% of every dollar towards the medical care of the dogs. Our volunteers provide shelter, food and transportation for the pups at their own expense. It all makes CRF incredibly effective and nearly unmatched as a rescue organization.

Legal & Registration Information

Cavalier Rescue of Florida, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Florida Registration #CH50194

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR ONLINE AT FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

© 2026 Cavalier Rescue of Florida, Inc.

A New Beginning... and a Fight for the Future

A Race Against Time