Cavalier Fanciers of Southern Ontario

	A brief history of the Cavalier Fanciers of Southern Ontario
	The Club was formed in 1988, when a group of active breeders decided that a regional club would add greatly to their education about and enjoyment of the breed. Another main focus of the club was placed on social interaction, to invite anyone interested in Cavaliers to join and feel welcome to take part in the life of the Club. The first meeting took place on February 21, 1988 at the home of George and Jane Dewar in St. Catharines. Members present: George Dewar, Jane Dewar, Marylyn Oslach, Paul Oslach, Jon MacDonald, Chuck Purser, Carol Purser, John Shipside, Margaret Shipside, Ron Ellis, Elaine Ellis, Sharon Ellis, Mabel Schofield, Red Schofield, Mary Buttivant, Norma Moffat, and Lang Moffat. Some of these founder-members are still active in the club today. One of the first policy decisions made by the group was that in order to become a member of CFSO an applicant must first be a member of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Canada. This decision was made to indicate to the National Club that CFSO wished to work in co-operation with the CKCSCC, and not in competition with it. An interim slate of officers was presented, and subsequently confirmed in an election at the June meeting. President, George Dewar Vice-President, Red Schofield Secretary, Ann Chambers Treasurer, Jon MacDonald Membership, Jane Dewar Education, Lang Moffat Social, Mary Konkle Activities, Elaine Ellis The first meeting with an education component was held in April 1989 at the home of Ann and Brian Chambers. Carol Purser of Beaverdams Cavaliers, who studied Canine Sciences at Niagara College, assessed five dogs and gave a very interesting programme on their structure and movement. From that time, every meeting of CFSO has had an educational session, and every meeting has ended with a potluck dinner. Since everyone brought such wonderful food, George Dewar declared that the Club also deserved to be known as “The Cavalier Wine and Dine Society.” In September 1989, CFSO received recognition from the Canadian Kennel Club. As membership grew, The Club decided to hold a regional Specialty Show each year to showcase our breed in this area. The first step was to organize a sanction match which was held on May 27, 1989. The first Specialty Show was held in 1991 on the grounds of Brinklow Hill, the home of the Moffats, and that yearly show on the last Sunday in June continues to this day. Judge at that first Specialty was Michael Hill a well-respected judge of the toy breeds. Perpetual trophies were donated by members, and these took the form of framed Cavalier prints. Pictures from our 1st Specialty Show held June 23rd, 1991

	Perpetual Trophies at the 1st Specialty	Keeper Trophies at the 1st Specialty

	Above - Exhibitors and ring side

	Judge - Michael Hill	Waiting in the shade - we still do this
	From the beginning the Club has alternated between Canadian judges and breeder judges from overseas. In honour of its 20^th anniversary, the Club has invited Robert and Chris Dix of Beewye Cavaliers, Chessington, England, to judge the 2008 Specialty. Since education of breeders and the public is one of the mandates of the Club, CFSO participates in three main events in this regard. The first is an October eye clinic open to all breeds. It was established in the same year as Club formation. For many years Brian and Ann Chambers kindly hosted the clinic at their home in Milton. The Chambers have now moved to the Peterborough area, but the eye clinic will continue at a Milton veterinary office.The second event is at the Sportsmen’s Show held in Toronto each spring. Club members help to staff a booth and introduce their Cavaliers to the public, answering questions and handing out educational material on the breed. In 1996 the Club devised and produced a Puppy Buyer’s Guide, and this has been so helpful and successful that other Clubs have asked permission to reproduce it for the information of pet buyers in their areas. It has been updated several times and continues to be a help to Cavalier clubs both here and in the United States. A third yearly event was established in 2002; the Cavalier Pet Picnic which is open to all Cavalier owners and their dogs. The intention was to provide a day of fun and games without the kind of serious competition that Cavalier breeders find at dog shows. The first pet picnic was held at the home of Lynda and Manny Ronaldson, and this event now continues in Campbellville on the Moffat’s property. There are games for dogs and people, a free potluck lunch for all, and a Chinese auction to help defray the costs of the event. Thanks to the success of the Chinese Auction, the Club has been able to make donations to the National Club’s Health & Education committee, Rescue and the Yearbook.

	Waiting for the games to start	Having fun!
	Presentation of the Digby Award is also a feature of the picnic. The “Digby” is sponsored by Clare Pattison, in memory of her Cavalier, and it is presented yearly to a dog who works with its owner in Agility, Obedience or pet therapy.
		Presentation of the Digby Award to Buddy the 2007 Winner
	The club has grown from strength to strength in its life. Membership has grown from a beginning of 17 in 1988 to approximately 85 in 2008. One of the most important elements to keep the CFSO strong has been the co-operative and happy atmosphere which pervades its activities. Long may it continue. In 2008, CFSO celebrated it's 20th year as a club. On June 27th, 2010 we celebrated our 20th Specialty Show. All of our June Specialties have been held at Brinklow Hill in Campbellville, Ontario.