Welcome in, Ralphie! Ralphie, who had a birthday yesterday where he turned 11 years young, just arrived into our care as an owner surrender. The reason - we were told that one of the children was allergic to dogs. 
Ralphie arrived already neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations, but he will visit our vet tomorrow for a thorough physical exam and labwork. We will be sure to post a medical update when all his results are in. Ralphie is being fostered in New Orleans, Louisiana and he’s hoping there are some families out there that will love a senior boy! 💜

UPDATE MAY 10, 2025: We recently introduced you to darling Ralphie who was surrendered by his family into our care. We were told that one of the children was allergic to dogs. Ralphie turned 11 years old just days after he arrived (DOB 5/5/2014). He is overweight and his nails were so long that they were curled under his paw pads making it uncomfortable for him to walk. 
Ralphie arrived already neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations, but he visited our vet for a thorough physical exam and full labwork. Ralphie is a bigger boy but also overweight at 26 pounds and needs to lose a few for his best health and self. We have started him on a weight management diet. Per his medical history, he experienced a herniated disc several years back and has some hind end weakness paired with aging changes in his joints - we’ve started him on a daily joint supplement and getting the extra weight off will help in this regard as well.
Like most senior Cavaliers, Ralphie has an audible heart murmur due to mitral valve disease (MVD) and will visit with our cardiologist for an echocardiogram where we will learn more about his stage of MVD and determine if he can benefit from starting heart medications. 
Ralphie has ear infections and a couple infected spots on his skin so he is on ear medication and an oral antibiotic. Thankfully his heartworm and tick borne illness test and fecal test was negative. His bloodwork and urinalysis showed some abnormalities and we will plan to just recheck labwork in a few weeks after his infection and ailments have been treated.
Ralphie is a sweet boy who has found a safe and soft place to land in rescue during this difficult transition in his life, especially during his senior years. He is being fostered in New Orleans, Louisiana and we will continue to bring you updates on him as we work to get him back to his best self 💜