Sonesta
Cavaliers
Therapy Work
At Sonesta, preserving the breed is crucial, but raising well-rounded Cavaliers is just as important. Though much emphasis is placed on show competitions, therapy work holds a special place for me. Cavaliers are naturally suited for therapy, making this aspect of my breeding program exceptionally rewarding. I began pet therapy in 1994 with a retired greyhound via Caring Critters. After a break to raise my children, I returned to therapy work in 2009 with Sonesta’s Bon Appetit “Bonnie.” Bonnie participated in Bak Pak (Books and Knowledge/Pets and Knowledge), a program that helps children struggling with reading. She thrived in this role, boosting students’ confidence in their reading skills.
Sonesta has bred nine Cavaliers who serve as therapy dogs with Aggieland Pets with Purpose, three of whom have earned Championship titles in Therapy. Sonesta Belle of the Ball achieved her THDX (200 certified visits), while Sonesta Jyn Erso earned her THDA (over 100 visits). Jyn is also the first Cavalier to join the Tri-State Canine Response Team. Jyn and her owner, Karen, attended the one-year remembrance of the Uvalde mass shooting tragedy. Our dogs have visited schools, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities, and college campuses, reflecting the gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and providing comfort where it is needed most. Therapy work builds bonds between people and pets, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to bring Sonesta dogs to those seeking support.
