As he explained the appeal of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Joe Chicorelli kept getting interrupted by friendly, bright-eyed examples of the breed 鈥� all eager to say hello.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e very sociable,鈥� noted Chicorelli, vice-president of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of B.C.

On Saturday, Nov. 27, at Harmsworth Hall in 91原创, the club held its annual Christmas get-together, drawing about 50 people and their pets to have pictures taken with Santa, and, mostly, play games and visit.

鈥淲e just let the dogs enjoy themselves, Chicorelli said.

鈥淭he main purpose of the breed is companionship. They used to use them for flushing small birds out, but nowadays they鈥檙e content sitting on your lap and watching TV.鈥�

It had been two years since the last club Christmas event, after the 2020 event had to be called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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With dozens of dogs in one space, there were no displays pf bad temper, other than the occasional bark of protest when a particular pup felt enough attention wasn鈥檛 being paid.

Aldergrove resident Pete Wonitowy arrived with Caruib Tallyho 2, who, with sister Teaka appeared in two dog-centric Hallmark movies, 鈥溾�� a modern spin on 鈥淧ride and Prejudice,鈥� where the plot turns on Elizabeth Scott having the opportunity to professionally show her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a fancy New York dog show 鈥� and the sequel, 鈥淢arrying Mr. Darcy.鈥�

鈥淭hey only did two movies,鈥� Wonitowy explained.

鈥淚t just sort of came about鈥� when a movie company let his wife know they were looking for dogs for a movie.

鈥淚鈥檝e had cavaliers since I was a kid, Wonitowy told the 91原创 Advance Times, 鈥� from 18 to 64.鈥�

鈥淭hey get so attached to you.鈥�

Walnut Grove resident Gavin Murray said 鈥渢hey have such a wonderful temperament. They鈥檙e very gentle.鈥�

He and spouse Maureen met some of the many Spaniels sired by their dog Brewster, four immediate offspring and two grand-puppies.

鈥淵ou can have them altogether and there鈥檚 no growling,鈥� Maureen remarked.

An of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel said the breed is 鈥渉ighly affectionate, playful, extremely patient and eager to please,鈥� good with children and other dogs.

鈥淐avaliers are naturally curious and playful, but also enjoy simply cuddling up on a cushion or lap, making them excellent companion or lap dogs for medical patients and the elderly.鈥�

Registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, the B.C. group鈥檚 stated aim is to 鈥渟upport and preserve the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed.鈥�

Membership consists of breeders, exhibitors, competitors in the obedience, agility and rally rings, 鈥渁nd families who just own and love their Cavaliers.鈥�

More information about the breed and the club can be found online at or on the for 鈥淐avalier King Charles Spaniel Club of BC.鈥�

More photos from the event can be found online at the .

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