From rescue to Instagram star.
Stryker, a handsome Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has become something of a local celebrity. With his floppy ears, gentle eyes and adventurous spirit, he is often spotted on nearby trails, trotting along happily with his new family.
The road to that family was not easy. Stryker's life changed suddenly when his previous owner unexpectedly passed away. He was taken in by a foster family in Statesville, North Carolina, through The Cavalier Rescue, which gave him the care he needed to begin healing.
Not long after, he found his forever family here in Charlotte. These days he is thriving, exploring local hiking paths and bringing joy to everyone he meets. His outdoor adventures are on Instagram at @strykerthehiker_kingcav.
A seasoned traveler
Stryker loves to travel. He has already been to Texas and Colorado, and he gets very excited when his air carrier comes out for a trip. Travelers at the airport like to stop and give him a pat as he strolls through the terminal. As of this summer, Bar Harbor, Maine, was next on his list.
About The Cavalier Rescue
Stryker's story is one of many made possible by The Cavalier Rescue, a foster-based nonprofit headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with teams across the country. It rescues Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that have been abandoned, lost or abused or need rehoming, raises awareness about puppy mills, and educates the public on the breed's particular needs. It has placed dogs in homes across the United States and Canada.
There are several ways to help: fostering a dog, transporting, fundraising, or following the rescue on social media.
Originally written for the magazine by JW Krogman.
This story appears in the July 2026 issue of Stroll Piper Glen.
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