This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Aria, a small (but mighty) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Rosslyn.
Here’s what owner Jessica had to say on Aria’s behalf:
Hi Arlington! My name is Aria and I’m a 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from Rosslyn, VA. I may be tiny (I’m only half the size of the breed standard) but I sure am mighty! My favorite activities are playing in the snow, walking the National Mall while getting all of the attention, and showering friend and stranger alike with kisses and tail wags.
When I was only 9 months old I was diagnosed with severe Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia. This means that my skull is too small for my (very intelligent, I might add) brain. This causes the cerebellum to push into the foreman magnum (a hole in the base of the skull), inhibiting natural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the spine. Long story short, I was in a whole lot of pain but was so brave and stoic that nobody had any idea! I championed through brain surgery in November and now I am feeling better and have more energy than ever!
You may see me trotting around town pulling my Mama around like a sled dog (as I said…tiny but mighty!). I’m playful, energetic, mischievous, and love every single person I meet, showering them with kisses. To follow my journey, join me on Instagram @pupnamedaria. I’d love to share the adventures of this tiny but mighty cheeky little Cavalier with you!
Love and licks,
Aria
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.
Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.