By James Egan
Thule (pronounced “Tooley”) is a 4 year old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who lives with Susanne Stark, James Egan, and their children Linnea (almost 3 years) and Lucas (almost 2 years).

In his free time Thule likes to chase squirrels, cats, and imaginary animals in the back yard. On occasion Thule will bark at plastic bags caught in trees, shadows, dogs shown on TV and laser lights.

“He’s no Einstein,” said James. “But he’s super cute.”

As do many Cavaliers, he likes to sleep directly on the pillow at night and has a need to be where people are. He likes to go on walks around the block and stop at every tree to lift a leg.

Thule shares a dog run between his house and his neighbor’s house, and plays with Golden Retriever Sonic, in the Gatewood neighborhood of West Seattle.

A few years ago, when Egan and Stark lived near the Alaska Junction, Thule walked four blocks on his own to Hotwire coffee, apparently because they give out free dog bones. The barista called to say he was there. “We didn’t even know he slipped out of the house,” said Susanne. Thule still got his bone.

Thule came from a breeder in Portland, and both his parents were successful show dogs. “Thule can’t be a show dog because he’s got a wandering eye, and that disqualifies him.” So Thule gets to be a pet. Cavaliers are ‘boutique’ animals with a relatively small blood line, so it is important that the dogs’ parents be from as diverse a stock as possible.

“The in-breeding that’s occurred with these dogs can lead to health problems if they are not from sufficiently distinct ancestors.” The dogs were originally used to warm the laps of royalty in cold British castles, and the dogs can be seen in several paintings of royalty. Sometimes the dogs were used to sniff for truffles in the woods. A Cavalier was featured in the show “Sex and the City.”

They come in four types – tan and white (like Thule), black and tan, tri-color and all red (“ruby”). “These are the sweetest dogs in the world,” said Susanne.

How to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week:

Want to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week? Stop by the VCA West Seattle Animal Hospital at 5261 California Ave. S.W. and just ask for a form. A nomination is not a guarantee of appearance and your name and photo may appear in our newspaper and online.

Photos may or may not be used and our "Pet Reporter" may be in touch with you to arrange to take a photo. Pets nominated will be chosen on the basis of uniqueness of the pet and the quality of the story and information submitted.