Who we are
All four of us have lived with beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who
were severely affected with Episodic Falling Syndrome. It has been a
motivating factor in each of our lives. Gathering and making available
as much information as possible regarding EFS is a continuing goal.
When Dorothie Hellman's Penny had her first episode,
the only thing she knew was that it wasn't epilepsy. Finding answers
was a struggle. She decided to create this site so that people would no
longer have to search alone and would be able reach out to each other.
Barbara Reese has been collecting data on EFS
affected dogs, including pedigrees, for 35 years, since she lost her
beloved Gracie. She continues to work to raise awareness and maintains
her own website with information on Episodic Falling Syndrome. She has
lectured on EFS in the United Kingdom. Episodic Falling Syndrome has
been a life's work.
Christa Krey has bred Cavaliers for over 30 years
and has carried out a ten year test breeding program to determine the
mode of inheritance of Episodic Falling Syndrome. This has been a
sometimes heartbreaking but rewarding undertaking. She has also
assisted her local University in the teaching program for veterinary
students. Christa did a long term test breeding program and provided
many of the samples that were used to develop the DNA test for EFS.
Tina Whittaker has owned Cavaliers for 30 years.
Six years ago she picked out her Amber in hopes of showing her. When
Amber showed her first symptoms of EFS at twelve weeks old, Tina took up
the effort to bring attention to Episodic Falling Syndrome and the
effect on our breed. She added information on her own website to help
in that effort.
We also look forward to your comments, suggestions and additions on the Facebook group.
This is the only way we can assure that, not only does the web site and Facebook group meet
your needs, but is as accurate and up to date as possible. Please feel
free to contact us on Facebook.
Dorothie Hellman is in the USA
Barbara Reese is in Wales
Christa Krey is in New Zealand
Tina Whittaker is in England