My name is Cindi Rackler. I hold a Bachelor Degree (BA) in Computer Information Systems (computer programming). I finished my degree in 2004 at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. I was employed for a couple of years in the computer field, but in 2005 I finally began an awaited dream of mine when I purchased my first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from Reita Swinney of Crystalridge Cavaliers. The next thing I knew I had been biten by the "show bug" and the rest is history.

My first several years were filled with wonderful and exciting experiences like obtaining my first AKC Champion, breeding my first litter, obtaining my first CHIC certified dog just to name a few. However, for every triumph I must have experienced at least 5 stressful events and I have to say it really was difficult to grasp all the aspects involved in showing, breeding, and caring for multiple dogs on a daily basis. As with any hobby/sport there are individuals we look up to, there are individuals who try to knock us down, there are individuals we try to avoid and individuals who become wonderful friends and mentors. Becoming a successful breeder and exhibitor takes years of daily experiences that shape each of us in unique ways. My methods work for me, but may not work for one of my peers and vise-versa. I am always open to learning new ideas and learning new ways to do something better. I have found something I enjoy as a breeder and exhibitor...my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not just my hobby, they are also a part of my family and my life is built around my Cavaliers every day.

When I first began my search for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel I ran into many road blocks. Most Cavalier breeders avoid placing puppies with inquiries on open registration. I understand why now, but explaining it is difficult. It has to do with the years of ups and downs that breeders go through trying to learn the ropes and realizing just how much you have to give up in order to reach and obtain goals.

Through the years I have tried to reach out and help guide or mentor some newcomers. A few of them still stay in contact with me from time to time and a few of them experienced a few too many hardships along the way and decided breeding and exhibiting just wasn't their cup of tea.

In early 2010 we met Anthony Longobardi. He found our website and through our email communications we slowly built our friendship as we got to know each other better. When Anthony first inquired with us here at Cruisin Cavaliers he was interested in purchasing a black & tan as a pet. The more we communicated though his interest in training and showing became apparent. Anthony showed Keeshonds when he was younger and obtained several AKC Championship titles on his Keeshonds. He actually has more experience than I do as a handler, he just needed to learn the finer details as far as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were concerned. I am very thankful he chose me out of all the breeders he could have contacted.

Cindi's husband, Wendell

I met the love of my life back in 2002 and we were married in June of 2003. Wendell is employed with GoodYear as a Maintenance Technician and is in charge of keeping the highly computerized machines up and running at all times. He has been employed with GoodYear for over 17 years and also enjoys riding his bike with fellow friends from GoodYear in his spare time. Wendell also holds a BA degree in Criminal Justice from Cameron University.

In 2005 we built a new home together. Most people hire a builder and choose a floorplan. We became the contractor ourselves and basically had the frame built and Wendell and I along with Wendell's Dad, Odell Rackler, came in and did the entire house on the inside ourselves. It took us about 8 months to complete the project enough where we could move in and finish the rest while we lived here, but I am very proud of our home. We also built our home with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in mind through the entire design process.

Cindi's daughter, Brittany

In 1985 I became the proud mother to a bouncy little girl. Sadly, 18 months after she was born her father and I divorced and I became a single parent. I had very little skills, so finding a good job was difficult. I began going to college and was able to get a couple of years under my belt. I found an outlet taking my daughter roller skating. Back in high school I was a roller speed skater, so I knew the owners of the local skating rink very well. My daughter began skating at 5 years of age and by 7 years she placed 2nd at Regionals in roller figure skating and went on to place 7th Nationally. Our coach urged us to switch to ice skating, so in 1993 we began a life that would soon consume all our time for the next 7 years. We moved to Lake Arrowhead, CA and trained along side Michelle Kwan...a couple years later we relocated to Newark, Delaware under Tara Lipinski's former coach. Daily training consisted of getting to the rink before the sun came up and leaving the rink at the end of the day after the sun went down. Home schooling was the only way to fit all the required training time in. Luckily, I loved to sew and quickly found I could make a very nice income creating skating costumes. I also have a wonderful father who also had a dream of seeing his granddaughter become an Olympic Champion and he supported the $50,000+ expense our skating hobby required at the elite level.

Our dream came to an end after Tara Lipinski won her Olympic title and the skating federation changed the minimum age to attend Worlds or the Olympics to 15 years of age by July 1st and we missed the cutoff for the 2002 Olympics by 64 days. This meant we had to wait until 2006 and Brittany's body most likely would not have held up to the pounding of the jumps and falls she experienced on a daily basis. We decided to walk away from the skating world, but I still cherish the memories. I think what I learned from skating through the technique of holding your body a specific way for each jump has helped me to understand structural aspects in dogs as well. Balance is very important in figure skating and balance is also very important in dogs. There is good balance and their is bad balance...good balance will hold up over time and stay consistent...bad balance will not!

The following are a few cherished programs: