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King Charles's brother, James
II, succeeded him, and he also proved to be a dog lover. When he was forced
to abandon ship off the Scottish coast, he gave the order "save the dogs,"
adding "and Colonel Churchill" after a pause.
He later became the Duke of Marlborough and went on to keep his own red
and white Spaniels. While fighting abroad in the Battle of Blenheim, his
wife Sarah the Duchess is reputed to have been in a very anxious state at
home waiting for news.
For comfort, she stroked one of their Spaniels that was soon to have puppies.
She repeatedly pressed her thumb on the dog's head. When news of the great
battle victory arrived, five puppies were born bearing red thumbprints on
their foreheads. This mark became known as the Blenheim spot.
(adapted from the book "Cavalier King Charles Spaniels" by Beverly Cuddy,
T.F.H. Publications)
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