Sylvia Found Her Nirvana

The picture above is being sent to you so you recognize another adoptive family and can take appropriate action. Beware of these two - the third one doing the licking of her new Mom is the adoptee Sylvia. Mike and Marylou met me in Burlington, NC. Sylvia formed an instant bond with them both. She does especially like Marylou’s flavorful neck (seen here), but found Mike’s knees a delicious target as well. Great folks, have adopted from CP before. Sylvia jumped right into their truck, made herself at home with one of their dog treats and settled on the back seat with a contented sign. Hmmm, do I feel just a wee bit slighted? After all I did for that girl she races to Mike’s truck, asks Marylou for a boost and makes herself at home. That Sylvia found her Nirvana!

Daisy Mae is Adopted

My little Daisy Mae (now Daisy Anne) is happy at home with her new mom (and grandmom)! Daisy was heartworm positive and went through her treatments and confinement like the trooper she is. Thanks Sheryl, and thank you Col Potter for saving this sweet girl. Doreen in MD
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=6hp2slgu.7nvu0urm&Uy=bywv08&Ux=0&UV=54042623985_474746153307

Aubry Goes to Her Furever Home

Foster Mom Barbara wrote: Our adorable little red wheaten Foster Cairn-Aubry (2-3 years old) left this evening for her Forever home with Becky & Dean K and their handsome Cairn Cooper (2 year old Brindle Cairn). The family only live 9 miles from us and adopted Cooper (CRUSA) from us in May. Becky is at home and they live in a semi-rural area - about 30 miles south of Seattle, WA. They have a large fenced yard surrounding their house and they live quietly with Cooper.

Aubry was all wags and kisses when they drove home tonight. She was only with us about 3 weeks but we know she'g getting a wonderful home. Thanks to everyone involved with this adoption.

Here are Aubry's YouTube Videos:
Shorter version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9pQe8oqiKI
Longer version with more music:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X_H5uZRxxY&feature=related -

HURRICANE PROTECTION FOR YOUR PETS

Our friend Susan, who lives in Vermont and will probably never see a hurricane, posted this. Well, I live in Jax, Fla USA which is definitely hurricane country, and I know many readers are in similar locales. So thank Susan for sharing this important information!!

First and foremost, most shelters will not accept pets. If they do,all pets must be in carriers or kennels and be up to date on all vaccinations. Be prepared to offer proof of vaccinations. These shelters that accept pets will fill up very quickly so it is best to find a veterinarian or pet motel where you can reserve a place for your pet, and make a practice run so that you will know exactly how to get there. Find out what vaccines the kennel requires to board your animal and get those vaccines for your furry friend as soon as possible. Don't forget to ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet's vaccination records.

If you plan to take your animals with you when you leave the area, make a hurricane emergency kit for each animal. Food, water and any current medications should be included. Don't forget a few toys, a good carrier and some familiar bedding. A sturdy carrier is very important if you're traveling with pets that are not used to car rides.

If you plan to stay in your home during the storm, make sure that there is a protected area in your home for you and your pets. Plan to put your pets in crates or carriers during the worst of the storm. You don't want to take the chance of having them escape if your home is damaged. Also make sure that you have enough pet food, medications and water to last your pet for several days.

Identification of pets is very important. The best identification is the microchip. A chip implanted under the skin between your pet's shoulders serves as a permanent ID. Animal Control workers scan the animals in search of the chip that carries a unique number. The number leads to the owner, the owner's veterinarian and a person picked by the owner as back up. It is a very simple procedure that takes just a few minutes.

Pet Survival Kit
- Current photo of your pet
- Proper ID
- Collar and rabies tag
- Carrier or cage
- Leash
- Two weeks supply of food and water
- Water/Food Bowls
- Any necessary medication
- Newspapers, cat litter pan, cat litter, trash bags
- Non-electric can opener
- Proof of Vaccinations

Nala's Update

Well foster mom, Deb, the summer is almost over here and I can't wait for this thing called Halloween! My aunt and mom bought me a costume and she's throwing a Halloween party for us fur kids! I've spent all summer here at my grandma's, learning spanish and running around the yard. My grandma likes to give me too many treats and now my mom put me on a diet! No extra treats until my weight gets back to normal. She says I have a year to get into top shape for my eye surgery. But I miss my treats! Oh well. Guess what? We're moving to my grandma's! Well, at least four days out of the week. From Wednesday night to Monday afternoon, we'll all be here at my grandma's. My mom says that it's better for us and eventually, we'll all move here full time. She sleeps with us in the basement and makes sure we're comfortable. I like it down there, I sneak downstairs all the time. Well, hope you guys are all ok and tell the crew I said "Bow-wow!"
Luv, Nala

Nala has been getting along great here. She runs around everyday and plays with her brothers. She loves to eat and my mom gives her way to many treats so now she's on a diet. I want to make sure her sugar is under control well before her surgery and tests. Halloween is my favorite holiday so of course I bought these little guys costumes. Here are some pics of Nala and the boys. Hope all is well with you and your fur kids.
Rochelle

Dog Food List

Recently the following was posted to our CRM Group. Because nutrition is one of the most important issues dog owners face, I'm reposting it here for everyone.

Question: Where do we have the list of Dog food ingredients? Also where is the Info on the Raw Diet? Thanks.
Deirdre, IA

Answer: We don't really have a list of dog food ingredients. But you can find info about that from Mary Straus' website www.dogaware.com.

I've attached a Word document with the kibble document. For more info on feeding decent kibbles, canned, frozen, etc. go to: www.dogaware.com {Please email cpcrnpostadoptionblog@gmail.com and I will send you this document - kg}

For info on feeding raw or cooked foods go to: http://www.b-naturals.com/index.php?main_page=newsletters or go to: www.b-naturals.com and click on newsletters. That will take you to the index.

The most important thing I can tell you is if you choose to feed raw or cooked (and I say this about kibble as well) is NOT to feed the same thing day after day after day. Dogs need a variety of healthy foods just as you and I do. :) So many time I hear a person who has come up with this wonderful recipe that they make every weekend or once a month and feed that exclusively. That is not going to fill all the dog's nutritional needs.
Bonnie, OH

Update on Lucy Benatar

Just wanted to send an update on Lucy Benatar (we call her Lucy, but her full name is Lucy Benatar Funk!!). She is doing very, very well in her new home. She started out her life with us with a six hour car ride - she was nervous the first two hours, but then relaxed enough to sleep the rest of the way. We followed your advice letter, and had her meet Wesley first - at my sister's house. The meeting went just fine - that was the first time we saw her wag her tail! And Wesley was so excited - he loved meeting her, and when she came in the car with us to go home, he was just overjoyed!!!

We could tell by Lucy's reaction to the people at the rest stops on the way from MI that she was wary of strangers walking up to her, so I placed her in my daughter's arms when we got home, and that went just fine. The cat sniffed her, and said something (???) to her when she first got to our house, but they have been just fine together, too.

She is such a cuddler - just exactly what my daughter wanted - so those two have been inseperable since Lucy's arrival. I can tell each day that she is less nervous and jumpy. She's about 75% house trained, so we are still working on that. But my main concern was that all the animals would get along, and that is going beautifully, so the rest will come.

Lucy follows Wesley around and it's cute to see how she copies what he does, so we are very lucky that she has such a wonderful dog as her teacher :-) Because of her timidness and puppy mill background, this has been a very different adjustment than with Wesley, but she is such a sweet dog, that we have all fallen in love with her and are so very glad that she is part of our family. Thank you again so very, very much for helping to bring her into our lives.
Cindy F
Minnetonka MN

Sweet Dreams from Scarlett

A day in the life of a Mill dog living the good life now.....Breakfast, a bath, sunshine, a nappie and a Big Smile..... I just had to Share....Priceless in my book. Isn't this what it's all about? She is soooooooooooooooo beautiful to me.

Colleen CO

KIRBY'S 2nd Gotcha Day!!!

On this date two years ago, Sandy Allen brought me my favorite little boy--and we've been inseparable ever since! My little guy was a scared and fearful puppy mill boy when he was rescued from that awful place but has now blossomed into the loving, trusting, and spunky cairn prince he was always meant to be. Since that day two years ago, he has served as a therapy dog for senior citizens, breed representative for CP at public events, nightly snuggle buddy for me, best friend to his kitty sis Chloe, a wonderful walking/hiking companion, my faithful little watchdog and protector, a granddog who LOVES his Nana and Poppie (and their dog, Emma), and countless other things!
I have included some of my most favorite pics of my handsome dude...and believe me, it's hard to choose! This link should work (hopefully!): http://jocelyna77.shutterfly.com/
Happy Gotcha, Kirby Blue!!!!
Jocelyn, Canton, OH

Peggy Lee nka Penny Lane

Diane & Craig D. arrived from IL to get their new cairn today. Peggy Lee greeted them enthusiasticly and their bond was cemented when they threw a ball for her almost all the time they were here. They plan to call her Penny Lane to go with Pepper who will be her cairn brother. I have added her adoption day photo to her webshots album.
http://community.webshots.com/album/559798219kLfqAw

Cairn Enrique is Home!!

Enrique has found his forever right here in snow nose country (aka Colorado). In respect to Mary Calzada his name will not be changed as he is named for her dear husband.

When Enrique was brought into CP in Dec of 2006 he was a 5 yr old mill boy with some major issues. His answer to unknown situations was to attack and bite. He has spent the last 20 or so months being tested for any physical issues that could cause his aggressive behavior, he has been to trainers. Health wise he has severe arthritis in his back and rear legs (thought to be from multiple injuries while in the mill).

He had at some point taken a severe blow to his head this has caused him to be brain impaired. He doesnt think as a normal dog, confusion some times clouds his mind and his defense is to be aggressive. At other points he is a wonderful playfull goofball who just wants to be loved. The trainers and behaviorists have stated that this is as good as he is going to get.

The light of his life is my 16yr old daughter. He has bonded with her so it just seemed the natural course for this to be his forever home.

Col Potter and the board have supported him throughout and I would personally like to thank them. Every little one we get out of the puppymills is one less that can be abused and damaged.

On behalf of my family and Ricki we would like to say thanks for all everybody does and even bad boys can get a forever home.

Robin, Nicki, Kacey

Blackhawk,CO

JULY 2008 ADOPTIONS

26 Cairns, including 4 adopted by their Foster parents, found their "furever" homes in July:
Annabelle Faith in MS
Bayo now Bodie in CT
Bently in DE
Brent in TX
Burke in LA
Cider in MO
Colpy now Lilo in NY
Corelli now Cory in TX
Crosby now Artie in PA
Danika in NJ
Dinozzo now Newman in CANADA
Freeloader now Dexter in CA
Huckabee in IN
June now Jennie in NY
Laramie in MI
Marti in NY
McCain in DE
Miss Sue Ellen now Sadie in CANADA
Otto now Spencer in OH
Rose of Tralee in AZ
Saratoga May in SC
Seaona in OR
Shenanigan in OH
Tory now Ava in AR
Tuckerboy in WA
Wimbledon now Newman in MN

Newman fka Wimbledon

I adopted Wimbledon (now Newman) from Deirdre in Iowa. We have had Newman for nearly one month now and I thought I would send an update.

Newman is doing great. I'm exhausted, but he and our Westie, Lily, are having a blast. We have a long bedroom and they especially love to play in there when I am trying to sleep! They sound like a herd of wild animals stampeding across the room. Add the play growling and sleep is out of the question. Today Newman seems to have discovered a new game - king of the hill/couch. They like to wrestle on the couch and Lily fell off today. Newman seemed to like that and, of course Lily jumps right back up on the couch for more. Newman quickly figured out what he needed to do to get his opponent off the couch again and again. Then he looked so proud when he was the last one standing. So cute.

We have been taking Newman to beginner training. He was afraid of the traditional techniques for teaching sit and down (he didn't like having our hands move over him), but I worked with him and modified the training technique and I am happy to report that each week he learns a new command. We now have sit, down, stay, and come. Though he already had come. I have also been working with him nightly on walking. He is now fairly profficient at loose leash walking. Sometimes I have to pull him a bit, usually at the end of the walk. He needs to build up his stamina to keep up with the two year old westie.

Newman also seems to have lessened his separation anxiety. He still loves to be around me and doesn't like to be separated from me when I am home, but he has gotten into the routine of me going to work. He now goes into his exercise pen with no complaints and sits there calmly. No pacing, drooling or whining. I think he now trusts that I always come home and will always love him.
See his photo album which also includes fursib Libby.

http://tinyurl.com/5mv7qj

Thank you!
Jody

Adair in the Garden

A great update from Addy's forever home:
Here is a new pic of Addy in one of her two favorite places...gourd garden (other is the day bed - see slideshow). Her coat is really growing in. This weekend I groomed her and took out all that dead hair. Once you get a hold of her she really doesn't mind being held and brushed, and she loves having her ears scratched. She's really starting to bond too. I was in Flagstaff for 4 days last week, and when I got home she came running over, barking and tail wagging, then jumped up on me and licked me. I was so excited! She also grabbed Trixie's "Big Mean Kitty" stuffed toy when we were playing fetch and dragged it over to her bed. Something very interesting is she's been mounting both Trixie and Zoey, usually from the side with front legs up over the back (as tall as she can get anyway), whether they are laying down or standing, and I think she's try to exhibit dominance behavior. Both of the other girls are relaxed and don't feel threatened though so they just let her. But we still keep an eye on them with any of those close-contact interactions. We took her camping last weekend and there were about 8 people there. She wouldn't let anyone else walk her on her leash either; wanted to stick close by our sides. She did OK in the ex-pen, but just in case I kept her leash on her harness and clipped the other end to the pen. She did try to jump, but not climb. And she's quite the barker if she doesn't get her own way. She's also a tough little kid; started growling inside the Airstream when someone walked by at night and barks at strange dogs. Of course she's learning that behavior from the two big labs. Every day she seems more and more at home and has become a very important part of our family. We've become very attached to her too and don't trust too many other people with her. Hey, they don't know about Cairns!

Helping the "Rescue Waggin"

The more people who view the video (much watch to the end when a "thank you" screen comes up,) the more funds are raised for this amazing program!

http://www.petsmartcharities.org/rescue-waggin/video.php

Janet's Cairngora Project

Janet R is one of our Cairn-adian CRM members. She fosters and transports (I met her several years ago when they were wintering in Florida). She also has a very creative way for the Cairns to contribute to the cause. See a very special video of Janet's project at http://www.southshorenow.ca/realstories/Janet-Ready.php

Officer Bogey on Duty

Furever Mom Charlotte K says: I'm attaching a pic of how seriously Bogey takes his duty to protect and serve. I think I told you we're about half a block from the junior high grounds and the grade school. People walk their dogs there morning and evening, and the school children pass by morning and afternoon. The kids camp out in the front window and then dash out to the yard to give them a final bark-lashing. They are a hoot! Only problem is, if I'm watching a tv show where they finally reveal "who done it," the dogs invariably burst into raucus barking just as the show hits its climax! (Bogey was formerly known as Briggy.)

Website: Dogs in Canada.com

I recently found this great website www.dogsincanada.com . We now have so many CP kids in their furever homes as Cairnadians that I thought it only fair to highlight it. Lot of good articles from professionals, resources and check out the 2009 pet photo contest!!

The Top 10 Dog Behaviour Myths by Jean Donaldson

Fairy tales
by Jean Donaldson
http://dogsincanada.com/Default.aspx?tabid=64&iID=241
There are a lot of myths about dog behaviour so I whittled it down to ones that were pervasive and that made myth criteria, which are:a) there is no (zero) scientific evidence supporting the contention;b) there is scientific evidence against the contention and/or scientific evidence supporting alternatives.
1) Dogs are naturally pack animals with a clear social order. This one busts coming out of the gate as free-ranging dogs (pariahs, semi-feral populations, dingoes, etc.) don’t form packs. As someone who spent years solemnly repeating that dogs were pack animals, it was sobering to find out that dogs form loose, amorphous, transitory associations with other dogs.
2) If you let dogs exit doorways ahead of you, you’re letting them be dominant. There is not only no evidence for this, there is no evidence that the behaviour of going through a doorway has any social significance whatsoever. In order to lend this idea any plausibility, it would need to be ruled out that rapid doorway exit is not simply a function of their motivation to get to whatever is on the other side combined with their higher ambulation speed.
3) In multi-dog households, “support the hierarchy” by giving presumed dominant animals patting, treats, etc., first, before giving the same attention to presumed subordinate animals. There is no evidence that this has any impact on inter-dog relations, or any type of aggression. In fact, if one dog were roughing up another, the laws governing Pavlovian conditioning would dictate an opposite tack: Teach aggressive dogs that other dogs receiving scarce resources predicts that they are about to receive some. If so practised, the tough dog develops a happy emotional response to other dogs getting stuff – a helpful piece of training, indeed. No valuable conditioning effects are achieved by giving the presumed higher-ranking dog goodies first.
4) Dogs have an innate desire to please. This concept has never been operationally defined, let alone tested. A vast preponderance of evidence, however, suggests that dogs, like all properly functioning animals, are motivated by food, water, sex, and like many animals, by play and access to bonded relationships, especially after an absence. They’re also, like all animals, motivated by fear and pain, and these are the inevitable tools of those who eschew the use of food, play, etc., however much they cloak their coercion and collar-tightening in desire to please rhetoric.
5) Rewards are bribes and thus compromise relationships. Related to 4), the idea that behaviour should just, in the words of Susan Friedman, Ph.D., “flow like a fountain” without need of consequences, is opposed by more than 60 years of unequivocal evidence that behaviour is, again to quote Friedman, “a tool to produce consequences.” Another problem is that bribes are given before behaviour, and rewards are given after. And, a mountain of evidence from decades of research in pure and applied settings has demonstrated over and over that positive reinforcement – i.e., rewards – make relationships better, never worse.
6) If you pat your dog when he’s afraid, you’re rewarding the fear. Fear is an emotional state – a reaction to the presence or anticipation of something highly aversive. It is not an attempt at manipulation. If terrorists enter a bank and order everybody down on the floor, the people will exhibit fearful behaviour. If I then give a bank customer on the floor a compliment, 20 bucks or chocolates, is this going to make them more afraid of terrorists next time? It’s stunningly narcissistic to imagine that a dog’s fearful behaviour is somehow directed at us (along with his enthusiastic door-dashing).
7) Punish dogs for growling or else they’ll become aggressive. Ian Dunbar calls this “removing the ticker from the time bomb.” Dogs growl because something upsetting them is too close. If you punish them for informing us of this, they are still upset but now not letting us know, thus allowing scary things to get closer and possibly end up bitten. Much better to make the dog comfortable around what he’s growling at so he’s not motivated to make it go away.
8) Playing tug makes dogs aggressive. There is no evidence that this is so. The only study ever done, by Borchelt and Goodloe, found no correlation between playing tug and the incidence of aggression directed at either family members or strangers. Tug is, in fact, a cooperative behaviour directed at simulated prey: the toy.
9) If you give dogs chew toys, they’ll learn to chew everything. This is a Pandora’s box type of argument that, once again, has zero evidence to support it. Dogs are excellent discriminators and readily learn with minimal training to distinguish their toys from forbidden items. The argument is also logically flawed as chewing is a ‘hydraulic’ behaviour that waxes and wanes, depending on satiation/deprivation, as does drinking, eating and sex. Dogs without chew objects are like zoo animals in barren cages. Unless there is good compensation with other enrichment activities, there is a welfare issue here.
10) You can’t modify “genetic” behaviour. All behaviour – and I mean all – is a product of a complex interplay between genes and the environment. And while some behaviours require less learning than others, or no learning at all, their modifiability varies as much as does the modifiability of behaviours that are primarily learned.

Lotte in the Nebraskalands

It was busy for us. Here are some pictures. This was after Lotte (blonde) and Winston (Whinnie) were groomed last week. That Lotte is so wonderful--we all just love her to pieces!!! Everyday we see the changes in her in that she becomes more and more trusting of us. She and Whinnie are playing more and more. I almost have Whinnie on the Wellness full time. I can sure tell the difference. A few more days and we will be there. We have been taking Lotte in the truck at least every other day so that she will get comfortable - and she is. Have a great weekend!!!

Pam & Mike M in The Nebraskalands

Dory Finds Her Forever Home

In what seems like a whirlwind tour of Col Potter, Dory just left with a delightful Kathy P for her forever home in Sarasota, FL. Kathy had been patiently waiting for the right write-up and when Dory's was posted, she applied ASAP. In what seems like record time, the application was approved and Miss Dory just left with her forever Mom.

Dory will be sharing her home with Mom and Peaches, an 11 year old Westie that looks so much like Dory. Whew! Congratulations to Kathy, Peaches and Dory and all of the wonderful Col Potter volunteers who made this happy ending happen so quickly. Foster Mom Ruth in Orlando, FL

From Forever Mom Kathy: Just to let everyone know -- the first day was great -- no fussing or fighting. The girls seem to be getting along fine -- It's a bit of a challenge walking two squirrel loving babies, but it'll give me great upper arm strength. Thanks to all who helped to arrange for this great match!

P.S. We all slept together without a peep out of anyone last night -- they picked their spots and I got what was left over.

Nettie Ann's Gotcha Day

Nettie was adopted six years ago today. Amazing how time flies... She was terrified of leaves blowing in the wind, afraid of everything from plant pots to garbage cans to the truck sitting in the driveway. While she is mainly only afraid of thunder and lightning now, if she's misbehaving, all I have to do is shake a piece of paper at her to get her to stop.

She's gone from not tolerating another dog in the same room if she was resource guarding, to allowing them nearby. She's gone from being standoffish, to asking to be picked up for cuddles. She's particular about giving kisses, but does give them. She talks, and talks back. She loves boy dogs and loves her momma. She loves to go for car rides and loves other people, but still gets snarky with female dogs.

Nettie was skin and bones when she was rescued by CP, after recently having a litter of pups, and was blowing her coat. She's now a healthy 14 lbs, with a beautiful coat. She's a beautiful reddish wheaten, and although she promised to change to a red, she still has yet to go really red.

CP brought me my first foster March 2, 2002, which was 13 days before I had to let my very first cairn, Morganna, go to the Rainbow Bridge. Nettie helped me to cope with the loss of my dearest and closest companion of 15 years. Thank you, CP, for bringing a new heart dog to my life when I really needed her. Thank you for allowing me to continue to foster cairns these last six years and for helping me to learn so much about cairns, their health and behavior issues - all of which help me to care for all my own dogs much better. Lastly, thanks so much for letting me make a difference in other cairns' lives and for bringing me very dear friends who share my love for cairns. I've attached a picture of Nettie shortly after arriving here in 2002.
-- Sandy A, Houston TX

Happy Birthday to Ruairidh!!!

Ruairidh Erickson Campbell here. Today I am 2 years old!

To my Foster Mom Kaaren and all my CP Aunties I wanted to say thank you! You saved my mom and my brothers and me and now I have a great home!

My forever mom loves me oh so much. She tells me I am her bestest boy! Imagine that!? She helps the updates team and Allison and Lauren. She tells me about all the other little dogs you are helping find safe forever homes. Here is a picture of me sitting on my very own throne. It’s really Dad’s favorite leather chair but we won’t tell him! See how she spoils me? I get to run and play in a big yard and there is a new park just down the street from us where we can walk for miles and miles. It smells of deer and mice and ducks and all sorts of other little critters. I LOVE that place!


Mom here: Thank you Thank you! Ruairidh is my little love. He is such a little brat and such a good boy all rolled up into one very Cairn little body. I hope the pictures come through. I am really out of practice doing this so I hope you get to see the little prince. He is SOOO spoiled!

Jane C. and Ruairidh too! in Ohio!

Luciano now Mr. Jake

Charlene's recent post and comparison photos clearly explain why we rescue these kids and the wonderful lives they find in their forever homes.

I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Luciano, now known as Mr. Jake, yesterday. Boy, oh boy - is he one handsome prince! He was rescued from San Fransisco area and was fostered by Cathy A, here in Oceanside, CA September 22nd, 2007. He was adopted by some awesome parents and lives the cairn life to the fullest! And they just happen to be close by. He was found skin and bones, no fur, smelly. This is what love does.

Cairns Saved After Being Tossed From Car

Hello We just wanted to let you know that we have adopted a Cairn......... My SIL works at a vet clinic here in MN and I was talking to her and happened to ask if they had any rescues. They had just taken in 3 little dogs, Cairns, that day. Mary told me that 4 had been tossed from a car the day before with one little one not making it. They were being checked out by the vet now. We would talk in a couple of days. There were 2 females, 1 male.

I don't know if you realize that there are not many Cairns in Southern MN, we have to explain to almost everyone what they are. So I started searching and came across Col. Potter's. After reading everything on the site, we called them back and asked if we could have one. The Vet's office knows our family and our history with dogs, some family members drive 60 miles to this clinic for care. We waited until she had been spayed (it is believed that she has had many litters), teeth cleaned and given a clean bill of health and then got to meet HER! She had been named Sandy (4-5 yrs) and she was ours if we wanted her. The vet took Louie (about 3 years) home and an intern took Bobbi. Bobbi was named for the head bob she was doing. All was well with the world.

We took Lucy (FKA Sandy), as in "you have some 'splaing to do"! She went back 2 weeks later for a check-Up and was doing great! Unfortunately Bobbi did not fare as well, she passed away in her sleep. They brought Louie in for a visit and it was reunion time!

Lucy was very attached to me and would try to protect me from my husband, John. We were patient and now she knows he is the "FUN" one. She has learned to play with toys, she walks very well, she is housebroken if you do not have any scatter rugs on the floor, eats well, is very polite, loves rides, gets along with all her "cousins" and can get herself into more trouble that you can imagine! She believes that all is hers but is not aggressive if you take things away!

She keeps us on our toes, makes us laugh constantly, is so very sweet and even-tempered. She does not mind storms, loves watching the rabbits, birds and squirrels from one of her two perches, children of any size and of course lap time. She is my constant companion, the downstairs used to be my spot until her "cousin" taught her to do stairs! Her only fears are anything construction related.........she will go after a tape measure as if her life depended on killing it, does not like diesel machinery noise nor stepping out in the rain!

Puppy Finley Update

Ha! I think we lucked out, as Finley (Annabelle's littermate) is relatively mellow for a terrier. Maybe he doesn't feel quite like a "real" cairn yet because his other ear is still popping up and down, and when they are both up he'll be rotten. :)
Now that his puppy coat is coming out (with a big chewy he lets me pluck his head), Finley is becoming a redhead. He's even got reddish big boy coat coming in on his nose.
ps...He loves, loves, loves the Merrick food you gave us. We made a special trip out to get it, and got the dry as well.
pps...potty training is a success at 13 weeks old. He will also sit, stay for about 10 sec, and occasionally come when there are treats to be had.
ppps...Finley is liking walks now. Finley's daddy is not liking the fact that he is in charge of the "poo bag".

Muffin Update

Muffin (fka Monroe) is doing very well. She said "you would think she lived here 5 years already." Muffin seems to love all the attention she is getting in her new home where she is the center of the universe! Muffin has one issue they are working on, that is submissive peeing. Roseanne reported that she is doing a lot better and the family has learned how to avoid the situation which is to ignore her when coming in the door, etc...(no touch, no talk no eye contact... ) Talking to friends, Roseanne realized that this problem is more common than she thought and she has picked up tips from others with the same problem. Muffin is great with Roseanne's granddaughter when she comes to visit and walks very well on a leash. Roseanne had nothing put praise for CP. She ended up with the dog she really wanted from our website and she appreciates all the steps we take to help insure successful adoptions.

Puppy Annabelle Loves to Swim

Annabelle has been getting stripped inch by inch,, she is SUCH A HELLION,,, the No Bite lesson is going to be a VERY LONG ONE,,, I think I kept the WRONG PUPPY,, THANK YOU DADDY BILL! :) I WANTED MOM!~ Anyway,, she is adorable and here are a few pictures and video's of the last couple of weeks. http://community.webshots.com/album/565429464bRyAQW
Enjoy, Karen P

Update on Tor-Cartman CP 8/07, formerly Cartman

I have been in my new home for a whole year and thought I should send CP an update.
What a busy year I have had. I have two sisters and one brother. Flisa - she is the BOSS and is 1/2 coyote and Schnauzer and Yorki - she only weighs half of what I weigh, but she is still the boss. Kroner and Bitz are these huge dogs called Goldens and I boss them around all the time. I have three cats around here. I try to chase them but they don't run...very frustrating. I have a huge fenced yard to run in and I feel so safe here. At first I was really intimidated by the huge yard and big large trees, but now I have learned where all the trails go. I still don't like to go out at night though. There are these big birds called owls that kind of scare me.
I have a big pond here and I have learned to look at and chase the fish, watch frogs and snakes, and chase bugs. I find the snakes really interesting because they can move on the land and in the water. Sandy keeps saying "get-em" and I don't know what she means. All I know is that she gets really excited when we see of these things. I have been swimming in the pond many times. When I get really excited I forget I can't walk on the water. The water is really nice and warm though and I have learned to swim to a shallow area where I can easily walk onto the shore.
I love to ride in the car and have been to many places. I love to go visit my cousins - a miniature poodle and a Scottie. I think the Scottie and I am related somehow. We kind of look similar.
In May I tore all the ligaments in one of my knees. I don't remember what I did, but I think I zigged when I should have zagged. I had an operation and now have three screws and two plates in my knee. I have three portable pens so I get to change my location. I am getting really tired of watching TV when Sandy is at work. It is almost two months since my surgery, so only two more months to be confined. I go on lots of walks, but am kept on a very short leash. I get really frustrated because there are squirrels, birds, bugs and other things that move that I can't chase. Believe me I am counting the days until freedom.
I just love my home and find every day an adventure. I still miss my old owners, but Sandy and I send messages to them that I am happy and well. I know they did not want to give me away, but they wanted me to have a good home where I could be safe and have fun. It is getting harder and harder to remember my old home and I think that is a good sign.
Thinking of all the CP furkids and adventures they will have when they get to their forever homes.
Tor-Cartman

PS Sending a picture taken "before" my operation

Best Friends Forever

Sometimes BFF describes it best. Lucy doesn't really have any issues with any one, and Miri knows when Lucy is in distress. The series of T-storms we've been having are horrendous. Miri doesn't like them either, but she doesn't stress like Lucy does. This was shortly after a big one had passed. I did NOT pose these two Col. Potter cuties. You can see Miri's expression is relaxed, Lucy's is a bit concerned. But are they not cute?

Miri – fka CP's Lena

Lucy – fka CP's Drexel then Honeybee

Forever Mom Amy in PA

Cassie and Hunter

Cassie and Hunter both know who's the cairn princess in the family...but Cassie allows Hunter to share the couch with her! These two pups both bring us such happiness...and Hunter really is helping Cassie develop into the confident and happy cairn princess she was meant to be. Happy little Hunter is quite content to be Cassie's servant!
Diane - TX

Cassie (Cairn Princess)

Hunter - (Cassie's servant)

Little Fiona (previously Eppie) Update

I am sending you guys a picture of Fiona taken today. She has a lot of fur now! I think it¹s safe to say that she loves her forever home. We¹ve gone on a couple of adventures and it seems like the more we get her out ­ the more comfortable she is when we come home. Last week we were on Orcas Island for the week staying with a friend who is a
ranger at Moran State Park. Fiona went on hikes, played with other dogs big and small and had a bunch of new people around. Seemed like she really took to all of the stimulus. She has been extra happy since we have been home. She loves her cairn brother Roux. They play all of the time. Thank you bunches for all that you guys do for these little loves. Roux and Fiona are the apples of our eyes.

Update on Gunnar fka Deuce

Hi! As you can see Gunnar now owns the pool, Sean has the house and Harry takes whatever comes. Gunnar was great the day he arrived and has not changed. K.C. thinks he was a show dog, he looks so good with a trim and brushing. As I said he now controls the pool and we "all" have to have his permission to enter. The leg seems to be fine, still limps a little but doesn't affect his running and jumping. We owe his goodness to you. Hope all is well in Harrison.

Thanks K.C., Gary, Gunnar, Harry and Sean

Update on Artie - VT

King Arthur is doing very well!!! He's 'top dog- in every way. Still getting up way too early but Barton doesn't seem to mind and, when he's away, he sleeps in for me....go figure. I guess i just don't hear him as quickly.

Artie still doesn't lick but he's become a bit of a cuddler. He no longer hoards his toys and only occasionally seems possessive. He will still eat absolutely anything in sight (even tomatoes of any color and ripeness.) I have to be very careful.
most of the time he indulges my desire to walk further than 'nature' requires but sometimes he flatout refuses and sits down, in the middle of our walk, wanting to go no further. I win those battles by pulling and cajoling sweetly.
His big brown eyes win everyones affection. Often he can convince strangers to feed him out of mercy. We do try to control his diet.
He is the love of our life. Barton returns from travels to cuddle Artie immediately!!! He's been wonderful and we love him to pieces.

I have a Cairn puppy - third and final edition

I have a Cairn puppy …

Now nearly a year,

His coat is just lovely,

And he’s “almost” grown into his ears.

He is the joy we so hoped for,

He gives us his all,

You should see what this fur kid,

Did to a soccer ball!

He taunts Lucy something nasty,

But she takes it in stride,

When he climbs on her back,

She accommodates his ride.

He loves his toys, his biscuits and bones,

And he is totally potty efficient,

The space long left empty is filled in our home,

And adding him to our life, making 7 here, is totally sufficient.

Thank you Rocky, my puppy no more,

Yes, I just have to remember that,

When he catapults himself at the front door!

Amy

Puppy Percy Finds His Forever Home

Here is Percy with his new Mom and Dad. It was a bit hard to say good bye to our only little boy, but he is going to a wonderful home and will have a big Cairn sister to torment:)Percy also will have a human sister home for college break to help spoil him. Foster Mom Lori in Rogers, AR

Tuckerboy is Home in WA

Christine was expecting to receive a puppymill boy with lots of problems and she had prepared herself for a lot of work. Boy, was she ever wrong. Tuckerboy was doing everything right. They are keeping his name and have already text-messaged it, and have a couple of nicknames. He is so smart. They only had to show him the door twice and he learned to ask to go out. And he is a CUDDLER! He just loves to sit and lay on Christine's lap and be skritched. Tuckerboy was a little afraid of the man of the house, but he quickly got over that foolishness. His new playmate is a scottie named Selina. They eat side-by-side with a bowl of water separating the two food bowls - no problems. Oh yes, Tuckerboy is learning to get his teeth brushed. Everyone is so happy and Tuckerboy is HOME!

The Cairn Terrier Times Newsletter

The Cairn Terrier Times is the newsletter of Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network. Our newsletter highlights current Col. Potter programs and people as well as discusses concerns of any pet owner, especially those who own a Cairn!. 'Angel Wings' are awarded to non CPCRN members who assist us.

The Times have changed! Online copies will be available on time, free of charge. Please remember if you have adopted a dog from Col. Potter, you will receive your Newsletter mailed to you free of charge. However, there may be a delay if you recently adopted from us as we send periodic updates to our mailing vendor. Meanwhile, just click here http://mall.cairnrescue.com/inv_cairntimes.htm for the available issues.

Update on Callie fka Calzada

I read the Cairn Terrier Times piece by Mary Calzada and I wanted to pass along that the dog named Calzada, in honor of her husband, is doing great.

Callie (as I now call her) is living the life of a pampered princess- the life she deserves. She originally started out in San Francisco and lived there for about a year, but now we have moved up to the Portland area. Here she has a little fenced in back yard for herself and gets to go to the dog park every weekend.

She is also a great traveler. My family is on the east coast and I always take her with me when I fly home. She is excellent. At the airport everyone is amazed by how well behaved she is. During layovers we sit in the lounge and she has her own seat. And when I take her out from under the seat the people around me are shocked to find out there was a dog there at all.

My parents have 3 girl cairns as well and she loves playing with them when we visit. She fits right in. She is a great dog.
Thanks, Sam

Espresso Joe and Caprina - Loved in Ohio

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=4vvqpnr.9nrs0cwb&x=0&h=1&y=w33g5z&localeid=en_US
Hi – I’m sending you some pictures of my 2 Col. Potter rescues. Espresso Joe and Caprina. Joey is the blonde. Caprina is the little redhead. I adopted them in 2004.

I got Joey first, but he was so lonely for his girlfriend Lollypop (couldn’t get her cause she was already adopted) that I went searching for a little girl for him and me. Found little Caprina. Seems no one wanted her because of her age – ears tipped over – only 3 teeth and her tongue sticks out of the side of her mouth. Well, I decided we old people need loved too so I applied and got her.

She is a sweet little thing and has bonded well with Joey. Joey is a total love bug – never far from me. Caprina is more independent (like most females – lol) but she is also very loving. They both love tummy rubs and sleeping with me every night. When its time for bed all I have to say is bedtime and it’s a race to the bedroom. They know whichever gets to the bed first gets to sleep on the pillow next to me.

It such fun to have the two of them. They play together and snuggle on the couch together. I’m so happy to have them. Anyone wanting to adopt should not shy away from an older cairn – my two are not youngsters, but they act like they are. I’m hoping for many more years of their love.
I am so happy with them and they make my life complete. Barb in Ohio

Basic Supplements for Daily Use in the Dog's Diet

B-Naturals Newsletter, August, 2008
Basic Supplements for Daily Use in the Dog's Diet
Lew Olson PhD Natural Health
www.b-naturals.com

One of the most common questions people ask me when it comes to feeding their dogs is “What supplements should I add to my dog’s diet?” This question is asked whether they are feeding a raw diet, home cooked meals or a commercial dog food. Regardless of what type of diet you are feeding, all should receive the same supplements, with the only exception being the addition of calcium to home cooked recipes.

Each of these diets is already adequate in minerals. Commercial diets add minerals to their diets to achieve the NRA dog nutrition standards. Raw diets contain meat, organ meat and bone, which already contain balanced minerals. Home cooked recipes have meat, organ meat and added calcium carbonate, ground egg shell or citrate to help balance calcium. All of these diets, when a variety of proteins are used, also contain adequate amounts of minerals. I do not recommend adding minerals to any of these diets without the advice and supervision of a veterinarian, again with the exception of adding calcium to home cooked meals to balance the calcium/phosphorus ratios.

The daily supplements I recommend are the ones that are harder to find in foods or are most fragile, or perishable in storage and handling. These include water soluble vitamins, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics and enzymes.

Water soluble vitamins include B vitamins and vitamin C. Neither of these store well, such as in commercial dog food packaging, and are more difficult to find in large enough levels in fresh food. B vitamins can be found in meat, organ meat and dairy. B vitamins are beneficial for the nervous system and to help build red blood cells. They help in metabolizing amino acids which are found in proteins. Raw diets generally will be richer in this vitamin, as some B vitamins loose potency when heated. And while dogs can make some vitamin C, more is helpful for collagen repair, capillary integrity and as an antioxidant. Bioflavanoids are an important addition to vitamin C as it helps with uptake and absorption in the body.

Both of vitamin C and B vitamins are water soluble, which means they are easily excreted from the body. They are needed daily as they not stored in the body. I recommend giving both of these daily.

Vitamin E is a valuable fat soluble vitamin that is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. This is also helpful in fighting cancer. It is also heart protective and helps lower blood pressure. Most sources are plant related, so it is important to add this important vitamin.

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish oils. They are also present in plant oils (flax, hemp) but dogs have difficulty converted the ALA in plant oils to a usable form of omega 3 fatty acids. It is difficult to find in many food sources, mostly because most feed animals are fed grains rather than grasses. It is also a fragile essential fatty acid in that it is destroyed when exposed to heat, light and air. My general recommendation is to give one capsule (180EPA/120DHA) per 20 lbs of body weight daily. Omega 3 fatty acids help to support the immune system, help the skin and coat, and is renal, heart and liver protective.

The last two supplements help with the digestion system. These help fight gas, help to assimilate and digest food better and aid in forming better stools. Digestive enzymes are composed of animal and plant based enzymes. Animal based enzymes help to predigest fat and proteins in the stomach, making the food easier to digest when it hits the small intestine. Plant based enzymes help to prevent gas.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, such as acidolphilus, bifidus and more. These help keep a good colony of ‘friendly’ bacteria in the gut to help digestion of food, reducing gas and producing firmer stools. They also help make vitamin B and vitamin K in the large intestine.

Daily Supplement Recommendations for All Diet Types
B-Naturals carries the Bertes Immune Blend, which contains vitamin C, bioflavanoids, vitamin E, B complex, plus digestive enzymes and probiotics. My recommendation is to give the Bertes Immune Blend at half dose to all my healthy dogs and give one fish oil capsule per 20 lbs of body weight daily. These would be recommended for raw diets, home cooked or commercial diets.
Fish oils are fragile, and must be given separately, in capsules. We carry two strengths, the EPA Fish Oil Capsules in 180EPA/120DHA per capsule, or the EPA Fish Oil Capsules in the 300EPA/200DHA.

Product Information
EPA Fish Oil Capsules, 180EPA/120DHA, 180 for $15.95 or 400 for $25.95
EPA Fish Oil Capsules 300EPA/200DHA, 180 for $22.95
If you prefer to give these supplements individually, B-Naturals carry these separately:
Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids (5,000 mg per teaspoon) 8 oz, $12.95, 16 oz $19.95
Vitamin E 100 Soft Gels, $9.95
Free B (B Complex) 60 Tablets, $10.50
Bertes Zyme 100 Capsules, $13.95
Bertes Ultra Probiotic Powder, 1lb, $13.95 or 5 lb, $33.95
Or the combination, Bertes Immune Blend, 16 oz, $33.95 or 5 lb for $119.95

Trouble with Brown Spots in the Lawn?
A common home landscape problem is brown or yellow spots on the grass from dog urine. People often ask me for diet or supplement ideas to prevent this. That seems like a great idea, but none of that works for this problem. Urine contains nitrogen, urea and salt. No diet change (raw, home cooked or commercial) or supplement can change that. If it could.. it would kill your dog! Urea, nitrogen and salt are natural and normal elements found in dog urine. The best treatment for damage to lawns due to urine or feces is to water these areas frequently. Simply diluting these areas will stop the problem. So next time you see a product advertised to stop this damage, remember that it is impossible. Get the sprinkler out on these areas, or hand water with your hose.

Preventing Stool Eating in Dogs
Another issue people often write to me about is dogs eating their own or other dog’s stool. This can be a frustrating and annoying problem. The reasons for this can vary, and I will discuss these briefly.
1-Boredom. Some dogs, if left in kennels or yards without the opportunity for walks or training classes, simply get bored and turn to finding something to do. The answer for this is to clean the yard or kennel twice daily, and to get this dog to a training class and start daily walks.
2-Learned behavior. Often dogs will have been around other dogs who exhibited this behavior. Again, clean the yard twice daily, and get the dog to a training class. Scolding or yelling does nothing to abate this problem, but keeping the yard clean and getting the dog involved in other activities helps a great deal.
3-Poor diet. I see this behavior most often with dry dog food diets. Dry dog food is high in carbohydrates and fiber, and the stools produced are large. Carbohydrates are difficult for dogs to digest, and the dogs system labors over digesting these foods. This produces large volume stools that contain undigested foods. These are tempting for a dog to try and consume. The answer here is to change the diet. Better choices would be a raw or home cooked diet. If that can’t be done, look for a higher quality dry dog food, preferably one low in grains or one that contains no grains. Add fresh food to this diet, including whole milk plain yogurt, meat, eggs and cottage cheese. Canned fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon are also good choices.
4-Occasionally, dogs will find stools tempting due to nutritional needs. They might crave bacteria that help aid digestion. It may be helpful to add the Bertes Ultra Probiotic Powder, a mix of beneficial bacteria. This helps cut down gas and aids in digesting carbohydrates. It also helps keeps the stools firmer which makes them less ‘attractive’. The Bertes Zyme can help too, as the animal based enzymes help break down fat and protein. This helps keep the stools smaller by aiding in the assimilation of nutrients which makes the stools less tempting. The plant based enzymes help in digesting carbohydrates more efficiently and also reduces stool size.
So remember, keep stools picked up, keep your dog active in training classes and walks, choose a better diet and use supplements to help with digestion. All of these will be very helpful in solving this aggravating problem!

Preventing Stool Eating in Dogs

This article is from the B-Naturals Newsletter, August, 2008 "Basic Supplements for Daily Use in the Dog's Diet" by Lew Olson PhD Natural Health www.b-naturals.com/newsletter. You can subscribe to this free monthly e-newsletter at the website. I highly recommend it!

Another issue people often write to me about is dogs eating their own or other dog’s stool. This can be a frustrating and annoying problem. The reasons for this can vary, and I will discuss these briefly.

1-Boredom. Some dogs, if left in kennels or yards without the opportunity for walks or training classes, simply get bored and turn to finding something to do. The answer for this is to clean the yard or kennel twice daily, and to get this dog to a training class and start daily walks.

2-Learned behavior. Often dogs will have been around other dogs who exhibited this behavior. Again, clean the yard twice daily, and get the dog to a training class. Scolding or yelling does nothing to abate this problem, but keeping the yard clean and getting the dog involved in other activities helps a great deal.

3-Poor diet. I see this behavior most often with dry dog food diets. Dry dog food is high in carbohydrates and fiber, and the stools produced are large. Carbohydrates are difficult for dogs to digest, and the dogs system labors over digesting these foods. This produces large volume stools that contain undigested foods. These are tempting for a dog to try and consume. The answer here is to change the diet. Better choices would be a raw or home cooked diet. If that can’t be done, look for a higher quality dry dog food, preferably one low in grains or one that contains no grains. Add fresh food to this diet, including whole milk plain yogurt, meat, eggs and cottage cheese. Canned fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon are also good choices.

4-Occasionally, dogs will find stools tempting due to nutritional needs. They might crave bacteria that help aid digestion. It may be helpful to add the Bertes Ultra Probiotic Powder, a mix of beneficial bacteria. This helps cut down gas and aids in digesting carbohydrates. It also helps keeps the stools firmer which makes them less ‘attractive’. The Bertes Zyme can help too, as the animal based enzymes help break down fat and protein. This helps keep the stools smaller by aiding in the assimilation of nutrients which makes the stools less tempting. The plant based enzymes help in digesting carbohydrates more efficiently and also reduces stool size.

So remember, keep stools picked up, keep your dog active in training classes and walks, choose a better diet and use supplements to help with digestion. All of these will be very helpful in solving this aggravating problem!

Trust - A Deadly Disease

by Sharon Mathers

There is a deadly disease stalking your dog, a hideous, stealthy thing just waiting its chance to steal your beloved friend. It is not a new disease, or one for which there are inoculations. The disease is called "Trust".

You knew before you ever took your puppy home that it could not be trusted. The rescue group who provided you with this precious animal warned you, drummed it into your head. Puppies steal off counters, destroy anything expensive, chase cats, take forever to house train, and must never be allowed off lead!

When the big day finally arrived, heeding the sage advice of the rescue group, you escorted your puppy to his new home, properly collared and tagged, the lead held tightly in your hand.At home the house was "puppy-proofed". Everything of value was stored in the spare bedroom, garbage stowed on top of the refrigerator, cats separated, and a gate placed across the living room to keep at least one part of the house puddle free.

All windows and doors had been properly secured, and signs placed in all strategic points reminding all to "Close the door!"Soon it becomes second nature to make sure the door closes nine tenths of a second after it was opened and that it is really latched. "Don't let the dog out" is your second most verbalized expression. (The first is "No!)

You worry and fuss constantly, terrified that your darling will get out and disaster will surely follow. Your friends comment about who you love most, your family or the dog. You know that to relax your vigil for a moment might lose him to you forever. And so the weeks and months pass, with your puppy becoming more civilized every day, and the seeds of trust are planted. It seems that each new day brings less destruction, less breakage. Almost before you know it, your gangly, slurpy puppy has turned into an elegant, dignified friend.

Now that he is a more reliable, sedate companion, you take him more places. No longer does he chew the steering wheel when left in the car. And darned if that cake wasn't still on the counter this morning. And, oh yes, wasn't that the cat he was sleeping with so cozily on your pillow last night?

At this point you are beginning to become infected, the disease is spreading itsroots deep into your mind. And then one of your friends suggest obedience classes, and, after a time you even let him run loose from the car into the house when you get home. Why not, he always runs straight to the door, dancing a frenzy of joy and waits to be let in. And, remember he comes every time he is called. You know he is the exception that disproves the rule. (And sometimes late at night, you even let him slip out the front door to go potty and then right back in.)

Years pass - it is hard to remember why you ever worried so much when he was a puppy. He would be beneath his dignity to jump out the window of the car while you run into the convenience store. And when you take him for those wonderful long walks at dawn, it only takes one whistle to send him racing back to you in a burst of speed when the walk comes to close to the highway. (He still gets in the garbage, but nobody is perfect!)

This is the time the disease has waited for so patiently. Sometimes it only has to wait a year or two, but often it takes much longer. He spies the neighbor dog across the street, and suddenly forgets everything he ever knew about not slipping out doors, jumping out windows or coming when called due to traffic.

Perhaps it was only a paper fluttering in the breeze, or even just the sheer joy of running...Stopped in an instant. Stilled forever-Your heart is broken at the sight of his still,beautiful body.

The disease is trust. The final outcome, hit by a car.

Every morning my dog bounced around off lead exploring. Every morning for seven years he came back when he was called. He was perfectly obedient, perfectly trustworthy. He died fourteen hours after being hit by a car.

Please do not risk your friend and your heart. Save the trust for things that do not matter.

Please read this every year on you dog's birthday, lest we forget.

I am Rocky and ...

… I jess bin groomed. I wuz SO good on da table mummy says. I grow NO HAIRS on da bottom of mise feets. My eers don’t look qwite so big now, do they? Xoxox,Rocky

A GREAT update on Wimby/Newman

Hi, just wanted to send you an update on Newman. He is starting to come out of his shell. We are so excited and happy. He would not sit for us. I have been working to train him. This was difficult because he would just back up when I put the treat over his head. But I kept working with him and he learned it yesterday! You would have thought he found the winning lottery ticket the way I showered him with praise. Also, last night, I was reading some separation anxiety materials, and it just occurred to me that we should move his kennel and exercise pen out of the spare bedroom and into the living room. He likes the living room and there's a big window our westie looks out of during the day. So we moved it. Immediately he started exploring his new arrangement and seemed to be content with it. We put him in there this morning and when I came home from lunch, he was calm (as in not nervous - he was very excited to see me though). He hadn't been drooling, he hadn't torn up items in his space. The difference was amazing. When I let him and Lily out in the yard, they wrestled! He actually pinned her to the ground and looked up at me wagging his tail. Lily loves to wrestle and I was just so excited to see it! Then tonight, they wrestled, again. He hasn't followed me around everywhere today, either. He's exploring. And when we came inside, for the first time, he emptied out the toy box and killed or chewed up every toy in there. For the first time since he got here, we are seeing the personality you described! It's like someone flipped a switch on him. I am so over joyed! It just broke my heart to see him so nervous. We will keep working with him every day. I feel such relief knowing we are making progress. I will send more pictures soon. I plan to start contributing to the yahoo group soon and hope I can volunteer to help other cairns. I just wanted to send both of you an update before posting to the group. Thank you!

Daene's Dreams Come True!

Well, it's official. Little Miss Daene, Daene the dancing machine, has finally been chosen by her forever family!

Daene has been in foster care since August of 2007. Due to her age, almost 11 years old, and her kidney stones, we worried that her forever family might overlook her! But this was not to be. I am VERY proud to announce that Janet C and her husband from Edmond, OK will be taking their precious Daene home with them on Saturday, August 9. They have adopted from Col Potter before. Last winter they adopted Tynan. They are Cairn experienced and can't imagine a home without these little guys in it.

Let's all celebrate with our Daene, who spent her first 10 years as a mill momma, as she goes off to her happily ever after. Daene just goes to show how much sheer WILL a Cairn has! Also, a very special thank you to Matchmaker Liz Romick for finding such a wonderful family with such huge hearts! Foster Mom Christy with the OK fur herd

Barkley is Home

So far, so good! As promised, here are pictures we took of Barkley yesterday. He has such a sweet personality and we're happy to report he's settling in very nicely. Thanks again for all you did to pave the way for this little peanut to come into our home. We love him! Sincerely,Cindy and Bill McP

Minnie's Histiocytoma

Colleen, Minnie's forever Mom, sends this update on a recent medical scare.

It has been a nerve racking few days to say the least. What seemed to appear over night with Minnie was a strange looking spot on the bottom inside of her right ear. It was the size of a small pearl earing and flesh colored. The shot I've attached looks blue surrounding it because my DH was holding Minnie and shinning a very bright lazer light onto the area.

I called the Vet on Thursday and they said bring her in it could be cancer. Poor Minnie has had more problems with her ears in her short 17 months of life - yeast, mites, infections, dirt, fly bites, burns on the ear tips and now this. We've been working so hard since April with Maliseb, L-Gold, Oatmeal, Organic Locally grown honey, Ear Wash, Antibiotics - I just about fainted when the Vet told me this.

Then on Friday I went in to the Vets. First the Vet withdrew fluid! Ran it under the scope ... it was not CANCER! Then the Vet numbed her, removed the histiocytoma, cauterized it and we were good to go.

Here is a link to an article: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1676 . The article on the histiocytoma it's very informative and not to be confused with histocytosis as that is a malignant growth. Minnie was a trooper through all this and the Vet who has a terrier and the tech's all volunteered to baby sit if I ever needed a sitter. I am so relieved I cannot tell you. As these little tumors are common in young labs, terriers, boxers and dacshunds I wanted to share with you.

Relieved in Colorado,

Colleen K - Mom to Scarlett the Cairn Of My Heart,and Minnie; Mouse/Stinker/Moocher& Willie, Felines Frida & Izzy (MIA - April 16 - returned home June 28)

Update on Burke

Just a little over 3 months ago, Burke came into CP as a pregnant puppy mill girl. After delivering her "Brigade", she has found her own loving forever home. Here is their update.

Burke is doing GREAT! She comes up to us for some loving now and she and webster are playing a lot! She is learning quickly that the leash is a good thing and she does happy dances when she sees her harness.
Josh and Lauren

Watch Burke's Brigade grow up on Webshots
http://community.webshots.com/user/itsmek2240?vhost=community