Happy Cairn-oween - All Treats, No Tricks!!

. . THEY DID THE MASH . . .
....they did the MONNNNNSTER MASH . . .
Col. Potter, and Lynda Gilley, PROUDLY present our YouTube video MONSTER MASH
featuring Your Cairn Kids with a few cousins.

Click here and enjoy!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRYpirKl04o

Along with some more recent pics:

Missy in the Kitchen

“Perhaps if I sit in front of the cookbooks, whatever she is making, she’ll throw a little my way.”

Missy is our little CP rescue mostly Cairn – part Schipperke girlie that came to live with us in 2003 from the Luzerne County Shelter. This is her spot every time something is being done in the kitchen, just like a little garden statue.
Amy

Lucy's Happy Ever After

It was quite some time ago that my husband and I decided that our furkid Archie (also a Cairn) needed a brother or sister. I had run across Col. Potter before and told him that if we got another dog, it was going to be a rescue. We filled out an application and started the process. We made it through the reference check, hit a snag on the home visit (no volunteers in the area) and then hurricane Gustav made a direct hit on our town with Ike not too far away. Needless to say, this put a huge roadblock, temporary but huge roadblock in our adoption process.

Archie and I evacuated to my sister-in-laws house in Mississippi. There I had internet access and was able to keep in touch with Bev, our very patient and understanding matchmaker. I had come across a description (without a picture) of a female being fostered in Michigan. Her description sounded like the perfect match for Archie's tempermant and our family in general.

Bev emailed me her information and I had a good feeling about her. We kept in touch over the next few weeks, as it took a while to get home and get settled back into a normal routine. We shared several email's with Lucy's foster mom Susan, who was super helpful and just a really caring person all around. Lucy has missing fur on her back leg and Susan was concerned that this would be an issue. After we talked with her for a while and the more we learned about Lucy, the hair was not even an issue. If it grows back, great, if not, oh well.

So, we got approved to adopt this little girl. She flew into New Orleans on October the 10th. The introduction with her new brother Archie went well, she followed him right into the house like she was born and raised here and had known him her whole life. The first few days she was a little skiddish. That didn't last long. She is no longer afraid of my husband, she knows he isn't going to hurt her. She wrestles, plays with toys, zooms around in the yard and just acts like a brand new puppy.

Her hair has even started to grow back. She is an absolute doll and loves everyone she meets, even kids. She and Archie have become great friends, I couldn't imagine a better match for our family. She will only know happy days for the rest of her life.

Here is a link to some of their pictures.
http://community.webshots.com/user/turtlepeace81

Thank you Col. Potter for rescuing this sweet little girl!

Many Thanks, Stacie, Mark, Archie, and Lucy S

Our Pets' "Quality of Life"

Owning a pet brings us so many joys. But there is also a sad decision we may have to make as our beloved friend nears the end of his life. Knowing "when" can be a very emotional and difficult decision.

Our Cairn Rescue Mentoring (CRM) friend, Susan, recently posted a question and we sent her the following link: http://www.lisaviolet.com/cathouse/goodbye.html

I found this article very useful. It contains a simple check list that guides you into what to look for when making this decision. After I read it, I realized that maybe Grampaw isn't as close as I thought he was. Thank you so much to everyone who responded to me about ol' Grampaw. You helped lift a very heavy burden that has been upon me. One day at a time....

Susan in Arkansas

Barley, Grampaw and Carrie Nation

Some other resources include:
http://www.aplb.org/ The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

http://www.pet-loss.net/quality.html Defining "Quality of Life" by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed.

http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/euthanasia.html Euthanasia..What To Expect by Dr. T. J. Dunn, Jr.

But even more personal is the support you will receive from the CRM family. We will celebrate your pet's life while we grieve with you. You can also visit http://www.cairnrescue.com/rescue/prose.htm
for some beautiful poetry. And when the time is right, consider a tribute to your pet at the Buf Memorial Wall: http://wall.cairnrescue.com/

I hope that you will have many happy days with your pets and will not need this information for a very long time.

A Tribute to Kitty

Kitty was best buddy to Chloe and Zeus and helped all my fosters during their passage through my house. She was 18 years old and her health was failing. I found her today when I got home from work.
Kitty was so tolerant. She was chased by Zeus and Foster Windy, and body rubbed by Neha and not one Cairn that has passed through here ever tried to hurt her. They thought she was a funny looking Cairn. She was a sweet soul and we will deeply miss her.
Marie,Chloe, Zeus, and Foster Rupee

Two Autumn Cairnadians

Hi everybody we're enjoying a delightfully sunny October on the West Coast of Canada (we often think of it as the "wet coast" given all of the rain we usually get). Anyhow, I grabbed my camera yesterday and snapped a couple of "calendar quality" shots of our two cairns - Daisy (left side first picture) and Griffy (our CP boy adopted just over two year ago). Okay maybe I'm just a proud cairn mom but there's something pretty awesome about cairns in Fall colours. Enjoy!

Barb & David in Vancouver, Canada with Daisy and Griffin

Strider's Gotcha Day

My precious Strider Elijah arrived in Houston one year ago today. He has become the joy of my life. A thousand thanks to Susan R who fostered him and made him a happy well-adjusted boy, to 'Designer Lad' who got him to me from Dallas and, most of all, to his Fairy Godmother Sandy A, who keeps him looking super handsome and feeling very special. It's easy to forget how important our work is - until you look at a face like this.

Anne in Houston

Grande Dame Sadie and Puppy Scout

In July 2007, we rescued a cairn who was a former puppy mill momma. We were told by the shelter that she was 2 years old. She had actually already been adopted out once, but the family returned her because she was withdrawn, scared of every little noise or movement, wouldn't bark, play, or eat. We didn't mind the challenge and wanted to see what we could do to help this little girl. We owned a cairn already at the time and hoped that he would show her the way.

Turns out that she was closer to 7 or 8 years old and wasn't eating because most of her teeth were rotten. Once she had most of her teeth removed, she showed us just how hungry she was! No, she didn't play or bark or run. She was frightened of her shadow – literally. She didn't understand toys, but carried a stuffed dog around by his neck and whimpered. She had been separated from her puppies during the puppy mill raid and still had milk when we got her. This stuffed dog became her "puppy."

Our resident cairn, Micky, was a senior and didn't have too much to do with our new family member Sadie, but he minded his own business and tolerated her. She followed his lead and knew to head to the kitchen when the dog bowls were being filled. After a few months, she became more comfortable with domestic life - no longer scared of the sound of coughing, no longer hiding under the bed when I was noisily loading the dishwasher, freely giving kisses and learning how to do a small set of stairs.

Our resident cairn tried to play with her occasionally but she didn't understand. Twice this summer she finally reciprocated but, unfortunately, he would bark while playing and it was all over in a few seconds. The noise was too much for her. We've had a few fosters who joined us and wanted to play, but they were left playing with the other fosters or a neighbor's dog, as our resident boy Micky was too grumpy with these foreigners - perhaps just due to his own old age. Sadie was curious, but still didn't understand why they were pushing their noses into her or bouncing around her with excited tails.

Micky passed away over Labor Day weekend. We knew it was coming, it had been for months. He was a ripe old age and lived a good life. He peacefully crossed the bridge. We had a fun foster staying with us at the time and she helped us in our grieving. We knew we were doing something good for Micky's cousins and that helped us through a very difficult time.

Col Potter welcomed the first round of Freedom Fliers a few weeks later. We excitedly took in a puppy to foster with plans of adoption. We had two fosters with us at the time along with Sadie - the house was very busy. Luckily, our two fosters had a lot of energy, especially Welder. Welder and the puppy "Pewee" became fast friends and LOVED to be together. They played constantly and we had to be careful to remember to give Pewee a break – he needed naps! Sadie watched these young dogs run and play, always at a careful distance from the sidelines. If they came into her area while running laps through the yard, you could see her discomfort.

The fosters went on to their forever homes a few weeks ago. We are submitting our adoption contract for the puppy this week – Pewee is now named "Scout." We have been careful to get Scout's energy out while Sadie isn't around so he is calmer when he is sharing space with her. Last week, Scout woke up with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm like usual. He went running towards Sadie as I called out to him to calm down and come to me…worried Sadie would growl if he pounced on her. He was midair and I figured, well, he'll learn to give her space if she growls at him enough.

To my surprise, Sadie opened her mouth and went towards him, her tail high in the air with a nervous wag. He landed on her back, fell off and was under her a moment later, biting her ankles as she leaned into him. I started to panic until I realized what I was witnessing. They were playing! My Sadie girl was playing! It took a while, but Sadie finally figured this all out. I truly believe it was a combination of things that got us here. She was comfortable with Micky – and he had tried this playing thing with her before he passed. The fosters were all having fun wrestling and she felt left out. This new four-month-old puppy didn't know any better and needed the attention…and I think she knew that.

They have played daily for the last week. Last night I was finally over the shock and awe of the situation enough to take a video of it. The video quality isn't the greatest, but it meant a lot to me to be able to share it with those who know Sadie and have followed her journey since we adopted her last summer. While she isn't a Col Potter cairn, she is what inspired us to become part of the Col Potter community.

To watch her grow so much in the first six months we had her made us realize that if we could help even one other puppy mill dog become more domesticated, that's one more life saved. I don't even want to know the statistics, but it made me sick to know that a family had adopted Sadie and returned her 2 days later because of the condition she was in. It made me sick to know the shelter sent this dog to this home without properly explaining to them where she had come from and what condition she was in. She deserved better.

Thank you, Col Potter, for all that you do in finding proper homes for these little ones; for doing such a thorough job in making sure the families are properly matched to a cairn that suits their lifestyle and that the cairns are placed with families that go above and beyond in meeting their needs and providing them the life they deserve.

Thank you for sending Pewee our way. He has brought something out of Sadie that I truly didn't think was there. I was sure she was too old to remember that feeling of letting go and just having fun. Pewee has been so much fun and has brought us a lot of happiness. We have had only senior cairns for the past several years and Pewee (now Scout) has brought new life into our home. We have a lot of learning to do, but he is training us quickly!

Thank you to everyone for your contribution to Col Potter, every little bit counts.

Video of Sadie and Scout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6s3NwBY0NE

Pictures of all of the dogs: http://tinyurl.com/SadieScout

Sincerely,

Laura and Aaron G

Roswell, GA

Rome CRAP Newspaper Article

Hi folks....we want to share the write-up that was published in the local events newpaper.....you can see the article by going into www.RomeObserver.com We were pleased with the write-up and I am proud of Cheryl for providing the reporter with much of the info. Believe me it wouldnt have been this nice if yours truly did it. Oh well we all have our own talents....hope you enjoy. The report brings back good memories of a great event we got to share with so many fine folks...and of course the wonderful CAIRNS.
Steve in Rome NY

Glory Bee is Adopted!

Foster Mom Sandy sent this happy update:

The most wonderful couple adopted Glory Bee. It was hard letting her go but what a great life she will have with them. She will have a big brother (as in almost 80 lbs) and will get to walk the trails by her house daily with her new mom and brother.

Glory Bee is almost 11 years old and this great home saw past her age and what a great little dog she is and wanted her to be theirs. This just shows there is a great home out there for all our dogs, no matter age, health etc.

Amy, who named Glory Bee added:

Glory Bee was the name sake of my mother in law, who passed away this year in May. I made a donation to "name a mill dog" (which truly is such a ewarding thing and healing thing for the heart to do). I can't tell you how happy I am for this "forever" for this wonderful little lady.

Monkey and the Mixed Breed National Speciality

Monkey is quite the "cairn athlete"!! Monkey is owned by Denise F in Citrus Heights, CA. This weekend he participated at his first ever Mixed Breed Dog Club National Specialty, where he earned two Rally Advanced/Excellent (MB-RAE) legs on Saturday.

He took first place in both Excellent B rings, second place in one of the Advanced B ring. Monkey also took 1st place in Conformation, Class I Dogs. He got Reserve Dog as well which earned him his first ever trophy! He also won highest MB-RAE score of the day earning him a plaque and a rosette.

All in all, it was great. On Saturday, Denise and Monkey took home 10 rosettes, 3 plaques and 1 trophy!
"Monkey was just amazing! He pranced, looked right at Denise waiting for cues, and was just terrific!" said fellow cairn lover Carol
On Sunday, Monkey had another great day. On the Rally Advanced/Excellent they got 2nd place in Excellent and 1st place (with a score of 99!) in Advanced. In Conformation Monkey got 1st place in Class I dogs and Reserve Dog.

Denise said "He really seemed to enjoy himself, even to the point he tried to get back on the table after our turn was over! We didn't do so well in Rally T Challenge and Team Rally. Fortunately we did the MB-RAE runs first because on the Challenge it was pretty obvious that Monkey was done with Rally for the day. Out of 5 dogs (one of which ran out of the ring and got a 0), we got 4th place."

All in all it was a great weekend for Denise and Monkey. They earned 3 MB-RAE legs, and of the 6 classes they did to earn those legs, they got three 1st places and two 2nd places. In conformation Monkey got Reserve Dog both days with two different judges. I even won a few raffle prizes.

Grand total: 18 rosettes, 4 plaques and 2 trophies.

Cairngratulations to Monkey and Denise!!

Happy Gotcha Day to Cairnadian Danny!!

Hi eberbody! Mummy tole me dat on Sunday, it be 1 year sinz Crnl Podder came an gotted me from de bad place I used to be in.

Me an Mummy wants to say fanks to eberwun - de antees dat luked affer me at firs, de peeple dat moved me aroun de continent, de speshul peeple I neber met yet dat helped wen I needed a "guardin angle" cuz ob mi bad eers, mi speshul fosser mum Allison, an all de peeple dat did all de paperwrk an such to get me to my foreber home.

I lubs it heer, and dey lubs habin me. Dis is a match made in hebin!

Fank you so much Crnl Podder!
Yr boi,Danny (fka Berwick)(and his mum, Iona) in BC

Lil' Georgie's Story and His First Birthday!

One year ago today, the vet tech came to check on Ida and saw a big clump of her hair in a corner of the crate. She looked closer and saw that Ida had torn out her hair to make a nest for her one special boy, Lil' Georgie. No one knew she was pregnant!!

Georgie was quite a handfull, being an only child. He was known to unsnap Ida's onsie when he was hungry!

Ida and Georgie came to live with us as soon as his eyes were open. We could not resist and "flunked" our first fostering job! Thank you, CP!!
Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/cairnsinks/GeorgieSStory

Happy Birthday, Lil' Georgie!!

Oliver's Fall Jacket

Hi… I would like to post a recent picture and an update about the new man in my life… Oliver.

He was part of the puppy mill rescue of 25 cairns back in August. Oliver is 9 months and 11 days old is the love of my life. He is such a perfect fit in our family. Loves our cat (fatty) and chases him around the house constantly. He has a habit of sticking his tongue out all the time, it is so darn cute.

He is my husband’s new best friend and they play together all the time. I love how excited he gets when we walk through the door, he wags his tail and runs around the kitchen like he just won the lottery, it’s hysterical. I bought him his first fall jacket with his name engraved on it and wanted to show everyone the picture.

Thanks for everything that everyone did to rescue my friend and bring him to me…
Michelle and Oliver

Bodie update: 2 halloween costumes

Halloween is approaching and I decided to dress Bodie up for the celebration. At first I was thinking about dressing him up as a cow. I bought the costume and everything, but when I put it on him he looked so sad. So now I have to come up with another costume.

Luck was on my side and today was the coldest fall day so far in Connecticut and Bodie was not fond of the weather. When I came home from work, he was sitting in his crate and refused to get out. Bodie never willingly goes to his crate and certainly never wants to stay there. His fur brother Shaq has been pretty smart and pulls his bed out of the crate every morning. Very intuitive dog, but Bodie, he's pretty stubborn and not much of a follower.

Anyway, when he wouldn't come out, I came to the conclusion it was because it was too cold. I got his new sweater and put it on him. After that he was fine. How strange such a young pup can act like such a crabby old man?

My friend came over and put a hat on Bodie, and well, a new costume was born. Bodie looked like the cutest little Oliver Twist look-a-like (I prefer Dodger personally). He didn't look too sad with it on, he thought it was more of a game because all he wanted to do was bite the hat. Well with patience we got the little nibbler to hold still for a picture. It's a camera phone picture so it's not perfect, but it was the best we could get.

Furever Mom Julia S

TV and Radio for Latchkey Dogs

Kari in Winnipeg, Canada shared this:
Here is an interesting article I read today with regards to TV and radio for your dogs.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/tv-and-radio-for-dogs.html

Happy Birthday to Saffy

Saffy's Foster Sibs remembered her special day and sent this sweet greeting:

Happee, Happee Birfda tu yuuuuuuuu!!!
Luv,Yur favrit cuzzins Gillee an Janaa...oh, an mom tu
ps: how yu doin? yu bein gud? we iz gud an we iz gettin anudder new cuzzin soon

Saffy responded with a photo and this update. Hopefully we'll hear more about her celebration weekend!!

Tank yu Tank yu....Mommy wus trabeling so I wus at Grammie an Grampies wif Ollie an Olibia on my birfday. Today Mommy iz takin us all to Maine (whereber dat is) cuz she habs to work der...an I iz gettin a speshul dinner!!! We iz all stayin at a B an B dat likes dogs!!
I miss yu all..who iz da new kid? Mommy iz gonna send picshurs soon.
Lubs,Saffy the dancin' QUEEN

Bezoeker the Mighty Wolverine!!!!

Well, it is football season, so it's only right that "Zoekie" gets to wear his support for the Michigan Wolverines ... even if he now is a Buckeye! Enjoy this update from his furever Mom:

Greetings Ladies! As you know, Bezoeker came home with me from Michigan to Ohio on September 14. What a horrible beginning for him in this new strange place. We left Michigan in TORRENTIAL downpouring rains and floods (I have driven in a Kalamazoo snow blizzard and it wasn't as bad as that rain). The first three hours of our 4.5 hour drive home was nothing but hard rain. It was awful.

When we reached Ohio, it was evident that Hurricane Ike had left his mark. 78 mph winds, trees and debris everywhere, my fence knocked over and no power for five days. Poor Zoekie probably thought he was back at an amish puppy mill! I could only take him out on the leash because part of the fence was gone and we sat in the dark.

I was SO distraught and he looked SO sad. He really missed his Mommy Suzy in Grand Rapids. I know he still does. BUT, I am happy to report that he is finally FINALLY acting like a happy little dog here at his new home. He is a challenge at times (like just a few minutes ago when he about broke the door down because the paper kid was here collecting), but at least he is showing SOME emotion. At first there was very little.

His sister Holly has become "Alpha girl" and that can be trying at times (so hard to believe that 10 or 12lbs can be so bossy!) but we're getting there.

I would like to thank each and EVERY one of you for your support during the adoption process and after. I was even able to meet Neola, my wonderful post-adoption coordinator (Neola, don't laugh, but with the way things started out I prefer to call you my post-traumatic stress coordinator!). She opened her beautiful home to me a few Saturday mornings ago and we had a very nice visit. And I don't know what I'd do without Sue Losinger, Bezoeker's foster mommy. She has really helped me so much and i know it's hard for her because she misses him.

I wish, Sue, that you could see Zoekie after he runs the fence with the neighbor dog (you told me about that!) and does a HUGE belly flop into his kiddie pool afterwards. It is SO cute! And I have to ask where on earth did you get that adorable little toy box you sent home with Zoekie?

Keep up the great work everyone. You are a wonderful group of people and i am glad I have you to rely on. And Sue and Neola, don't worry. You can take the dog out of Michigan but you can't take Michigan out of the dog...........Zoekie VERY proudly wears a University of Michigan fleece and enjoys taunting his Ohio State neighbors with it. I enjoy it even more!

Love, Mary R

The Perils of Brenna - and Support from Duncan

The purpose of this blog is to support the families who adopt our CP kids. But evidently, the Kids, tenacious terriers that they are, have found they can use it to support each other. Read Brenna's dilemma:

Dere Kouzins,
Dis hear is Cardinal now Brenna. I iz nu to habing a mom. Nobody toles me dat dey iz sneeky. Mom spoil my fun!
Furst, I gotz out of da yard. I jus go next door, but mom screemed, yelled at me, and den give me kisses. Moms iz confusin. Anywey, mom sneeked and watchded my and Soo-Soo while we wuz outside. She finds out I gots unner da gate. She hadz dad fix da gate, sew I no able to goes outside da yard. Hims also puts wire everwhere mom toles him two even dough I two big two gets out day wey.
Two, mom goes shoppin and throws a big ting of twoilet paper down da basement to putz away later. Anywey, she mus have forgotz cause me and Soo-Soo hadz so much fun tearing up all da twoilet paper. Mom says we iz bad gurls and puts us in da cwate.
Den, da nex dae we wripped up all of our siser, Heather, papers. Agin, we iz called bad gurls and puts in da cwate again.
Now, Hedder keeps all hur stuff in a box with a lid.
I iz habin a bad weak I tells youse!
Wots of wub,
Brenna

Deres Brenna Dis is not your fault. If'n kids an moms leave stuff where we can get it, den its fair game. i used to steal gum from my boys room. I didnt eat it, just stole it an hid it under da bed. he finally got smart an put it where i cant get it. i ate some oatmeal whut was in da purse of da girlyfriend. she shouldn't be leaving her purse on da floor. she learned her lesson on dat one. so you see, its moms and kids faults if we get in truble. i bet your mom neber leaves da tp wheres you can get to it eber again. as for escaping, you was just showing mom an dad dat da gate needs fixin. surely you can add gate inspektor to your resume. but its probably best if you dont leave da yard again. so don't let dis get you down, you are perfektly innocent. Duncan in Caleefornia

Lucy and Her FurSib Tallie

We have had Lucy (fka Thelma) for a year now and she is still such a happy little lady. Here is a photo. Lucy is on the right (in the bed). Tallie is upside down. Have a great day.

Donna M

Huey's Update

We took Huey in this spring on an emergency basis to help him heal after being neutered with a rubber band...his alternative was euthanasia at the shelter that only has part-time staff and couldn't care for him. What was supposed to be short-term until a permanent foster home could be found because forever to us. He got his first real grooming today. It killed me to leave him because he visibly shook when I handed him to the groomer. Although he's adorable with his hair ' a mess' he finally looks like a dog without a perm gone wrong. Here's a before and after.

Holly C.

Mapleleaf's Birthday

Today Mapleleaf turns 6 Years old....We are so happy to have her with us because when she was around 3 months old she was not supposed to live.... So today is a very special Day...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAPLE.....

Sheryl

Oscar's Gotcha Day Celebration

Well - I've been meaning to send an email all day but time just keeps getting away from me! Two years ago today, my mother, my cairn girl Ally and I drove from Denver to Albuquerque, NM to pick up a little boy named Biscuit. Okay - maybe he wasn't so little at 20 pounds! But he did fall instantly in love with my mom, he still adores her, and made pretty fast friends with Ally. Ally didn't mind him until she realized he wasn't leaving and then she was miffed at me for a while! Most days you can find her stealing his bone or snuggled up next to him. And as her vision has slowly started to fade - he seems to know it and makes sure she is okay.
Oscar has had his share of health issues and through it all, has become the biggest love bug I have ever seen. I said to my mom just yesterday - we should have named him Pinnocio because he is a real dog now. He is no longer afraid of big dogs (he had major fear agression when he came to live with me), he is no longer a door dasher and he will actually run up to meet new people instead of hiding behind his mom. Oscar, Ally and I would once again like to thank everyone that is a part of Col Potter. Each and every one of you has made it possible for my boy to be here with me today. The love we have shared is immeasurable. Angela in CO Some pictures of my boy. He isn't very expressive for the camera but if you have an open lap, he will spend all day http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=11ot4lt2.26i1titi&x=0&y=alv4g&localeid=en_US

Happy Gottcha Day to Ida, her sisters and in memory of the General

Dear Friends,Two years ago today Kaaren and Richard J went to a puppy mill auction and weathered the cold and rain until a special "lot" of "love" was offered for sale. She purchased our little Ida, her sisters and her dear father, the General. Happy 2nd Gottcha Day to these wonderful cairns and to Kaaren and Richard who helped them find freedom. And General, we know you are smiling down on your girls from above. Ida doesn't like to have her picture taken but I have attached a special picture of her with Georgie.

Alice in Topeka http://picasaweb.google.com/cairnsinks/MissIdaAndLilGeorgie

Mom to CP kids now in their forever home, Miss Ida, her pup, Lil' Georgie and the newest member of the pack, Timofey Archibald.

Thank you for the reminder Alice,

I have been thinking of that wonderful old man lately and missing him. I'm so glad his daughters are living the "high life" And I really loved the write-up on the last NLOL for him:
http://mall.cairnrescue.com/newleash_2008_jul.htm
This was the picture that made his Forever Mom, Robin fall in love with him long distance. Enjoy!
Susan - General's lucky Foster Mom in Vermont

Wow....I remember the day I picked up Aileen and Lavern from Seattle and brought them to be fostered in BC by Allison and me. They were my first car transports, my first B&B and my first Foster. I could not have been broken in by a sweeter couple of gals. Can someone remind us of the origin of the names? (they were named after Kaaren's family; she was working on some family history at the time. LaVerne was Kaaren's mother's middle name, Aileen was her mother, Ida was Aileen's mother (my great-grandmother) and Delphia was my Great-grandmother on another branch. General got his name because he had been Sargeant or Captian before & I thought he deserved a promotion.. ) Lavern is now Lulu living the sweet life with Daphne, not far away from me. Thank you Karen and Richard for all you did for them and all you continue to do for so many.
Maureen B. in BC

Lulu (FKS Lavern) says, thank you Auntie Alice!!! and HGD back to her step sis Miss Ida. I've decided that I'm going to make a tradition of marking this very special day for Lulu by making a donation to the Guardian Angel program every year, on this date, as a way of giving back and as a way of recognizing the horrific conditions some of our pups have had to endure. (Lulu got an extra stinky tripe dinner tonight!!!! and has a pretty new pink raincoat picked out and ready to go as HER treat)
TWO years ago....I often think of what would have happened to the General's little family if Kaaren and Richard hadn't happened upon Lavern, Ida, Aileen, Delphia and General that day. I still have Lavern (now Lulu)'s filthy rope and auction # tag. I seem to remember being told that this wasn't an advertised auction and the 32 cairns were just found by chance and had been relegated to a muddy pen somewhere in the middle of nowhere. They could only save 5, and so the General and his 4 daughters, being the 5 oldest, came to CP.
Lulu was horrifically traumatized when she came to me, but has made progress and I think is happy. I'll post a web album I made a while ago for Holly Robinson who was so instrumental in my being approved to adopt.
So, HGD to Ida and Aileen and Delphia and rest well sweet General.
Daphne in BC
Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/luziebelle/ForHolly?authkey=WubzK19Xwk0

A Lexi Update with Photos

Foster Mom sent this great update:
Lexi's new mom is doing an awesome job keeping me updated on the progress of my little foster girl. She's also sending some great pics. Here is a link to some new pics I uploaded.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/debsmartt/sets/72157608045439932/

Update from Furever Mom Linda:
Lexi is gaining more confidence each day. Today she thoroughly explored my yard and had fun playing with the oranges that had fallen on the ground. She picked them up with her mouth and carried them around the yard. If I threw one she chased it. I also had a variety of toys including the big ball in the yard and she played with them all.

My mom used to have a grapefruit tree in the back yard and Duffy used to play with the green grapefruits that fell off the tree. Of course, they were sour and he used to make the funniest noise when he bit into one.

Lexi did great on her walk tonight. My girlfriend wasn't home so I walked the dogs by myself. Lexi was so happy to go for her walk. Her tail was up and her nose was to the ground sniffing all the new smells.

At one point one of my mom's neighbors came toward us with her two big female dogs. I told her that Lexi hasn't been around big dogs so she went down a side street. When we came to the place her dogs had been, Lexi peed and scratched the ground! I guess she wasn't going to be intimidated by two big dogs!

Another time, several teenage boys came walking toward us making a lot of noise talking and laughing. Lexi didn't act frightened, just on the alert. The boys ended turning down a side street before they got to us, so I am not sure how she would have reacted if they got closer.

Later my mom's neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Day, came down the street. They stopped to chat and I told them that Lexi was scared of men, but do you know that she walked halfway up to them! She didn't seem afraid of Mr. Day, just curious.

After our walk, we were watching the baseball game at my mom's house and I went into the kitchen. Lexi was sleeping by my chair in the TV room. I started getting our gear ready to leave and must have made too much noise and woke her. Suddenly I started hearing barking from the TV room. At first I wasn't sure who barked, but it was Lexi. The noise must have startled her. When driving to my mom's tonight, mom was holding her and all of a sudden someone barked. I am not sure who barked, but I think it was Lexi. So . . . she seems to be finding her voice. Not hard to do with her big mouthed brother around!!!

She is very puppy like, always putting something in her mouth. I had the handymen over yesterday doing some work while the dogs were at mom's. Last night when I took them out for a potty break, I saw Lexi pick up something white. I thought it was a feather and walked over to retrieve it. Well it wasn't a feather, it was a cigarette butt from the handyman! I took it away and told her no. What's the chance that she would find a cigarette butt in that big yard???

Last night I was showing my friend Diane the video you made of Lexi playing ball and when she heard your voice her ears were twitching back and forth. She will never forget you. Dogs don't forget. There are many stories of dogs who have gotten lost and have been separated from their owners for a long time and they remember them when they are finally reunited.

She gets to meet our vet tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how she does with him. I'll let you know.

Lexi sends hugs and kisses to her first momma!

No More Sad Songs My Darling Lil Soprano..

What a cruel role you were cast in the day you were born to sing for your life ..just livestock to br bred..till dead. The only hands that ever touched you did so out of greed and cruelity. Snapped up up at the nap of the neck and sometimes kicked into cages so filthy God was ashamed! You did not know the cleansing taste of pure clean water..often times you had no water for days at a time. They fed you only when they had to..when you were ready to be bred..you were hungry for soo long!I do not know how you lived almost eaten alive by all the insectsthat saw you as rotting flesh from so many open wounds from being exposed to the terrible weather year in and out.No one ever spoke sweetly to you, petted your soft head or ever touched you in a gentel way at during your entire lil life. So you sang a song of a soprano! They cry the songs of the lost hope in the world..of love lost and cruelity and misery and most of all injustice. She wanted the world to know thru her crys and the rest of the Chourus that this travisty must stop! She and the other sang and thier tunes have indeed changed! Sophies never going to want for anything for as long as she lives! She is a retired Soprano and now our fulltime spoiled rotten Cairn Terrier Queen! I cannot wait to start loving on her! Sorry this was so long.. I was just moved to express it! Terri B MommY to Baby Dumpling and soon to Sophie Bruno

Happy 4th Gotcha Day to Ciara F!!

Talk about blossoming!

Our little princess surely did once she "came home." "Skinny" pic (left) is from when CP first saved her life.

Pic on right is the way she looks now...tho it doesn't reveal Her Highness' ability to rule.

Montez in Mo

Unity is now Penny

What a WONDERFUL young couple adopted Unity/Penny today. They are just perfect. Jamie already has plans for taking her everywhere. There was that initial “oh, I don’t know about you” by her, but as soon as we all came in the house and sat down, all was well. Here are the photos I took, and as you can see; Miri fell in instant love with “Penny’s” new dad, Steve. In short order, both Miri and Penny fell asleep, with Penny on the lap of her new daddy. I am also putting these pictures on the album; link below. Just haven’t gotten to it yet. AmyYes, it’s noticeably different here without her, she is one special Corn-dog

A Visit with Snickerdoodle

Hi all:
Myra and I got an invitation to visit my former foster dog Snickerdoodle today. It was a gorgeous October day - leaves falling all around and 3 Cairns racing around the yard chasing chipmunks and each other. They all had a grand time. Snickerdoodle was my foster for 18 months before he found the perfect home right in the town next to me!! His family is crazy about him (of course - he was the sweetest dog in the world - just a little "funny looking" ) and he loves his new brother Brodie. They race down the back stairs to the fenced in yard every morning on squirrel patrol. Mom comes home every day at noon to let them out and she works part time 3 times a week so they have company a lot. He has a new name - kind of - Allyson's Dad loves him too and has taken to calling him Skipper so that has caught on although Allyson still calls him Snickers sometimes as well. I think Skipper is a sweet name and it's so nice he loves Allyson's Dad - he loves them all - they are his family now and I couldn't be more thrilled. And Myra had a chance to play with the boys - she is exhausted now and sleeping on her Princess Cushion, snoring away. So if you have had a foster for awhile and worry they won't find their adoptive home, never give up - the perfect person/family is out there - it is well worth the wait for them to find "their" dog. Sorry I forgot my camera but we were having so much fun, I probably wouldn't have forgotten to take pics anyway. I finallly had to drag Myra away as she had a chippie cornered under some lumber and was totally ignoring the boys... Typical
Susan in Vermont

Soulful Sonnet

Here is a photo of my little sweetheart. Steve was playing with the camera and got lucky. She has the most soulful eyes at times. Cheryl in NY

Here in This House (A Poem by Laura Cathleen Patterson

Here in this house.....
I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of dogs "out there."
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake, my world will not have changed.
I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch...knowing no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
I will never know hunger or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold or grow weary from the heat.
My fur will shine and never be dirty or matted.
Here in this house.....
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and thought to be of value.
I will be talked to and even if I don't understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve someone's image of themselves.
I will learn the things I need to know to be liked by all.
I will be loved because I am who I am and not someone's idea of what I should be.
I will be given a Name so I may know who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy and I will love the sound of it.
I will never suffer for someone's anger, impatience or stupidity.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to the teacher for blame.
I will feel the sun's heat and the rain's coolness and be alowed to smell all that can reach my nose.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly or not new enough.
Here in this house......
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.I
f ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
My life is a responsibility and not an afterthought.
I will run, jump and act silly because my "back is being watched" and
I'm in no danger if I let my guard down.
I will learn that humans can be almost as kind and fair as dogs.
Here in this house....
I will belong.

Copywright~~ Laura Cathleen Patterson"My" Chihuahuas 1999-2004

Macademia Toxicosis in Dogs

Recently, Mom Charlene had a scare with cairn Tasha, thinking she had a torn ACL or some other type of paralysis. A local Vet visit only added to the confusion so they mae a trip to UC Davis. Here is her story (it has a VERY happy ending) with an important message for all dog owners.

We are very, very impressed with the Veterinary Speciality Hosptial/ UC Davis. Their care and concern was above and beyond any that we have seen regarding our four legged friends. We arrived early by 30 or so minutes to our appointment (didn't know how traffic was going to be).They checked us in and told us to take a seat.In the waiting room.

They have a big flat screen TV going and it is all about the different things that can harm an animal. Up pops "Macadamia Nuts". The following was what was televised: "Dogs develop a weakness with the inability to stand on their rear legs. Often unable to rise. They are stressed and will usually pant. Sometimes followed by vomiting or Ataxia (walking wobbly)."

I asked Bill if he just saw that and he said he didn't. I told him what I had read and he said 'so'........ I said the dumb crows/ravens have been dropping the macadamia nuts from our neighbors tree into the backyard and Tasha has been picking them and playing with them and chewing on them.

We get called into see Dr. Jackson (UC Davis doctor). His exam of Tasha was every which way but loose. Poor girl. She was a true trooper of being pulled, twisted, stretched, bent, pushed upon, pulled upon, walked, ran, you name it - he did it to her. We talked and questioned each other for a good 30 minutes of her background, her activities, sleeping, eating, pooping and such. At which time he said that this NOT ONE THING WRONG with Tasha..... maybe a little arthritis in her hips, but that is minimal. She is good to go.

We talked more about the hole in her left tibia (where the other vet's thought she had a previous ACL repair). He said that he could not see any signs (shading) of any repair damage would have been if she had had a ACL repair. The only way he could really know was to go in and we all said no.

Anyway - long story short - Towards the end of the exam, I asked him about what I saw on the TV regarding the macadamia nuts and how Tasha was always playing with them and then chewing on them.He said that could have been it. As the toxicosis wears off in 24 to 48 hours. But too much time had gone by to run any tests to determine it.

We are in LOVE with this place! We will still go to our regular vet for all routine services. But we will never, ever step foot into that other "specialists" place, even tho they are much, much closer. Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts, prayers and best wishes........ Our Tasha girl will be with us for a long, long time to come, without the need for surgery.

Here are two very good sites regarding Macadamia Nuts and other poisonous plants, etc. to dogs. http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/toxbrief_0402.pdf?docID=115

http://www.entirelypets.com/toxicfoods.html

Just when we all think we know it all - something comes up and we don't. --
Charlene, Bill and the T-n-T girls
Tootsie - Tasha - Oceanside, CA.

Lil Abner went HOME yesterday! Happy Forever!

Foster Mom Kim writes:

Lil Abner (aka Redford--I think they are keeping his name) was adopted into the most wonderful forever home we could have hoped for. Linda and Blaine have a very handsome male Cairn, Dude, and two Italian Mastiffs. I have already received two updates from Linda and Redford is adjusting very well.

He came into CP last May with heartworms and hookworms and eventually needed two teeth pulled. He was scared and shy and had to be coaxed out of his crate. He has learned to play with toys and other dogs and is such a sweet little boy. Linda and Blaine have the understanding and compassion to help this little boy continue on his journey.

The attached pictures is with Linda holding my Breck and Redford is to her left. Linda has joined CRM and Iknow she will share updates and pictures. This little boy is very special to me. He has been here for 5 months and became my little shadow. He will be missed, but I am so happy knowing he is in a great home for him.

Linda and Blaine, thank you so very, very much. Happy forever little boy.
Kim C in Largo, FL with Ozzie, Breck, Glynn and Foster, Grandpa Dean

Spanks Da Man

During a recent discussion on CRM of the many colors cairns can be, Kathy sent this update on her CP kid:

Spanky is registered as a Red Brindle. Take a look at his pictures now (he will be 13 in January) http://good-times.webshots.com/album/567379513pzYiXA

Kathie - Long Island, NY
Spanky (Iz a 4 eba corn terror enna wurk n prah gess)
The D ruling with a velvet paw at the Rainbow Bridge

BOOtiful Baby Dumpling!

She lets me do this stuff to her..I am an evil Mommy..ha! She's so cute it's SCARY!

Happy Halloween everyone!
-- Terri B.. Mommy to Baby Dumpling, ...Fl.

Medications That Poison Our Pets

Ruth H in Orlando FL sent this important article from the ASPCA

Top 10 Human Medications That Poison Our Pets

Although pet parents are well aware of poisons lurking around their home, many don’t realize that some of the biggest culprits are sitting right on their own nightstands. In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received 89,000 calls related to pets ingesting over-the-counter and prescription medications. To help you prevent an accident from happening, our experts have created a list of the top 10 human medications that most often poison our furry friends.

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of the following items, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. And remember to keep all medications tucked away in bathroom cabinets—and far from curious cats and dogs.

NSAIDs
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, and can cause serious problems even in minimal doses. Pets are extremely sensitive to their effects, and may experience stomach and intestinal ulcers and—in the case of cats—kidney damage.

Antidepressants
Antidepressants can cause vomiting and lethargy and certain types can lead to serotonin syndrome—a condition marked by agitation, elevated body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.

Acetaminophen
Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, which can damage red blood cells and interfere with their ability to transport oxygen. In dogs, it can cause liver damage and, at higher doses, red blood cell damage.

Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
Medications used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in people act as stimulants in pets and can dangerously elevate heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as cause seizures.

Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil—an anti-cancer drug—is used topically to treat minor skin cancers and solar keratitis in humans. It has proven to be rapidly fatal to dogs, causing severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest even in those who’ve chewed on discarded cotton swabs used to apply the medication.

Isoniazid
Often the first line of defense against tuberculosis, isoniazid is particularly toxic for dogs because they don’t metabolize it as well as other species. It can cause a rapid onset of severe seizures that may ultimately result in death.

Pseudoephedrine
Pseudoephedrine is a popular decongestant in many cold and sinus products, and acts like a stimulant if accidentally ingested by pets. In cats and dogs, it causes elevated heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature as well as seizures.

Anti-diabetics
Many oral diabetes treatments—including glipizide and glyburide—can cause a major drop in blood sugar levels of affected pets. Clinical signs of ingestion include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.

Vitamin D derivatives
Even small exposures to Vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene and calcitriol can cause life-threatening spikes in blood calcium levels in pets. Clinical signs of exposure—including vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination and thirst due to kidney failure—often don't occur for more than 24 hours after ingestion.

Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs. Some symptoms of ingestion include significant depression, disorientation, vocalization, seizures and coma, which can lead to death.

A Marlee Su and Digger Update

I was just on the CP website - the blog and YouTube are GREAT! I see a number of older dogs for adoption and remember adopting Taddy. NEVER regreted that although he was only with me for a little less than 4 years. He was wonderful in his own little ways. I have to admit that we didn't "bond" like with some of my others, but I deeply loved and respected him. He was just in his own little world most of the time and that was fine with both of us. As long as he could get into the window seat and enjoy a good storm now and then, he was happy.


Marlee Su is still hanging in there. She has mostly good days now but has trouble getting around some and paces the house some nights.


Digger is, well, Digger. He is the biggest sack of laziness you will ever see. Loves his bones and they seem to keep him occupied while I am at work. He would sleep in to late morning each day if I didn't get out of bed! He is my second soul dog (after my Beamer).


Take care! Kathryn, Digger and Marlee Su

Permission to flunk...granted!

Maggie/ Ghali, the 12 year old gal who was returned to the SPCA 5 times is in her forever home. We just received official permission to flunk!
The girl who "couldn't be housebroken" mastered the dog door in her first few days and hasn't had an accident in the house for 10 days.

Her reputation of "can't get along with the resident dogs" seems to be in error as well. She gets along fine with everyone here and sleeps back-to-back with our 17 year old Soft Coated Wheaten.

She is hand-shy, but another breakthrough: This morning in bed, she initiated playing - nuzzled under my hand so I roughed up her face. She did body slams with her tail wagging at full speed. When I kept my hand still, she pawed and nuzzled under it. Not bad for a dog who up to a week ago wouldn't let anyone touch her mouth or muzzle.

She follows us like a shadow and loves snuggling in the recliner. Steve, my marshmallow-hearted husband said "I don't think anybody ever gave her half a chance. She's a GREAT dog!" She's got some medical problems that we're having evaluated and treated and we're praying she has a few good years left. The minute Maureen told us this old gal was available, we KNEW she'd become a beloved member of our pack!

Keeping another of the good ones for ourselves,
Cheryl (back to a baker's dozen and loving it!)

Update on Newman FKA Wimby

I just wanted to send you an update on Newman fka Wimbledon. He's doing great. On October 4, he graduated from puppy class... yes, puppy class. He was in beginner education, but the other dogs in the class had to switch, so Newman finished the course in puppy education. There was a 10 week old westie puppy in there and just loved to play with him. He was a little shy.

Newman finished the class by mastering sit, come, down, we're working on stay (he won't let us back away). Newman also mastered shake and high five in about ten minutes during one class. The other parents looked at us longingly wishing they had such smart dogs. We were very proud. I have attached a picture of Newman from graduation.

Newman is still very attached to me, but he is starting to get closer to Mike. Newman gets aggitated if we get ready to leave. I have started to realize that I have a leaving routine I did not know I had. For example, when I shut the bedroom door, he runs to the garage door. I hadn't realized that I only shut that door when we are about to leave. He also gets excited if I put jeans on and starts to run to the door. I think that's funny. I hadn't thought about it before, but after work, I only put jeans on if I am leaving the house.

He has taught us that we have plenty of routines. But I think routines help him. Once we put him in his play pen for us to leave, he calms down and lies down on his pillow to nap. When we come home, he is sitting on his bench next to Lily's bench watching for squirrel's out of the window. No more anxiety like we had before. The only time he really gets anxious now is during thunderstorms. We had one the other night and I was able to calm him down by scooting his kennel over to the edge of the bed and putting my hand inside. He rubbed his head against my hand, made a few minor whines and went to sleep. He had been crying for half an hour before that, so this solution was a great relief.

I have also created a monster! When we first got Newman I was trying to make him feel comfortable with us so I would lay on the couch and put him on my belly. He struggled at first, but not anymore. Now he insists on lying on top of me whenever I am on the couch. When I am lying on the couch, he nows climbs up on the couch, climbs up on me and lies on my chest or belly. He even does it if Lily is already lying on me! He just has to be part of the action.

Surprisingly, we think Newman might be the dominant one. He will walk right up to Lily when she has a toy in her mouth and take it from her and she won't do anything about it. That seems like a sign of dominance, but in other ways, Lily seems dominant, so we're not sure what to think about it. We are so happy to have him and he seems happy to be here. Thanks so much for all you have done for him.

We'll update you again soon. Sincerely, Jody