Ending 2009 with Ferrara's Happy Ever After

Ferrara and her new furever parents have been on a wonderful journey. We changed Ferrara’s name to Farrah, because her hair color is like Farrah Fawcette.

Six weeks prior to flying Farrah to NJ we began learning about the CP organization. Everyday we would scan through the photos of these precious little Cairns looking for a new home. Everyone has something special and wonderful about them, but we had to find the right one. The search started by looking for Cairns available in a 2 to 3 hour driving distance and then we realized it does not matter how far you have to travel, so we looked all over the country. It took 2 weeks, then my wife called me at work and said I found her. MaryFran saw Farrah’s picture and knew she was the Cairn for us and she was so right.

Farrah’s foster mom took very good care of her and did everything possible to prepare her for a forever home. We were worried about flying her from Michigan to NJ, but the Northwest cargo plane that brought her to NJ did a great job. Farrah was not air sick, just a little scared of meeting new people and seeing new places.

We fell in love with Farrah the minute we saw her. Farrah’s long wheaton hair and sparkling eyes won us over. She was a little shy and it took her a few weeks to make the full adjustment to her new parents and surroundings, but I must say she is very happy and gets all the love and affection any one could want.

We keep Farrah busy all day. MaryFran’s parents watch her until MaryFran gets home at 3:30. No matter where Farrah is when MaryFran comes home, Farrah will run full steam to reach her and give her lots of Cairn kisses.

Farrah spends a lot of time patrolling our backyard. She watches from the sliding glass door in the TV room and waits for something to move. We let her out and watch her chase all the birds and squirrels away. Farrah is not a ball player yet, but she does enjoy her walks and play time jumping from sofa to sofa and following us wherever we go.

We enjoy her and take her on errands in the car. She likes looking all around and does not miss a trick. It’s been hard to get good photos of Farrah because she does not sit still, but I have a few I think you will like. My family could not be happier having Farrah with us. She is a blessing for the whole family and we love her very much.

We did not know about Col Potter before this journey began, but we know and understand a lot about it now. God Bless all the hard working people that are so dedicated to helping these little creatures. From the initial contact, home inspection, matchmaker, and foster mom they all were terrific. We met a lot of nice people and made some new friends.

I want to say a special thank you to Susan, Farrah’s foster mom. Susan took care of every little detail to make sure Farrah would make it home safe for us. Susan has become a friend of ours and we are looking forward to seeing her soon.

Sincerely, Brian and Mary Fran

Carprofen or Rimadyl: Be Informed!

Check out:
http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/MoreOnRimadyl
http://www.cactuscanyon.com/syn-flex-flexicose-safe.htm
http://www.arthritis-cats-dogs.com/article-detail.php?ID=131
http://www.doglogic.com/rimadyl.htm

Go to the official us gov site http://www.fda.gov and put in rimadyl

The good alternative is to ask the vet for Tramadol.

Kayla Has A Birthday!

Hi ya all,
did u knew we habs BURTHDAY'S ? not sure watt dat iz, but i habing a fun filled day ! started dis mornin when mama says "HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYLA" deze hoomans are a wittle strange, but I feel good todey. I must be spechial! we habin carrot cupcakes a latr todey, WOW
me famibly not sure when me real birth day was, so one yere ago today I was rescued from hell by CPCRN (I lubs you CP) and so my mom says it's a spechial day and it will be my SPECHIAL day. so all I gotz to say is "IT'S MY SPECHIAL BIRFDAY TODAY" YEEEEE HAWWWWW... LET DA PARTI BEGIN !
KAYLA LA LA LA ♫ ♪ ♫ ♥
and fursib Sweet Sadie Jo

Sweet William Celebrates His Gotcha Day!

December 14th was Willie's (Col.Potter's Sweet William) First Gotcha Day. Here is the update from his furever mom Carol (who is also a very busy CP volunteer!!):

Willie was one of my fosters who never left. He is a hugger, and when my Sister-in-law broke her ankle in the backyard, and the firemen and paramedics came, he wanted to get in their laps-he thought they came to see him! He sleeps under the covers and snuggles, and plays with Toddy. Beamer, unfortunately, won't give him the time of day, and that breaks his little heart.

Halle's Home on the Farm

Stan and Jan D., with their little Halle (fka Bianca).

Maggie and the Snow

Here's Jo Ann's Maggie celebrating the season. She's too cute enjoying a cozy fire after a chilly romp in the snow.

Visions of Sugarplums??

No, for Bling, 2-month-old son of Ling, who is nestled all snug in his bed, it's visions of a forever family that dance in his head.

Isn't he precious!

Look Who Came Down the Chimney!!

Sadie and Kayla did not leave poor Santa alone at first. They pulled on him! He is animated, sings and sways. It's a simple little fire place, hand made, but I LOVE it :) It was made just for Christmas, But I'm thinking... just leaving it there. AHHHHH...the simple things in life.

Lynne
Sweet Sadie Jo
Kayla la la la

Cairnadian Queenie's Heavenly Match

Yes, Genevieve is now known as "Q" - second time CP adopters decided that Genevieve would officially be named "Q". For those that remember the story,Genevieve was previously known as Queen Isabella or Queenie (nickname).

"Q" was adopted by a wonderful family who truly enjoy her. They felt that Queenie was a name she responded to and felt that"Q" fit the bill.

Furever Mom Maeva mentioned that "Q" is an absolute delight and she gets along very well with Gummy, their other CP girl. They are working on teaching "Q" some manners as she is food motivated and can hardly contain herself for a treat or dinner... like some other Cairns I know!

This is a match made in heaven!

Maggie's Monumental Day

Happy Holidays to the group! I am basically just a lurker so do not post much. I am the proud Mom of Maggie (fka Obama) and Star (fka Tick).

Maggie is a typical puppy mill momma with some of the familiar fears. She by far is not the most scarred but still her transition from the scared little dog we picked up in May 2008 to today is remarkable. She never ceases to amaze us and it has been a rewarding experience.

The most frustrating thing that we have had to deal with though is her relationship with our Marine Son. He does not visit much and he is not much of a dog person. Strange in itself as my husband and I are! We know Maggie is not comfortable with men and her response is generally just stay away but no - not with our son - instead she barks and barks and barks.

Last Christmas we were prepared with toasted hotdogs and made Patrick sit still and make her come to him to get this special treat. And it did work unbelievably well. She did calm down. Not completely but it was bearable.

Now to my news!! Patrick returned home from his deployment last night. He has not been in this house for a year. It was midnight before we got home and we had also brought our 2 year old Granddaughter home. I did not have the strength to deal with Maggie and a sleeping child so although this sounds really rude, I asked Patrick if he could just quietly sneak to the basement while Maggie was outside and we would deal with her in the morning. Quite the reception for a returning Marine but it was the middle of the night!

So this morning he quietly climbs the stairs. Yes both dogs barked but Patrick extended his hand to Maggie and she quieted. He gave her some cereal and although at first she declined, she eventually did accept. The barking was over in seconds!!

He is able to move freely and although there is still some resistance and a bark here and there, it is absolutely peaceful! Yes, this is a monumental day!! Now if we can just get Maggie to stop carrying off our Granddaughter's toys . . . . !

And as for Star, she does not like strangers. She warms up quite fast but does not jump in their arms at any point. She had her initial bark or two but she is fine. She let him throw her ball but would not take it back to him. Not yet but maybe by the end of his stay. Merry Christmas everyone!

Cindy E in Emporia, KS

Happily owned by Maggie and Star

What Vets Don't Want You to Know

Here is a link to a recent article by the "Irreverant Vet" who writes for www.PetPlace.com:
http://tinyurl.com/ouvwkl

Happy Christmas from Oyster, FKA Daiquiri

Hey Aunty Dilys and Uncle Steve


I just wanted to thank you so much for looking after me and finding me a lovely mum and dad.

Mum lets me out of the crate in the morning I have a quick jump onto the bed but can't stay long as I really have to go outside and pee. Then it's back into the house. Remember the stairs that puzzled me so, on our visit. I go up those like greased lightning now.
While I'm doing that Dad gets dressed and puts my new raincoat onto me, then I get my breakfast because as soon as I have eaten, off we go to the 'Wildwood' to take care of #2.
Gosh it's so great. Every day there are new scents and stories to sniff so I'm having a ball.

We go up to the fallen tree and then come back and go out to the cliff and I get to jump over the smaller trees and gullies so my muscles are getting stronger already and to tell the truth I think I've put on weight. OH, and my hair is getting longer as well.

I get lot's of praise when I answer to my new name and I am learning to put my bum on the floor when I hear the word 'Sit'.

On our walks, I now have a 15 foot training leash that gives me more room to explore, Dad is working at getting me to keep the leash loose and it's coming along. Most of the time I just amble along, stopping now and then to sniff the news, but every once in a while something comes over me and I make a mad dash for it. I don't know why. The nice thing is that with the long leash Dad can slow me down softly and easily and I don't come to the end with a sudden jerk that almost flips me over backwards.

I have a friend who comes to visit me and I visit him at his house. He's a black Lab, much older than me and he's very gentle.

I've also been to Vancouver already and I met anther sort of creature, which I think Mum and Dad called a cat. In fact I've met three of them now. From their strange scent, I've got a feeling that there might be one next door as I get that same scent when I'm in the back yard.

Twice we went down to the boat and that was exciting, I got to walk around and go down below. I have to have a lift up and down those stairs because they are so steep. The second time Dad started up something he called an engine. It made a bit of a racket but didn't scare me one bit.

I'm pretty sure we're off to Port Coquitlam tomorrow for something called Christmas.

Anyway I just wanted you to know how Happy I am here and I owe it all to you and your friends who rescued me and found me the best Mum and Dad in the world. I still love you Aunty Dilys and Uncle Steve and hope to see you when we return.

Love to you both,
Oyster

P.S. You know that thing that I do when I lay on my tummy and you call it 'Doing the Fog'. Dad always says I'm 'Oystering' :)))

MacGyver fka Colbert Photos

Here are photos of MacGyver, fka Colbert.
I can't thank all of you enough for allowing me to adopt this beautiful, wonderful boy.
Bringing MacGyver into my life has been one of the better decisions I have made. He is an absolute joy and we love him so much. Even though he has many (okay, a little more than many!) toys, his favorite is still the orange ruffian Marie sent with him.
He has other ruffians in different colors, but the one from his foster mom is his favorite. Thank you, Marie!

Velvet is now Riley with a whole Family

Riley fka Velvet was adopted last week - she is the one on the right with the shorter coat.

She made it to Syracuse just in time for the holidays. Cody is her big brother!

In Loving Memory of Iggster

Dear Joellyn and CPCRN:

Almost exactly four years ago, Joellyn got off the plane in DC and I met Ignatius (CPCRN name "Atticus"), nickname Iggy. I fell in love with him immediately.

I lost my precious boy on Saturday, only weeks after he started acting out and stopped eating, and only a week after the vet discovered a massive cancerous tumor that spread from his abdomen, through his diaphragm and into/around his lungs.

I am devastated to say the least, but proud that - once it was clear there was nothing the vet could do and that pain meds did not help enough - I ended his suffering. But I am selfishly wishing he was still with me - four years with my precious boy was not enough, but then again I'm sure 50 years woudldn't have been enough either.

I just wanted to let you know what a gift you gave me in Iggy. He was the best dog you could possibly imagine. I just wish he had had a longer life with me and that his life did not end in such pain. Thank you for rescuing him and fostering him. He changed my life, made me want to be a better person.

In loving memory of my Iggster, Amy in Phoenix, AZ

Tucker and Zoe Send Holiday Wishes

Hello to all my friends at CPCRN, I'm spending my 2nd Christmas in my furever home and it's a wonderful life.

Mommy's letting me and Zoe help her wrap presents. We make sure the wrapping is paper is all smoothed out by walking all over it for her. Then, we have to taste all the bows to make sure they're perfect for each gift. Mommy says we are so much help, she doesn't know what she'd do without us!

The best part of this Christmas thing, is that there are so many great smells in our kitchen. Mommy's been baking homemade treats for our doggie cousins, and of course, she's making extras for us.

And, we have a tree in our greatroom! It's beautiful with lots of lights and shiny things. I've been such a good boy and haven't touched it at all. There are lots of pretty boxes and bags under the tree, and Mommy says one of them is for ME. I can't wait to see what's inside.

Me and my new family (including the bossy sister, Zoe) wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hugs,Tucker

Santa, Please Bring Me a Squirrel!

This was a fund-raising event for the Seattle Animal Shelter... here's Ghillie (formerly Chess) asking Santa for a squirrel for Christmas! It was a year ago almost to the day that Ghillie had teeth pulled, his neutering surgery, and flea/parasite treatments. He's the gift that keeps on giving -- for me!
Merry, merry Everyone!
Donna

A Cairn Heart

Here is an update on 2 CP kids who are now fursibs - Lexie (formerly Muffet) adopted in June, and Cody (formerly Gasconade) adopted in March.

It's been a while since I've sent you some pix of Lexie. She is the cutest girl and totally at home. She and Cody are best buds and play all the time. She's not afraid of anything. She's full of herself and such a good girl. Playful, affectionate, talkative, funny. She doesn't miss a trick. Still a good eater, loves to walk and be outside, but snuggles and sleeps when she's supposed to. She's won our hearts totally.

Have happy holidays!

Susan

Maisie is Loving Life!

Maisie (fka Etheridge) is doing just great! We love her and each day she comes further out of her shell. She loves her blue chair in the front den where she can watch everything that goes by. She also still loves that pink long dog you sent with her. She carries it from place to place.

Have a wonderful holiday season and keep fostering the wonderful cairns, you obviously are terrific at it!

Nancy and Bill

Three Dog Afternoon

Hi, Just wanted to share this photo of my three boys enjoying the sun and to mention how happy we are with Connor (CP Bambi, adopted Nov 2009).

Connor has settled right in and is all Cairn! He zooms around the house and yard and does flying leaps on Brodie (CP Kaleb, adopted Sept 2008) to get him to play. Brodie is just so tolerant of all the hair pulling and leg biting I can hardly believe it.

Mr. Fergus (the Scottie) was somewhat aggressive the first week with the puppy as he established who was Alpha, but now shares his balls and invites the puppy to play.

Thank you to all the volunteers that enable so many Cairns to have Happy Holidays now and in the future!

PK - Mom to the Dogwood Cottage Boys--Fergus, Brodie, & now Connor (CP Bambi)

Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain

Emerson - "THE DOG!"

Emerson's forever dad said when he was in the dog park the other day he looked at Emerson and knew he was the dog he had been waiting for all his life.

Happy Day for Oyster fka Daiquiri!

It's me Daiquiri! Here is a picture
with me and my new family!

I am just as happy as my new
family is!

After much consideration, my new family has changed my name to Oyster!

Mom says that my coat resembles an oyster shell color and the name stuck!

Happy Forever Oyster!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Ruby a.k.a Singapore Sling!

Happy Forever Forrest!

Pictures of Forrest with his new mom & dad. Everyone looks happy!

No Place Like Home

There's No Place like Home………

 

Whether it was with the clicking of the ruby slippers, or coming-to in her bed at Auntie Em's, Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz, kept saying "There’s no place like home, .  .  . there’s no place like home".*

 

Homeless Cairns, taken-in by the Colonel Potter Cairn Rescue Network, obviously cannot wear ruby red slippers, nor are they able to “click” their heels to make a wish of a furever home come true. But, we volunteers and prospective homes, can turn that wish into reality.

 

Far too many of these Cairns have been living a very bad dream, trapped in a dark twister much like the one that carried Dorothy and Toto away. Freed, at least from that nightmare, they eagerly await a wonderful forever home that lies somewhere over the rainbow. Other Cairns have been pulled from homes that they have always known, but for a variety of reasons, their families have been forced to relinquish them, no longer able to provide for them -- not the housing, or the love they deserve. They, too, are looking for a new furever home and a happy-ever-after.

 

What is a furever home? CP kids need food and shelter, but so crave a loving home, protective hands, a smile, a gentle touch. Dorothy awoke from her dream to family there to welcome her, with warm smiles, a gentle touch, and love. That's the place Dorothy called no place like home.

Where might a CP kid find home?  It could be at your house, your neighbor's house, a friend's house.  Cairns, like most terriers, are certainly not one of the more popular breeds, nor are they the best breed for many.  Colonel Potter volunteers, however, successfully match Cairns in need of homes with homes in need of Cairns.  The many, many stories, supplemented with photos on this blog, attest to the rescue's mission and success.

 

If you cannot adopt one of these loving kids, then possibly you could foster one, or become a guardian angel to one. Or help with a transport, or fundraiser.  Rescuing Cairns takes work -- and a lot of it -- time, money, dedication to the dogs, the mission, and the network of volunteers.  All of this, and love, contribute to helping more than 400 rescued Cairns find furever homes every year.

 

Dorothy and Toto had a guardian angel in Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Colonel Potter volunteers watch over our rescues so they can fall asleep dreaming of no place like home, no place like home, no place like home .  .  .  There truly is no place like home.

 

Each of us wants a home for the holidays … and forever.  Make that furever.

 

Charlene and Bill M and the T-n-T girls.....Tootsie - Tasha

- Oceanside, CA

A Senior Sweetheart!

It’s hard to believe that in just three weeks from today, it will be a year since a little red-headed Cairn came into my life, flying in-cabin with me from Pensacola , FL to my home in Oregon ’s Willamette Valley .

I worried that the relatively cold and rainy climate would be a big adjustment for her, but she has no hesitation going out in the rain – it doesn’t seem to faze her.

We took our first road trip shortly after she arrived, spending several days at the coast,
then crossing the Cascade Mountains to the east side to visit family.

Maggie is a great travelling companion. She settles right down in the car. Once in a new place, after determining there is no food to be found on the floor, she curls up in an out of the way place, usually under a table.

Maggie’s a senior at approximately 13 years, but there is still a lot of life and Cairnitude in her! She loves our twice daily walks, and barks excitedly to hurry me along if I’m being too slow getting out the door. She is very enthusiastic about car rides and if she senses we are about to go on one, she will try to hurry me along. Sometimes, while I’m getting myself together to leave the house, I go ahead and let her get in the car. Alone in the dark garage, she settles right down and waits for me.

Maggie has a history of skin problems due to allergies to wheat and corn, as well as many other environmental allergens. She gets immunotherapy injections twice a week. The hardest thing about giving her the injections is keeping her still enough; she knows afterwards she will get one of her favorite treats – freeze dried liver.

Maggie quickly and easily became an integral part of my life, one I can’t imagine without her. She brings love and joy into my life every day. If there’s a senior Cairn out there in need of a home, you could be as lucky as I’ve been. Go ahead and fill out an application right now! You could have a loyal companion to love in time for Christmas – and give the best Christmas gift ever to a Cairn in need.

Phineas Phog & His New Mom!

Hi everyone,

I've attached pictures of Phineas Phog and his new mom Marion. Phin went to his forever home this week - lucky for us, just down the street. Phin was with us for just over a couple of months, and is a lovely little boy - great energy, loves his walks, and overcame a huge uphill battle with his teeth when we got him. Thanks to Col. Potter and our local vet that donated all but a small amount of her costs, Phin had 3 dental procedures while he was with us to finish cleaning and pulling rotten and dead teeth. When we got him his breath smelled like putrid, rotten meat, and in hindsight he was probably suffering from a systemic infection as well as an infection in his mouth. What a difference in his personality once he was feeling better! Thank goodness for modern medicine and the wonders of antibiotics and anesthesia :)

Fostering was a great experience for us and we appreciate being able to have Phin for the period we had him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us3sZUDj424

Cheers,
Foster mom Dina and foster dad Gene

Happy Thanksgiving from Bella & DeDe!

We wanted to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are very thankful for our family and friends, which we include you in both categories, and very thankful to Col Potters for bringing CoCo and Bella into our lives.

We are thankful for the time, as short as it was, that we had with CoCo. We are so very thankful for our new little love Bella and we cannot forget our first little love DeDe.

We have been blessed with two of the best family members possible from Col Potters. Not many people get a family when they adopt a dog but we feel we got that and more.

Have a great Thanksgiving and a most joyous holiday season.

Jim, Cindy, DeDe, and Bella

Lexi's Gotcha Day

Lexi and her family celebrated her Gotcha Day anniversary on October 11th. Here is what her Mom says:

Every day is a celebration having my sweet Lexi here with me. This girl has come such a long way from being the petrified mill momma who wouldn’t come out to eat until Foster parents Lori and Mike went to bed, who really didn’t know how to be a momma to four puppies, who was too scared to play with a toy, who could not bear being in the same room with “Monster Man” Mike, to being a very alpha princess who struts her stuff on walks and goes into cujo mode if she sees her arch enemies, my mom’s neighbor’s two black chows, who loves to run and chase lizards all day in the yard, who meets and greets folks instead of fleeing in terror, who knows lots of tricks (sit, down, beg, high five, give me your paw, kiss, dance, etc.), and who exhibits all the wonderful qualities of the breed which endear her to us.Most importantly, she has filled a huge void in my heart left after losing my cairn Danny to lymphoma in July of 2008. I will always be grateful to Col. Potter for rescuing my sweet girl and giving her the chance for a better life. It’s folks like you who make a world of difference to these innocents. Special thanks and appreciation go to Lori and Mike Rothmeier for taking her into their home and helping her whelp and raise her puppies, to Deb Smartt who helped Lexi get ready for her forever home and for flying her to me in Florida, to my wonderful matchmaker Sydney Dixon who cried with me over losing Danny, and to all of you who give of yourselves so unselfishly to help these cairns get ready for their forever homes. Lexi and I send our heartfelt thanks.I have included an intake picture of Lexi when she came into rescue, pictures of her when she came to my home on October 11, 2008, and pictures taken today. On November 12, I took her, Duffy and Connie to Duffy’s dog breeder to be hand stripped. Her outer coat is gone, but she is still beautiful. I am so proud of her. I tell her if she was a woman she would be a beauty queen! Regardless, she is the queen of my heart!Thank you again, Col. Potter for giving me my sweet girl!

Linda in Clearwater, FL
Mom to Duffy, Lexi, Connie,
and Danny, my golden boy, who went to Heaven on July 17, 2008

Please Let Us Know ....

If you change your address or email.

Just send a quick email to:
cpcrn@cairnrescue.com
or
Changed-Or-New-info-CPCRN@yahoogroups.com

This is especially important for the dog's Tags registration. If youe dog gets lost, we NEED to have the latest phone numbers and email addresses so we can contact you quickly!

An update on Lilo!

An update on Lilo!

Just wanted to send an update on Lilo, fka Colpy. I adopted Lilo July 19, 2008, exactly 6 months to the day that she was rescued from a kill shelter. Poor Lilo had gone through so much already, living in a puppy mill for 5 years, and she was only with me 7 months before her life would change again.

My boyfriend of 8 years and I were living in Syracuse, NY and in March of this year, we decided to split up. Between us we had 6 pets, 3 cats and 3 dogs. I took 5 of the pets, including Lilo and we moved back to my hometown of Buffalo into an apartment. That's right- 2 dogs and 3 cats in one apartment! Lilo was my rock, always there for me when I had a rough day. She adjusted very well to her new living situation and enjoyed many sleepovers at "Grandma's" now that I lived close to my family again.

She also had an interesting breakthrough! Lilo was never very fond of men and definitely did not get close to my ex. But in June of this year, I met a wonderful man who Lilo became attached to very quickly. I couldn't believe it when I saw her pawing at his legs trying to give him kisses! Lilo also started getting more playful! She and her "brother", a lab mix, would zoom around the apartment and play until they tired themselves out! It's amazing to see how much she had come out of her shell. Strangely enough, Lilo has also bonded with one of the cats. I catch them laying together all the time. I can't even describe what a joy it is to have this little cairn terrier in my life. She is my world and I don't know what I would do without her! I have attached a picture of Lilo and Bagheera "bonding"... Thank you Col. Potter!!

Leaves Falling on Cairns

Last Sunday, a beautiful Fall New England day, Munchkin (fka Marvel) and her side kick Ozzie arrived with their chauffeur Marie for a long overdue visit with Murry and Maisie (fka as Rusty/Flopsy). There was lots of sniffing and snorting, sending of p-mail and exuberant frolicking by Marvel with amazed looks from the rest of the gang!

Here are a few photos and a BIG thanks to Col Potter for rescuing Munchkin and Maisie.

Sheryl in Winthrop, MA with Murry and Maisie

Tucker Doubles the Fun!

Tucker just celebrated his 1st Gotcha Day and his 3rd Birthday with his forever family. Last week for Tucker's Gotcha Day, we spent the afternoon at a new park where he and Zoe ran through the leaves, played on the kiddie playground and experienced lots of new smells. His birthday celebration included a party with cake and presents and a trip to the pet store.

This little guy's come a long way from where he was a year and a half ago. Up until a couple of years ago, we had never heard of a puppy mill. It wasn't until we stumbled onto Col. Potter's website that we learned of the thousands of dogs living every day of their lives in unimaginable conditions. Our hearts were touched, and we knew that the playmate we planned to get for our Westie girl, Zoe, would have to be a rescue from Col. Potter.

So, a little over a year ago, we began the process of getting approved to adopt one of these precious little Cairns. Our match was Canada, who we named Tucker, and even we could not have chosen a more perfect match for our family. Our precious "wild child" Zoe and sweet little "laid back" Tucker are a perfect balance and wonderfully compliment each other.

Tucker has come from a shy, scared little Cairn to a brave, happy and playful little boy. He still has some fears that will possibly always be with him, but it is simply amazing what good food and shelter, proper grooming and lots of understanding, encouragement, patience and love have done for our little guy.

There is no doubt, we have forever changed the life of this sweet Cairn boy, but there is also no denying that Tucker has forever changed us. We are firm believers in rescue now, and we are convinced that rescue is the very best way to add new pets to, not just our family, but any family. Our hearts break for all those yet to be rescued. We will always be grateful to those who work with Col. Potter, especially all those who played a part in bringing this special boy into our lives.

Happy Gotcha Day and Happy, Happy Birthday to our Tucker-Man!!

Patte & FamilyTN

Wiggles' First Gotcha Day

One year ago today Bill and I drove to Iowa to pick up our Miss Wiggles from foster mom Tina W. Our lives were forever changed the minute we walked in Tina's house and saw this tiny black brindle gal with her little CP scarf tied around her neck. I was showered with kisses as I got down on the floor to meet my little girl for the first time. We had a grand time of playing and her rolling over for belly rubs. I picked her up and she laid her little head on my shoulder and gave a big sigh. This is a moment that will stay with me forever.

Bill was chomping at the bit to get his turn so he took over Wiggles duty while I signed all the forms. After taking care of all the paperwork we started on our journey home. I sat in the back seat beside the crate on the way home and Wiggles looked at me with those brown eyes and that look went straight to my heart. I just couldn't help myself, so I opened the crate door and layed my arm inside and Wiggles curled up and finally went to sleep.

My youngest daughter had kept our 7 yr. old cairn, Tigger so after we were home a couple of hours and Wiggles had been lead around the back yard on leash and then allowed to explore the house, Kara brought Tigger home. We had blocked off a room so the meet and greet could be done slowly BUT both girls would have nothing to do with that. There was so much crying and tail wagging that we decided to leash Wiggles and see how things would work out between them. It was love at first sniff and they ran off playing together and have been best buddies ever since!!

It has been a wild ride with Wiggles. She was, and still is, the most mischievous and spunky little gal we've ever owned and we LOVE her for it. In fact her middle initial is "T" which stands for "Trouble"!!! She is such a happy-go-lucky cairn and loves all people from newborns to the elderly. She also loves all dogs and is always ready to play with them. Wiggles is the most loving and affectionate little girl and MUST be on our laps if we are sitting down and she LOVES to snuggle.

For whatever reason, Bill and I both know Wiggles is our heart dog. From the first minute we saw her, she captured our hearts in a way no other has. We dearly loved our Shaggy (RB 3/16/08) and dearly love our Tigger, but there is just something about Wiggles that makes her so very special to us. Wiggles means the world to us and she makes each day a very special day.

Thank you so much CP for allowing us to adopt our girl. You are a very special group of people and I'm so happy that you've allowed us to join in the ranks of volunteering and helping out where we can. We will be celebrating with "cheesy wiener cake" and we bought Wiggles a LARGE stuffed monkey in honor of her first year with us. I'm attaching pics of our little gal today. She is still tiny at 12 lbs. She was 11 lbs. 4 oz when we adopted her so she hasn't grown much in the past year in size.

Bill and Pam E

Normal, IL

Big Snaz and Little Maj

Foster Mom reports: Majella or "Maj" is to be doing well in her furever home. She adores her big brother Snazzy. Sometimes Snazzy's not so sure about her and has to put her"in her place" but they DO love to play.

I did the home safety visit for this family and know that Snazzy is one of the sweetest dogs you'd ever meet. Got to get over to meet Maj soon!

Murphy's First Gotcha Day!

I'm very happy to announce that Murphy (fka Peep) has celebrated his 1st "Gotcha Day" with us. It was this past Monday, the 9th of November. The time with him has just flown by. It can't possibly be a year since we met in Lansing and picked up this tiny bundle of fur. Murphy is just a wonderful pup. He has his Cairn moments, but not many and we love him dearly. He does rule the house....Thanks again so much for getting him to us...
-- Mickey - Mom to Murphy in Northern Michigan

Barbara Mae's Gotcha Day

Amidst kisses and scritches, Barbara Mae met her furever parents, then drove off

to meet her new sister Abbie, who is a very pretty Jack Russell Terrier.

Have a wonderful life, Little One!

Nell fka Lenell "Gets Her Bark On"

I just wanted to let you know how we are doing. Nell got a good report from the vet today her ears have cleared up and she got her lepto shot and her second lyme.

She is so sweet. It has been such fun watching her open up. We are playing in the yard every day and walking about a mile every day. She starts out a little rocky on the leash but after we go past the big barking dog she is fine.

Her tail is starting to come up now when we walk. In our yard it is up and wagging all the time.

She has started to get her bark on. It is a silly bark a cross between a growl and a howl. It sounds so funny coming out of this tiny dog.

She is really is precious and except for a few potty mistakes which I think was me missing the cues we are doing great. Her fur is coming in all nice. The vet was impressed. She thinks she may have just had a litter before she came into rescue.

We sit now when we come in from our walks so I can take the leash off. It is the cutest thing.

I am so happy with her. Thanks again for making the transition so easy.

Kathy

One Dad, Five Dogs, and a Duck

Or ... How an ex-mill dog learns about living in a family

The way I see it, part of the job of foster parents is to teach these little mill babies how to live as part of a family. The only way I know to do this is to treat them as full family members and to help them to adapt to the customs and patterns that make up our life style.

So last evening Kenneth & I (Deirdre) retired to our bedroom to relax and watch a little TV. Usually I sit in my chair and Kenneth is more comfortable spread out on our king size bed. Under normal circumstances you understand, Kenneth is not alone on the bed. Everyone has to be up there with Dad. Luckily there is lots of space for the dogs to spread out with plenty of room for everyone's feet and tails.

Baylee is our alpha and she is inclined to carry her toy of the day around with her. Yesterday her choice was a stuffed duck that I brought back from the toy exchange at CRAP. So when she jumped up to be with dad naturally the duck went too.

As I have mentioned, Velour (foster girl) has taken quite a liking to Kenneth. She follows him everywhere. In fact, you can hear them coming as her leash makes a kind of dragging sound as the pair of them move around the house. From certain angles it almost looks as if Kenneth has a bright blue leash attached to his ankle or something. So naturally when we went to watch TV ... Val came along as well.

But Val (Velour) had never seen the bedroom before ... and you better believe she had never seen a king size bed either. Because I very much doubt that she had been invited into the boudoir of the mill owner and I am here to tell you that if she had smelt like she did when we picked her up on her Emancipation day, she would not have been in my bedroom either.

Poor Velour did not know what to make of this at all. First, Kenneth picked her up just as he did Lovie (Lovie is kind of old and her jumper does not work too well so Daddy needs to help her with some things, I am sure you understand!!) Val took about two steps on the soft squishiness of the bed and comforter and just about FLEW off the bed. I think she scared herself... I know she scared me!!

So.. OK just let her take her time and figure out what all this is about.
Everyone settled down, except of course Val. She trotted around the bed several times. She stopped and put her paws up and looked at her foster brother and sisters. She went and sat next to Kenneth on the floor... looking up at him piteously. So he picked her up again … and down she jumped. You need to understand that in the week she has been with use she had not jumped on to of off of anything at all... and now two big jumps in maybe five minutes.

Then the young lady went and sat on the floor next to foster dad and looked at him and I could just hear her saying to him... "Please come and sit on the floor with me". But he didn't. Bad foster Dad!!! Then she did it... she has done it two or three times before... so far I have not got a picture but I will... You know the way Toto sits in the WOZ?? Up on his rump... paws folded on his chest?? Well I think she has studied the movie because that is exactly what she does.

So Kenneth picked her up again and just held her in his arms until she relaxed and pretty soon she carefully walked over and lay down next to her best friend Kringle.

A few moments later I turned away from the TV and looked at the bed and everyone was asleep..

One Dad, Five Dogs, and a Duck - and my camera was in the other room.. So you will just have to use your imagination.

Deirdre, IA
Practice Random Acts of kindness
and senseless beauty

Volunteer as a Home Safety Coordinator

Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network (CPCRN) is fully staffed by volunteers. Our jobs are diverse but always geared towards rescuing cairns and finding a 'furever' home for them. Intake Coordinators, Matchmakers, Foster Homes, Reference Checkers, Transporters, Fund Raisers, Post-adoption Coordinators, and Crafters is just a short list of the talented folks who make this such a first-class organization. We always have a place for your individual talents. Right now, we have an urgent need for Home Safety Coordinators. Read on ...

Pay: Not monetary, however, very rewarding!

Hours: As many as you want. Work at your own pace.

Experience: None Required. All you need is E-Mail.

Training: Extensive training by renown veteran HSV Coordinator.

Work Environment: Supportive; friendly; part of a group

that plays a significant role in finding good homes for Col. Potter furkids.

APPLY NOW AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT.

THIS IS A GREAT TEAM TO WORK WITH.

Please comment to this post with your name and email

and Pam M will contact you.

Thank You!

Padraig finds his forever home!

The following is a thank you from the adoptive mom to her matchmaker. I had the privilege of being Padraig's foster mom as well as a celebrant to this Gotcha Day.

You Guys are awesome, Kathy! We are safely home with the little fellow. I rode the last 1/3 of the trip from Savannah with Padraig in the back seat -- stroking his little head, scratching behind the ears, gently rubbing his belly. He was so sweet until I could've eaten him, but we had already stopped and grabbed something quick. Fed him, too.

The meeting with the other two went perfectly. I walked Padraig from one end of the neighborhood, and George walked from the other with the other two boys. We were all relaxed (albeit tired), sniffed, wet, sniffed some more, wagged tails . . . no problems, whatsoever. Got home and settled into the kitchen, and all three just blended right in, like we had always been one big happy family. We were amazed.

Thanks so much for all of the effort that went into fulfilling my wish for a little Cairn of my own, and making that dream come true. I want to give him as good a life as what we have the other two fur kids, and he so well deserves. Thank you, too, for the lovely CPCRN calendar. It arrived in the mail, and I carried it with me to peruse on the way down to Savannah . Broke my heart, Kathy, to see the pictures and read the stories of some of these little guys.

NO ONE will get me, or my little dog, too! (to quote the WW of the West)
Sloppy wet Cairn kisses to you all, from me and my new little companion,

Beth

How Your Dog Can Become a Pet Therapist

Here is a great link on how your furkid can become a Pet Therapist from The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs:
http://www.golden-dogs.org/

Some "Howloween" Safety Tips for FurKids

Our sister blog recently posted some tips to follow for a dog-safe Howloween.
Click here to read the article and to see Saratoga May in her adorable costume:
http://www.cairnrescue.blogspot.com/

Announcing the CPCRN 2010 Calendar!

Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network is proud to announce

our 10th annual Cairn Terrier rescue calendar.

This calendar is dedicated to our rescue dogs,

to those who foster, to those who have adopted,

and to our many volunteers and supporters.

Our Faces of Rescue Calendar includes:

- Photos of cairns adopted since 09/30/08
- Wonderful dog poems.
- Theme pages that will make you smile or reflect

- 32 full color pages

For more information and to order, click http://mall.cairnrescue.com/inv_calendar.htm

If you have any questions about the Calendar or your order, please contact Calendars@CairnRescue.com.

Thank you for Supporting the Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network!!

Terrier Tenacity

Zoya's Fifth Gotcha Day

Hi Everybody, Five years ago, I packed up my Jeep Cherokee and drove up to Oregon to meet Lisa N and to pick up Zoya. Along for the ride was my friend, Jan and my cairn wanna be, Fred.

I'm not sure Zoya knew what to think about us, but we all knew right away what a special girl she was and still is. Fred had been missing his buddy Ladybug, my first cairn, and he seemed really happy there was a new girlie corn dog in his life.

Zoya has had some challenges but she's a sweet girl that I love dearly. She doesn't take big steps but instead has little triumphs. She's always liked running around in the yard and quickly learned the commands for going in and out. She recently decided it is OK to jump up on the couch. Somehow all the new toys end up on her living room couch or in her daytime ex-pen even though I never see her move them. She's very stealthy!

For the longest time she wouldn't take a treat from my hand. Actually that was partially my fault and it took me a while to figure out that in fact she had trained me to drop her treat. You should have seen the look on her face that first evening I figured it out. I offered her a treat and when she gave me her usual "excuuuuse me, I'm waiting for you to drop that" look, I gave the treat to Fred. Instead of dropping it. How dare I! All her years of training me were out the window. But instead of taking a chance I'd do the same thing, she decided to tentatively take the next treat I offered her. We've come to an agreement regarding treats now. When we're at home she takes treats from my hand and when we're around others, I drop them for her. Attached is a favorite photo.

She is actually one of the bravest dogs I've ever had. When things frighten her, her first instinct is to run but then her bravery kicks in and she comes back to investigate whatever is going on.


Denise in Citrus Heights, CA
Fred CGC - cairn wanna be
Zoya HRH - cairn princess
Monkey CGC, MB-RE - cairn athlete