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

Spumoni of Illinois is now Maggie of Oregon

Ron Kowalski, Spumoni's Foster Dad , who couldn't be more thrilled with Spumoni's new family, sent this photo and update . She was adopted by Christine and Norman W in Oregon. Spumoni, nka Maggie is their second CP furkid.

In the picture, beginning on the left, Maggie (the black brindle). Next to Maggie is Billy (fka Brexton adopted in '08) and on the right is their mini-poo sister, Brandy.

Christine said that they are so very happy with Spumoni that her husband talked about getting one more Cairn but Christine isn't going for it yet. They are really enjoying having a little pack.

When Norman takes Maggie for a walk in the morning Christine will ask for a score on how well she walks, he gave her an 85 the other day. They are having fun with her!!!

Towsy & Wullie - now Maddie & Marley

Deb C in Bremen, GA sent this adoption story about Towsy & Wullie:
Well, As a foster mom and a picky one I might add, I had the privilege of fostering these 2 wonderful furbabies. The MatchMaker Keren, found them a wonderful home together. My heart couldn't be happier. Michelle the mom has called me 3 times with just glowing reports...she says they love them so much...Wullie (Marley) is behaving his puppy self as best as he can and Miss Towsy (Maddie) is just the same loving little teddy bear she was here. Towsy has regressed some in her potty training, she was having a hard time getting that down pat here. But they are just dealing with it and going right along. What could be more wonderful to a foster moms heart than to see them in their new home with the new family? Please enjoy the montage Michelle put together and you can see why my heart is so full.
http://tinyurl.com/TowsyWullie

Bree's Beautiful Life

This blog is all about the happy ever after stories of adopted cairn terriers. And one of the very happiest is that of Bree fka Castor from the Missouri River Kids. Her foster parents, Karen & Tony O in Yuma, AZ, "flunked" big time when they adopted her several months ago.

Here is Karen's latest update and photo:

Bree has become the sweetest and cuddliest Cairn I have ever known! She is still very afraid of the outdoors, but since we have had some cooler weather, I have been able to leave the back door open, when I go outside with the other pups and she will stand on the threshold watching, until she can't stand it anymore and will leap of the door, run over to us, and then run back inside the house.

The strangest thing though, is she will panic, if you close the door, but if we leave it open, she is much more relaxed, knowing she can bolt back into the house, when she wants to. Bree has fit in so well with our pack of 5 and is a great little traveler in her crate. We are so blessed she is in our lives and look forward to the day, when she will walk outside and enjoy herself 100%.

I have been taking a photography class on studio lighting. I managed to get her to sit on the table for me and snapped these shots of her. I just love her coloring!!! And, look at those eyes, you can see to her soul!
Karen O in Yuma, AZ

MacKenzie, McDuffy, Starry Night, Holly, and Bree's Mom

Towsy & Wullie - Together Furever

Check out this montage of Towsy & Wullie as they find their forever home together!
See The Nelson Family 10/11/09 online.

Happy forever to the entire family!

A "Magic"al Update!

Mary Jean and all my Cairn-loving friends -
I wanted to update you on Jack.

He is such a tiny bundle of love! He fits in well with the other dogs (once he decided to stop picking fights with the 100-pound Bull mastiff) and with my kitty-boy (once he stopped trying to hump a cat bigger than he was!) He is comfortable in his crate at night and at the hospital during the day, (and he loves to read with me at night), and always rounds up the choice toys both at home and work. He brazenly steals them from the other dogs, carries them to a safe spot that only he can fit in, and there he sits with them, like a dragon on top of his hoard!

He's now completely converted to a raw diet and really loves his food. He's also on a traditional Chinese herb formula I made up for him, plus joint support and vitamins, and he gets chiropractic adjustments every 2 weeks and infrasonic treatments weekly. I've re-radiographed his pelvis- it's still in pieces and I really have no idea how he manages to use the other hind leg, since it isn't really connected to an intact pelvis - I'm not sure that the plate he has in there is doing much. He goes to see an orthopedic surgeon friend of mine next month, and we'll get another opinion. Despite all that, he runs and plays like a maniac, and skitters up and down stairs in the house and up and down his ramps outside. Nothing slows Jack down - neither chipmunks or deer are safe on our five acres!

At the hospital, his favorite playmate is our associate Doctor's young blind Australian Shepherd, Piper. Out of all the dogs at work, three-legged Jack and blind Piper are the two that run and tumble and play the most. Clients love to meet them and watch them play. Those two have certainly given a lot of clients with health-challenged dogs the courage and confidence to proceed with treatment! Piper competes in agility and Jack will start agility training also, next year, if he likes it enough to do so - we'll see....

Of course, he is also a lot of work - he is not really potty-trained (at least not in my home), and a belly-band doesn't work - with only one hind leg, it slides right off him! He is a SERIOUS little pee-er, and has gotten all the boys in the house in on the act, but we are working on it and are making headway. Everyone put their heads together at work, and we have come up with a "belly-band and suspenders" get-up that hooks to his collar (and works some of the time).

I hope you will check out the August column that Lizzie writes on the hospital website, There, Lizzie talks about her family, and finishes her column with news about her new family member, his background, and his friends and fans: Jack, his wonderful, caring, foster-Mom and "sisters", and all the fabulous people at Col. Potters. Here's the site: http://knollwoodhospitalforpets.com/

May you and your family (including all furry members) be well,

Dr. Deb M

Adopting a Senior Cairn

If you are a frequent visitor to this blog, you may have already read the moving tribute to Rooster Cogburn. If you have not read it, I invite and encourage you to continue on to the post just below this one.

Rooster was adopted as a "senior". His story tells of all the joy families experience when they adopt a senior dog. Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network (CPCRN) frequently has "senior" cairns available. I'm fostering one right now - the very young 8-yr old Padraig who was orphaned when his owner passed away.

The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs at http://www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/ is a wonderful organization that encourages the adoption of senior pets. The following is an article from their website. I thought this would be a good place to share it, following the tribute to our own Rooster Cogburn. -KG

Why Should I Adopt a Senior Dog?

Many people automatically think of a puppy when they think of adopting a dog. Puppies are warm and cuddly, and everyone wants to hold and pet them. But puppies demand patience and energy to help them become wonderful family members and companions. Older dogs, however, can be as cute and lovable as puppies, and they often come with many wonderful qualities that puppies take years to grow into.

Maybe you are reluctant to adopt a senior dog because you fear that your time with your new best friend will be short, bringing that painful time of loss closer. But the privilege of loving a senior dog makes every single day special, as you and your companion share love, friendship, and a special relationship that grows stronger with the knowledge that you have given this fine old dog a second chance at life. The love that grows from this knowledge is stronger than the pain of eventual separation.

So spread the word! Adopting a senior dog is a wonderful experience for you and your new dog. You will gain a faithful companion. You will save a life. And don't forget, senior dogs and senior people bring out the best in each other. Old dogs make great friends!

Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

• Senior dogs love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is the nap. They love for you to join them.
• Senior dogs have a tremendous amount of love to give. When you rescue a senior dog, you have a best friend for life.
• Senior dogs reward your care with an unwavering devotion. Nothing matches the love of a senior dog for his rescuer.
• Senior dogs have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
• Senior dogs know that great outdoors is for eliminating and the house is for relaxing. Your carpet will last longer with a senior dog.
• Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They make excellent therapy dogs.
• Senior dogs often fit into your household with ease. They find the softest, warmest spot in the house and claim it for their own, but they will share with you, too.
• Senior dogs make excellent companions for everyone, especially senior people.
• Senior dogs are often the first to be killed in area shelters. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies, they often do not have a chance and must go to make space for more puppies.
  Adopting a senior dog saves a life!

A Tribute to Rooster Cogburn

Some say it's about adopting a "senior" dog and surely CP has a harder time getting our older kids adopted. But as you read his furever Dad's tribute, to a senior cairn who recently went to the Rainbow Bridge, I bet you'll agree with me that it's really about adopting love and that you get much more love in return than you give:

From Rooster Cogburn's Dad:

There wasn’t much to him. About 17 pounds, 19 tops. But every dog has his day, and every dog owner has a story. Me, too.

Terri and I have had dogs almost our whole marriage. We started with Mr. Creole, a sleek and muscular American black lab-mix we got in Charleston, SC, who was a devilishly charming and swashbuckling gadabout and always looking for ways to escape and meet up with the ladies. Tanqueray, a pure yellow lab of the English habitus, was sweet and gentle and always Creole’s hapless follower. Blackberry, a.k.a. Booboo, was a gentle, faithful female black lab-bull terrier mix. Her sister Gypsy was Terri’s mom’s dog, a wise and loving and faithful companion but forced live with us when Terri’s mom moved to a condo. Together, Booboo and Gypsy were always social and calm, but would on occasion team up to prey on squirrels or even a muskrat. Mr. Cedar was Terri’s dad’s dog, a lab mix with yellow coat over black skin, who was never without a tennis ball or toy, and seemed to have them hidden everywhere. After Booboo’s untimely demise, enter Blackberry II/Booboo, a pure black lab female we got ostensibly to assuage our sadness over the loss of Booboo I, but in reality to help Gypsy break out of her deep depression over the loss of her sister. Booboo II has the sweetest face and eyes ever, but was born “old” and never hurries her plus-sized body and or misses an opportunity to sit down while the rest of us are trying to take a walk. Lastly, Philomena (a.k.a., Philly), is a pure American female lab who barks enough to wake the dead when its time for a walk and loves the tennis ball, but can never remember where she set the ball down even less than a minute ago. Also, without a ball she becomes shy and hides in our bedroom. Booboo II and Philly are the last of our labs.

This veritable Labrador parade took a turn about 8 years ago when we got Zizi, a brindle Cairn terrier. Terri’s brother had switched from labs to Cairns several years previously, and so Terri also became enamored of Cairns. Terri wanted a little female, but to my chagrin it proved much more difficult than I imaged to find a breeder with a little female available that was not already spoken for in advance. Finally, I found a breeder (a veterinarian and his wife who loved little Cairns) and was able to bring home Zizi. Almost immediately, Zizi became to Terri as Toto was to Dorothy. We were apprehensive about how such a little dog could fit in with the big dogs, Booboo II and Philly. Not to worry! Zizi immediately showed that she was an alpha female, by cowing both much larger dogs, as she continues to do.

Enter Rooster Cogburn. My eldest daughter Reet became interested in getting a rescue Cairn. She and Terri began looking into rescue adoption. Before long mission creep set in, since it would not be practical for Reet to have a dog yet, but Terri and I would be adopting!

As we already had three dogs, I was not really in favor of the idea of a fourth. If we were going to have another dog, I wanted a female since our male dogs all had the urge to wander, and the females have all been homebodies. I also did not want an older dog, set in his/her ways, and certainly did not want a “special needs” dog. So, of course, the first dog up for adoption that caught Terri’s fancy was Rooster Cogburn. Terri is a big John Wayne fan, and just kept gravitating back to Rooster. I did have to admit his picture looked pretty cute, as his foster mother Bobbie had attired him in cowboy hat and kerchief. But 7 years old, one-eyed, history of kidney stones requiring special diet and distilled water… Ugh! Since the adoption process took some time, I figured that by the time we got through it, Rooster would already be spoken for. Wrong again.

So home Rooster came, from Georgia to Virginia. He came with the cowboy hat, kerchief, and little blanket that had images of wild horses on it that foster mom Bobbie had gotten for him. By phone, Terri advised me that he was sweet and wonderful. Reet, and my middle daughter Trish, opined the same. Our friend Gretchen said he was adorable. He was also smelly, had bad breath, and on top of everything else had just been diagnosed as having low thyroid and needed to be on replacement medication. The low thyroid explained why he had a thin, scraggly coat. I’m thinking, “How could this get any better?” Oh, yes, he had a big cataract in his “good” eye, and didn’t hear very well.

One of the big warnings about adopting a Cairn was to be prepared for a little dog that generally doesn’t take well to strangers, and tends to adopt one or two people to protect. “Introduce the new Cairn slowly to one person at a time, and be careful as Cairns take a while to warm up to strangers.” As fate would have it, little Rooster arrive the day before my youngest daughter Kathy’s 18th birthday party, with 20-30 friends over (mostly teenage girls). So what happened…?

Well, as you probably already guessed, Rooster was the hit of the party. No keeping him away. Smelly, mangy looking, one eye missing, he was a natural-born party animal who just sauntered up to everyone, looked them in the eye and just demanded to be loved. He got coddled all night long, and also proved that he had serious street smarts by mooching food (but always the high quality meat, no junk). Also, by the end of the evening, Kathy had quickly anointed him with a couple of nicknames that stuck: RooRoo and Roostie Boy.

We quickly learned that Rooster was quite smart, and must have come from a very loving family. On his first ride with Kathy, he scared her by jumping from the passenger’s seat into her lap. Turned out that was his favorite place to ride. Housebroken, he never had an accident. And, unbelievably, Rooster didn’t bark! In the entire time we had him he only barked a handful of times: wanting to play with another dog at the dog park 2-3 times; a couple of times when one of the big labs stepped on his paw; and once when he had to tell Zizi to back off. That’s only 5-6 times. Ever.

Bobbie had told Terri that Rooster was attached to her husband, and loved to sit with him. So Terri warned me that Rooster would be looking to spend time with me. I was skeptical, but sure enough it was true. A regular part of my day was the drive to and from the dog park for a walk, and all Rooster wanted to do was sit in my lap. And pretty soon, every song that played on the radio I would be singing to him, changing the lyrics to always include Rooster or one of his nicknames. He also liked to sleep next to me, and loved most of all if I held him cradled like a baby, and with his right ear against my heart would almost invariably fall asleep immediately. And he would lay there, completely relaxed, and his breathing sounded just like an infant’s.

Rooster became a fixture in our lives, and even though he was a special needs dog, taking care of his special needs became our pleasure. Twice daily thyroid, baths that became an almost weekly necessity to keep him relatively odor-free, distilled water for him only to keep kidney stones from coming back. We did it and didn’t mind, because he turned out to the easiest dog we ever had.

From a health standpoint, though, Rooster was always fragile. Fortunately, with time his coat came in full and luxurious. We found that his smelliness was from eczema, and frequent bathing with dandruff shampoo really helped. When on a walk, he would often break into his unique “Roostie trot,” and occasionally run a bit. But Rooster seemed to realize that his place was with us where he was loved and protected. Since he couldn’t see well with his one “good” right eye, and his hearing was also poor, we would often find him someplace around the house or yard, standing very still, and searching for us. Once he knew where we were, he would trot over with a big smile. He was comforted by being on the lead, knowing that he was attached to us.

One of the best things about Rooster was that he always seemed to be drinking in life, with a uniquely serene manner. When asleep, he was the most relaxed dog I’ve ever seen. He loved to stroll around the backyard in the sunshine, his little face turned upward as if he were taking it all in. He always got along well with the other dogs, but in many ways was almost oblivious to them. When I would come home from work, after the other dogs had quieted down from mobbing me, Rooster would amble over to be picked up and hugged, and just seemed to luxuriate in the moment. We also discovered this last summer that Rooster like to swim! Terri was walking him along the water on a bay out on Long Island, when he walked into the water and began paddling about. (The beach there at the bay was very shallow with no waves, and you’d have to walk out 30-40 feet before the water got to your knees). He was so happy, and seemed to be recalling a past when he was young, spirited, and could see. After than, he went swimming many times.

Rooster was a true character, with a few peccadilloes. He hated the rain, and refused to go out in it always. (We think he spent too many nights caught out in bad weather, alone, before he was rescued.) He did not like cold or snow. He would get cold very easily, and needed to wear a t-shirt, sweater or little coat whenever the temperature dropped below 50 outside. He actually liked getting a bath, and when the temperature was cold would stand still be dried with a blow dryer. He seemed to love to wear the little varsity letterman’s coat Terri got for him. But when he decided he didn’t want to have a sweater or coat put on him, he would lope around the living room and the kitchen trying to evade (which would always get us laughing). He didn’t eat cheese of any kind. He was a picky eater, who would eagerly eat something one day but turn his nose up at the same thing the next day. But, he loved carrots.

Over the last several months, Rooster seemed to be losing more vision in his right eye, and we had in mind that when he got to the point that he had no useful vision of any kind we would see about having his cataract removed. He also became a pickier eater, and we tried all kinds of strategies to get him to eat and keep weight on. We did find out that his amylase was elevated, indicating that he had some low grade pancreatitis going on. So we watched his diet, sticking with the lean meats that he liked. And he seemed to be doing well.

Rooster took ill during the last few days in August. He would have spells when he obviously just didn’t feel well, not wanting to eat, but always drinking water. Then he’d rebound and get better. His symptoms were similar to what we’d seen before, and he always rallied. We discussed it with our vet, and continued care per her recommendations. On an early September day, he had a good morning, acting pretty much his usual self. In the evening, though, he had another spell of not feeling well. I held him in his favorite position, right ear on my heart, for about 2 hours. We determined to take him to the vet in the morning. Unfortunately, at around 11 p.m., Rooster had a seizure. Terri and I both knew that this probably meant his pancreatitis had become full blown that day, and the outlook was grim. Together, we held him and stoked him and told him we loved him and it was OK if it was his time. He relaxed, and looked at us with his one eye as if to say, “I don’t want to go, but I have to.” And in about 20 minutes, he was gone.

Afterward, as we held him for many minutes, he was very relaxed and at peace. He had just been groomed a few days before, and was as handsome as I’d ever seen him. We placed him on his favorite little bed, put on his little cowboy hat and kerchief, and covered him with the little blanket with the wild horses on it. And that’s how we buried him.

Rooster was a quiet, gentle soul who came into our lives peacefully, and left peacefully. He never barked, whined, complained, or gave any indication that anything was ever wrong. He had a huge heart, his little being emanating a boundless capacity for joy and love, and he always seemed in a state of serene self-possession. As Terri said, “He never caused anyone any harm or trouble.” We knew he must have come from a loving home somewhere. We marveled at how he ever could have come to be lost. Some other family must have been heartbroken, and we often wondered what stories Rooster might tell. After his experiences of being lost and rescued, we knew he was fragile, but expected to have him for at least 4 or 5 more years. But his poor little body just wore out.

Personally, Rooster is still with me. He was so quiet, I often wanted to bring him to work with me so he could sleep under my desk, but knew that would not be looked upon kindly in a federal office building. Terri and I can still see him sleeping on one of the little beds or stretching out in the sun in the yard, and keep expecting him to quietly pop up like he always did. I keep his collar and another little kerchief around the lamp on my dresser, and I put his collar on my golf bag when I go golfing. No matter how good or bad any day may be, “What would Rooster do?” is always a comforting thought. Put your face to the sun and feel for a breeze, just like every day was a bright spring day.

One image that continues to be top of mind, though, is from this last summer. As I was walking Rooster, Zizi, Philly and Booboo by the bay, we met up with a nice couple, a fireman and a nurse, and their children really became enamored of Rooster. The 10-year old towhead boy immediately bonded with Rooster. I told the lad that Rooster might be smelly today, and with a smile he took whiff and said “Not so bad!” His freckle-faced, redheaded adorable little sister of about 4 cuddled with Rooster next, and he became her little living, breathing plush toy dog. When we finally had to leave, as we walked to the car and drove off, the two children each continued to shout over and over, “Goodbye Rooster. I miss you. I love you.”

Me, too.

It's Pure Bliss

Hi all. Little Miss Bliss was picked up by her forever Mom today at the airport. Tears in forever Mom's eyes as she set eyes on her baby girl for the first time. She had the security at the airport jumping as she made arrangements for a safe and stress free boarding of the little princess. Just got word that she made it home safe. It sure is quiet here and Cutlass is looking for his friend. My friend drove me down to the airport and on more than on occasion suggested that we make a run for it with her. Great trooper that little Bliss is, she slept on the 2 1/2 hour drive down there. New Mom Darlene promised regular updates to be sent to CP. Oh Bliss will have her own 15x11 room full of toys for her while she waits for surgery and until she is recovered. This lady is great. Bliss of course gave Darlene plenty of kisses when she first held her like (I missed you what took you so long?) Attached is a picture with her new Mom. Sorry for the picture quality..Must have had something in my eye while taking the pictures.

Kay

Abba's Adoption

Foster Mom sent this update:

My little foster wildchild Abba was adopted by a lovely family last weekend. She was such a fun foster!

Pam in So Fl

From Furever Mom Karen:

Dear Pam, Thanks so much for the pictures, they were great. We have had a very good week with Abba and Buddy. They are growing on each other and sleeping in the same bed. I came home from church today to find the garbage all over the kitchen :( soooooo, we will have to figure something out there but I have no doubt that we will work out all the bad manners :). She is so sweet and loving. She is great with the grandgirls and she doesn't meet a stranger. She comes in every morning to wake us up with a kiss :)) Jumps on the bed and goes straight to the head! She is eating well and she and Buddy have been on several walks together.

We love her so much. Thank you for taking such good care of her.

Love Karen and Robert

Non-Violent Coup Changes Face of Felicity-Land

APE News Release

In the small duchy of Sheridan, in the early morning hours, a non-violent coup has stunned this minute nation. Just at daybreak, without any warning or hint of discord, leadership was deposed. Hereinafter, reign and governance of all who reside here will be under the control of Coconut.

Previously, the tiny Felicity had ruled with fuzzy paw and a bit of disdain. But in a fearless and subtle manuever, the throne was taken from her by the now regal Coconut. It was a simple move, visible in the change of leadership out the door first, leading when walking down the road AND, with little fanfare, the cleaning of the breakfast bowls.

This reporter is aghast. The old adage that "size matters" must be true. The final cementing of position occured when Coconut hip-bumped Felicity away from the last crumbs of a cookie. Felicity merely climbed into her BrianBed and waited out the consummation of the treat demise. Obviously the BrianBed is neutral territory.

More later as this surprising turn of events unfolds.
(how's that for a plethora of cliches?)

Gail in NC

maid to Felicity

mattress to Coconut

Adopting a Puppymill Kid - Redford's Story

This week is a very important one for us. In 2008 we discovered this wonderful group and adopted our first dog, Redford. When CP rescued him from a puppymill 6 months prior, Kim Crowe was his guardian angel foster mom. We had never adopted a dog that was a "puppymill survivor". That's what I call them because puppymills are no different than the death camps during the holocaust.

Redford couldn't have been more scared. All he wanted was to be left alone huddled in a corner. The first week with us for him was just trying to be invisible, hiding, running away. So we left him alone so that he could at least be comfortable. The second week he found a spot on the other side of the couch where I sit. We put his blankie there that an auntie had made for him and that is where Redford found a home.

He watched us all doing our daily things, interacting with the other dogs. If we ever looked over his way and made any kind of eye contact he would either lower his head or turn away. My heart hurt so badly for him, knowing that I would have to wait for those horrible memories he kept inside to leave. Redford would never go through a door with me. He would only use the doggy door. There wasn't much interaction with Redford the first 6 months he came to live here. But I knew he wanted so much to be loved. He became my shadow at first, following me from room to room always staying a safe distance.

Redford will be 7 years old on October 6 and his first Gottcha Day is October 9. We will be having a big party for Redford this coming weekend because he is so much a part of our family. Redford now walks through a door with me, comes to me for love, waits at the door for me when he knows I am coming home, jumps all over me because he is so happy to see me. He talks to me when he is hungry and I am not moving fast enough for him, plays with toys, and is part of the pack.

He is still afraid of everyone but me, but will let them sit by him and pet him. He tolerates Blaine (DH) but at least now he doesn't run from him. We love him so much and we hope for the day when all the bad memories finally leave his mind.

Happy Birthday & Happy Gottcha Day Redford. You are my very special little man.....and I love you very much.

Linda

Port St. Lucie, FL

Naudia's First Celebrated Birthday

Naudia's 4th birthday was Sept. 20th and we just had to have a party as we are sure she had never had one before. She was a good sport about the hat but particularly liked the extra treats. Poor Barry didn't quite know what to think of it all. Kathy and Ron

Active Dogs & Sleepy Kitties

This is a cute pic of Roxy (C.P. girl) and Mia trying to get those sleepy kitties to play with them!