Sashay Samples Forever!

Contributed by a her Foster Mom

Sashay checks out her new Human Brother!

Well, my beautiful Foster Sashay has gone off with her New Family, and I just know she is going to a wonderful Forever Home!  Her new Dad, Mike, and her new Mom, Kim, are such loving people, and her new human brother, Jackson, could not be nicer!

CP Sashay and Foster Brother Bis Kit (CP Kit Carson) make sure New Dad is comfortably seated...

 

…so Sashay and New Dad can get reacquainted!

Her new name will be Piper, and she will also have a new fur brother Cooper, a 10 year old Cairn.  I just know Sashay will find her spot in the center of this family and she will always be well loved and happy! 

Bis Kit referees Sashay’s lap time with her Forever Family

Bis Kit (CP Kit Carson) did a great job, seeing to introductions and monitoring lap time for everyone, and now he thinks he should have his Mom’s full attention, though I know he will miss his Foster Sister, who has been his very best friend!

Best Wishes, Sashay!

Love, Foster Mom and Bis Kit

Hula Welcomes Summer back to Michigan!

Contributed by her Mom

Hula and Walther are happy to welcome Summer!

Hula joined our family in January, 2013.  We had recently lost one of our Cairns (CP's Caryn) in November, 2012, to kidney disease, and our other Cairn (CP's Walther), was very lonely as an only dog.  After much discussion, my husband and I decided to apply to adopt another CP kid.  As both Caryn and Walther had come from puppy mills, and as a result had some special emotional challenges, my husband requested that this time around we adopt a dog that was an owner surrender, even if it came with health issues.  

When looking through the available Cairns, we were drawn to Hula right away.  We were not deterred by the prospect of adopting a diabetic dog.  We have a diabetic cat that requires insulin twice a day, and both my husband and I are diabetic ourselves, so we were already very comfortable with giving injections.  We were drawn to Hula’s laid back, yet playful nature and thought she would be a good fit with our family.  We were very pleased when we were approved to adopt her!

Hula flew from sunny Florida up to frigid Michigan at the height of Winter.  Her Foster Mom and I were concerned she would have trouble acclimating, but it turns out that she loves the snow and was not at all affected by the cold!  The moment she walked into our house, despite having just had a long flight and a stressful time at the airport, she went right over to the dog toy box and selected a toy to play with, brought it over to us, and asked us to throw it for her!  

Hula loves her Special Blinking Ball!

Even with her vision issues (she has cataracts as a result of her diabetes), she immediately made herself at home.  Her only difficulty was learning to go up and down the stairs.  With patience, and some treats, she learned to master those in just a few weeks.  

Hula always welcomes a great belly rub!

Hula quickly bonded with Walther, my husband, and I.  She and Walther love to snuggle and play together.  She even gets along with our cats and chickens!  She still barks a bit at the horses, thinking, I believe, they are just really big dogs and wondering why they won't play with her!  

The family that naps together…

Hula has mastered the art of relaxing!

Now that the weather is warmer, Hula enjoys sitting on my husband's lap as he swings in his hammock chair.  She has amassed a large collection of toys, including Cuz toys (her personal favorite), tennis balls, and various squeaky toys.  I was even able to find some blinking light up balls that she has an easier time seeing.  She sleeps on our bed at night, and is extremely polite, always staying near the foot of the bed. 

Hula loves to sit on Daddy’s lap…

Hula is such a joy and a true little ray of sunshine!  Her calm, laid back attitude is such a benefit to Walther, who still sometimes gets scared of things like thunderstorms and loud noises.  When he sees her taking everything in stride, it helps him to feel more confident and relaxed as well.     

…and always enjoy a relaxing backrub!

We are working closely with our vet to keep Hula’s diabetes under control, and she goes in for regular testing and check ups.  She is such a delight and so easy going and patient that the vet techs all love working with her! 

We are so grateful to have Hula in our lives!     

CP Plumeria, nka Emma Loo, Blossoms in Forever!

Contributed by Foster and Forever Mom

Emma Loo, fka CP Plumeria, one of CP’s Tropical Flowers

Just over two years ago, I became a Foster Mom for the first time.  A neighbor down the street has been fostering for another Rescue for years and years, so I thought, “…if he can do it, so can I!”  My love of dogs in general, and Cairn Terriers specifically, carried me through the decision.  As luck would have it, Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network was who I chose to work with.  I must admit I was terrified of the unknown.  I read everything I could get my hands on.  The Foster Handbook was read cover to cover, and still I was nervous.  After I passed the home inspection, I was put on the available list.

A call came out for Foster Parents for the Exotic Flower Girls being released from Puppy Mills in the Midwest.  Lotus, Orchid and Plumeria were their names.  I looked at the attached photos and was drawn to Plumeria right away.  After her spa treatment, Plumeria was on her way up to the North Star State by our Transport Volunteers.  As the final driver in the Transport Team North, I met a wonderful Volunteer from Southern Minnesota, who had worked an overnight shift before driving hours to bring Plumeria North.  The generosity of the people in this group first struck me at that moment and have continued to amaze me ever since.

To say Plumeria was shy is like saying a lightning strike is loud.  Being all black, she was almost invisible in her crate.  While she pressed herself flat to the bottom of the crate, her eyes seemed to say “you can’t see me.”  My heart broke at the tiny amount of spirit she seemed to have after her 8 ½ year ordeal.  It was difficult to get her out of her crate, so I started to feed her inside her crate.   She wouldn’t eat while I was in the room. 

After a few days, I tried to tempt her to accept a piece of freeze dried liver.  I found her weak spot: Food.  It was so precious, she would casually wave her nose by the liver and her tongue would accidentally touch the treat.  She would raise her nose in the air as if to say, “Oh, I couldn’t possibly, I’m on a diet.”  Then, after a moment of seeing her wheels turn, “oh well, maybe just this once...”

When filing an update report online for Plumeria, I realized that I could not let her go.   She had become a part of my pack and I would not be able to let her go.  The Col. Potter Board approved my adoption on July 4, 2011 - how appropriate - Independence Day!  Plumeria became Emma Loo, but she still had a lot of blossoming to do…

There were many hurdles she overcame.  Sounds that are considered normal house sounds, like dishwasher, doors, even changes in light and shadow, startled her into the flat the ground posture, closely followed by the retreat to the crate.  There are fewer sounds that startle her now, though she is still easy to startle.  She had to learn that she couldn’t walk through the glass door, and how to climb stairs.  That was a challenge.  She’s still unable to go down a long wooden staircase, only up.  

Emma Loo is learning to have fun!

Most changes came over the last 12 months.  She started to approach the fence when our friends (dog & people out for a walk) would stop and chat.  About 6 months ago, she started dodge-playing with a dog through the fence!  She was bouncing and wagging her tail with pure joy!  I didn’t want to make a sound or move to startle her.  Tears of joy streamed down my face!  

Emma Loo befriended…

In the last 2 weeks we have started going back to the dog park.  It used to be that she would stay in my shadow, then, about a year ago, she was confident enough to make her own trail.  Last week, she met a Standard Poodle who took an instant like to her.  His size didn’t matter to her.  She loved the attention!  He followed her around the whole fenced area.  If he started to lag behind, she looked over her shoulder and waited for him to catch up.  If he got too close, she’d bolt – wagging her tail and bouncing like a puppy!

…followed…

…chased…

…and cultivated!

Emma Loo has learned how to smile!

I have had great success helping Fosters that were surrenders, shelter dogs, and puppy mill survivors.  Being a Foster Mom is very rewarding.  However, the pure joy at witnessing the blooming of an exotic flower is absolutely priceless!

Beth

Minnetonka, MN

Take a look at the Tropical Flowers when they came to Col. Potter!

Please  Consider being a CP Volunteer!

CP Foster Home Application form: 
http://www.cairnrescue.com/rescue/foster.htm

CP Transport Volunteer Driver form:
http://cairnrescue.com/rescue/transport.htm 

CPCRN Volunteer form:
http://cairnrescue.com/rescue/volunteer.htm  

Nayla and Olivia go to Virginia Beach!

Contributed by Nala fka CP Fascination’s Foster Mom

Nayla & Olivia take on the Boardwalk at Virginia Beach!

What a wonderful treat to have my former Foster, CP Fascination nka Nayla and her sister Olivia, fka CP Tranquility, stop by to visit me on their way to enjoy the Boardwalk at Virginia Beach!

Everyone had a ball!  Mom Diane brought along a special stroller for her little Cairn girls so she and her sister were invited to come into various shops and a restaurant along the way, making the day complete!  

Nayla & Olivia fka CP Fascination & CP Tranquility

Thank you, Diane!  It does my heart good to see such love shining through these special Cairn sisters!

CP Promise nka Maddie Fluffs things Up!

Written by Maddie fka CP Promise

Maddie fka CP Promise has made herself right at home on New Mom’s lap!

CP Promise Here!  Well, Maddie now!  My New Mom decided that the name my Foster Mom had called me sounded good, so she kept it and officially changed my name. 

I promised I would write and let you all know how things were going and here I am – doing great!

Of course, I have to say that I was not wild about being put in that carrier to fly down here, but I managed.  Patty (my new big sister!) was really nice to me and let me check out the doggie area at the airport, and mingle with some fellow travelers – including a rescued Cairn puppy!  That was neat!

The airplane people were very nice and let us get in our seats early, and then Patty let me stretch out a little so I could relax and fall asleep – the best way to fly!  Then, we got off the plane and got in a car and drove to meet my New Mom!

CP Promise nka Maddie has one very happy New Mom!

She is Very nice, and I made her smile!  She let me wander around and check everything out, then she gave me my dinner and let me go back to sleep!  What a day!

The next morning, we all went to a new vet and I got a thorough exam.  The vet said my heart is strong and there are no signs of arthritis!  She checked out my teeth (except the missing ones, of course!) and took a look at my cute crooked ear (it had an old injury and is folded down, so it points sideways… a little extra personality!).  The vet and Mom set up my heartworm and flea prevention, set me up for some bathing and grooming, and a follow-up to check on my progress. 

Then we went shopping for new food and, more important, my favorite soft Milk Bones!  Yum!!!  Mom says I still need to loose a little weight so she has tried to get me to eat carrots and green beans as snacks, but I let her know I wasn't a fan…  Soft Milk Bones win!  Oh!  Mom also got another tag for me with my New name and address and phone number!  I feel so special!

The only problem I have had so far was those stairs up and down to the second floor.  I was not really sure what to do at first and took a few missteps.  Mom worked with me (using those favorite Milk Bones as incentive!) and I am making progress – not too fast, though!  Hehehehe!  I love those great Milk Bones!

Nice new dog bed, but I prefer to fluff up the blanket and settle on the sofa!

So, I am eating well, walking four times a day (some short, some longer), and following my New Mom everywhere!  She bought me a couple of sets of “doggie stairs” and put a set by the sofa in the living room and another by the chair in the office.  She also bought a nice “doggie bed”, but after she put the steps in place, I decided I prefer the couch!  I fluff the blanket on the couch, and I also fluff the comforter in Mom's bedroom.  I like to mound it up like a pillow, just high enough to put my head on and keep it "up."  I am sleeping very well!

I have met a bunch of my New Mom's friends and one of the neighborhood dogs, "Lady", a cocker spaniel.  Our first meeting went well and we played nice, and now we have a "play date" planned! 

I think this New Mom is a perfect match for me!  Thank you Col. Potter and everyone else who helped me find this great Forever Home!  My Mom is so Happy - and I am too!!!

CP Caruso Cruses into Year Four!

Contributed by CP Caruso (with a little help from Mom)

CP Caruso has shaken off the Terrible Twos…

Caruso here!  I’m three!  My Mom told me so!  My sister, Cindel, is five and a half, and my big brother, Wicket, is seven “and change” (whatever that means!  Mom didn’t want to break out the calculator to figure it out more precisely!).  Anyway, this makes me the Baby still, even though I am getting older.  Mom says I’m a Big Boy now, but I am not sure I agree…  Being the Baby has its rewards! 

…and is now – officially, Mom says – a Three year old Big Boy…

Another thing:  My Mom says I need to be more responsible, now that I am starting my Fourth year – but I just finished being Two!  I know how to count - like any good Cairn – so I know that Three comes after Two!  I’m Three!!!  The only thing I’m figuring is that Mom is so done with the Terrible Twos, she just wants to push me toward a more mature number???

…starting out Year Four on the right paw!

Anyway, I love my Mom and Dad, and I love my brother and sister too - even though I get mad at Wicket sometimes.  He says things under his breath to me that make me mad, but since my Mom and Dad can’t hear his little jabs, they just think I am being a little jerk when I get him in my sight and pounce!  Got into a little trouble for that one, but it did not stop me from doing it again!  I’m a Terrier, what can I say?!!!

Balls, however, are Big Boy toys too!

Actually, that didn’t turn out so well.  Mom and Dad were not happy. They loaded us into the car and I thought we might be going off to celebrate my Birthday, but we ended up at the Vet’s!  Of course, there was nothing for the vet to really look at because Wicket and I were our usual sweet selves today!  The vet took some blood from us and checked us over pretty good, just so Mom and Dad would feel better.

 

Cindel, Caruso, and Wicket waiting for Cheese!

But this is the important part:  The vet told Mom and Dad that I was Sooooo much improved since she first met me a year ago!  And she was right!  Last year, I was very stiff, and they stuck that old muzzle on me because they didn’t know what I might do when they were scaring me with so many horrible things – and I didn’t understand what they were going to do!  Today, I stood still and let them examine me with no trouble! And then, I was whining because Wicket was on the table, so Mom did the hand signal for “Sit” and then “Down”, and I did it!  The vet was Very impressed! :)

Ahhhhhhhhhhh…  Being three is exhausting!

I’m Three years old, starting my Fourth year, happily Forever Home thanks to Mom and Dad, and everyone in Col. Potter who worked so hard to save me and set me up for the Best year of my life - so far! 

Take a look at my grand entrance to Col. Potter:

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Caruso joins the CP show!