Maisie's Second Gotcha Day

Hi all - I don't post a lot, but do try and keep up by reading CPCRM regularly. Always a wealth of great information to put into practice.

My Maisie (fka Rusty) was fostered by Karen O for almost 9 months as she was very, very traumatized by her PM life. I traveled to Karen's to adopt her, with my BF Jim who lives in Phoenix providing local transport, and then we flew home to Boston.

This past week we celebrated Maisie's 2nd Gotcha Day, so I thought I'd share some photos. In some pics it looks like she might be dreaming of warm Arizona weather, now that she's living in snowy, cold Boston! She's certainly a lot less frightened of the world than she was 2 years ago, but unfortunately, she still has a "haunted" look in her eyes.

Jim was just here for three weeks and she continues to be quite relaxed with him. She sits between us to watch TV and he passes the sniff test. He follows our modified military policy. Instead of "don't ask, don't tell" we have "don't look at me, don't speak my name". This also works quite well at the dog park. My friend's little Norwich terrier passed away recently at age 16 and my gang (Murry & Maisie) inherited her crate which they just love. They are so funny, racing to see who gets in first - you'll see they have no problem sharing it. She may always be a nervous girl, but she is happy here and couldn't be more loved. Thanks to Col Potter for bringing her into our lives. - Sheryl in Winthrop, MA

A Sad Good-bye to Miss Zoya

Miss Zoya hasn't been doing well lately. Over the last month we've run all kind of tests, none of which gave us any answers.I took her to the vet this afternoon and after a long discussion with Her Vet, I decided to let Zoya go to the bridge.

She's just so stoic it's hard to judge how she is feeling. At least now I know for sure she isn't in pain. Zoya was a puppy mill breeder dog. She got out when she was 5 years old.

It still angers me to think how her life was stolen from her. Given a different start in life, Zoya would have been a force to recon with. She had the makings of a true alpha cairn queen. She could have ruled the world.

DeniseCitrus Heights, CA

Zander's Progress

Zander leaned his little paws up over the side of the bed last night and when I turned over, he leaned his head forward and gave me kisses for the very first time! I was so excited.

He has even more hair and the groomer noticed how much better his behavior was.

At his obedience class the other night, he actually walked between a man's legs to sniff his dog...and drum roll please- no snarling! He keeps turning another page.

Bonnie in SC, Mom to CPs Bea, Neha and Zander, foster mom to BG aka Snickers

Joey's First Month Update

Wish we had some recent pictures, but we’ve been too busy having fun with wonderful Joey. (The attached one is from Dec. 31.)
We did remember that yesterday was her one-month “forever” home anniversary and thought of you and how much you helped with our adoption. We continue to be delighted with Joey, and we think she likes us, too.
Joey has learned a new trick in addition to the “sit” and “shake” that she came to us with (taught by her foster mom). The new one is “sit down.” She does all three very well. We’re still working on “Come, Joey,” but she responds much more frequently and is no longer afraid of it. (The squeaky toys are reliable substitutes).
She has learned to like sitting on our laps as well as sitting on the back of couches behind us. Her coat is coming in very nicely and I’m going to lose the bet about color – it’s definitely wheaten, just kind of reddish along the back. She lets me comb it daily though I can’t say she volunteers when I bring out the comb.
Last week she discovered a new mirror and barked at us and herself in it for a while until she realized that strangers weren’t going to pop-out at her. We haven’t missed a day of hiking (most of the time Joey and I go, but some days Barb has substituted for me when I had to rush out early for work). The crusty snow forced us out of the forest and onto the neighborhood streets. That’s been fun because she’s met some neighbors and neighborhood dogs – all the local dogs seem friendly, too.

Thanks so much! Ann H

IMPORTANT: Recall of Certain Veterinary Medicines

Click here to read this significant recall: http://www.cairnrescue.blogspot.com/

A Very Special Place

There is a very special place in north Michigan - yes, I said Michigan! It's called the "Oz Project" and it provides loving care to rescued Cairn Terrierists - oops, I mean Terriers.

Read about it here:
http://www.theozproject.webs.com/welcometooz.htm
Be sure to check out the many links.

A BIG THANK YOU to Kathy & Company for all you do!

Happy Birthday to Neha!

Neha turned 8 years old today and as you can see, she is wearing a pretty pink bow and enjoying a toy. She belonged to an older woman who died and we have had her since September of 2008. We are taking her to a puppy obedience class because she jumps up on everybody and is SO excited and the trainer told us that it is because she has always been loved, knows she is loved and thinks everyone else loves her too!

Thanks to CP and Marie F who fostered her and got her through her grief - she wasn't available for adoption for over 3 months.

Bonnie in SC, Mom to CPs Bea, Neha and Zander, foster Mom to BG aka Snickers

SnuggleBunnies: Ollie and Ruby

Hi there!

I just wanted to send along a new picture of Oliver (fka Tenacious) and Ruby (fka Shirley Temple). Ollie and Ruby are getting along well and they usually don’t snuggle… but sometimes Ruby waits until Ollie is asleep and then snuggles next to him!!! It’s very cute! (notice the many toys scattered around them!)

Love, Dave, Michelle, Oliver and Ruby near Boston, MA

A StoryBook Ending for Oliver Twist

Ewan, who is now called Oliver Twist, sent this update to his foster mom:

I love my new home! I get snuggled every day and get my belly scritched. And I just got groomed and all spiffy for Christmas! I didn't so much like the blow dryer OR the two Westies that came in to the groomer either! But I love the new squeak toy you sent me. It tasted really good while it lasted. I was excited 'cause I know it came from you. And I potty outside all the time, and it makes Mom and Dad happy. I like to sleep in my crate at night with my Col. Potter blankie 'cause it reminds me of all the people who helped rescue me and loved me (including you!).
Love, Oliver Twist (Ewan)

It is a Merry Christmas!

I have to say that this has been the best Christmas of my young life. I was adopted by my furever mom and dad in September from my foster mom Mary, and never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamed what Christmas was supposed to be like. Those years in the mill are forever behind me. I got a new ball, chewy toy, stuffed toy, a bunch of goodies and the best thing I got was a mom and dad, and a cairn sister that loves me. I have never been so happy and neither have they. Thank you Col. Potter for everything you did in helping find me my mom and dad and my furever home. Bella, (fka Abelle from Topeka), Jim & Cindy

Miss Annie ... A Christmas Update

We have dubbed her Miss Annie Broadbelly!

She is so very at home here now that she spends a lot of her beauty sleep flat on her back which causes her belly to spread out and broaden. She has become such a cuddler! She sleeps plastered against me all stretched out lengthwise!!

She shadows my every step but is okay if I have to go out for awhile. She has completely mastered the dog stairs up to the big bed.

She is embeded in my heart!

She decided that Dad didn't need his stocking anymore so she dragged it to her bed......... . Thank you again for everything you do. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas from Glinda!

Happy Holidays to your Family from Ours!

I bought a house in Baltimore at the end of September. Glinda moved in with me the next weekend. The rest of my pack (Cody and my ex-husband's two dogs Rascal and Pepper) moved in at the end of October). Glinda doesn't have much use for Pepper, the other female, but she loves Cody and Rascal. She often curls up with either one of them, just resting her chin on one of their backs. She will share a dog cot with any of the three, though.

I got the front yard fenced earlier this month. The dogs have lots of space to run around, and I think Glinda has gotten the idea of doing her business outside. I only find messes inside if I work a 10 hour or longer day. That gives me lots of motivation not to work too long! It's too bad that the fence went up around the same time the days got short and the weather got cold. I think we all miss taking walks together.

Glinda loves to be held and hugged. She's also the first dog I've had who likes to be sung to. Maybe that means she's deaf. ;) Really, though, even though I sing to the dogs all the time, she's the only one who watches my face while I sing. It's really noticeable now, during the holiday season, when I have Christmas music playing, and I'm singing all the time.

Here's a picture I took of Glinda in her little Santa hat. I trimmed her face so she'd be cuter. It's just from my cell phone, so the quality isn't great, but I hope you like it. She's such a sweetie. She sleeps on the extra pillow on my bed. It wouldn't be so bad if she didn't have such bad breath. She's getting her dental done next week, so I hope that helps!

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Lauren, Pepper, Rascal, Cody, and Glinda (FKA Nina)

Merry Christmas from Canada!!!!

Merry Christmas from all of us here in Canada!

Love, the ever handsome Hershey (left)
Princess Dilly (middle), FKA Wilson (CP kid)
and Theedore (right), FKA Kilo (CP kid)

Cyan's Christmas!

Amber and Emmie look sooo beautiful after their grooming. I couldn't wait to take pictures. It took Mike, Sarah and I and about 30-45 minutes to get a few somewhat decent pictures. Sarah took the best pictures but Emmie is still so dark that you can't see how beautiful she looks. We don't know how you do it!! It was all we could do to get them to look toward the camera at the same time---forget about capturing their personalities. We are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas. Amber and Emmie are very deserving of their many presents--from Santa, Grandpa, three Aunties, and our 6 yr old niece. Amber just adores Emmie. Funny--Emmie is wary because it took so long for Amber to warm up to her. They still haven't rough housed but Amber has tried to engage Emmie!

Merry Christmas and Have a Very Happy New Year!

Mike, Sheri, Sarah, Anna, and of course Amber and Emmie

(Cyan, KNA Emmie)

Winston - the Calendar Boy

Hi

I adopted Winston about 5 years ago in Atlanta. He is a wonderful dog and I wanted to share his picture. He's a calendar dog. Unfortunately
Winston has a detached retina and is going blind. He is well taken care
of and I wanted to share his beautiful face (he's in bed with us in this
picture).

He needs his own facebook.

Barbara
Jonesboro, Ga.

Christmas with Munchkin!

HO, HO. HO.

This year was our most fulfilled year, as it was Munchkin's first Christmas with her forever family.

Munchkin could not have been happier spending time with us. Santa gave her two large bags of rib bones to chew, two chew toys, and a full bag of bully sticks. She loved her pony stuffed animal. Munchkin just had to have this in her bed.

As an additional special treat, she was given cheese and scrambled eggs with her breakfast. What a happy dog! let me tell you.

We got some snow so it was a little tough going to get through it for potty breaks, but once we hit the side walks she was off and running.... loves those walks with the family. At one point we tired her out too... couldn't believe it. Taking a break by laying down in the middle of the road at the end of the cul-de-sac.

Out next big event other than New Years Eve. Will be to organize a birthday doggie party for Ms. Munchkin she will be January 24, 2010. She'll be 6years old.

From our home to yours - We would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year! And may 2010 be better for all of those wonderful Cairns that are looking for a Forever Family/home, like Munchkin.

Love to all

Heather

Bailey Loves the Pacific NW

Hello Col. Potter.

Wanted to send you a few pictures and an update on Bailey (Beryl #3586). She has really adjusted well to the Pacific Northwest. We've found that she absolutely loves anything to do with water, Chasing waves at the beech seems to be her favorite. She has gone through three different classes here including agility and has really done a great job. We are still working on getting her comfortable around other dogs as she spent her first 8 years as a single dog with little to no socialization. We have been having a blast bringing her into our family.
Thanks, Matt H

A Tribute to Toby Thomas

It's with great sadness that I must tell you that " Toby Thomas with the Big Brown Eyes " passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

In July, he became bloated, had a bout with diarrhea, he was lethargic and no Happy Dance.
After 7 months of various treatments, his body was no longer responding to treatment. Toby had developed a form of lymphoma which had spread from intestine to liver. It was no longer possible to keep him confortable.

I believe he is with his Mom, Queenie, and is a happy, healthy, little guy. He was our Baby and it was an honor to be a part of his life. Our "Tobs" went through such a change from the gruff little giant to the sweetest little imp.

He has left us with such great memories-his favorite thing to do- canoe around ponds and lakes. He had become a true "Maina"!

Sincerely,

Kathie T in Raymond, Me

Some Photos from Joey's New Home

We’ve finally had time to edit a few photos of Joey’s (fka Jenna) first week at home.
Thanks to all of the Col. Potter volunteers who made this possible!
For more photos, click here: http://annheitland.smugmug.com/Other/Joey-Jenna-First-Week/10744823_NeYub/1/747832709_Ad87q
Ann H

A Greeting from Kerrigan and Emily

I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Great New Year. I am also attaching a photo of Emmy and Kerrigan. I sent photos to you when we first adopted Kerrigan. Thought you would enjoy seeing an update~this picture is from last spring. I can't believe it will be 3 years next July that we got her. Kerrigan is sweet, funny, very playful and and a very smart dog (also protective). We love her very much. Emmy and Kerrigan get along fine. Hope you are well. Take Care, Teeny

Sophia Maria's Third Gotcha Day

It's my sweet Sophia's 3rd gotcha day!! She is such a sweetheart!! I can't believe it's been 3 years, time has flown by. Thank you Kathy C and Bonnie B for giving her a great start to her new life, and thank you Col. Potter for allowing me to adopt this wonderful girl! I love her more than mere words could ever describe!!

Toby D with BodieZeffa - I'm the Westie dude...SophiaMaria - I'm the Cairn principessa and GinaMaria - I'm the Cairn contessa in Livonia, MI

Providing for Your Pet’s Future without You

Written by the Humane Society of the United States
Introduction
Because pets usually have shorter life spans than their human caregivers, you may have planned for your animal friend’s passing. But what if you are the one who becomes ill or incapacitated or who dies first?
As a responsible pet owner, you provide your pet with food and water, shelter, veterinary care, and love. To ensure that your beloved pet will continue to receive this care should something unexpected happen to you, it’s critical to plan ahead. This information sheet helps you do just that.
(click here:)
http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/PetsInWillsFactsheetEnglish.pdf

Will Provisions for Leaving Cairns to CPCRN

Because most if not all states' laws treat animals as personal property, a good way to handle this
issue is to include in your will: "I give, devise, and bequeath my cherished Cairn Terrier, (name),
to Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network, a New York not-for-profit corporation
(www.cairnrescue.com)."

A more global bequest, which would prevent having to rewrite a will after a Cairn has crossed the bridge, would be "I give, devise, and bequeath any and all Cairn Terriers in my possession at the time of my death to Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network, a New York not-for-profit corporation www.cairnrescue.com)."

To help assure that the bequest is honored, the gift of the Cairn should include a gift of money to provide for care of the Cairn. This could be accomplished by establishing a simple trust, in a money amount of your choosing, in your will. Such a trust might read:
I give, devise and bequeath the sum of ___________ ($_______) for the care of my Cairn Terrier(s), to be paid over to the Board of Directors of Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network, as Trustee, for the use and benefit of the objects of the Trust established as follows:

A. The Trustee of this Trust shall be the Board of Directors of Col. Potter Cairn
Rescue Network (“CPCRN”), a New York not-for-profit corporation
(www.cairnrescue.com). This Trust shall run for the benefit of my Cairn Terrier(s) until he/she is placed in a suitable adoptive home selected by CPCRN. During the continuance of the Trust, the Trustee shall pay to or for the care, support, medical needs, and maintenance of my Cairn Terrier(s) so much of the net income and principal of the trust estate as it, in its sole discretion, shall determine to be in my Cairn Terrier(s)’ best interests. Any undistributed income shall be added to and made a part of principal.

B. Upon placement of my Cairn Terrier(s) in a suitable adoptive home by
CPCRN, the Trust shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute any remaining funds to CPCRN for its Cairn Terrier rescue activities, to be used as the Board of Directors of CPCRN shall determine .

C. This Trust may be terminated earlier than the time otherwise provided herein if
and when the Trustee, in its discretion, determines that such action should be taken due to circumstances not known or contemplated during my lifetime, including, but not limited to, significant depletion of trust assets or changes in laws which may negate trust purposes.

D. The trustee is vested with full title to all of the property and estate hereby
given, devised and bequeathed to the Trust until the termination of the Trust and until the trust property shall be actually paid over, transferred and delivered according to the above terms.

It would be best to discuss the suggested provisions with your attorney, if you have one, who could modify specific language in accordance with a given state's laws, if necessary.

Pamela S. Burt, Attorney at Law, CPCRN Legal
POB 186, Harrisville, MI (T) 989-724-7400
11/15/2006

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!