CP's Lucy turns 7 - and Gives Back to Her Rescuers!

Hello everyone,

Yesterday was Lucy's (CP's Nurture) 7th birthday. I didn't realize it until late in the evening and all she got was some boiled chicken as a special treat with her dinner.

However, today I am going into town and I thought about what I could get her. She loves to wear dresses, but has way too many already, and she has just really started getting into toys, but her and Archie's Cairn Toys toybox is full to the brim. So, after asking her for ideas, she said she would like for me to make a donation to Col. Potter in her honor of her 7th birthday. Had it not been for Col. Potter she may have not seen her 7th b-day.

So, a special thanks to Col. Potter for rescuing my super special Cairn girl Lucy. She is truly a blessing and we have enjoyed having her for almost 2 years now. Many many thanks, and we hope Lucy's special birthday gift and help another mill momma see her 7th birthday.

Stacie
Houma, LA

Run One for the Gipper - Support Canine Cancer Research

Gipper is a much-loved Westie who recently lost his battle with canine cancer.  That's why on Saturday, September 25th his two-footer brother, Nick, is running in the Bruiser 5K - a race to raise funds for Canine Cancer research.

In honor of Gipper and all the dogs that are battling or have lost the battle to cancer, please join us in the fight and make a donation to the Bruiser 5K. The Bruiser 5K has helped fund canine cancer research at Penn Veterinary Medicine and with your help will continue to raise funds for research that is so desperately needed. Make your donation today to help save the life of a trusted friend and family member.

Nick has a personal fundraising page setup where you can donate online. Just go to http://thebruiser5k.com/Nick-Galac and follow the instructions. Any amount is greatly appreciated and it goes directly to the National Canine Cancer Research Foundation.

To read more about the Bruiser 5k click here; http://thebruiser5k.com/

Thank you for your generosity and support. Be sure to check out Nick’s site to see how far he surpasses his fundraising goal!

The Many Adventures of Cypress ... er, Gracie

Hello Stacey - Just wanted to let you know Cypress, now Gracie is home. She is a good traveler, and a great dog. She is getting comfortable and follows Teri around like a shadow. Attached are a few pictures (note that she is sitting on the one couch Teri said she is not allowed. That lasted about five minutes). Thanks for all your help.

Jeff and Teri
 
Here's an update from Cypress' dad to let us know they made it home safely. He's included some cute pictures. You can sure tell this girl's going to be the center of the universe. :-) (Her collar and matching leash are bright pink with Hawaii spelled out in white embroidery. They were hoping to adopt Cypress as soon as they got home from their vacation. :-)



To explain the 'couch comment', Teri had said there was just one piece of furniture that Cypress wouldn't be allowed on - a couch. lol Apparently that's going to take some training, but I'm not sure who's going to get trained. ;-)


Dear Cuzins,


Everybody's got talents, but I think we found mine today. I have been DISCOVERED! I gotz talent!

You see at my house, Mama has a toybox in the famblyroom. It's a GREAT BIG toybox like Uncle Brian makes. In fact it's JUST like the ones Uncle Brian makes! Yesterday I found it and climbed right in, head first. Down inside it I found this CUTE pink bunny. She's bigger than my head! but I'm a strong little cairn girl, so I held my head REALLY high and brought it over to show Mary. Then I had to go find a whole bunch of other toys to show Mary. I was very busy digging in the toybox for quite a while!

This morning, after I went potty, I got to go in the famblyroom again (this is the DISCOVERED part). I found a fun toy and brought it to Mary and she tossed it away from her. I went and got it for her and she tossed it again! I kept picking up her toys and bringing them back to her and she kept throwing them. She said I was playing fetch and she said I was the BEST fetcher she'd ever seen! We played for FIFTEEN minutes straight and every time she threw it, I'd bring it back to her.

This is a fun game. You guys should try it at your house!

xoxo
Cypress - Da Monster slowly turning into a princess.

Denver's Rainbow at the End of a Long Road Home

Denver has lived with us since February of this year. It's been a long road teaching her how to live peacefully among other dogs, where to stand by her dish when it's time to eat, how not to push into someone else's dish when they were still eating. how to play, how to potty outside by using a doggy door. But she did it and has actually even learned her sit command. You can just look at her face and know that she has finally come into her own. We thought for some time that she may not get adopted and actually set a date that if no one adopted her we would. She's 7, will be 8 in December. For those of you who have fosters that are this age or older I know how hard it is trying to express their qualities when everyone wants "a 2 year old female".

Tonight is Dee's last night with us. Tomorrow she will meet her new family, they are driving from NC to me, in south Florida to pick her up. They are so very excited and called me tonight to let me know everything that they have gotten for her. Allen says he brought BB for her to eat and is going to order Wagatha's biscuits.

Thank you MM's for find her the perfect home. Cathy is retired and Allen is semi-retired. Dee will have a big fenced in yard to hunt and play. I told her how beautiful NC is and that she might even get to play in some snow. Hope she remembers how she came to us (wild woman) and how much she taught us about patience and understanding. We wish her so much happiness in her new home.

Linda

Port St. Lucie, FL

Bijou - Le Petit Chien Qui Parle Francais

Hi Susan,

We think "It's been a week already!" The time has flown for us. CP Boy Brindy, now known as Bijou, has improved so much. Not really improved, just passed greater and greater tests. His health has all checked out fine. He is walking much better in the park, without tugging.

He is such a terrier! He "killed" the angel in less than two days. I bought him a plush fabric bone, with a squeaker. That lasted less than an hour. Kapock all over the couch. You would have laughed. He silenced a tennis ball with an internal squeaker. The squeaker is still in the ball. It just doesn't work anymore. I bought him a Frisbee. He has no interest in it. He doesn't seem to know what to do with it, since it doesn't squeak.

He is getting better on rides. We think he is just very worked up with anticipation and can't wait to get there. He seems to be saying, "Hurry up, Rich. I can't wait." He acts the same about going out for toilet breaks. Especially in the morning after a full night. He now has access to the entire house at night, but doesn't leave the bedroom. No "accidents, so far.

I know I am leaving things out, again. He has just been such a success. I'm so glad I pursued him. He makes me smile all the time. And people love him, no matter if they knew Emma. They think he is so cute, or handsome. For me, Emma lives on through Bijou.

People can't believe he is 11 years old. Even at the vet's, they are surprised when they learn his age. By the way, there have been no leg problems. We let him walk at his own pace. Main focus on walks is to make sure he doesn't tug. He likes to tug with the tennis ball and a soft Frisbee.

He knows "sit", and three versions of "O.K.", he knows when he is getting leashed up and plays a silly little circling game. He knows where his house is, and I think when we are back to the neighborhood in the car. He understands "let's go", "come over here", and he tries to growl lowly instead of bark at night. He also understands "ici" and allez" on our walks. I think his first caregiver spoke French to him. What a guy!

Bijou is one great addition to our family! We love him!

Rich

Hamby : Just Look at This Happy Face!

My little foster boy, Hamby, just left with his new mom and fur-brother. Hamby was such an easy boy to foster and I’m so happy for him that this wonderful family adopted him. When he became a Col Potter kid, just 7 short weeks ago, I fully expected him to be a long-term foster. He is a little older (almost 10) and suffered from the itches (allergies) for most of his life. I’ve heard that a lot of foster homes are hesitant to foster the older kids, especially males, let alone ones who have some health issues. We had tremendous support/advice/help from Bobbie B (Medical Team) and Sandy T (Director of Foster Homes) on getting his allergies under control and improving his general health. Also, fate was probably at work in this match since his new mom just happened to be looking for a male, close to the same age as her Westie, and residing in Florida. Everything just fell into place for this sweet boy. Happy “forever” little Hamby!!!

Karen M
Parrish FL

Another happy ending: Matty CP #4236.

Matty's new Mom sent this adorable announcement:

http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4d5467324e6a41314f5468384e4445774e4459324e44593d0d0a&sb=1

Congratulations!

Gouda Has A Great Home But is Missed by His Foster Family

"Gouda left a week ago for his forever home in WA. It has been very empty and quiet here. This boy lit up our home like sunshine just as our precious Bou used to do. This boy was so very hard to let go. Gouda totally had wrapped his paws around our hearts (humans and dogs), but now was just not the right time for another furkid for us.

Gouda has a wonderful forever home with a mom, cairn sister and grandparents to love and look after him. He has a HUGE fenced yard, which I know he loves. He loved his freedom so much and running and rolling in the grass here. Gouda's new mom has been great to keep up updated on how he is adjusting.

They totally love him which doesn't surprise us. Per foster dad...' no one could not love this little boy'.

Lori

Rogers, AR

Gotcha Bella!

Hi Aunt Mary and all, it's me Bella!

Do you know what today is? It is the one year anniversary of my “Gotcha Day”. That’s right, I have been living the high life for a year now with my furever family and loving every minute of it. I just can’t believe that it was a little over a year since I was in that terrible place. Living the life that I am now living, those memories are just a part of my past. I never stop wagging my tail and my tongue goes just about as fast. I really love Saturday and Sunday mornings because that’s when we get to get in bed with mom and dad and snuggle. I of course snuggle with daddy because he is my favorite. I get so close to him that sometimes he has to move over. I do that on purpose so he has to snuggle back. He’s the best. I love mommy too but daddy is my favorite. I want to tell all the little furkids that a lot of great things can happen to you in a year if you are a Colonel Potter furkid.

I want to thank all the folks at Colonel Potter’s for finding me my furever home and especially Aunt Mary for taking such good care of me until my mommy and daddy could find me and take me home. I am truly home. I hope that every one of my sisters and brothers that are awaiting new furever families can find a loving family like mine in the next year.

If anyone is coming through the Denver area and needs a break, please consider stopping by and saying Hi. Mom, dad, DeDe and myself love having company. Especially if there is another cairn or two to play with.

Hugs and kisses,

Bella

From DeDe:

Thank you so much for giving me a sister to run and play with. Bella washes my face everyday and we sleep together in the same kennel. We are an inseparable pair.

From Mom and Dad:

We just want to thank everyone at Colonel Potter’s for bringing this wonderful little girl into our lives. The last year has been such a joy and we are doing everything in our power to treat her like the Princess that she is.

Thanks again.

Jim & Cindy

Rye goes camping!

From the Furever Family:

First let me say thank you to everyone at Col. Potter. It is truly a great thing that all of you do.

We have now had Rye with us for an entire week and everything seems to be going great. She is adjusting quite well and so is my 11 year old dog, Jasper. Jasper seems to be much more patient with Rye as opposed to our Madison (which was our cairn we lost in June). It seems as if Rye is looking to Jasper for guidance with the house rules.

We also have a camp on Sacandaga Lake, which we visited yesterday with Rye. I have attached a picture of Rye at our camp. She had a great time swimming and playing on the beach. She is a great girl.

We do not plan to change her name - it fits her perfectly.

Again thank you for everything you do!
Patty and Doug

Miss Plum is now Gracie and so loved!

Pam,


I sent you an update about 10 days ago but this one is even better! We are the very PROUD and HAPPY MOM and DAD to GRACIE (fka Miss Plum), who is the love of our lives! Even our cat, Oliver, loves Gracie and walks with us on every walk. They had no difficulty bonding!

We took your advice and have proceeded very slowly to introduce her to new people and new places. We know for certain that Gracie is fearful of large, loud men and women. Her introduction to our grandchildren went even better than we could have hoped. The boys were wonderful with her so she relaxed. Of course, they can’t wait to play ball with her!

You will be happy to know that after the first week, Gracie began to warm up to Chan by leaps and bounds. She is equally at ease with both of us now. Last weekend, we went on an errand, Gracie was my lap when suddenly she crawled into Chan’s lap when he stopped at a light. He was so thrilled he was almost speechless! We go for 2 long walks around our little lake each day (early morning and evening) which she loves as there is lots of nature to see. Oliver, of course, has to go along for “protection”! Gracie has become much more relaxed on her walks and loves to explore. Going through openings or doorways is still the same—no progress. I’m glad she is light enough for me to pick up!

I am going to take some pictures this weekend to forward to you. We have had so much rain for the last couple weeks that it’s been difficult to get good photos. As you can tell, we are all truly enjoying our time together. We are thrilled with Gracie’s progress. She’s eating well, exercising, loves to be massaged and soothed and plays a fast game of ball with her “pink” ball! We’re amazed at how many toys she can carry at once!!! Our prayer is that gradually Gracie will become more relaxed around other people. If not, we can deal with that. Gracie is blessing us and we hope her life with us will be blessed, too.

Pam, the love, tender care and the excellent work you did with Gracie enabled her to find the ability to trust you. Because of your work, she is able to now trust that we will protect and care for her. The short time we’ve spent with Gracie has taught us what a gift you have. We’re so grateful. Thank you for trusting us with “Miss Plum”. I promise you we will not let you or Gracie down.

Love,
Judy & Chan
Aka “Gracie’s” Mom & Dad

P.S. The book you gave us about working with our shy dog has been wonderful!

Daphne is now Bailey - and our neighbor!

Hi Pam! We can not thank you enough for our Bailey (fka Daphne)! She is wonderful. You were right about the lizards and digging in the mud. She has also discovered squirrels. We have had 3 "paw" showers since Friday evening. Last night she and "Tigger" slept on the bottom shelf of the buffet in the dining room. Prior to that she has been sleeping in her bed in our bed room. We can only assume that she is checking out all areas of the house.

Take care,

Jack, Karen and Bailey

All Stars, No Wars: Princess Leia

Dear CP Volunteers,

Here is a recent update on Princess Leia, formerly known as Bangles.

Leia is doing really well - today is her four-week anniversary with us. My hubby and I are very affectionate with her and she seems to love it. She is learning socialization from Wookie, such as the joys of going potty in the grass (thank heavens!). They love to sit outside together, and we'll sit with them and read the paper or have coffee. We go on 1 to 1.5 mile walks late at night, when the temperature here in NC is tolerable. Wookie takes the lead and Leia is a natural on the leash. It's funny - Wookie was never that great at heeling (so many distractions like squirrels and other dogs, you know!) but now that he is "big brother" he apparently needs to show Leia how it's done, because he's pretty much "head up and onward" the whole time we're walking.

Leia is becoming more & more accepting of our two teenage sons, who both love her very much and are sad because she has been afraid of them. We've been using treats and positive reinforcement to help her adjust to them. But she was immediately comfortable with our 21-yr-old daughter, who is petite. I'm guessing the puppy mill "handlers" were young men for the most part.

Thanks for all of your hard work with CPCRN!!

All the best,

Marcia

Mizz Pattypan!

Greetings from the humid & hot jungle,

I know you are busy being a great foster mom to more deserving cairns so don't worry that we haven't heard from you in a month of Sunday's and more. The Arlington sisters cry when I tell them you've gone on to loving other cairns, and have probably forgotten all about them. I tell them to buck up, life is hard. Just kidding, I miss hearing from you but I know you stay busy, this cairn family is doing fine, Pattypan completed our circle. She's getting sweeter and more trusting daily. We love her so much. She's smart and has a funny sense of humor. She more than holds her own with the other three. Everyday I'm reminded I did the right thing by bringing her here.

Just wanted to give you an update on everyone.
They all got groomed last Saturday. Patt looks very much like a lady instead of a Yeti from the far north. Before she got groomed I was beginning to think she was part Afghan hound, long nose, wild blond head.

These TX girls do not like being in 'The Thunderstorm Capital of the World', no joke we do have that designation. Sib barks at the thunder, and if she is outside when it starts, she not only barks, but spins and jumps around wildly. The first time I saw her do that my heart seized up, I thought she had been struck by lightning, but no she's just trying to catch the thunder and kill it. Needless to say she has not been successful. Neither TX girl wants to go outside in the rain, and refuse completely if there is thunder. This can be a problem. Carry them out, put them down gently in a relatively dry place (under a tree), and both immediately make haste for the house like little wind up toys that have only one direction to go. No amount of coaxing or treats (they'll take the treats but still race for the house) will change their minds. They seem to have formed a coalition between them to strengthen their right of refusal.

Since I wrote last Pattypan, the toy hoarder, has refined her hoarding to an art. She is a keen observer of all things, and has made note of the fact that Sib has two especially favorite toys. They are toys that sing a stupid little 20 second 'deedle dee dee' tune every time she gently bites into it; Sib just loves it. Sib will collect both and play with only them. In typical cairn fashion however, she'll be distracted away, and Patt watches carefully for that moment. When Sib has her back turned or walks away, Pat is there in an instant and in a casual drive-by by movement (I just imagine her happily humming to herself) scoops one up in her mouth and without pausing spirits it away to her stash. Soon she'll do the same to the other one. Turn about is fair play, however, and Sib has grown wise to this dastardly trick. This morning Sib was looking around for her toys and saw they were both with Patt. She turned away and went to lay down in a crate with a view of Pat and the toys. Patt soon got up and left them unattended. Sib went right over and plucked hers out of the pile. All of this is just too funny to watch. Patt has 2 primary stash areas, one that large wired crate and another area that is a big comfy dog bed. The other available crates are much too small for a load of booty like hers.

A girl can't have too many toys, including Sib's! Parker and Yams are great buddies. They wrestle and play until they are exhausted!
Love ya' hope all's well there in TX.

Georganne

Nettie and Her Big Brown Eyes Celebrate

Today is Nettie’s Gotcha Day!! Being a bad mom, I usually forget until days or weeks later. Bad mom also doesn’t have any new or really good pictures of her either. Here is one from last year. For some reason, whenever she gets groomed I never remember to take pictures. Her gift to me this morning was squatting and peeing next to the cat scratch post. I’m going to guess an overnighter actually did mark when I wasn’t looking and she needed to fix that. She'll get a special treat with her supper, but lots of extra hugs and kisses today.


I think she’s about 14 now, and it’s been a wonderful 8 years since she was adopted. I really can’t believe it’s been that long and am hopeful of many more. Nettie was my first foster, and the only one who didn’t leave. I’m so thankful to CP for rescuing her and letting me keep her.

Sandy A, Hot Houston TX

Thunder's Third "Gotcha Day" Anniversary

Three years ago Thunder, a CP kid with problems, became ours. We just love him. He is our special lap boy.

Thunder a wheaten boy was fostered by Maureen A here in NJ. Maureen and family had a vacation planned so we babysat for Thunder for two weeks. He had seizures and could barely walk. I guess 8 years in a crate the size of a bunny hutch will do that to you. At 8 years old who would adopt this kid with so many problems? In those two weeks we fell for Thunder. The sweetest kid ever. He would pull his blanket from the crate into the living room where we were sitting then beg to be on your lap. We could not have asked for a better fit in our family.

We had our stairs carpeted and Thunder goes up and down without a problem of course he prefers a ride which his Dad provides most nights for bed time.

Mary Ellen, matchmaker in NJ

Celebrating Monkey!

It's Monkey's 5th Gotcha Day! It's been a wild ride, from the first day when he growled at me for several hours, until just now when he was curled up by my side. He's still got issues but don't we all?


He was my 2nd foster and I fostered him from early June until that evening in mid-August when I realized he was home. Amazingly I had a camera handy when that realization came upon me so I snapped a few photos of Monkey (fka Jared) curled up on a pillow with Fred and Zoya.

Monkey's full name with titles is Col Potter's Monkey B, MB-RAE, CGC. He's registered in the Mixed Breed Dog Club and the AKC Mixed Breed Program. I had hoped to get him into agility and start working on his AKC rally titles. Once I get a job, I think we'll get back to those goals. And now that the Mixed Breed Dog Club has revamped their conformation rules, we may have a chance at a MB conformation title!

Denise
Citrus Heights, CA
Fred CGC - cairn wanna be
Monkey MB-RAE, CGC - cairn athlete

The latest Cairnadian!

Here is a recent update on CP kid Chicago, now known as Abbie.

This is a picture of Abbie at the cottage.

She is cooler with her new haircut and loves to wade around in the water. She sticks her snout underwater and walks around as if she was snorkeling.

She is very happy andrelaxed but gets quite curious when the ducks swim by.

She hasn't gone in further than her shoulders yet but I am thinking she may become quite the water enthusiast!

I love her already and I am sure she is the most perfect, sweetest doggie
ever born!
Thank you! thank you!
Sandra

Rye Meets Mom & Dad

Rye's family picked up their precious bundle today. New mom made it easier for me as she was crying as much as I was, lol! But the tears were happy ones, and they are absolutely thrilled with her! Their son even texted them while they were here asking if they had picked her up yet! Rye will fill a void for them after the loss of their cairn a few weeks ago. My baby girl will have a wonderful forever! Thank you CP for saving this precious kid and letting her live the life of Ryelee!

Doreen in MD

The Joyful Life of Eberdeen Eileen

Abbs or Abbey (aka Aberdeen Eileen fka Newark) is just a delight to have around. She is all house trained now, and goes with me EVERYWHERE that I can take her. Everyone loves her. She went to school for six weeks, and graduated TOP of her class. She even won the gold for a very modest agility trial. She seems to love all that. I hope to continue with her classes with a goal of more agility training.

She and the cat continue to get along very well. By the way, she has never made an inappropriate move towards Sedona. I have even caught them licking each other a bit. So much for "Cat Scanning".

We were away in Arizona a few weeks ago, and I boarded them both at a local Pet Lodge. One of the techs there was so in love with Abbey, that I thought I might not get her back!

Abbey's latest love is swimming in the pool. I bought her a neon pink life vest to wear in the pool. At first she wasn't too sure if she liked this big "water bowl", but she trusted me and as soon as I put her in the pool, she took off like a little torpedo! Her vest keeps her very buoyant, and keeps her head up out of the water. In no time, she was jumping in from the side of the pool.

She is such a happy little sweetie pie. She brings such joy and laughter to my life. I can't even imagine my life without her now. She is so wonderful with other dogs and kids, and big people. I never have to worry about her acting inappropriately with anyone. I love taking her to the Home Depot with me. People comment on how good she is, as she just sits in the carriage lets people come up to her and pet her, and get their "puppy fix".