Fergus (fka Barlow) and his new parents

This is our holiday card photo for 2011. We are so delighted with Fergus! 

He loves everyone he meets and is just the happiest little boy. I can’t say enough wonderful things about him.

Thank you for everything and happy holidays!

Christine & Tom
Boston, MA

Hello from Coco's family fka Mudslide

Furever Mom Kristis sent this great update to Mudslide's Foster Mom Chris:

Just wanted to give you an update on Coco with some pictures. We're getting ready to drive home to Kentucky next week. Coco and Peanut are both coming along for the long drive. She really enjoys going home with us. It gives her a chance to get even more attention than she already gets! She loves visiting her grandparents and her fur cousins. Lots of playtime during the holidays for her!

Coco starts basic obedience next month. We have already taught Coco "sit" on our own and it only took her less than a week to learn! I thought it would take longer since she can be a bit stubborn, but she learned very fast. She will even sit without a treat and when our friends tell her to sit. Good to know that we will not necessarily need to use treats to train Coco and that she will do tricks for a nice head rub. This is the complete opposite of Peanut who is VERY food driven. We always say that Coco eats to live while Peanut lives to eat.


We were going to try and train Coco on our own, but she is VERY stubborn when it comes to the command "come". She hears us when we tell her come, but she acts like she can't hear us and doesn't see us and continues to patrol the yard for geckos and frogs. She sees keeping the geckos and frogs away from the house as her job. If she sees one, there is no getting her attention back to you unless you walk over and pick her up. We have had to fish her out of the bushes many many times.

Other than the training issues Coco is doing great! We are sooo happy to have her and couldn't imagine life without her. She is such as sweet dog and has such a funny personality. She can bark/howl in all sorts of ranges. It's funny to hear the noises that come out of her mouth sometimes. We're not sure whether to call the noises she makes a bark or howl or groan. Very funny sounds! It makes us laugh.

Kristi

Foster Mom Karen M sent this happy match story:

My foster boy, Brooks left a little while ago with his new Mom! Just look at that smile on his face. He is going to be one happily spoiled little boy! He’ll be an only dog and Mom is retired, so he’ll get lots of lovins and undivided attention.

Happy forever, sweet Brooks! Frosty, Opie and I will miss you very much, but we are so very happy that your new Mom found you!

Huge thanks to MM Lisa for finding Brooks a perfect home!

Karen M
Parrish, FL

A Turkey Day Poem

T’was the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep.
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned - the dark meat and white,
but I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,
and gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

Gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
'Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky,
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.

But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees....
Happy eating to all - pass the cranberries, please.

May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes 'n gravy have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious. may your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all !!!

This was sent to me by Bob D, the furever Dad of my former foster CP boy extraordinaire Crockett.

Lubs Kayla la and Sadie jo

Happy Thanksgiving!

Abbie's Thanksgiving Message

I arrived in my forever home on the 13th of November last year.
Tomorrow will be my second Thanksgiving here. Last year I sent CP a message telling them how grateful I was to have been rescued, fostered, and put in such a loving forever home. I thought life couldn't be better. Then in April, my mom and dad adopted Gem. Life with my sister has been wonderful. This year I am especially grateful to have Gem in my life and for all the good care I receive from my human family. I am
also eagerly awaiting a taste of that delicious turkey. Won't Gem be surprised! 

Thank you again CP for all the wonderful work you do saving dogs like me. 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Love, Abbie (Susan's girl)
NY

Mary - Cairn Sweetness and So Much More!

Today, my adopted Cairn Mary turned 12 years old! In the fall of 2005, she was liberated and the wonderful people at Colonel Potter gave her the care she needed (and the name Mary, which I didn't change) until she found her forever home with me and her sometimes-grouchy Cairn sister, Ginger, on November 6, 2005. She was fostered in Wisconsin and adopted when I lived in Chicago, and now we all live in Dallas, where the winters are much kinder to little dog paws.

I thought today was a good day to give you this update and thank you for the opportunity to have such a wonderful little Cairn be a part of my life for the past six years. She just had a check-up at the vet two weeks ago, and is still going strong, albeit a tiny little bit slower. A clean bill of health, and a sweet disposition to boot - what more could a proud Cairn parent ask?

I am attaching a picture, just in case you would like to have another happy ending to add to your lovely list of successes.

Thank you again for allowing me the chance to have Mary be a part of my life.

Barbara S

Arkie Fox Sends an Amusing Update

Hi mom. Thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a great birthday even though Dad was out of town. I got a birthday muffin and a new toy. And yes I'm sharing my toy with Merlin and Lady G.

Later that week I snuck up and got Mom's new earmuffs. Merlin was chasing me, Lady G was chasing Merlin and Mom was chasing all three of us. It was a blast.

This morning I had to drive off those pesky deer again. A backyard warrior's work is never done.

Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. It's my second one here and Mom & Dad are going to celebrate with just us this year. Mom's soooo excited. They're not traveling and it's her first time to make Thanksgiving Dinner all by her self.

Well gotta go and make sure those pesky deer haven't come back.

Love,

Arkie Fox

Kerry - and FurSis Kyna - Stop to Smell the Flowers of Furever!

Kerry is slowly intergrating herself into her new home. She is so funny because she will seek me out, but then when I look at her and give her a big HI, she goes running. But the kisses keep coming. When I lie on the couch, she even kisses my toes!

She is becoming more and more brave each day...by that I mean, exploring her new home. She has three "safe" places, the couch, the corner of the office, and her bed. However, my Cairn, Kyna, learned how to break out of that thing years ago, and the first day that I left them alone, Kyna free, and Kerry in the "bed"...we actually call it the "pup tent..." I arrived home and Kerry was out and sitting on our bed and Kyna was on her bench. Both of them looking like...what? we didn't do anything. Very, very funny! And a couple of times we've both gotten up in the morning and left the dogs in the bedroom and Kyna will be sitting by the pup tent waiting for Kerry to come out!!!

She has almost mastered going up and down the stairs...all 14 of them, and she does really well with it. Last night she was a hoot. For some reason when I sat on the couch, she got really feisty and we started "wrestling." We were laughing so hard at her!! Just about every morning we sit down on the floor with both of them and have fun "wrestling." And she is even responding to her new name. I say Kerry, and she looks at me with those big brown eyes...heart melting!!!

Kerry is an absolute joy, and more and more of her personality shines each day. I'm thankful for Colonel Potter and this lovely addition to our family. And thankful for all of you that made it possible.

Cheers!
Cathie W

Chester - or is it Pele? - Playing Soccer

Chester (his original name) has been a part of our family for over ten years. He was adopted via the Col Potter Cairn Rescue network, and as you can see from this YouTube link. Chester is enjoying being part of the Schneider family. You guys can certainly take pride in putting together a safe and happy environment for one of your rescued Cairns.

Regards
Charles S

Belly-up is a Happy Sign for Teagan now Marley

Thanks to Deb S for this update and photo:

I got a call late last week from Teagan's new mom. They absolutely adore their new little girl and Jan "claims" they're showering her with love and attention. I don't know though. From the looks of this picture, she's scared stiff! (Teehee!)

A Tale of Two Doggies...or Four

A quick update to those of you who know that the Krebs Kennel has gotten delightfully out of hand.

My first-ever foster, Cyrano of the Famous Lovers, was an absolute doll. As I told my mentor, if he had been my third or fourth foster, I might have known not to ever let him go. But I was new and idealistic and I did...however his adoptive home did not work out. Happily Col. Potter allowed me to bring him back to Kansas and he is now Mulligan, my "do-over" dog.

It quickly became clear that, at age 3, Mulligan has far more energy and orneriness than my 11-year old pair -- Bogey (CPs Brigand) and Pearl (a rescue Westie). I set out to find a pal for the new boy and Col. Potter graciously allowed me to adopt "Amazing Grace" or Gracie!

Little 3-year old Gracie has had quite a lot of turmoil in her life and was a bit spooked when we shuffled her again. But she has bonded like glue to Mulligan and has special relationships with each of the oldsters. It's all helping her to sublimate her timidity and enhance her assertiveness!

So now we're headed into the winter months with a houseful of furry friends. We couldn't be happier -- THANK YOU, Col. Potter!!!

Charlotte in Lawrence, KS

Gustav - now Gus - is a Jersey Boy

Gus here,

This will be quick 'cuz Mom helped me write a long note and we lost it when we tried to add some pictures.
Had a good day, up early when Mom went to check on Sami, but she is sick so didn't go to school. So...we got to go outside and eat early and then go back to sleep for awhile. I've been good with my potty stops, no accidents in the house or crate and if asked to go out I run right to the back door, and I've gone to the door a couple of times myself. I even went through the doggy door a couple of times. Mom gave Abby and me brand new Kongs with kibble and peanut butter in them. Of course, I had mine in a crate, because I've been told that Abby is the boss and will steal stuff from me. Mine was great and I think Abby's was too.

So, besides the fact that Mom says she didn't get anything done today because of watching us and reading on the computer, it was a good day. Sami's playing with us now. She just had us in a tug-a-war with socks tied together, but Abby's smarter than me and won, getting a little to close for Mom's comfort so that was the end of the game for tonite.

Gotta go, all of my human family is sniffing and coughing and need some rest. Check out the great pictures that Mom got of us today. Abby's the biggin' and I'm the little guy.

Lub,

Gus (the newest Jersey Boy)

Kesy's Gotcha Day - PM to Princess!

Today is Kasey's Gotcha Day - one year ago John and I drove to New Jersey and picked her up from Denise and Andre. I can't believe it's been a year already! 

Kasey was originally known as Backpack (from the Back to School Intakes Group) and was a puppy mill mom. Because of her background, she had some issues that we needed to overcome. For the first few months she was here, we had to carry her in and out of doors. She didn't really like walking very far and was hesitant when greeting other dogs. She also had some issues with men and, at times, I felt badly for John, who spoiled her even more than I did :)

Last week John and I went away and couldn't take Kasey with us on this trip. So we had to use the DREADED KENNEL. Though I don't want to do that too often, I think she really benefited from her stay. Since she's been home, she seems a little more lively than before. The other
day John opened the front door, and she tore out to greet our neighbors' dogs, Sierra and Nevada - she never would have done that before (although that can also be a bad thing :) 

She loves to take two or three-mile walks now. The biggest change was the other day when I wasn't home - she went down to the basement where John has his office and laid on the sofa while he worked at his desk. That really made his day! Right now she's standing at the top of the basement stairs "talking" to John because he's not moving fast enough - I keep telling him not to say the word "ride" until we're ready to go out the door.

As I mentioned before, while we were recently visiting our daughter, Kasey got swatted on the head when she tried to play with Pete, their very large cat. Their resident chihuahua also is not a "player" - so Harriet and her CP adoptee, Zoe, came to visit one day. It was great meeting
them, but Zoe was not inclined to play either. We're planning on trying that again. I've attached a photo of Kasey and Zoe and also one of Kasey sitting in her favorite chair (we love how she props herself up on the arm of the chair :)

Since we adopted Kasey, we've helped out with a few transports. I'd like to encourage everyone to do that - it's so much fun transporting the dogs and seeing the different personalities. And it's also great meeting other people involved in CP. 

Adopting a dog from Col Potter is quite an amazing process and I just want to say thank you again for all you do. 

John & Donna B, Baltimore



__._,_.___

Attachment(s) from Donna Bennett

CP Kids MeetUp: Dobri and Rommel now Furever Fursibs

Rommel's new family stayed up late last night just to send this to us.  Here's Rommel meeting his sister for the first time.  They did this in the park (on neutral ground) and it looks like it was a good time.

 

Can't you just hear Dobri (CP's Pencil) saying:  "Wow, look what Mom and Dad got me!  Thanks, Mom!! Thanks, Dad!"

 

Marie mentioned that it looks like Rommel will be Daddy's boy, and since Dobri is Momma's girl, Dad would be elated to have a Daddy's boy.  Dobri is a little shy and Momma's girl, Rommel is bold and Daddy's boy.  Perfect!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhV4rVukmso

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHcwCU4Zk2c

Becky
Central Florida

Foster Mom Becky says: 

I just heard from Chain's new family. He met their resident girl and they at first sort of ignored each other, but has now had one play session which went well. Chain has been a good boy and pottied outside (as opposed to inside). He is very curious about his new home and yard, and is learning new limits and house rules. They are really looking forward to bonding this weekend and taking lots of pictures. I really like this family.

Regenbogen's Adoption Day

Foster Mom Mary reports:


This little girl has a wonderful new family who already adore her.  They are staying in KC tonight, and heading back to Louisville tomorrow.  She will have much more individual attention, and will only have to share with one fur brother.  Happy forever to my wee little foster girl.

For Adonis Foster is Furever!

Adonis, of the Famous Lovers group, has gotten a mom that loves him for who he is, who loves him regardless of his issues. That would be me! 

Adonis didn't want to be touched when he got here and I've had to learn to not do that, to learn to respect his boundaries. There have been a few nips and a completely apologetic Adonis, but most people just wouldn't understand him or love him as I do. As with Nettie, who was a resource guarder, she would go on attack when she saw any other dog and I was touching her, and I love her dearly. Now she rarely has these tendencies, tho they do occur on occasion and without warning.

Adonis does well with the resident dogs, looks out for Nettie, and plays a little with my boy, Kenzie. I have loved this boy from day one, he's so handsome and just too smart for his own good. We will continue to work with his issues. He's such an important part of my life and I'm so thankful CP rescued him this year from the Ohio hoarder in February (they had 200 dogs stacked in crates inside the home).

Adonis is about 5.5 years old, but is such a independent thinker (like the girls) and almost like a grouchy old man. Vet exams/tests have shown no reason for his touchiness. He's had marvelous breakthroughs at my home and will continue to get better.

I so thrilled to be approved to adopt a second foster....didn't take as long to be approved as the first one in 2002, lol. There are some fosters you just don't want to live without and now I've got two of them. I would never have met them if it hadn't been for CP coming to the rescue of these precious babies. Please remember to play NLOL and donate what you can, either funds or be a foster home or a volunteer on another team. Without all of you, there would be so few cairns enjoying the good life they deserve.

Sandy A in TX

Bradshaw is a Real Lovey!

I adopted the sweetest boy from CP recently! His name was Bradshaw, but we have gone back to his previous name, Lovey. It so fits him because he is such a LOVE! He is housebroken, gets along with everyone, won't get on furniture or our bed unless invited (wish my cairns were as well behaved!) & never barks in the house! 

His favorite activities are bird watching (hopefully not catching), playing with toys & long walks with his Mom. This guy is as close to perfect as a cairn can be! He does have some skin issues, but my vet has prescribed meds that are working well & he is on grain-free food.

My 3 year old CP girl Mia is so happy to have a buddy to play with & my old cairns are happy that she is leaving them alone! We took a trip to the beach last Sunday. Lovey enjoyed swimming with my sister's golden Sadie. Many thanks to Chris Co for being such an awesome Foster Mom & to my friend Mary N for helping to complete my pack.

 

Lisa, happy new Mom in MA

Max--We have a new dog? I hadn't noticed, I only have eyes for Mom.

Mia--I love my new buddy!

BZ--I'm 15, don't play too close to me, I'm napping.

Lovey--Good food, treats, toys, fenced yard, long walks, doggie buddies--what more could a cairn want? Thanks CP!