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Saturday, October 20, 2012

Dodd and Cosell AKA Cody and Coswell




About Cody and Coswell:
These two puppies (brothers) were the last of a litter Fostered by Lori R. to be adopted ..together!!! This is a wonderful family with two daughters, a Dad who serves in the Military and a Mom who is takes care of the home (a full time job I am sure). Count on the 'brothers' to take good care of the ladies of the house when Dad is gone from time to time.

And their update:
I started taking some pictures the other day while putting up Halloween decorations when the camera batteries died, so I only got a couple of the dogs.

They are doing great. Everything went smoothly while I was gone.

They love the yard and run and wrestle throughout the day. They still bark a lot but now understand to stop when we tell them, the only problem is if it is something they really want to bark at, we still have to get close to them to make them stop or even bring them inside. That's the biggest threat, if they have to come inside, they know they got in trouble.

They still don't understand the concept of a walk. They love to go but they still pull at the leash most of the walk and they won't go to the bathroom at all. They love barking at the geese along the lake though. I wanted to get some pictures during the walks but they won't settle down enough yet.

We have started to groom them with scissors and clippers a little every night to get them used to it. So now they are in a different stage of grooming whenever you look at them. One ear done, one not, some paws trimmed, some not and so on.

Cody (Dodd) sleeps on our bed every night now. In the morning when I let them out, before I can even turn around to give him a treat he's already up the stairs and back in bed. He loves his comfort. Coswell (Cosell) sleeps on our bed too, most nights but still likes his crate occasionally. He's a lot more sensitive and you have to "invite" him over to pet sometimes. Both are very affectionate and loving and are so good around the kids, especially our 4 year old.

Hope everything is going well back with your families.

Paul

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Geordi's Sad Happy Day



Today was a sad but happy day at my house, because Geordi La Forge just went home with his new dad, Mike. You might remember that Geordi and his sister Vanna came into Col. Potter Cairn Rescue back in July due to some unfortunate family circumstances. Geordi is 12 years old and I kind of expected he would be staying for awhile, but imagine my surprise when I got an e-mail (on my birthday, no less) that someone wanted to adopt Geordi. Happy Dancing here for my little red-headed brindle man.


Although I am sad to see Geordi leave, the Matchmakers do such an awesome job of finding just the right homes and I can absolutely say that Mike is the perfect dad for him. And the good news is that Mike would like to adopt another Cairn from Col. Potter after Geordi settles in and has a chance to be the Alpha Boy that he so richly deserves. So, please join me in wishing Geordi La Forge the happiest of forevers. Enjoy your next assignment, Mr. La Forge – live long and prosper!


Penny A Kent, WA with Cairns Buddy and Shasta (CP’s Shanleigh)
And foster mom to Mr. Geordi La Forge who winging his way to Happy Forever at Warp 10

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Sammy Meets the Relatives




Hi fossa mommy an daddy an cairn buddiez!!

I sawwy I habn't witten in so long but we has had teknoligy pwoblems.  We gots our computer back today so now I can sez hi!!

Oh boy oh boy I'b had so meny 'bentures.  Momma sed we was goin to gwamma an gwampa's house but I still sed "wat da heck?!" when hers buckled me in da car.  But den I snuggled in ma bed an was weally good for da drive.  Momma sed I'd meet gwamma an gwampa AND hers sed I hab an aunt an uncle!

Well guess wat?  We gots to gwamma an gwampa's house, and dey is hoomans like momma, but my aunt an uncle is cairns like me!!  Can you beliebe it?!  Dere is cairns like me in da famiwy!!!  I fink dey is da doggies I smelled at my partment!  But dey is not big gwon up doggies like me, dey is babies.  I fink Pippa has battewies cuz hers jus runs an chases balls an chases em again an chases em AGAIN!  Oh boy I coudn't keep up if her.  Jack is weally a baaby, momma sed sometimes dey call him Chompers cuz him in his baby-chomp-on-everyfing stage.  Him kept tryin to chomp on me to get me to play if him but I didn't weally want to.  I was weally nice to him dough.  Momma sed him weally liked me.  Him followed me round lots and we ran togedder in da yard.  Oh boy it was so funs.  I got to take my leash off an run an run an run an run!

Momma sed I barked lots but I tod her I was jus tellin da odder neighbor doggies who I is.  Hers said to tell you I was weally good wen hers tod me to stop.  I kept forgettin an I'd bark an bark but as soon as momma 'minded me I twied so hard to be good.  (Ashleigh here!  There are two Belgian Tervuren Shepherds that live next door.  One is elderly and one's a baby.  Their hooman momma is wonderful - we have playdates and she always surprises our rascals with new toys.  When we were in the same yard, Sam was wonderful.  When we were back in our own yards separated by a fence, he wanted to bark again, but calmed down pretty well as soon as I reminded him with an "ack!"  To the back of our yard there are two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Black Lab, and they ALWAYS get Pippa wound up.  They're both very sweet, but when someone, anyone, lets one "woof!" out, they all start barking.. and barking... and barking...  Everyone wants to get the last word -- or woof! -- in.  So anyway, it was great that Sammy responded at all since that's a tough barking situation.  He's a good boy!)

I weally like my gwamma an gwampa.  Dey sed I is so sweet an so hansum.  It was a wittle hard to be at gwamma and gwampa's house dough becuz I was SO TIREDS.  Dose babies just hab too much energies.  I had so much funs but boy oh boy was I pooped.  At night I would jus sit on gwampa's lap an go seepy becuz I knew da babies woudn't wun into me up dere.

I'm gonna let momma send sum piktures now.  Hers said hers hoped for more piktures and bideos but it is hard to corral free cairns an get all free to look at da camera.  Hey! Is dat a jab at us?!  Oh man, I better talk to her bout dat.

I hope yous habbin lots of fun fossa fam!!  I miss you lots but I love my mommy lots too.  She says I'm such a good boy and we do lots of walkin an snugglin.

Cairn kissez and cuddlez,
Sammy

Gertie Gives and Gets Joy!





Well, folks, it's been almost a year since I decided to come live in Idaho and I think it's working out pretty well so I've decided to stay. Now I'll hand it over to my Mum.

Gertie has really brought a lot of sunshine into our lives and gets along very well with Heidi, her new sister. She has a spot under one of our tables that she loves to curl up in. We've added blankets so it will be as comfortable for her as possible but sometimes I can't even imagine how she manages to squeeze herself in! 

Gertie's eyes have brightened since she came to live with us and her personality has really come to life. We love her dearly and she returns the affection a thousand times over. 

From, 
Sylvia C, Gertie's Furever Mon

And her is a work from Foster Mom:

Gertie was "Trudy Lou" and adopted by this lovely English lady in Meridian Idaho.  Trudy Lou was Fostered in KS.  I, as her MM, flew Trudy Lou to her new home in Meridian.  At that time she weighed about 22 lbs!  She now weighs 16! She is so beautiful! Sylvia adopted her shortly after her husband died. She has brought such joy to Sylvia.
 
Thanks much,
Pam M


Saturday, September 29, 2012

Monday, August 27, 2012

Woody the Pool Guy




I thought I would let you know how your boy Zinger/Woody is doing.  He loves to chase the garden hose and attack it.  He also chases the pool cleaner.  The pool cleaner shoots water up when it gets stuck on the steps or sides.  He goes crazy barking and running around ready for attack when that happens.  Good exercise for him.

 I have been adding Fiber All (it is like Metamucil) to his dinner and pumpkin to his breakfast.  He doesn't poop much and still will not go in our yard.  He just goes when we are out walking twice a day.
He loves people and cries when he sees someone because he is so anxious to greet them with wagging tail and body.  He looks so cute when he does that.  He growls at dogs but not all dogs just the ones that get in his face or come running at him.
He knows each house where dogs live and he stops to listen and look, to see if they are out.  Most of the dogs are behind an invisible fence so he can't quite understand why they don't come running at him.  One sheltie barks in his house when he sees Woody and his owner has to let him out. 
Attached are pictures of Woody attacking the pool cleaner, Woody in a sweater my friend gave him, Woody on his favorite sleeping place and Woody looking into the pantry anticipating dinner.
He is on his flea and tick meds and heartworm meds.  I would not forget them after what he has been through.
He is a joy.  He noses me in the back of my leg when he comes into a room and I don't see him.  He 's very quiet except for barking at trash trucks and the pool cleaner.
I can't decide if he is happier as the only dog or if he would like a mate.  I know he doesn't like noise.  I will have to see how he does in school.

Thanks for taking good care of this sweet boy.  You saved his life.  I think he keeps looking for you...  

Pam

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Teaching the Look At Me Command


So you find yourself trying over and over again to get your stubborn Cairn to listen to whatever command or instruction you're attempting to give him or her. And your voice gets louder and louder each time you repeat, with increasing urgency, your futile attempts to get him to respond. 

Does this sound familiar? "Buffy....sit! Sit Buffy..SIT...SIT..SIT...SITSITSITSITSITSITSITSIT!!!!!!!!!" And there he stands, oblivious to your demands. What's wrong with him anyhow? Is he deaf? No, let me assure you his hearing is great. In fact, Cairns' hearing is incredibily acute. He hears you alright. But he isn't listening to you at all. Why? Because there's nothing in it for him to do so, and because, well, because he's a Cairn Terrier, with all the stubborn, independent, mischievous attitude that implies. 

So what can you do? How do you get them to listen to you so that you can get them to do what you want, and sometimes absolutely need them to do? I've found a very effective technique, that is very simple to teach. It's the "Look At Me!" command. You see, before you can get most Cairns to do what you want them to do, you have to get their undivided attention. Not an easy task, as we all know how easily distracted they are and how focused they can become on heaven knows what...but certainly not on us. 

The "Look At Me!" command is what I like to call an "interim command," in that its purpose is to redirect their attention from whatever they are focusing on in preparation for whatever follow-up command you want to issue to them. It can also serve as a very powerful "luring" technique (more about that later). What the "Look At Me!" command does is gets Buffy to, as its name states, LOOK at you. That's half the battle with a Cairn Terrier. And it's one you can win easily, I assure you. 

Here's how to teach this simple, and very effective, command: 
* Gather some "high value" treats (small bits of cheese, freeze dried liver, etc., something the dog LOVES that you reserve for training). Have them readily available in your pocket or the palm of your hand. Pick a quiet time, where there are no distractions and get Buffy to SIT.
* Once he's sitting, place the treat between your thumb and index finger, so a portion of it is showing, but the majority of it is firmly grasped between your fingers.
* Stand up reasonably straight, with just a slight bend at the waist (do NOT bend down at the knees, you don't want to be on his level) 
* Place your fingers (with the treat, of course!) just beyond the tip of his nose and draw it STRAIGHT up to the tip of your nose from his. As you do so, say, in a firm and deep voice, "Buffy LOOK at ME!" (emphasis on the LOOK and ME).
* Because you've drawn the treat (which Buffy wants desperately) directly from his nose to yours, by necessity, his eyes will follow the treat toward your face. That's what you want to happen. As soon as your fingers with the treat touch your nose, and assuming his gaze has followed your fingers, tell him "GOOD BOY!" and give him the treat! 
* Do this 3 times in succession, 3 times per day to begin. A total of 9 repetitions. Most Cairns will be so eager for the treat that they will begin anticipating the command by looking at your NOSE as soon as you begin to draw the treat from his nose to yours. THAT'S GREAT! 

But remember to say (in your low, deep voice), "Buffy, LOOK at ME!" as you're drawing the treat toward your nose. When he focuses on it, hold it there at the tip of your nose for a few seconds. Tell him "GOOD BOY!" and give him the treat. Your goal is to get him to anticipate the command by following it immediately AND to lengthen the time he focuses on your nose before you treat him. Ideally, you can hold the treat at the tip of your nose for at least 3 seconds (count, 1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000) and he'll focus on your face. He's looking at you. 

Now that he looks at you almost immediately AND he watches you intently for 3 seconds, it's time to begin treating him randomly rather than every single time. Give him the treat 2 out of 3 times (or 4 out of 5), and gradually reduce the number of times you treat him until you no longer have to SHOW him the treat at all to get him to "LOOK at ME!" This will take a week or so of work, but believe me, it's worth every single 90 second interval that you do it. Always POINT at your nose, however, even if you don't have the treat. It will become sign language to him. 

When the command is firmly established in his or her repetoire, you should be able to get him to sit and LOOK at YOU simply by pointing at your nose (if he's already looking in your direction). And if he isn't, by simply saying the command (in your best low register voice!). Now, here's how you use this command after it's entrenched. LOOK at ME! is what I refer to as an "interim" command. In other words, it should be used as a bridge between a dog's not paying any attention to you whatsoever and the command (or direction or behavior) that you WANT him to perform. It can be used to calm an overly excited dog. 

And, as I indicated earlier, it's a GREAT way to "lure" a Cairn. What do I mean by "lure" him? Well, here's a true story. My Cairn, Max, began exhibiting strong signs of wanting to chase cars at a very early age. He'd tug and lunge on his leash whenever a car would approach us on our daily walks through the neighborhood. I tried all the "tried and true" training techniques for breaking a dog's car chasing tendencies. His obedience trainer instructed me to use the "leash correction" on him. I did. It not only didn't stop him, it made it worse. I tried the alpha roll. Another dead end. I tried verbal corrections again to no avail. I had friends drive by and pitch coin-filled soda cans out the window as they passed Max and me. They thought I was crazy, the neighbors were sure of it, and Max was more determined to lunge at the passing cars than ever. His behavior was escalating rather than diminishing. 

Frankly, I was desperate. So, in the true spirit of desperation, I changed courses entirely. I decided to change from negative training, which all the other techniqes were, to a positive approach. In other words, I decided, out of sheer desperation, to REWARD good behavior rather than trying to correct/change unwanted behavior. I resorted to the LOOK at ME! command I'd taught him as a very young puppy. I loaded up with high-value treats and we set out for our walk. Since we live in a surburban neighborhood with many winding streets, you can hear cars coming before you can see them. As soon as I'd hear a car approaching, I'd give Max the LOOK at ME! command and I'd move the treat from the tip of my nose to approximately 1/2 way between his nose and mine. As the car came closer, I'd repeat, "Max, LOOK at ME!" with the treat closer to his nose. As soon as the car passed, I'd exclaim "GOOD BOY!!!! and would give him the treat immediately. The trick, I soon learned was to gain his attention with the "LOOK at ME!" command, hold his attention by showing (luring him with) the treat, then REWARDING him immediately through praise and the treat when he did NOT lunge at the car. Rather than having him continue to SIT while I was "luring" him with the command and the visible treat, I began really luring him with it as I kept walking while keeping the treat out in front of him. I kept PRAISING him as he continued to focus on the "lure" of the treat rather than lunging at the car. And, as before, I'd give him the treat as soon as the car passed us. 

To my amazement, it took only about 4 or 5 cars worth of high-value treat luring before I saw how a Cairn mind works! I heard a car approaching and I immediately gave the "LOOK at ME!" command, with the treat at the ready. I saw Max quickly look toward the car and then back at the treat...and I could see he'd made his decision. The treat was worth more to him than was the car. We were over the hump! Within 2 or 3 days, Max would immediately LOOK at ME! as soon as he heard a car in the distance. I began gradually (and randomly) reducing the times I gave him a treat, until, in a few more days, he didn't get treats at all and he was no longer interested in trying to chase cars. I have since used the same technique to redirect his desire to lunge at and chase bicyclists and motorcycles. I also use it to distract him from other dogs while we're out on walks. I have taught this command to every one of the 10 fosters I've had, and they've all learned it quickly and effortlessly. 

It's truly a wonderful training technique for your Cairn and can be used for so many things. I use it all the time when I want to teach him a new behavior, or when I simply want to gain his attention. Every now and then, when I issue the LOOK at ME! command, I'll surprise him with a treat, just to keep the command interesting to him. Try it with your Cairn. 
And good luck. 
Michele CRM 2/5/05

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Prim is now Properly "Ruby"







We just celebrated 18 months since welcoming Ruby (fka Prim) to our family. She is the most friendly, loving, and fun Cairn! However, the past few months have been filled with many trials - the biggest being Ruby's diabetes diagnosis. In March she began having accidents all over the house and drinking a lot of water. After taking her to the Vet for what we thought was a bladder infection, we were informed that her glucose level was in the high 400's and she needed to start insulin immediately. We couldn't believe it! Ruby is in great shape and only 4 years old. For the next few months we struggled to get her regulated on insulin. She requires injections twice daily, and this little Cairn wanted nothing to do with the shots. It was nearly impossible to get our 9 pound Cairn to stay still for just a second. As soon as she saw the syringe she went crazy. We were beyond frustrated because without her insulin she wouldn't feel better. Our Vet actually suggested that we find another home for Ruby because it was just too hard to control her. My husband and I knew that we could neve give her up. She has given us so much love and companionship since we brought her home. We decided to hire a canine behaviorist and she worked a miracle with Ruby. We are now able to administer injections without too much trouble. Even though it's been a difficult few months, we can't imagine our life without Ruby. As you can see in the picture, she is a very happy dog and loving life in Pennsylvania! Thank you CPCRN for helping us find our sweet girl. We can't imagine life without her!

Breanna and Dave
Dillsburg, PA

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Teaching the "Sit" Command


A great VIDEO by Victoria Stillwell on teaching the sit command.  She is using a puppy here but you can do the same thing with an older dog.  Be sure to use yummy treats, like cut up chicken, etc so that they will want to work for this treat.

Sandy
Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network
Director of Foster Homes

Springfield Patch's Top Dog is...Riley!


Photo by Candid Canine Photography
Riley is a 7 year old rescue who was adopted from Colonel Potter Cairn Terrier Rescue Network. She is enjoying her new life in Springfield. 

From the Springfield PA PATCH

McKissick is a Kansas Cairn






Sweet McKissick left with his forever family today. McKissick gave his approval by giving his new mom and dad lots of kisses. He will be living in Topeka, KS with his new cairn sister Mika. His new mom has already introduced herself to CRM and plans to volunteer!



Lori
Rogers, AR

Puppy Mabley Moves to Maine


Mabley's new mom came and picked her up today. She flew down to visit her dad in GA, then drove all the way here to get her new little girl and is returning to GA where she will then fly home to ME!


Mabley will be a northern girl! Her new mom also wants to train her to be a therapy dog and go to work with her.

It will be much quieter here without our "party girl". I know foster dad will miss her sweet little kisses and I think Cosell is missing her as well. Dodd seems to take everything in stride. Libby didn't notice, she has been too busy barking at the fireworks.

Lori
Rogers, AR

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy Fourth of July!



KIARA ANN
CP GIRL RUTHIE ROSE (fka Lucia)
Kiara and Ruthie are celebrating because their mom left the camera at the hotel - so no new photos today! We are recycling last year's but the girls are proudly wearing their patriotic bandannas today! Kiara is also wearing her thundershirt for when the boomers start!
Happy Fourth everyone - and thank you to all those who made it possible for us!

A Zinger of a Fourth!

Happy 4th of July!!

Here is Zinger ...now Woody, in his forever home. He has been so busy exploring the back yard. He has looked in every corner of the house. He has found slippers, and where we keep the food in the pantry. He is learning "come" and he already knows "sit." In the picture he is wearing his Col. Potter bandana. He loves his Col. Potter blanket. I believe it helps him make the transition from Sandra's house to ours.

We are totally in love with this sweet cairn. He follows me around the house. One time he couldn't find me so I heard him make a whimpering sound. He even makes a grunt sound outside when he heard the labs next door barking. He rarely barks. Except, he did bark at some fireworks he heard in the neighbor's back yard. I love his markings of black on the tips of his ears and tail.

We will have many happy adventures with Woody.

Again, I can't thank all of you enough. I am so impressed with the Col. Potter Network. An awesome organization, serving the awesome cairn terrier.

Pam G in NE FL

A quick Editor's note about Zinger's bravery and Col. Potter's loving care: At Intake, Zinger was heartworm positive, but now he is living the good life as a lovingly fostered and adopted CP Kid. Quite a celebratory Fourth of July for all!! - kg

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Brandon's Trip to Furever

Brandon, Gigi and I set off on our trip yesterday to meet Brandon's new mom.  Jane is a person you feel like you have known all your life - it was an instant friendship. She was delighted to meet the 'legend" Gigi and of course her boy Brandon. 


Brandon's Adoption

We had a great time discussing everything and she got to spend the day with Brandon so next morning's drive home with him was not so unknown to Brandon.  Jane did the crying for me as she left with him!

Brandon's Adoption2
I was able to get 2 good pictures of Brandon hanging out in Jane's hotel room.  He has a great new home and this is their second dog adopted from CP. 

Marie S
Pensacola, FL
Ella - I am being boarded - and missing everything
Foster Gianna - Yippeeee - it is just me and mom

Warning Flea and Tick Products

Please warn Pet Parents not to use Sargents or Hartz Flea and Tick- it can cause serious issues and even death. Please visit: www.hartzvictims.org
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Kenyon's (aka Dude) New Family





New mom Monica P sent this update to foster dad Ron as Kenyon, now called Dude, meets his fursibs and the whole neighborhood. Willie is the Yorkie (11) ; Grace is the Westie (4 yrs). Dude is in the middle.

I knew if I were you, I couldn't wait to hear how he was doing. When I pulled up in my driveway, the first thing I did was take him for a walk. On the way he met some neighbors and was happy to meet them. Our destination was the vet to meet the ladies there, who were so happy to meet the new guy. He gave them happy kissses and they gave him a treat and hugs.

Then we got home to meet the new brother and sister, and it went excellent, (even with Willie "meister")...so we took a pack walk with relaxed leashes and met some more neighbors who petted them. I took a couple of pictures of us returning home from the walk and wanted to send them to you right away. Right now they are hot and tired. Dude is laying at my feet on is side sleeping with Grace laying next to him. King Willie is on his pillow.

I already love him so much and I can tell my fuzzles have accepted him like he was always here. They lined up and sat next to each.


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Cairn Babies - Watchdog & Thief - in a good way!



Sara and Maddie have been with us for almost 2 months. We picked them up in Arkansas from Lori & Mike. They have been adjusting well to their new home. Sara is our little watch dog. Maddie is a little thief and loves to steal any clothing item. Loves to play with her toys. Here is a picture of them enjoying their first day at the beach with "Mom". Very curious about the waves crashing against the shore. Just wanted to share our new "babies" and how happy we are to have them in our home.

Cathy and Scott A in MA

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Mick (fka Rammer) Goes to the Dog Park




Bonnie in SC sent this photo of CP boy Rammer, who is now called Mick, with his new mom at the dog park.

Bonnie says, I am the volunteer photographer for the Westie Club of Charleston (cairns, scotties, norwiches also welcomed) and there was a group event today at our local small dog park. I met Mick fka Rammer who has been in his new home for 4 days and was there with his fursib Mr. Spock and his pawrents. This is a picture of him with his new Mom. He has landed in High Cotton and we plan to meet them at the park again next week with Zander, Bea and Neha. Another happy ending SIGH and she couldn't say enough nice things about Col. Potter.

Happy furever Mick!