I'se Mom's Co-Pilot

We've had entries about many of the jobs our Cairns do. Today, the multi-talented and many-titled Monkey, tells us about one of his duties.

Col Potter Aunnies and Onkles I helpt Mom wid some fosser corns taday. We driveded dem from our houze ta meet Mr Bill anna I helpt alls I cud. I gabe Mom sumbody ta talk to, I watcheded da car wen Mom hadda go to da Laddies Rum (whadeber dat is) anna I helpt Mom eat her brakfest. It sure es tirin bein Mom's co-pilot! Herez a pikture uf me Mom got a few minutes go. I habes ta cach up onna my naps! I misst a few taday.
Lubes Monkey CGC, MB-RE - terrier athlete

Kaleb has Found a Furever Home!!!!!!!!

Kaleb has found a home with a wonderful mommy of his own and alot of room to run. He will have a 5 year old Sottie brother too. I am so happy for him but alittle sad too, I will miss him very much and it will be strange just having one dog again, hope to get another furkid soon. Kaleb has taught me alot and I thank him for that. I know he will just love his new home.
Foster Mom Michele in NY

Puppy Martha Goes Home

Today we met Martha's forever mom at the airport. Martha will be a Floridian, and have a mom and dad and two teenage sisters plus a canine brother to play with. I have a feeling she will never lack for attention or someone to play with her:) Foster Mom Lori R, AR

More photos:
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/566570859MbvBcj

Rodeo is now Ozzy

All is well with our little Cairn adoptee "Ozzy". He has adjusted very well to his forever home and his brother Otis the Westie has kept him in line from the very start. We take two long walks daily and many potty breaks outside always on the lease and halter and Ozzy goes into his crate whenever I have to be gone for a short period of time. Ozzy is so much fun and keeps us busy just being cute, he loves attention and provides us with lots of love and kisses. His Foster Mom, Marsha B was wonderful, Everything went smoothly and we have recommended Col. Potter to several people we have seen when we are out walking Otis and Ozzy. I will keep Col. Potter updated. Thanks, Kathy B

Update on Sam (fka Carlin)

Greetings All !! Well it's been two weeks since Sam (formerly Carlin) has been with us and we cannot tell you how much we love this little guy. He is such a cuddly little teddy bear that just loves to give kisses and curl up next to you for belly scritches. We really loved the foster name Carlin, but we decided to keep Sam as he responds so well to it, and seems to prefer it.

We had an interesting ride ride back from CT when we first brought him home. Though his crate seemed nice and comfortable and Daisy was by his side he barked, howled and cried the entire 2-1/2 hour ride home. It was rough going and nothing we could do would soothe the little guy. But when we arrived home, and we took him out of his crate, he took care of business outside right away, (in the backyard Christine, can you believe it ??), and he followed Daisy into the house as if he always lived there. He explored every nook and cranny with his tail wagging a mile a minute. He has been the perfect little gentleman with Daisy.

The first few days he was constantly trying to "mount" her to initiate play but she growled at him which prompted him to get off right away. He has learned that he cannot initiate play with her that way and they have both been play bowing, head butting and doing the paw swipe thing. Daisy, who never learned to play with other dogs, is now learning to play from Sam. Sam, who never knew how to play with toys, is now learning from Daisy, and loves to toss around a Nylabone and chase after it. The squeeky and furry toys still don't do much for him, but they are both learning from each other a little more each day.

Sam's absolute favorite thing is going up to the Park to meet all the other dogs and people. Daisy was the favorite at the Park since she came to live with us last December, but now it is Daisy AND Sam !! Everyone loves them both. Sam is learning a great deal about play time and socializing with all the other dogs, small and big alike. Our dog walker just loves him too and she is always telling us what a lovable little gentleman he is, and how wonderful they are together.

Their breakfast and dinner are still fed to them on the opposite ends of the kitchen, as Daisy, not Sam, tends to want to steal his food, and though she is not growling or aggressive with him, she will quickly eat whatever is still in his bowl if he doesn't eat it all, and quickly. Sam still waits to be invited before jumping up on the sofa or chair next to you. And Daisy now lets him sleep on the bed with all of us with no problems.

We will still occassionally put him in his separate gated room, if either of them need to relax and get a time out from the other, but they are really comfortable with each other and we are needing to do that less and less. He does still have issues with car rides, and cries and howls no matter if they are short or long, so we are trying to figure out how best to calm him. Sitting in back with him, giving him treats or constant loving doesn't seem to help. We've even tried playing different music in the car, but still no luck. The only time he seems peaceful and happy in the car is when he is sticking his head out the window catching air, but that is not always safe or possible and he doesn't always put his head out even if the window is open. We are open to ANY suggestions that can help !!

His hair is growing back and we can see lots of little peach fuzz coming in even at the base of his tail and on his back knees. A lot of the dark skin areas are starting to turn pink again as well. So Christine's (Foster Mom's) change in his diet seems to be a huge success. Some bald spots may never fill in, but it certainly doesn't bother him. He's such a handsome and happy go lucky little fella.

Daisy and Sam both went to Shea Stadium last night to watch the Mets play at the "Take Your Dog to the Game" night along with our new CPCRN friends John, Carmen and Tally Steele. They paraded nicely with all the other dogs around the perimeter of the field before the game and stayed the whole 9 innings happy and content. It was a lovely evening (except for the Mets losing) enjoyed by all. Hopefully the attached pictures can be properly viewed... In the pics with both Sam and Daisy, Sam is on the left, Daisy on the right.

A million thanks to ALL of you, especially Aunt Kathie for her persistence (VBG) and for telling us about Sam, and Foster Mom Chris who just gave him so much loving and great care!! CPCRN rocks!! More updates and pictures to follow in the near future. our best regards to all,
Kimberly, Frank, Daisy and Sam

A Burke Update

I took pictures of the dogs that I thought you would like to see. I also thought you might like to know that Burke is continuing to improve. She definitely loves going outside and is getting very good about doing her business quickly. She also gladly goes into her kennel when Lauren and I leave in the morning and of course is super excited when we come home. She is starting to come to us when we call and has discovered it is okay to jump up onto the couch and hang out (she was a little unsure about this at first).
Josh and Lauren
(see some more photos of Burke in the slideshow to the right)

Maisie (fka Flopsy/Rusty) Gets "Spa" Treatment

From Foster Mom Karen O:

You aren't going to believe your eyes! Look at Ms. Maisie standing in her soaking cups! What a good girl for her momma, Sheryl. Sheryl is the best thing to have ever happened to our special girl, she has so much patience, just what Maisie needs. Oh, and notice that view out their back window! I really need to go to Boston one of these days!

(For more on Maisie go to: http://cairnrescue.blogspot.com/search?q=MAISIE)

From Maisie and Sheryl:

Hi Mommy Karen - See this picture of me? I'm having toe therapy . . again! Mommy Sheryl calls me her little twinkle toes . . . let me tell you, when I have to stand in these dishes, I don't feel very twinkly, but I'm told it's for my own good. At least I get lots of extra scritches while I'm standing, and I get to see out of the really big window which is usually where Micha hangs out. He leaves when I show up! Hope your knee is getting better, 'cause my toes are! Big woof from Maisie (Karen - About 2 weeks ago I noticed that she is chewing on her toes again, and that a couple of nail beds look a little 'off' so we're soaking in Listerine Gold for the antibacterial effect and keeping a close eye on her little nails. She is such a good girl - I just put her up on the window seat and put each foot in a little dish and she stands there for a good 4 minutes and then lets me know she's had enough. I dry her paws with a towel and then we do a little spa session with the hair dryer. She is soooo good. I also rinse her toes whenever we come back from a walk or a swim.)

Wanna be a PostAdoption Volunteer??

Are you addicted to the PostAdoption blog? Do you love reading the happy- ever-after stories of the adopted furkids? Would you like to hear the good news before it hits the blog? Well, as a PostAdoption Coordinator, or "PAC", you could be the first one to talk with the "furever" family about how their cairn is adjusting to his new home.

We have excellent "desk procedures" for each PAC to follow, and you'd work with an excellent team of loving & supportive ladies. As a PAC, you can accept an "assignment" as it fits your schedule, and make phone calls or send emails as your time allows.

An average of 30 cairns find their "furever" homes every month. This keeps the current PA Team pretty busy and we could really use your help! Good listening skills and a willingness to celebrate with the family, or to offer advice are the key characteristics of a PAC. If you would like to join the team, please feel free to complete the Volunteer application located here:
http://www.cairnrescue.com/rescue/volunteer.htm#volapp, or send an email to cpcrnpostadoptionblog@gmail.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanks for considering volunteering to be a PAC!!

LBAH Newsletter- Blood Panels and Urinalysis

From the doctors at the Long Beach Animal Hospital - WWW.LBAH.COM:
As veterinarians we encounter a situation that is truly unique in the medical community. We are presented with patients that are ill, but cannot tell us about their illness. We have to rely on an owner, zookeepers, etc., that care and feed these animals for important information. As a result, diagnostic tests are crucial to our diagnosis.

In this 2nd of 3 articles we will discuss routine blood panels and urine samples. Next month we will discuss special tests. Before we discuss blood panels we need to talk about their interpretation. All blood panels are interpreted in light of the symptoms your pet is exhibiting, along with the results of the physical exam. This link on our web site, called"The Diagnostic Process" goes into more detail: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=GG0sC&m=9U9yvTpLdT9d5&b=HME0LBcMiQ8VkzdJjiPf2w

It must also be remembered that if a test result is abnormal that there is not necessarily a problem. For example, a high blood sugar result on a blood panel could indicate sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus). Yet in a cat, a high blood glucose can be normal because of the stress response that is unique to cats. Also, to be truly accurate, it needs to be a fasting blood glucose. These are just two of the dozens upon dozens of factors that go into the interpretation of any blood panel.

Blood Panels: One of the more frequent and important tests we run is called a blood panel. Depending on the species, it checks several things. The first of these tests is the complete blood count, more commonly know as the CBC. A CBC thoroughly checks the red blood cells for anemia, toxicity, parasites, platelets, and even over-production of red blood cells.

There are three tests for anemia on the CBC:
1.The total red blood cell count. An average normal number is in the tens of millions permillimeter (ml), which gives you an indication ofjust how small red blood cells are.
2. Hemoglobin level. It is the hemoglobin inside the red blood cell that contains the oxygen you breathe in, and the carbon dioxide you breathe out.
3. Hematocrit (HCT). This is the percentage of red blood cells in the serum. It varies significantly by species, and usually ranges inthe 30% - 50% range.

The other aspect of the CBC checks the whiteblood cells. This will give us an indication of a viral infection, bacterial infection, inflammatory process, or even cancer is some cases. We can even determine if an internal parasite is present, if there is an allergy, or if the problem is chronic or acute in nature. When coupled with the tests for the red blood cells, the analysis of the white blood cells yields significant information.

The next part of the blood panel is called the biochemistry panel. It has many functions, the primary one being the analysis of the internal organs like the liver and kidney. It also checks electrolytes and various other parameters. It is a crucial test to perform on any sick pet, and is also used to assess a pet's risk factor for anesthesia. It must be kept in mind that a normal biochemistry result is not a guarantee of health. For example, a liver that is old and scarred maybe failing, yet the liver test on the biochemistry panel is normal. Again, thisemphasizes the importance of the diagnostic process mentioned above, and also explains why special tests are often needed to make a diagnosis.

We will discuss special tests in nextmonth's newsletter. You can learn much more about these tests from our disease section. Here is alink on our Liver Page:http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=GG0sC&m=9U9yvTpLdT9d5&b=n2VA8m1RV3t5rRCLlo5igQ

Urinalysis
The urine test gives us significant information on the health of the urinary tract, primarily the kidneys, but also the ureters and the bladder. We can diagnose renal failure, bladder stones, infections, and sometimes bladder cancer with this test. A blood panel, especially if you are assessing the kidneys, needs the information from the urinalysis to be properly interpreted. This is why our routine diagnostic workup includes a blood panel and urinalysis.

Here are links to ourKidney page and Bladder Stone pages: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=GG0sC&m=9U9yvTpLdT9d5&b=phGPyqa2r_1MF8O4C2xa_Ahttp://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=GG0sC&m=9U9yvTpLdT9d5&b=_Xm9OjaUjXlKNAhJawK7QQ

Next month we will talk about special diagnostic tests.

Beanie McBean's Happy Ever After

Sometimes it's not so much "a small world" as it is "a big family" - like Beanie's story. Oh, and Anne in Houston, TX started the update by sending this adorable photo of Beanie's mohawk!

Bonnie in Cleveland, OH:

MacBean was tied to a garage for a year when the mail lady finally talked his owner into giving him to her. She turned him over to me and I was lucky enough to foster him. His coat was totally matted and dreadlocked. My groomer, wonderful man that he is, did not shave Beanie down. He groomed him and made him look handsome. Beanie was a sweet little dog for one who had been left tied outside as he was.

Carolynne in Ft. Wayne, IN adds:

This is so timely - I met McBean - now Beanie - in July. He is doing very well and very spoiled. His family loves him very much and he's dad's best buddy. How do I know this? He is the new big brother to my former foster Shenanigan who started her new life with Beanie in July. Beanie's mom still tells the story of his former life and the rescue by the mail lady.

Pepsi's a Princess

Hello, My name is Daemien, My wife Jacinta and I live in Saint Ann, Missouri. About 9 months ago we visited our local humane society and found "Pepsi". She is a 5 year old Cairn Terrier mix who was horribly abused in her former home.

She endured 5 years and when finally rescued was 85% bald and had horrible skin conditions. We were warned that she would require daily medications, prescription food and Vet visits. We went home and talked and knew she probably find it hard to be adopted by anyone because of her many special needs. We went back and applied then brought her home that next weekend.

Well fast forward 9 months. She is FULL of hair...lol, off 3 out of 5 of her medications and only takes skin conditioners twice a week. She does however have to stay on the prescription food, she can only have Royal Kanin Potato and Duck formula.

She is a ball of energy and loves life, which is a far cry from the way she acted when we adopted her. She was withdrawn, shy and scared. She is outgoing and wonderful now.

We are thinking of getting Pepsi a brother or sister and wondered about anything we should look for or be cautious of. We would like a Cairn or Cairn mix if possible, we just love ours.

August Adoptions

Thirty-eight (38) Cairns found their "furever" homes in August, including 10 adopted by their foster parents! Congratulations to all!!

Aubry now Lilly in WA
Barkley in MI
Barrow in British Columbia Canada
Baxter in CT
Benatar now Lucy in MN
Bunting now Elmo in OK
Cappy now Mac in IA
Carlin in NY
Chopin in MO
Clapton in MI
Daisy Mae in MD
Deanna in WI
Dennis now Shiloh in WA
Diddley now Hank in FL
Enrique in CO
Frankie Mae in RI
Grimsey now Cassiopeia (Cassy) in PA
Imagine now Emma in IL
Kisses in NC
Magnet in Ontario Canada
Miles in NH
Miss Mellie now Lucy in British Columbia Canada
Nascar in FL
Nordkapp in CA
Peggy Lee now Penny Lee in IL
Percy in TX
Rodeo in MI
Sadie Hawkins in NY
Stripe in WI
Sylvia in GA
Tenacious in MA
Temptation now Tidbit in VA
Tressel now Louie in CO
Trisha now Penny in FL
Wags in MI
Wailua now Wiley in NY
William in CA
Wynken in IL

Sylvia Found Her Nirvana

The picture above is being sent to you so you recognize another adoptive family and can take appropriate action. Beware of these two - the third one doing the licking of her new Mom is the adoptee Sylvia. Mike and Marylou met me in Burlington, NC. Sylvia formed an instant bond with them both. She does especially like Marylou’s flavorful neck (seen here), but found Mike’s knees a delicious target as well. Great folks, have adopted from CP before. Sylvia jumped right into their truck, made herself at home with one of their dog treats and settled on the back seat with a contented sign. Hmmm, do I feel just a wee bit slighted? After all I did for that girl she races to Mike’s truck, asks Marylou for a boost and makes herself at home. That Sylvia found her Nirvana!

Daisy Mae is Adopted

My little Daisy Mae (now Daisy Anne) is happy at home with her new mom (and grandmom)! Daisy was heartworm positive and went through her treatments and confinement like the trooper she is. Thanks Sheryl, and thank you Col Potter for saving this sweet girl. Doreen in MD
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=6hp2slgu.7nvu0urm&Uy=bywv08&Ux=0&UV=54042623985_474746153307

Aubry Goes to Her Furever Home

Foster Mom Barbara wrote: Our adorable little red wheaten Foster Cairn-Aubry (2-3 years old) left this evening for her Forever home with Becky & Dean K and their handsome Cairn Cooper (2 year old Brindle Cairn). The family only live 9 miles from us and adopted Cooper (CRUSA) from us in May. Becky is at home and they live in a semi-rural area - about 30 miles south of Seattle, WA. They have a large fenced yard surrounding their house and they live quietly with Cooper.

Aubry was all wags and kisses when they drove home tonight. She was only with us about 3 weeks but we know she'g getting a wonderful home. Thanks to everyone involved with this adoption.

Here are Aubry's YouTube Videos:
Shorter version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9pQe8oqiKI
Longer version with more music:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X_H5uZRxxY&feature=related -

HURRICANE PROTECTION FOR YOUR PETS

Our friend Susan, who lives in Vermont and will probably never see a hurricane, posted this. Well, I live in Jax, Fla USA which is definitely hurricane country, and I know many readers are in similar locales. So thank Susan for sharing this important information!!

First and foremost, most shelters will not accept pets. If they do,all pets must be in carriers or kennels and be up to date on all vaccinations. Be prepared to offer proof of vaccinations. These shelters that accept pets will fill up very quickly so it is best to find a veterinarian or pet motel where you can reserve a place for your pet, and make a practice run so that you will know exactly how to get there. Find out what vaccines the kennel requires to board your animal and get those vaccines for your furry friend as soon as possible. Don't forget to ask your veterinarian for a copy of your pet's vaccination records.

If you plan to take your animals with you when you leave the area, make a hurricane emergency kit for each animal. Food, water and any current medications should be included. Don't forget a few toys, a good carrier and some familiar bedding. A sturdy carrier is very important if you're traveling with pets that are not used to car rides.

If you plan to stay in your home during the storm, make sure that there is a protected area in your home for you and your pets. Plan to put your pets in crates or carriers during the worst of the storm. You don't want to take the chance of having them escape if your home is damaged. Also make sure that you have enough pet food, medications and water to last your pet for several days.

Identification of pets is very important. The best identification is the microchip. A chip implanted under the skin between your pet's shoulders serves as a permanent ID. Animal Control workers scan the animals in search of the chip that carries a unique number. The number leads to the owner, the owner's veterinarian and a person picked by the owner as back up. It is a very simple procedure that takes just a few minutes.

Pet Survival Kit
- Current photo of your pet
- Proper ID
- Collar and rabies tag
- Carrier or cage
- Leash
- Two weeks supply of food and water
- Water/Food Bowls
- Any necessary medication
- Newspapers, cat litter pan, cat litter, trash bags
- Non-electric can opener
- Proof of Vaccinations

Nala's Update

Well foster mom, Deb, the summer is almost over here and I can't wait for this thing called Halloween! My aunt and mom bought me a costume and she's throwing a Halloween party for us fur kids! I've spent all summer here at my grandma's, learning spanish and running around the yard. My grandma likes to give me too many treats and now my mom put me on a diet! No extra treats until my weight gets back to normal. She says I have a year to get into top shape for my eye surgery. But I miss my treats! Oh well. Guess what? We're moving to my grandma's! Well, at least four days out of the week. From Wednesday night to Monday afternoon, we'll all be here at my grandma's. My mom says that it's better for us and eventually, we'll all move here full time. She sleeps with us in the basement and makes sure we're comfortable. I like it down there, I sneak downstairs all the time. Well, hope you guys are all ok and tell the crew I said "Bow-wow!"
Luv, Nala

Nala has been getting along great here. She runs around everyday and plays with her brothers. She loves to eat and my mom gives her way to many treats so now she's on a diet. I want to make sure her sugar is under control well before her surgery and tests. Halloween is my favorite holiday so of course I bought these little guys costumes. Here are some pics of Nala and the boys. Hope all is well with you and your fur kids.
Rochelle

Dog Food List

Recently the following was posted to our CRM Group. Because nutrition is one of the most important issues dog owners face, I'm reposting it here for everyone.

Question: Where do we have the list of Dog food ingredients? Also where is the Info on the Raw Diet? Thanks.
Deirdre, IA

Answer: We don't really have a list of dog food ingredients. But you can find info about that from Mary Straus' website www.dogaware.com.

I've attached a Word document with the kibble document. For more info on feeding decent kibbles, canned, frozen, etc. go to: www.dogaware.com {Please email cpcrnpostadoptionblog@gmail.com and I will send you this document - kg}

For info on feeding raw or cooked foods go to: http://www.b-naturals.com/index.php?main_page=newsletters or go to: www.b-naturals.com and click on newsletters. That will take you to the index.

The most important thing I can tell you is if you choose to feed raw or cooked (and I say this about kibble as well) is NOT to feed the same thing day after day after day. Dogs need a variety of healthy foods just as you and I do. :) So many time I hear a person who has come up with this wonderful recipe that they make every weekend or once a month and feed that exclusively. That is not going to fill all the dog's nutritional needs.
Bonnie, OH

Update on Lucy Benatar

Just wanted to send an update on Lucy Benatar (we call her Lucy, but her full name is Lucy Benatar Funk!!). She is doing very, very well in her new home. She started out her life with us with a six hour car ride - she was nervous the first two hours, but then relaxed enough to sleep the rest of the way. We followed your advice letter, and had her meet Wesley first - at my sister's house. The meeting went just fine - that was the first time we saw her wag her tail! And Wesley was so excited - he loved meeting her, and when she came in the car with us to go home, he was just overjoyed!!!

We could tell by Lucy's reaction to the people at the rest stops on the way from MI that she was wary of strangers walking up to her, so I placed her in my daughter's arms when we got home, and that went just fine. The cat sniffed her, and said something (???) to her when she first got to our house, but they have been just fine together, too.

She is such a cuddler - just exactly what my daughter wanted - so those two have been inseperable since Lucy's arrival. I can tell each day that she is less nervous and jumpy. She's about 75% house trained, so we are still working on that. But my main concern was that all the animals would get along, and that is going beautifully, so the rest will come.

Lucy follows Wesley around and it's cute to see how she copies what he does, so we are very lucky that she has such a wonderful dog as her teacher :-) Because of her timidness and puppy mill background, this has been a very different adjustment than with Wesley, but she is such a sweet dog, that we have all fallen in love with her and are so very glad that she is part of our family. Thank you again so very, very much for helping to bring her into our lives.
Cindy F
Minnetonka MN

Sweet Dreams from Scarlett

A day in the life of a Mill dog living the good life now.....Breakfast, a bath, sunshine, a nappie and a Big Smile..... I just had to Share....Priceless in my book. Isn't this what it's all about? She is soooooooooooooooo beautiful to me.

Colleen CO