Libby's Gotcha Day

Libby F (CPCRN name Louise) recently celebrated her "Gotcha Day" anniversary in Ann Arbor, MI. where she was adopted in 2007. We believe Libby to be around 4 years old. I had never experienced the joys of owning a dog before Libby - it's certainly been a life-changing event!

Libby is about as sweet as they come, and has definitely tapped into her inner Princess. She was quite timid and fearful of many things upon her arrival, including stairs, doors, black shoes, a hand near her face, riding in the car, people yelling or speaking loudly, etc. Libby is much more confident now, & will strain on the leash to approach other dogs during a walk, even if they're considerably larger than her.

She's still very anxious on car rides and continues to be fearful of being struck with a hand. There are several human neighbors she considers her special friends, and automatically tries to walk up their sidewalks for a visit. She tries to catch up with unsuspecting butterflies, tiny toads & birds, and appears disappointed they don't sit and wait for her.

But her absolute favorite thing to do is visit her foster care home, which is Libby's version of going to a resort. Her foster mom Denise (a CPCRN associate) and I are friends & co-workers, and often bring Denise's 3 Cairns, her fosters & Libby together for socializing. They clearly all enjoy each other's company, and spend lots of time in the fenced-in yard together. Libby rarely barks, but she enjoys standing out on Denise's deck and barking at the gate in the fence, for unknown reasons.

This photo is from a recent "sleepover" she had with her Cairn cousins & Denise's family. We think Libby is happy with her life and knows she is loved by many. A big thank-you to CPCRN and to my Cairn Terrier mentor, Denise H.!

Bubbles is now Katie

What a big smile she has in her furever home!

Napolean's Bike Ride

Hi everyone! I hope this link works to show the pictures of the bike basket I bought for Napoleon. We just got it on last night so just took a real quick ride to see how he would like it. He LOVED it. Alexandra was taking the pictures and when we came back, she took Napoleon in so I could start mowing. He was NOT happy -- wanted to stay with Mom and ride the bike more! :-) I can't wait to go riding with him on Saturday and take him for a longer ride. He was perfect -- I got him all snapped in and he just looked around and smiled. Hope you enjoy the pictures! http://napoleonmc.shutterfly.com/
Keren in Oklahoma with Napoleon -- cuzins I gots to go bik riding! Tell yur moms to get you a basket! It was fun!
Ginger -- I didn't get to go bik riding but dats ok wif me.
Willie -- I would have to be chained in to stay in the basket and even that would be no guarantee, and Columbus (Bubby) -- I stays hom wif Wiwwee and pway wif him.

Big Celebrations for Bea, Neah, and Zander

September 24th was Bea and Neha’s first anniversary of their gotcha day AND it was Zander’s adoption day!

Bea and Neha met and bonded in foster care and we adopted them together. This picture is the two of them today wondering what all the fuss is about - after all, they knew all along they were cairn princesses.They sleep snuggled next to each other, play together all the time and always like to know where the other one is. Bea won Best Senior at the Isle of Palms Doggy Day at the Rec this year and Neha also participated in this and the Charleston Dog Show and she loves to show off her soccer skills at the dog park. They are very happy and healthy and love their toys and riding in the car and leaving nose prints on the windows!

Zander is getting his second chance at adoption. His first one didn’t work out and we were happy to offer him a “furever” home with us. .We never thought that we would have three dogs but you just know when it’s right and when he came back in the door, Bea and Neha came flying down the stairs to sniff him and do their happy dance. This is a picture of him with his new toys and face trim AFTER I mailed his contract.

We will be driving them to their first Cairn rescue Annual Party (CRAP) in West Virginia next week. I’m sure there will be a story to tell after that adventure! Thanks to everyone in Col. Potter who helps to make these stories possible behind the scenes everyday!

Bonnie in SC Mom to CP's Bea, Neah and Zander foster Mom to Bubba Gump

Tiara now Tee Tee Sends Foster Mom a "Thank You"

Tiara's Foster Mom wrote: What a wonderful surprise we received today, a beautiful edible arrangement from little Tee Tee. Blaine and I can not stop smiling. Following a quick note to TeeTee's new forever family, Foster Mom received this reply:

Why that little scamp!!!! She is so smart she now knows how to use my credit card and has mastered the intricacies of the computer - I haven't even been able to get Tim that well trained!!!! She is so sweet and well mannered I just can't believe it - she is starting to hang out more with the boys, but when she wants her "Tee-time" she takes her toys and goes into the bathroom and sits there - I think you are right - she must have been kept there, because she certainly feels comfortable there!

She got groomed today and the groomer said she was just a dream to work with. I've included a picture of her - and she didn't get much cut off, because I wanted to see how she did first.

I'll get to spend lots of time with her - she's got "sit" down really well!! We're working on her coming when her name is called. Enjoy the fruit! Talk to you later!
Susan, Tim, Chester, Munchkin, Taz and Tee Tee the Wonderdog!

Misty Visits the Grand Canyon

Here are some beautiful photos from Barry and Pat, who adopted Misty (fka Worship), last year. This former mill momma is so well loved by them, it really warms my heart. Seeing Misty at the Grand Canyon is pretty neat, especially because we thought early on, we were going to lose her from a terrible infection from her spay. Who'd a thought she would be seeing such beautiful sights!!

Tess Oughta Be in Pictures!

This is Tess, fka Belair
"LET ME OUT OF HERE!",
and posing with flowers. Isn't she precious!

Bella Loves Her Life!

Dear Aunt Mary, I didn't know life could be this good. I am so happy with my new forever family that words cannot express it. They love me no matter what kind of trouble I cause and believe me I can cause trouble. We have gotten into a regular routine and it is working just great. I am so excited to see my daddy come home that I about burst. DeDe is a great sister too. She has taught me a lot - some things mom and dad didn't want me to learn. Like how to escape from the laundry room. We have had several great adventures in the house when no one was home but dad thinks he has fixed that. He thinks he has corralled us but we are working on our next escape route. I am getting plenty of exercise running around the house and yard, and daddy has been taking us to the doggie park when he gets home. I am still a little unsure of myself around all those dogs but I can hold my own. Under daddy's legs that is. He says I am getting better. I will venture off and sniff all the great sniffs that there are to sniff. Then coming running back when someone tries to sniff me. We are working on things like Sit, Stay, and Come. I can do all that but only when it suits me. I am of course a Cairn, and we only do what we want to do when we want to do it. Last night I got my first bath in my new home. Daddy is learning that I am a handful when I am wet. I really did not want to be dried off afterwards and I let him know. I wiggled and wormed like only I can do but in the end I let him dry me off. Then it was off to romp with sis. Such fun. I am sending a couple of pictures so you can see how they spoil me. I am really the happiest little Cairn that ever lived. Thanks again for the great start. We think of you often. Luv Bella

A Cairn Princess in the Making - One Year

It took me a long time to come the decision to foster. A long time and a lot of convincing of my dear husband who felt we already had enough on our plate. A young family, a working family, with 2 kids still at home - quite a few years before they leave the nest. We already had one Cairn to add to our day to day responsibilities along with our family feline. I convinced my husband that we could do this, no problem.

Let’s rewind: August 11th, 2008 - a late night drive to the airport. Gosh, we were so excited about our new foster arriving in Winnipeg. We had already seen a picture of her and at least new what Wilson looked liked. Wilson came to Col. Potter from a puppy mill along with several Cairns that needed rescue. This group of fur-kids were named after rock legends. Wilson was named after the ever so talented ladies of the group Heart.
Finally, a small crate arrives in the cargo area of the airport. We all looked at each other with bewilderment and a now what look on our faces. We squeeze together and peek into the crate to see 2 eyes peeking back at us. In unison, we say “awwwww”. We carry Wilson to the car and start our new journey together as her foster family.

Let me tell you, things weren’t easy at first. Nope, not easy. We now had a dog that peed on the floor, on her bed, pretty much anywhere in her ex-pen. I guess when you gotta go, you gotta go! She growled at the resident Cairn and our cat. We wondered if she would ever be friendly. As each day went by, things got a little easier. After a few weeks, we were proud to say that Wilson was pee-mat trained. She wasn’t the most social dog we had ever met and was absolutely terrified to go outside. It didn’t matter though - those were things we would work on.
One day, I took some pictures of Wilson and put them on the Col. Potter website with a really nice update mentioning that Wilson was ready to be adopted. My dear husband was mortified! Yes, my husband - the same man who only one dog! He convinced me that we needed to adopt her NOW! He said that WE are the family for her, end of story. He also sat beside me to fill out an application to adopt.

Fast-forward: Sept.10th, 2008 - We received our contract that our adoption of Wilson had gone through. Wilson was officially ours! I shared the news with the family - everyone was elated!

Well, the first thing we did was a name change. Wilson, officially became Delilah - nickname Dilly. It is truly the most fitting name for this little girl… our little silly Dilly! Every month that went by with Dilly was a month full of accomplishments. Dilly was better bonded with the family, would walk a little more freely around the house, realized that the bathroom garbage can wouldn’t attack her and would even enter the kitchen at times when she felt comfortable.

It has taken Dilly 10 months to sniff - as crazy as that sounds, this little Cairn wouldn’t sniff anything. Well, she does now! She finally drinks out of the community water bowl and RUNS down the hallway with a smile on her face each and every morning because she can - and nobody stops her!
She continues to amaze me. Not just me but all of us. In August of 2009, Dilly went outside on her own. She didn’t need to be carried in terror at all. She followed us outside and ran for a short bit and wanted back inside. My dear hubby and I were speechless! We couldn’t believe it! Our little Dilly has come a very long way in the past year. She has also learned to finger play with small, gentle nips. She enjoys the company of her brother Hershey. I think she really started to like Hershey when she realized that he gets good treats when he comes in from outside and mom sneaks her one too. Speaking of food, I don’t think there will ever be another dog that is so grateful to receive a bowl of food. She sits in her little Sphinx position awaiting preparation of her meal, ever so quietly. Dilly will leap to her feet and bound down the hallway to her private eating area. Even the smallest crumb of food makes her happy. Her little eyes tell us “thank you” in her own way.

We have no regrets fostering. None. Dilly was the perfect addition to our family as silly as she can be. She adores her family, humans and fur siblings. She has made huge adjustments in her life but has settled in nicely.

We still have things to work on. We hope to spend our days in the backyard comfortably with Dilly one day where she can experience the shade of the apple tree on sunny day. Maybe she’ll roll in the dirt with Hershey or even dig in it. We want her to see a squirrel run along the fence or even watch a rabbit hop through the neighbor's yard.

All those good things will come - we’re certain of it. Time and patience are something we have a lot of.

Dilly, it has been a fantastic year! We are so happy to say that you are home for good!

It's Popeye ... make that Tessie the Sailor Cairn!

Introducing: ZAZZLE

Add Glitter to your Photos

ZAZZLE 'EM ... BEDAZZLE 'EM!
CPCRN is so excited to Introduce our latest store -
CP CAIRN RESCUE ZAZZLE!!!!!!

Where the designs are unique and fresh . . . something we are sure you will totally LOVE.
SO JOIN US in our Introduction of ZAZZLE!

There are three constants at Col Potter Cairn Rescue Network:
1. to help find homes for as many rescued Cairns as possible.
2. to generate the needed funding in a variety of ways.
3. to have fun and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from providing Cairns with good=2 0homes and homes with great Cairns.

The website is easy to navigate and can be found at www.zazzle.com/cpcairnrescue

Thank You for supporting Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network!

Munchkin's Labor Day Celebration

Well, I am very happy to say that Munchkin and Dad [Frank P] are doing very well at the retirement center in Kittery, Maine.

For Labor Day weekend my brother invited the family to take a long ride on his Catboat. Most of us were able to attend, the day could not have been nicer, the sky clear- full sun and the water sparkling. The wind was a bit low - so sailing was almost a no-go.

We headed out toward Nantucket Sound. This trip was a first for both Munchkin and my Dad [since his stroke a couple of years ago now]. Neither Munckin nor Dad had any trouble at all adjusting to the sea air, salt water and the motion of the boat. Munchkin settled down nicely with Dad and enjoyed the ride across the water. She also took a walk up on top of the boat - starboard side.

When we docked for some time on the beach, we were not sure how Munchkin would take to the water, but she did just fine, for her first time swimming in the ocean. Go Munchkin!

On the trip back to the dock, I found that both my four year old and Munchkin had fallen asleep. So very tired from all the fun and excitement from our day of boating, beaching, collecting shells and rocks and just being with the family.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Stay tuned for our next update(s) of fun! next weekend at the Kittery Retirement Center for a Clam Bake.

Best regards,

Ms. Heather-E. S. G. [Frank P's daughter]

You're Invited to the "Pet Extravaganza

The Gulf Coast Dog Magazine

Pet Extravaganza
Oct 17, 2009
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sarasota-Bradenton International Convention Center
More than 200 exhibits of pet-related products & services
(for more information) http://www.thegulfcoastdog.com/PetExtravaganza.html

Murder in Rhode Island

It is with heavy heart that I ask you all to light a candle for Stella's beloved Mr. Froggie. It seems he was MURDERED late last night whilst I was sleeping.

Stella and I awoke to a sea of white stuffing and bits and pieces of Mr. Froggie scattered around my bedroom carpet, it is even to horrible to describe the devastation to you all.

The police tape is up, and we are dusting for paw prints and have 5 (five) suspects underhouse arrest.

Mr. Froggies was with us, but a short time, but the pleasure he gave to Stella was unmeasurable, he will not be forgotten. We know Mr. Froggie is in a better place at the Bridge for Murdered Toys.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, due to the extreme makeover Mr. Froggie undergoes to make him presentable for viewing.

Thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts.

Deb H in RI, and the grieving Stella (CP kid)

Police drawing done by Penny M in NY

How to Use a Treadmill

Duke R. was recently voted off "Biggest Loser" for failing to keep up with his exercise regime.

Frankly, I think he has the better idea!

Saturday was a busy adoption day for several CP kids, including Mr. Salty. Here is an update from his foster mom:

Today Mr. Salty met his Mom, Michelle and fur sister Calla and traveled home to Maryland.
View photos and video in the Mister Salty Album at
http://community.webshots.com/user/marie_felton
(and please ignore the senseless chatter of the humans trying to get the kids to look at the camera). :)
Marie with resident Cairns:
Chloe (Emprez of de Uniberse) and Zeus (De sweetest boi in de wurld)

Congratulations, Mr. Salty. Have a wonderful furever!!

Kingston is Adopted

A bittersweet day for me as my very own foster boy - the so sweet and well-behaved Kingston was adopted by a wonderful family. He has moved to Columbua, SC where he will live on a "mini-farm" with chickens and goats, another human brother and sister, and Mom & Dad. Kingston will help with "chores" by routing the voles (a mouse-like varmint) from the vegetable gardens. He will also accompany Mom on the early morning milking trips. I think my boy will be well-loved and very happy in his furever home. Love and miss you Kingston! All the best,

Auntie Karen G with Kiara & Ruthie (who can no longer torment you!)

"Through Portals I Go Free"

In January 2008, following the creation of the Col. Potter blog, we were inspired to start the post-adoption blog including music that relates to what CP does, who we are, and how we feel about rescue & Cairns - with music that expresses our emotional investment. While selecting the music, I had a thought - Wouldn't it be cool to have a "Col Potter" song. One very talented & dedicated volunteer, who just so happened to have a recording studio and many experienced vocalists, took the challenge. Never mind that the "recording studio" was an elementary school classroom, and the vocalists were 3rd to 5th graders . Just like rescue Cairns, they had the "tude" to write music and lyrics for a very original Col. Potter song - guided by their music teacher and CP volunteer Mary N. In the process of writing the song, Mary and her students talked a lot about rescue, and the responsibility of having a pet. The charming lyrics followed those discussions. As is the subject, their music is serious and the words heartfelt. Enjoy!

A Handsome Stranger

Charlie (fka Charleigh O'Doyle) is settling into his new home remarkably well, better than we dared hope.

He and we survived the stress of flying home (despite encountering the wicked witch of flight attendants...) and a friend met us at a local dog friendly park near our house so we could introduce Charlie to Lili, our 8 year old grey brindle Cairn princess, on neutral ground. Charlie was a little underwhelmed and more interested in the sights and sounds of the park. But Lili was obviously pleased to introduce her new rescue brother to the locals! She tried to initiate play once we got home, but Charlie seemed disinterested. We (and she) now realize he was just tuckered after a long and eventful day.

After a good first nights sleep and a couple of gourmet meals, by the next morning Charlie was the play initiator. In fact, we have since discovered he is always up for play, including with his fur cousin CJ, a gentle giant who came to spend the weekend recently. Charlie and Miss Lili are still working out their signals and relationship, slowly at first but clearly now. We think formerly being an only child Charlie didn't really know much about Cairn play rules until he met his foster sibs - who may not have taught him the specific rules of engagement where a resident princess is concerned.

Lili received her own CP blankie (a beautiful giraffee that now makes her favorite nap spot snugglier than ever...) and one of the more comical things we witnessed in the first few days was when she entered the kitchen one evening and decided she wanted to snooze on the big bed (where what's-his-name was spending his first days when gated). She took hold of his blankie and dragged it to the middle of the room before settling in on the big dog bed!!

Night time was an initial concern although Lili seldom spends the entire night on the people bed. Both visited and while Charlie seemed content to remain, the princess preferred staking claim to "his" hastily erected, newly bedded, lone crate. Well, it is new, it is lone...and she is a princess. But all in all, apart from mealtime, sharing doesn't seem to be an issue. Lili is an eats to live (yet food possessive) and Charlie is another lives to eat. But Lili's Elvis impersonation lip is now sufficient to keep Charlie at bay until she decides whether to leave him anything. He has some new snuggle beds that she isn't particularly interested in. She has her favorite nap spots and he's selected nearby alternatives. She plays with toys in spurts, but doesn't care for them nearly as much as Charlie does so they are not an issue.

After a week of gate separation when we were out, to avoid any inadvertent dust ups, they are now just hanging out together awaiting our return. Charlie is becoming more comfortable and more Cairn by the day. He is now patrolling the perimeter as opposed to just taking care of business while out in the yard. He loves his neighborhood walks and they took to their walks together immediately. His fur-sib was a tad perturbed at first at his attempts to be the lead dog but that issue melted PDQ. Because he loves toys they have taken to playing an occasional tug of war game, something that was a first for Lili.

Lili at eight is still very active but her activity isn't necessarily a sign she wants to play rough and tumble which, come to think of it, she and Georgie never really did probably because of his impending medical problems. She is prey driven to the point of obsession - indoors and out, and prey can include anything she sees or senses from the mailman to two or four legged passers by to squirrlies in the trees to (heaven forbid) a dog or other animal (real or animated) on TV. Which she watches (so we avoid Animal Planet and any shows or movies featuring potential prey because the big screen HDTV was expensive...). Charlie is interested in and aware of prey outdoors, but not terribly prey driven. She has issues with thunder, although unlike most thunder aversive dogs she appears to want to chase that too...Charlie likes to cuddle closer when it thunders but doesn't seem overly upset by it. A friend reminded us as we were selectively searching for our new boy dog that if we had to do an assessment write up on our existing princess it might be a while before some hearty soul took a flyer on her...and that's since she's matured! Charlie is learning that her running isn't necessarily an invitation to play, although he's welcome to either join her or just don't impede her. He is far more interested in toys, and prone to dismembering the overly furry ones, and more eager to play rough with other dogs or seek attention from his humans. But each is coming to terms with the others preferences, and growing more comfortable by the day, and the fact that they obviously perceive each other as pretty darn cute and interesting company doesn't hurt.

Just this last week Summer finally arrived in New England, so Charlie received his first exposure to our insane Cairn version of the little mermaid. He watched in suitable awe as she single-mindedly battled the underwater hose monster for several minutes as the pool filled, and then attempted to reposition a half full wading pool with her teeth! He snuck in a few sips here and there and finally dipped his toes in after she was finished. Just so she knows she's not the only one bringing new and exciting pastimes to the relationship, Charlie has introduced her to the adventures of eating raw chicken feet... And so he'd no she wasn't naive about the goodness of raw foods, she introduced him to marrow bones...

Charlie loves peoples, of any size or shape, and while at first a little pushy over attention, that too is melting in favor of two dog greetings. And the former one trick pony (the rolling over routine is endearing, though...) is learning that sit gets you treats quicker with less effort!! He and his gf now often flake out puppy spread eagle style just a few inches apart on the kitchen floor if one or both of us is working there. And we've caught each of them sneaking the other a quick kiss every now and again when they think we're not looking... They are both, after all, kinda cute.

We all undertook the process with heavy hearts and a healthy dose of trepidation. Our recently departed Georgie was a darling boy, our first male dog as well as our first Cairn, and the one who then helped raise our Lili from a pup. We still miss him, but Charlie isn't him...and that is the best part. He has a very different look, although both were black brindles, and he has a very different yet equally endearing personality - intent on pleasing all his princesses!!

Thank you Col. Potter for being there and for doing all you, for introducing us to a "dark (and may we add handsome) stranger", and mending broken hearts (including some human ones) one Cairn at a time.

Happy Gotcha Day to Nettie Ann

This is Nettie’s 7th or 8th Gotcha Day. For some reason, I can’t remember if she was adopted in 2001 or 2002. She was about 6 when I adopted her, so this makes her 13 or 14 years old.

Nettie was my first foster and I loved her the moment I saw her picture, long before she ever arrived March 2. She hated to be picked up, but now asks to be picked up, as she is doing in this picture – pawing my leg. I loved her so much, that I just had to hold her, and often. Now I can’t sit down without her often deciding that I need to pick her up.

It’s been many wonderful years of loving this girl. She’s doing well other than her allergies, so I am hopeful of many more years. I will be forever grateful to CP for introducing me to fostering, and especially for bringing Nettie Ann into my life.

Thank you.

Sandy in Texas