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. 

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!

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.

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

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!

King Kirby Rules!

Seems that Foster Mom Gail was missing her boy Halyard (now known as Kirby) so asked furever Mom Julia for an update.

But first, according to Gail's unbiased opinion"

Kirby/Halyard is the most perfect older gentleman ever known. He is kind, gentle and such a great companion. He went to a home in Virginia with one of the more beautiful women on earth who also dotes on this guy.

And Mom Julia seems to agree, sending this great update:
Gail, how kind of you to ask. Kirby has adjusted very well to being the king of the household. He sleeps with me and is not any trouble. He can sense when I'm awake and puts his front paws on my chest to greet me. After I put him on the floor (the bed is too high for his aged legs), he has a big burst of energy and plays with his animals until I get dressed. He then wolfs down his breakfast, goes for a walk where he performs admirably--then home to take a nap. What a life!

He really is a sweet dog. He was attacked in the Peta dog park a few weeks ago by a bulldog and a large dog of indeterminate parentage. They jumped him and I had to call for help to get the dogs off him. He has been afraid to go into the park ever since, which is a shame because he used to love it. But he still gets his walks.

We do call him Kirby or "Kirby Underfoot" because he seldom strays more than a foot away from me. He is so funny about the cat. He looks through Sumo as though he does not exist. I don't think he believes a cat is a real person the way he is.

Thank you again for caring for him so well.
My best to you and your girls.

Julia

Midori - Most Adored

Dearest Col. Potter Friends,

We adopted Midori from you almost six years ago and she has been the most adored and amazing creature we've ever had. Because of everything she went  through before we were lucky enough to bring her into our family, it took her several years to become her full, whole, and extraordinary self. She was frightened of almost everything in the beginning and didn't make a
single sound for almost a year and a half. We gently poured love into her every day, and at night I sang lullabies, and slowly, day by day she started to come out of her shell of fear and dread.

Today she is completely happy, plays like a puppy (although she is now 13 years old) loves people and animals, and except for some Saturday mornings when she continues to shake uncontrollably (we think something awful must have happened to her on Saturdays) she is ultra relaxed, calm, and playful and incredibly loving. She is the most intelligent, conscious, dog we've
ever had and every day we thank you for finding her and allowing us the gift of bringing her into our lives.

After eating every meal, she comes up to whoever made the meal and literally kisses that person on their hands. It's very clear she's saying  thank you! At night we put her on the couch between us and she immediately rolls over on her back and stretches out so we can rub her tummy for as long as possible. When we're done she kisses us both again on our hands
and is ready for bed.

It has been the most incredible joy to watch her become her full and whole self over these past years and we feel blessed to have been able to give her the love, safety, and life she so needed.

Thank you all,
Steve and Jane C
Oakland, CA

Bye-Bye Bertie (Lambert) - Hello Furever Home

 

Foster Mom Susan B. in Murfreesboro, TN writes:
Bertie (CP Boy Lambert) met his new mom, Judy, and her friend Don today. As you can see, Bertie enthusiastically approved of his new mom. After they arrived, he only had eyes for Judy and Don and took turns sitting in each of their laps and getting their attention. Bertie is on his way home now to start his new life. He never looked back. It was another great match made in heaven!

Just look how handsome he is - groomed and wearing his Col. Potter bandanna.

Every happy wish to Bertie and his furever home!

Basque's Wonderful Childhood

Just thought we give an update on little Basque. Now imagine a child that has just learned there are toys and other kids to play with....now you have Basque. This little furkid gets cuter by the minute. She has discovered that her sister furkids all love to play and it is a riot to see the 4 jumping and running together. Basque especially likes Kendall and they both seem to play the longest together and initate all actions. One minutes they are on top of each other, the next rolling on the floor, then running outside chasing each other and more fun. What is interesting is our Mother Superior as we call her, MacKenzie keeps a close watch and barks if things get out of hand. Basque is also having so much fun re-arranging the toys from the toy box to the back yard but did get a warning about touching Rosie's Col. Potter blanket.

Basque has also discovered she can move things with her mouth. As a matter of fact we have plotted all items in the house and any thing between the floor and two feet is not safe. I found her and Rosie both dragging the family room entrance carpet out the patio door to the backyard.....everything and any thing appears to be free game. Even the humidifier was on its way out until Foster mom spoiled the fun and said a stern NO.

Basque is also coming closer to Foster dad and accepting treat from his hand when he is not looking. Tonight Basque surprised us with a new hiding place. While Foster Mom was busy getting ready for Easter Dinner she found it odd the kitchen cabinet garbage drawer kept opening so Foster Mom kept closing it (lucky softly). This went on for a bit until Foster Mom started wondering why Basque had not come around lately especially since Foster Dad and that teenager were busy elsewhere.....the idea hit her to open the garbage drawer all the way and sure enough there was Basque as happy as anything. Basque has also learned how to open the garbage cabinet door but hitting it.

Foster Mom forget to tell Foster dad about this and while foster Mom went shopping Foster dad decided to count tails and came up one short. This caused quite a commotion and an immediate lock down was declared and the neighor Cairn Rescue team (lead by our neighbor an ex-marine) was engaged. A search of the house with Foster Dad in a panic was conducted while the ex-Marine and his band of troops (kids aged 12, 8, 6 and 5 year old) started looking around the neighborhood. (yes we have actually practiced this drill). A short time later Foster Mom arrived home and of course there was Basque fast asleep in her new space. Ice cream for everyone and we went about our business while I saw the family room carpet again go by and heading for the back yard pation door.

Basque wishes everyone a Happy Easter and vows to continue to surprise us! She can now be seen looking for an easter bunny and/or easter squirrel in the yard :-)

The Very Happy Rough Rider Twix

Foster Mom Linda B sent this photo and great update: It was over a year ago that Biggie (Bridge) came to our house to live as a special foster. I think he was here for well over 6 - 8 months. There was a few times during our trials and tribulations with this special boy that my husband would say, "This guy is never going to get adopted. He's probably going to live here forever." But Biggie, now Twix, found that special person. For all of you who helped me along the way I am sure this picture of him with his daddy Wes will bring a smile to you. I had happy tears. He was a very special boy who found that special person to live happily everafter with.

BZ Is Sweet Sixteen!

We are celebrating my cairn BZ's Sweet Sixteen! She was a backyard breeder's dog that was adopted at age 4 by a patient of mine. When she was getting divorced & couldn't keep her, I offered to take her. She's been with us for 14 months now. Even though she is bossy, would kill for a toy or treat, is only partially housetrained and struggles with her weight (I struggle, she doesn't care!), we adore her & can't picture life without her! We hope she has many more birthdays! We love you BZ AKA Beatrice Zoe!!
Lisa & Wally, MA

Avi (fka Avenue) and Henry Sitting at the Window ... and so much more!

Avi & Henry's Furever Family say:
I've attached a couple of pictures (sorry for their size) of Avi's (the little black one) first 24 hours in our home. She continues to adjust well, though she did wake up at 1 AM and keep us up for a few hours. She seems to be letting Henry (also a CP kid - click Henry for his gotcha story) be the alpha, but did manage to get up on his favorite perch by the window (the first picture). She walks very well on a leash, runs around the yard with Henry (to his sheer delight), and is already defending our backyard from the neighbors (not that she needs to...).

Joe and Michelle

Virgil Observes "Wearin O' the Green"

Virgil, now in his furever home, sent Foster Mom this update and she shared it with us. Isn't he the handsomest Virgil ever!

Hi! Here I am with my fresh haircut and St Paddy's -- let's call it a bowtie, not a ribbon. Just got it today from my new groomer Linda. Best cut I've had since moving to Ohio. She had to put a muzzle on me cuz I don't like to have my toes done. But I lived through it just fine.

I got my teeth cleaned a couple weeks ago and had TWO extractions. yikes! Hope my mommy can get up the nerve to brush my teeth so we don't have problems in the future. I like to clamp up the ole teeth and lips.

Still have my sensitive tummy and I take my daily meds like a man. Of course I get some nice, low fat, low sodium deli turkey nestled around them.

Winter has been so mild here which is a good thing cuz I don't like having my feet wiped off when i bring all that snow in with me. It kind of freezes right onto my leg fur. And somehow there always seems to be snow on my nose, too. Oh well, on the nice days we get to take a walk. I love my walks!

Bye for now. Love from your never-forget-you pal, Virgilrigile

 Hi! Here I am with my fresh haircut and St Paddy's -- let's call it a bowtie, not a ribbon. Just got it today from my new groomer Linda. Best cut I've had since moving to Ohio. She had to put a muzzle on me cuz I don't like to have my toes done. But I lived through it just fine.

I got my teeth cleaned a couple weeks ago and had TWO extractions. yikes! Hope my mommy can get up the nerve to brush my teeth so we don't have problems in the future. I like to clamp up the ole teeth and lips.

Still have my sensitive tummy and I take my daily meds like a man. Of course I get some nice, low fat, low sodium deli turkey nestled around them.

Winter has been so mild here which is a good thing cuz I don't like having my feet wiped off when i bring all that snow in with me. It kind of freezes right onto my leg fur. And somehow there always seems to be snow on my nose, too. Oh well, on the nice days we get to take a walk. I love my walks!

Bye for now. Love from your never-forget-you pal, Virgil

Jethro Finds the Beach and a Furever Family

This happy-ever-after photo by our friend Paula of Oyster Town Dog card designs. The couple, Maria and Howard, came into Paula's art gallery in Apalachicola, FL and were gushing over Paula's cairn, Bijoux. Col. Potter came into the mix, Paula did their HSV and Voila! Happy campers! And a great furever home for Jethro!!


Maria, Howard H and Jethro

My new friends...they picked Jethro up at the Tallahassee airport on Tuesday(?) !!! Maria brought him in to meet me yesterday at the gallery. I had Bijoux with me and when she and Jethro met...it was Cairn love at first sight! I explained that, at just 7 years old, he is too young for her and that we needed to get him and Lucy (6) together soon as they have the same energy level. I'm going to try to go down to Indian Pass campground some day this week and they can all do their "cairn thing" on the beach!

Celebrating Hemi's 2nd Gotcha Day!!

Our Sweet Prince Hemi’s (CP’S Hematite) 2 year “Gottcha Day” is 2/22/12. We will never forget the day!

For February, here in Everett, WA, it was was a nice, sunny day. I could hardly sleep the night before! I was sooo excited! We already had our Empress Gypsy - she’s the ruler under her Mom and Hell Boy Bogie, who, if there is trouble to be found, he will find it! We had had both Gypsy and Bogie since they were puppies and they had two litters. So our puppy “fixes” had been more than satisfied!

We found Col. Potter on the internet. We have always supported animal rescue and thought it was time to do more than just donate money. Gypsy is a wheaten and Bogie is a red wheaten. Our hearts were set on a dark brindle.

We started our search in October 2009 with Col. Potter. We went through the the process of completing the application, the reference check and home safety visit (HSV) and wondered if we would ever be approved?! Finally we were! Then the real work began!

We saw several Cairn’s on the website we were interested in and with the help of our MatchMaker, Kathy B, we found Hemi! His Foster Mom, Lynn B, did a wonderful job with him. He has brought us great joy and is perfect!

We have become more involved with Col. Potter since the time we brought him to his forever home. We now help with the reference checks, an occasional HSV (not many in the Seattle area as yet) and Fostering.

We have 3 fosters under our belts (we flunked, once so far). Hemi has helped with every foster. He is kind to them (sometimes too kind because he lets them steal his toys and we think he’d let them eat his food if we allowed it)! Hemi brings smiles and light to our lives. We can’t imagine our lives without him! He is so sweet, loves everyone and we thank Col. Potter and everyone involved for bringing him to our home!

Many people might think Col. Potter's adoption process is too long, too involved but each step helps guarantee than when the right home is found, the forever home knows their new best friend is home forever!

Our Post Adoption Coordinator, Sandy B, was supportive and there for us if needed. Col. Potter is one of the best rescue groups out there and we hope to continue to help with their success! Thank you all so very much, we couldn’t have done any of this without all of you!

Geri and Joe P
Everett, WA

Star nka Clementine Celebrates Her First Birthday!

As you may recall, Tess’s litter of freedom babies celebrated their first birthday this weekend.
We received some photos that I had to share with you.  Star is now known as Clementine and has a Cairn brother Friskers.  Clemmie’s daddy was obviously a Poodle, but she surely has her mom’s sweet soft expression.

Clementine fka Star (Tess' Puppy)

If these photos don’t make you smile – well then you’ve really had a terrible day.

Friskers

Baxter Receives First 2012 Award

After much deliberation and weighing of all things important (especially treats), at this prominent New York establishment, Baxter the Cairn has been awarded the title of:

     EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH JANUARY 2012

This award recognizes Baxter for his tireless service in bravely staving off bands of roving marauders (and squirrels and shrews and other such vermin), repeatedly checking our waterfall for critters and for making sure that no one came and stole the fire from HIS fireplace.

Although employee of the month awards are usually awarded in the first week of a month, the purveyors of the establishment where he works were just too darned lazy to get around to it before now.

If he keeps up the good work he might just be honored again in the future. But he has to keep up the good work. And we have to not be so lazy.

Kathie - Long Island, NY
Baxter dah 1-dah dawg. (I kame pre-spoyld! I'z makin sur dey kepe up da tradishun n iz wurkin! I wuz Harree Hoodeenee n a prebeeus libe.)

Translation: Baxter, the one dog (I came prespoiled! I'm making sure they keep up the tradition and it's working! I was Harry Houdini in a previous life.

I'm a ...

Kipper fka Slicker Enjoying All Things Cairn

Here's an update from little Slicker who I was so worried about sending on the plane to Wyoming. I've been in touch with his new mom a few times, but I had to share this email because it really touched me.

Marge, MN




Hi Foster Mom! It's me, Kipper, I got a new home and a new name, but I'll always be your Slicker. My new Mom said I could write to you and let you know how I'm doing. I've been here 3 weeks can you believe it? I like it here! My new Mom took me out the other day and I just wanted to lay on the ground and let the sun soak into my bones. It was warm, Mom thought we were going for a walk but I just stopped by the car and sat down. Mom didn't try to make me move or nothing. Since it felt so good to sit in the sun I thought laying down would be even better. That's when Mom opened the back of the car and took a seat herself! We stayed out there an awful long time just soaking up the sun. She doesn't always let me do my own thing but that day she did! 

I get lots of treats. And I get people food once in awhile, but just a taste. I got something called chicken the other day. Boy, was that good! But then they also gave me something called a blueberry, I didn't like that and spit it out. Mom laughed and said that was the first thing I didn't want to eat. But I have liked all the dog treats I get. I got something the other day that was kind of hard and leathery and I could chew and chew and chew on it. It lasts a long time! Sometimes I get bored trying to eat it and I grab it and toss it up in the air and try to catch it. Then I run around the furniture at top speed until I'm out of breath. Mom even chased me the other day and I wasn't even scared! I like her running after me, it's fun! I'm lots faster than her, but she takes short cuts and then tickles me as I zoom past! It makes me run even faster. But I can't do that very long, I just get too out of breath and I start coughing. Mom says she worries about me coughing but that it's probably due to coming from a humid place to bone dry Wyoming. Mom said I'm going to go meet my new Doctor next week and she'll check me out to see why I'm coughing.

I got to go on a long walk at a big park today. I got to meet a Scottie cousin and a Portuguese Water dog and a big lovable mutt. I liked them all. I also got to meet some friends of Mom and Dad's today. I did really well but was a little scared 'cuz I didn't know why they were talking to me. I didn't want them to take me home since I like my new Mom and Dad so much. Dad used to scare me 'cuz he's so big and loud but he takes me out in the morning and feeds me breakfast and takes me out after dinner too. And he likes to feed me treats so since it makes him feel so good I let him. Dad was trying to teach me a new trick the other day. Something called "come" but I'm not quite sure yet what he wants me to do. I must have done it right a few times since he told me I was good and I got a treat but I don't know what I did, I just went up to him for a treat and got one? I don't know but I guess if he wants to give me a treat I'll let him. But I must admit, I like Mom the best. I like to sit next to her and I like it when she picks me up and hugs me. She snuggles into my neck and whispers nice words to me. She tells me I'm a really good boy! I must be since she smiles so much when she looks at me.

I've done really good lately and have gone OUTSIDE for poops and potties for 4 days straight. I've even had to hold it longer than I want since Mom still doesn't quiet get my signals yet but I've been so good! Mom told me if I can make 7 straight days then she will let me sleep on the bed at night! I can't wait! I've been jumping up there and checking out where I'll be sleeping soon. It's so comfy! Much roomier than my crate. I love rolling around on the quilt and pillows.

My new life is just so much better now! I can't believe my good luck. I not only got rescued from being a working boy but then I got to live with you and my foster siblings and learn about being a part of a family. I was scared and sad when I had to come out here with my new Mom and Dad but I'm ever so glad I did!

I want to thank you for loving me and teaching me things and helping me to be a good boy! Tell those other dogs I have my own family now and I have people who love me as much as you love them! I bet they'll be happy for me, I know I'm happy for me.

Love and licks,
Slicker

Blackberry Visits the Yacht Club

Blackberry has now been with us for 3 weeks and we couldn’t be happier! Blackberry is best friends with our black lab – Alex and the two of them are constantly running around the house playing with their toys.

Blackberry loves to cuddle and he is always searching for someone’s lap to curl up in. Blackberry loves meal time and he “talks” to us to get us to hurry up with his dinner. 

Walks are very pleasant as Blackberry walks very well on a leash and he manages to keep up with his big brother – Alex.

We took Blackberry down to the Yacht Club yesterday and he received a new bright orange life jacket to wear on the dock.

Blackberry is a perfect fit for our family and we think he really likes it here as well as you can see by the pictures attached.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a permanent home for Blackberry!

Regards,
Dale & Donna B