Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Foster Spotlight Is On GIANNA!



Happy New Year! I was at a New Year's party and got to thinking about this past year. I thought I would share my past year with you all!

My name is Gianna. I have been on a long journey and thought you all might like to hear my story!


I originally came from the South. Down South that is. I am a true Southern Belle! I enjoyed being a Southern Belle, but a day came when I was very mysteriously moved from my Southern home, to a new home in Southern California! I wasn't sure what was going on and was a bit nervous about this whole moving thing! There I was, just uprooted from the person I owned by a big bad hurricane and hard times.
Thus began my journey in my new home. It's called a temporary home. Hmmm…a foster home. So this is not my furevah home, but an in between place? I am training this family and then I will have to do this again? Oh bother, these humans sure are strange! But, all aside, I do love my foster home family!

My temporary family in Californea has been most helpful! They had me diagnosed with diabetes and now that I am getting my shot after my morning and evening meal, I am feeling healthier. And let me tell you, that shot after my meal just takes a second to give! Fast and easy. Kind of like my motto for fun! Then my foster mom had my cataracts removed! NOW I am having fun, feeling frisky and having a blast!


I love to meet new people! These two-legged hoomans just fascinate me! I love to hear them laugh! Some of them are pretty funny you know. So how do you make them laugh? Well, you just have to put some of the Southern belle away for starters! Now here are some of the things I like to do to get the attention and laughter of the humans!
  1. I want your attention! I sit up in my best Meerkat pose so that you think I am cute. It automatically brings you my way for scritches and or treats!


  2. Why don't you lie down on the floor? I promise to come to you immediately and kiss you all over for a good belly rub!


  3. I like to walk backwards. My hoomans then go beep…beep…beep. I think this is so funny. I am not sure who is laughing the most, them or me!


  4. I love to kill my toys! Or shake them to death. The hoomans just watch and laugh. Well, I am having fun and if this makes them laugh, then it's even more fun!


  5. This is my favorite! I love to fall over on my back, stick my legs straight up and rub my back on the ground and grunt! The hoomans go nuts over this!

There are a lot of other things I love to do. I do like going for walks and I love to cuddle. I will sit at your feet while you are busy with the TV or while you are on your computer. I love to go for rides so I am a great traveler if you like to travel! I would love to be an only dog, but I guess I could handle having a boy around! What I am looking for here, is a home that has a sense of humor and a whole lot of love. I have a lot of love to give to a fureveh family and now that you know a bit more about me, go to Col. Potter Cairn Rescue and fill out my adoption application!

To apply to adopt Gianna click here!


Monday, December 29, 2008

Five Minutes of Panic!

Written by a CP Foster Mentor

Tonight I am doing a bed and biscuit for Hampton a 12 year old sweet wheaten boy who will be flying cross country tomorrow, from NYC to Seattle only to finally find himself once again in the air on Sunday ending up at the home of his foster mom Allison S. in Canada.

He is a super sweet thing who only wants to snuggle and whose ability to wrap people around his little paw is already well known. He charmed the staff and spent way more time than is supposedly allowed at the high kill shelter we got him from, then charmed the whole staff at the animal hospital where we had him vetted. And tonight he charmed Larry into feeding him some people chicken while I was out with Spanky. Of course Larry caves at the thought of a dog so his being charmed was a given. And of course he has me charmed as well. If Spanks was not of the ilk where he needs to be an only dog, this one would be going nowhere.

About 45 minutes ago I put Spanky out front and took Hampton out back. I put him on the lead as I cannot easily maneuver through the grass. I put the clip of the lead around the double D ring on the back of his harness which has all his tags on it. They put the harness on him at the vet and it felt tight. I let him drag his lead from his collar although, in the house, the lead is dragging from his harness. After all, dragging the lead was extra protection.

I am following him around the back yard as well as I could. He got tangled around some things and I untangled him. I was no more than 5 feet away at all times. He tangled himself again and it was tight. In the blink of an eye he had slipped his harness and was trotting towards the side yard. I quickly followed and tried to step on the lead. Just missed it. He takes off into my down-hill side neighbors yard. All the while he was out of his harness I was screaming LARRY LOOSE DOG LARRY LOOSE DOG. He heard me and ran downstairs. Spanky was barking out front.

Here I was panicked. After all, I am an old timer. I am a foster mentor. I was even there to help scrape Timber off the road .

I am the most super paranoid of people when it comes to a harness and collar being fit properly.

I have a Sharpie on the table in the den. It is there because I was prepared to write the CP toll free phone number and Hampton's tag number on his belly. This was to be my first job when we came in from our outing - the one where he slipped his harness that has all his ID on it.

So now, here I am driving around. The village park that is about 2 acres is right by me. There are tennis courts, a ball field, a large pool, etc. The park is on the water. The village dock is about a block away. There were so many places for him to go on a cold NY night.

Larry chose to go on foot. I go into the parking lot of the park, thinking I am going to go into the park and call him (although he doesn't know his name), when I hear Larry yelling that he has him. Larry turned left at the bottom of my street.

The neighbor whose yard he ran into would have been a right turn. I would have never gone left. But there Larry was with Hampton in his arms. The sweet little boy saw Larry and came a running. He was so happy to see his sucker - er um I mean friend - that he almost jumped into his arms.

So this has a happy ending. But I have to say that here I am, about as experienced as they come, being super paranoid and this happened. You can bet that when he goes out for last call tonight and in the morning before his flight, he will be super protected. I can't handle any more excitement.

So, I ask all of you - how secure is your dog's harness? Have you had him or her on a diet? If so, it might be too big. Check it now. What about the collar? Can you squeeze more than one finger between the collar and the neck? If you can it is too loose. And most importantly, is the harness on correctly? I think the vet might have put it on incorrectly as it was tight when I put it back on him. But I did not check at the vet if it was on correctly. I just checked the size. Believe me, from now on I will check everything.

Thanks for listening. And go check every dog in your household NOW.


Did you know Col. Potter has a Tag Program, which includes a continuously monitored toll free number to help your dog get back home if he does get loose? For more information on this program please click the following link: CPCRN Tag Program

Friday, December 26, 2008

Rebel Without a Home

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

When people think of James Dean, they probably think first of the troubled teen from "Rebel Without a Cause": nervous, volatile, soulful, a kid lost in a world that does not understand him. In "Rebel Without a Cause", Dean plays the new kid in town whose loneliness, frustration and anger mirror those feelings many of our rescues surely share.

Wednesday Col. Potter opened his arms to our newest member, Rebel. Poor Rebel, all of 12 months old, found himself in trouble. He was a mill boy, pulled to freedom, only to find the safe home he had been in could no longer keep him, so he had to move on. Twelve months old, and moving on to his third town. The world as he knows it so far doesn't seem to understand. How can it, when boys like him start their lives in mills, and right now so many are still there. When boys like him are given a home, and it doesn't go as planned. Rebel is confused, nervous, feeling lost. But he has found CP, and things are looking up!

Intakes received a call on Sunday, asking for help for this boy, and could we take him before Christmas! He would have no home as of Christmas Eve, and no place to go. Not wanting to make any promises we couldn't keep, we said we would do our best and try.

The Cairn Angels must have been watching over Rebel, because within an hour, we had approval to take him in, a volunteer to pick him up, and a foster home willing to take him! The best, most amazing part was that the volunteer picking up was driving about 7 hours on Friday, to the city near where Foster Mom lives --- and she was willing to pickup and B&B until Friday. This was a big help since all the boarding facilities were booked solid due to the holidays. Special Thanks to Lisa B. and Robin S., for saying yes, and not even hesitating for a second! CP volunteers are the best anywhere!

Welcome Rebel, we are very glad you pulled into town!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

On Christmas Morning ...

I wish,

For every dog searching trash cans for breakfast, a filled bowl with his name printed in bright letters.

For every dog who slept fitfully last night, chained in a frozen yard, a soft, warm bed with a person snoring gently nearby.

For every shelter dog, spending Christmas morning in a soiled run, a forever home, filled with sounds and smells of family.

For every "Christmas" puppy given today, a tolerant, caring owner who won't abandon you as you grow into a real dog.

For every ailing pet, enough money for your owner to pay the bills to make you well.

For every lost dog, a clear, safe road, and well marked path, to lead you home.

For every old and tired friend, a warm fire, and a soft bed, to ease your aches and pains.

For every Heart Dog at the Bridge, a moment when you know that you are remembered today, missed again, and loved forever.


Author unknown

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Cairn Christmas

From the Col. Potter family to yours - Happy Howlidays and a Terrier-ific New Year!

Twas the Night Before Christmas ...

By Robin Pressnall, Executive Director, Small Paws® Rescue

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the mills,
not a puppy was stirring, it was strangely quite still.

While back at the pole, Santa readied the sleigh
to pick up these mill dogs, it was such a long way!

The reindeer were dressing all quick in a hurry
They were headed for RESCUE, and straight for MISSOURI!

On Dasher on Dancer on Comet and Cupid.
Those pups go to Pet Shops! We know! We're not stupid!

As his sleigh did approach, the mill gates opened wide,
Santa called to them all, and they all jumped inside!

On Poodles, on Bichons, on Golden Retrievers!
Grab up the babies, we save those for grievers!

On Westies, on Lhasas, on cute Weenie Boogers,
On Shih Tzus and Scotties, they're all sweet as sugar!

On Schnauzers, and Maltese, on Kerry Blue Terriers!
We've got room for ALL, the more now, the merrier!

And the sleigh just grew bigger as they all made more room,
These pups lives were changing! No more gloom and doom!

While out on the lawns there arose such a clatter
The millers ran out to see what was the matter!

When they found their "stock" gone, how the millers did sob,
while a Voice from above boomed, "GO GET A REAL JOB!"

As it seemed it could not get much better than this,
I started to wake, did I dream all of this???

There was no red sleigh, no reindeer with wings.
I guess it was sadly, just one of those things,

That you dream and you dream, till one day 'twill be.
That glorious day, when the mills are history!

And I think as we tell them, and tell them again,
Soon it will be that we all know that when,

One buys from a pet shop, there are pups you don't see.
The Mama and Daddy, who are longing to be,

loved by a family, and scratched on the heads.
Not sleeping on wire, that they now call their beds.

One day it will be, oh how that will feel!
We won't mill our puppies like paper and steel!

And I heard it exclaimed as I woke up that night,
We won't stand for this, we'll stand up and fight!

With each breath we do have and each word we do say,
we'll tell about the mills, till that glorious day,

when the mills are all outlawed, and all over Missouri,
The occupation of milling, will be but a memory.

"Please don't buy my babies from a pet store." - From Puppy Mill Moms

Dr. Mitchell, from Knollwood Hospital for Pets, recently wrote a wonderful article in her Pawprints newsletter featuring one of Col. Potter's foster dogs, Jaymee, and her Foster Mom, Terri. Please read it and share the link with others as Dr. Mitchell focuses on Puppy Mills and the treatment of the animals there.

Click here to read the article "Please Don't Buy My Babies From a Pet Store."

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tip a Glass to the CP Holiday Beverages!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

I received a message at home last Thursday from a shelter in Missouri when I arrived home from work. It was too late to call then, so I called Friday morning. They had three young male Cairns that had been surrendered by a local miller that they needed help with as quickly as possible. Things always seem to happen for a reason and timing is everything. Had this shelter called a few weeks or even a few days earlier, the outcome for these three little boys may have been very different ... as we had been away on vacation for almost three weeks and had just gotten home the night before. We would not have gotten the message to help them if they had called any sooner. Fate, maybe; lucky, most definitely!!! What better way to celebrate their freedom, especially at this time of the season, than to raise a glass with your favorite holiday beverage and toast their good fortune to find their way into the loving arms of Col. Potter!

Please help me welcome the Holiday Beverages:

Wassail, grey brindle, 13 pounds - reported to be heartworm positive, but we will be retesting to verify - named after a British Isles holiday punch


Coquito, wheaten, 12.7 pounds - named after a Puerto Rican tropical version of eggnog


Champurrado, wheaten with black, 11.6 pounds - named after a Mexican hot chocolate holiday treat


My thanks to Betsy B., who responded to my urgent plea to get these boys pulled from the shelter before they closed at 5:00 PM on Friday and Kathy & Barney H. for picking them up from Betsy Friday evening and getting them to our vet for their boarding and vetting. Once again, thanks to wonderful volunteers who responded with assistance quickly and without question these adorable little boys found their way to safety and freedom.

They are looking for foster homes and will be ready to travel to start their new lives next Saturday, 12/27. If you are interested in fostering for Col. Potter, please check out our Foster Facts, fill out a Foster Home Agreement or email Col. Potter's Director of Foster Homes at CPCRNFosterHomes@gmail.com.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Welcome Santa's Gifts!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

We have been lucky to bring into Col. Potter EIGHT of Santa's Gifts!

These kids are some of the group from the MO Puppy Mill closure. As you know, when a Mill is shut down by the government, it surely is the worst of the worst. Our contact only received eight of the thirty Cairns. Due to the very generous outpouring of offers for fostering, we were able to easily say yes to the eight that needed our help. We did not have to turn any away! When dealing with millers and government, you just don't know what you are going to actually get, and in this case, we were ready. You can all be proud!

These kids will be spending their Christmas inside, warm, dry, fed, watered, and loved - a true gift for each one of them.

They are estimated to be between 4 and 6 years old. They are heading to their foster homes, thanks to many very devoted CP volunteers.

Please help me welcome:

Yatzee - female


Parcheesi- female


Checkers - male


Chess - male


Mancala- female


Dominos - male


Pente - female


Mahjong- female

MERRY CHRISTMAS LITTLE ONES!!!

Welcome Mr. Hampton!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Please help me welcome sweet Mr. Hampton, in the way best fitting a distinguished gentleman!

Mr. Hampton is a senior gentleman, age 12, who unfortunately found himself the resident of an Animal Care facility, in his golden years. While he should be spending his retirement settled in his home, surrounded by his loving family, that wasn't to be. Yet he handled himself with dignity, remaining sweet and calm, although surely he must have been confused and frightened. He probably wasn't feeling too well either, desperately in need of a dental, and passing blood in his urine. But that didn't give him cause to worry.

Kathie R. met dear Hampton when she picked him up from Animal Care to bring him to the vet. By this time he had also developed a cough. But he cuddled right into her hug, and didn't want to be put down. He accepted some food with his medicine hidden inside, and allowed the bowl to be removed even with food remaining.

A gentleman. Now a part of the CP family. A lucky gent indeed!

Mr. Hampton, it is an honor to make your acquaintance! Welcome to Col. Potter's family.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Welcome Oswego!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Oswego is almost 3 years old and an active wheaten boy. He came to Col. Potter as an owner surrender. Oswego's owner got him as a puppy and fell in love with him. The owners were elderly and over time caring for Oswego became difficult. Being a cairn, Oswego enjoyed the secret goodies he received from his dad - such as bagels, cold cuts & ice cream (to name a few). His mom couldn't figure out why Oswego wouldn't eat his dinner and was getting plump! With lack of exercise and the secret diet, Oswego became overweight. As it became more difficult for the owners to care for Oswego, a family member selflessly offered to became his caretaker until a rescue could be found. Oswego had a change of diet and lost 5 pounds! He received training and exercise. Oswego would run along with the children rollerblading. He also got to meet and interact with other dogs. The family dearly loved Oswego but it was so difficult for the elderly man to see Oswego without getting teary eyed when he visited his family. The family sadly said goodbye to Oswego as he headed for his new life with Col. Potter. It was the ultimate gift they could give him.

Please welcome Oswego!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Jaymee Gave Me an Early Present!

Written by Jaymee's Foster Mom

My foster Jaymee is my first puppy mill mama. The first three fosters were male owner surrenders and a runaway. I thought "I give her love and get love back" - no problem ... Yeah sure.

Little Lady was terrified, released in 2007 - fostered and adopted and returned. What was I thinking? She could run, duck and scamper like nobody's business. I could only get near her on my butt - yeah I said butt. I had to sit on the floor and slowly inch my way near her or crawl slowly. No standing. She drug a leash for months - hung from the deck on the harness twice! A couple of crying phone calls to Sydney and panic emails to Kathy...we hung in there. Very little contact. Someone taught her to wave a paw when she wanted petted. That helped.

Slowly just following the gang she caught on to the routine, follows well and knows directions. But still dutiful little life, no spark and no fun.

Occasionally when I was playing with the others her paw would come up and she would let me pet her. Then last month I noticed she would sit by my gang and wave her paw, then I noticed toys piling up in her crate. She was a borrower.

When I would play with my guys I would hear noises from her in the other room. What a surprise to them and me - when she started running up the stairs - snatching the play toy and running downstairs.

Then Thanksgiving morning - I saw her roll and play with a toy in the living room. Later that day she alerted me when someone drove up to the neighbors - tail up, ears up and prancing and barking!

She knows the treat routine and waits her turn. Early this Monday morning she joined in the morning workout of chasing balls up and down the hall - full of enthusiasm and being considerate of others too! (She just won't bring it to me!)

This morning she stood up and put her paws on my knee - waiting for her cheerios! And then STAYED UP to get an EAR SCRATCH! VICTORY!

Six months to the week - we have breakthroughs! Still have some scampering away - but I just keep heading in my direction and ignore her and she scampers less each time. In fact when I don't look at her, she is on my heels, when I turn to talk she scampers - just not as far! Two months ago I was almost ready to throw in the towel and give up, But the last weeks are a miracle and a blessing.

Potty training is another thing, she keeps a clean crate, and potties in the same spot, but I can't put panties on her - since I can't catch her, and she politely avoids soiling the puppy pads. She is also very camera shy! I'm trying - just have a lot of pictures of her backside.

I have renewed hope! Just wanted to share my joy with you!

The Inner Puppy is coming out in Ms. Jaymee Beth!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Can You Make Some Magic This Holiday Season?

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Holidays are approaching quickly!

Families and Friends are gathering, often for the first time in months.

There's shopping and cooking and cleaning and wrapping and decorating and traveling.

BUT ...

Cairns.
Sitting in the bitter cold.
Waiting and wondering and wishing.
Hoping and dreaming of more in this life.
Of being warm and dry and clean and fed and watered and sheltered and loved.

BUT ...

We are full.
That's the truth of it.
Col. Potter has so many in care already.
Yet more have knocked on our door, begging for help.
Do you have a space for a foster - maybe an hour a day for a foster?
Do you have an extra bowl for a foster - a warm place for them to rest their weary head?

We have been contacted by a Vet Clinic to help with a USDA mill shut down. This mill was reported to the USDA by the AKC.

There are 151 dogs who need to be out by FRIDAY of this week. There are THIRTY cairns. Can we help them ALL? Nope. Can we help some? Possibly. If we get foster home commitments, spaces to put these kids.

It sure is a crazy time of year to find the time and energy to do what has to be done, let alone fit in ONE MORE thing! To have to add yet another thing on our TO DO list. But can we turn our backs because of this? Can we leave them sitting in a cold, dirty, lonely wire cage?

Or, can we say YES! knowing that it may mean that the foster is crated a bit more than we would like for them to be? That maybe for a few weeks the new addition might not get the 100% we really want to give them. But in the end, they will get the best gift of all, a forever family and a chance at true happiness.

Please think about these little ones, and know that the cold hard truth is that ANYTHING we offer in the foster home is a HUGE improvement over where they are right now. ANYTHING! And their 'right now' is the worst of the worst of the worst.

You might be able to give the best gift of all this holiday season to one of these kids, the give of a start toward a WONDERFUL LIFE! Do you have just one hour a day? Can you make some magic for a little cairn?

If you can foster one of these most needy little babes, please email Col. Potter's Director of Foster Homes at CPCRNFosterHomes@gmail.com or check out our Foster Facts.

Yes, we are shamelessly begging as the voice for those who have no one. Please, can you help???


Please Welcome Vida!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Earlier this week Col. Potter was contacted about a young cairn girl brought to the SPCA by her owners. They had her less than two months but because she growled at food, this little girl lost her home. She didn't receive much training and socialization which is so important to a young dog. At the shelter she passed all portions of the testing except she was protective of food and objects. Not unusual for a young cairn - especially for one in a shelter environment. Many cairns and little dogs in general aren't quite themselves when their lives get turned upside down and suddenly they are in a scary shelter with lots of big dogs, barking dogs, strange food, no comfy beds and people coming and going! Pretend for one moment you are a little cairn. Picture yourself in a shelter where nothing is familiar, so much commotion and then all the lights go out. No one is there to tuck you in bed with that good night treat. Wouldn't you be scared? I would.

Luckily one of the ladies at the SPCA knew about Col. Potter having met Denise F. at a business meeting. After the proper cairn identification was made and one more temperament test, this cute 7 month old dark brindle girl was made an official Col. Potter kid. Her name is Vida, after Denise's grandmother. Vida is a fun little sweet thing currently at the vet entertaining the staff.

Thank you to everyone who made it possible for Vida to be a part of Col. Potter, and a big thank you to Denise for being Vida's escort to her future.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Freedom Fliers III Are Cleared for Landing!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Saturday morning, the third group of Freedom Fliers took flight over the skies of Georgia heading to South Carolina with Monika. Released to spread their wings into freedom were three YOUNG adults and five pups. They've made it out, they can soar, and the sky's the limit on the possibilities for these lucky kids!

Please help me welcome:

Meadowlark -female 10/21/07 wheaten


Tern - female 09/14/06 wheaten


Blackbird - female 12/25/07 brindle


Oriole - female 13 weeks wheaten


Swift - male 13 weeks red wheaten


Gannet - female 13 weeks brindle


Razorbill - female 11 weeks brindle


Gull - female 11 weeks brindle


We are in desperate need of foster homes for all of our new mill kids, and there are MANY. Please consider fostering one, these kids REALLY NEED YOU!! If you are interested in fostering, please contact Col. Potter's Director of Foster Homes by clicking here.

Special thanks to Monika for picking these babies up!!!

Welcome to Avalon!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Avalon was an island of magic and mystery. While we can't ever solve the mystery of why people have puppy mills, we are happy to have a part in the magic of setting these dogs free.

Saturday we welcomed three puppy mill kids into Col. Potter - their very own Avalon.

Please help me welcome:

Nineve (nin-e-vay) - born in 1999 - is another name for Vivien or Nimue who is best known as Merlin's love interest and who eventually seals him in a cave. She then becomes counselor and protector to Arthur while Merlin is out of the picture.


Bronwyn - born in 2002 - is literally translated as "white bosom" and was considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world. She was also a high ranking lady of Wales who later married the king of Ireland. She is a very popular character in Welch romantic legend.


Balin - born in 2000 - is known as the Knight with Two Swords and is a character who repeatedly tries to prove his virtue.


Special thanks to Cindy, for working to get these kids free, and to Steve, Cheryl, Penny and Beth for helping to get them moved to the vet. Much appreciation for all the time devoted to these kids!

If you'd like to help by fostering, we sure could use it! Check out our Foster Facts or email our Director of Foster Homes.

Welcome kids!!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

A Huge THANK YOU to Franz' Saviors!

Written by Franz' Foster Mom

Last Sunday afternoon, a neighbor called another neighbor to ask if the house next door had been sold. It hadn't been. The neighbor called because he saw a little dog in the backyard of the unoccupied house that was for sale. That little dog turned out to be FRANZ!! Mom, Dad and Madelyn went over and caught him. He was full of burrs, and very dirty. They called the 800 number on his collar, and while waiting for the call back, fed and watered him, pulled out all the burrs, and gave him a bath. When I got to their house, he was on the floor, curled up in a towel, with Madelyn loving on him. They were his saviors. The other girls were at friends, and didn't meet him until they came by yesterday, where he was loved on again. All's well that ends well! :-)

A BIG shout out and THANK YOU to Franz' saviors from CPCRN!!


Kathy (Mom), Madelyn(with Franz), Emma and Libby

Dad was at work and unable to be in the picture.


If you are interested in Col. Potter's Tag Program, which includes a continuously monitored toll free number, for your own dog please click the following link: CPCRN Tag Program

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Welcome a Dozen Holiday Confections!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Puppy mills, as with anything else, have better ones ... and worse ones. We are used to getting Cairns that have never had a bath, long nails and matted. The volunteers that help transport them directly from the mills are used to driving with the windows wide open even in subzero weather to get fresh air to breathe within the vehicle. They have poop caked to their butts and some have obvious eye infections. This is the norm. But this group is one of the worst we have ever rescued! Probably shouldn't be surprised as they are from a miller who is working with rescue for the first time and usually just shoots the dogs he doesn't want or need anymore, so they don't have to look pretty or even be healthy, as long as they produce, then get a bullet for their reward and journey to the everlasting life ...

Normally CP only rescues Cairns, but I am very happy and proud to tell you that because of our wonderful volunteers and CP's reputation for being willing to help, we also managed to help about 20 Basset Hounds to safety and freedom from this mill. The transport vehicles were all full when at the last minute the miller decided he didn't want the Bassets any longer. Rescue could have them ... or he would shoot them. But there wasn't anywhere to put them. There just wasn't room on the transport vehicles. The organizers of this entire rescue contacted Col. Potter knowing that we had volunteers relatively close and that we have big hearts willing to help. Thanks to Kathy and Barney H. driving to meet the transport and then Stacey W. and Monika R. driving to meet Kathy and Barney, we were able to make room for the Bassets. This is what rescue is all about, helping furkids to safety! I hope that if the shoe had been on the other foot, the Basset Hound Rescue would have done the same to rescue the Cairns.

Kathy and Barney and Stacey and Monika have spent hours working on these furkids to cut out the matts, get the poop off them and clean their eyes. Some of these pictures will bring tears to your eyes. But this neglect and abuse is behind them now. They are in the loving arms of CP!

With a group of this size, it really puts a strain on all of our CP resources and especially on foster homes. PLEASE WON'T YOU CONSIDER FOSTERING ONE OF THESE FURKIDS OR STEPPING FORWARD TO FOSTER ANOTHER CAIRN WAITING TO GET INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CP???

Please check out our Foster Facts if you can open your heart and your home to a foster furkid!

And now, there's only one more thing to say WELCOME TO CP HOLIDAY CONFECTIONS!!!