Friday, January 30, 2009

Friday's Foster

Shipwreck is our featured foster this week and this little guy is far from being a wreck. He is an excellent first mate! He LOVES tummy rubs, squeaky toys, tennis balls, Foster Mom's grandkids and his kibble. This boy just LOVES to LOVE! He is also a great kisser and a great dancer. With Valentine's Day coming up what more could you ask for?!?

He has a little trouble with his eyesight, but he certainly doesn't let that keep him from playing and having fun! Due to his poor vision he needs a Forever Family that is willing to help him out by not constantly rearranging the furniture or leaving obstacles in his path. What a small sacrifice to make for this sweetheart!

If you are looking for a special guy in your life, fill out an adoption application and let's get this little Romeo in his Forever Home in time for Valentine's Day!

To read more about Shipwreck click here.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Valentine Update

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

Little Valentine went to the vet this morning to be checked and to determine if she has CMO. I was so hoping I was wrong and this sweet, little Valentine would not have to go through the pain and discomfort of this affliction when all she should be doing is enjoying being a puppy.

Unfortunately, the x-rays confirmed my fears ... Valentine does have CMO. The vet was not familiar with CMO and is doing some research on the best course to take to medicate her and keep her as comfortable as possible while she battles the condition until she can overcome it.

PLEASE consider sponsoring Valentine as a Guardian Angel
donor and keep Valentine and her foster mom, Deborah C. close in your hearts while they go through a tough time together.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Lost Cairn in Peoria, IL - NOW FOUND!

A Cairn recently rescued from a puppy mill is lost. She escaped mill life this week and was transported to her foster home Saturday. Something scared her that night around 10:00 pm and she broke away from her foster parents and ran. She is a 2-3 year old, wheaten cairn named Heidi.

The foster home is in Peoria, Illinois which is about 1 hr and 15 minutes from Springfield and about 1 hr and 45 minutes from Urbana.

It is very cold and the ground is covered in snow so please send prayers for this little cairn girl that she survives and makes it home safely. They have not found any tracks in the snow as a lead.

If you are able to help search or think you might have seen Heidi, please email Gayle at myklzgram@yahoo.com.

Will You Be My ... Valentine?

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

The relationship between millers and rescues has greatly improved and come a long way over the past few years. Thousands and thousands of dogs that have spent their life in puppy mills who would have been destroyed after their usefulness was up, now get a chance at freedom and enjoying life. Likewise, those puppies born into a mill with a medical condition also received the same fate for being less than perfect - death. But, how sad is society when a family buys a beautiful little puppy, takes her into their home, then discovers she has a medical condition that IS treatable, but still chooses to return her to the miller for a replacement. That's exactly what we believe happened in this case. CP has been working with a group that takes dogs from PM releases and then finds rescues to take them. They contacted us to take a 5 month old female. In the back of my head I'm always suspicious when a PM wants to release a young female and unfortunately most times my suspicions are correct.

Last night, or should I say early this morning, Deborah C. and her husband Lanny met a transport at 3:00 AM near their home filled with dogs from the PM. Out came our beautiful little 5 month old girl. The first thing Deborah noticed was she didn't smell, she was clean and looked like she had been groomed with even her ear fringe plucked. Strange, why would such a dog come from a puppy mill? Then Deborah got her home ... her little eyes had green goo oozing out of them and were crusted over. But that's not the real story, while we won't have conformation until she sees the vet tomorrow, based on what Deborah has seen, described and we both know, we believe she has CMO, Craniomandibular or Lion's Jaw. This is caused by excessive growth along both mandibles (lower jawbone) and can include other skull bones and occasionally forearm bones. This condition appears in puppies generally between 4 weeks and 10 months of age. It is very painful and extremely difficult to open their mouth. There is treatment which generally lasts 4-10 months. The good news is most recover, although they can have lasting, permanent effects of enlargement and impaired chewing. The condition is caused by a recessive gene and is generally found in Cairns, Westies and Scotties.

My guess is the miller sold this little girl to a pet home and when they discovered she had the condition, they had her bathed, groomed and returned her to the breeder to get a replacement. I'm sure they didn't realize this could have meant her death and as a credit to the miller, they did release her to rescue rather than destroy her. Whatever happened to this baby girl, she is very lucky to have found her way into the loving arms of Col. Potter!

Please help me welcome Valentine. Deborah C. said she felt like an expectant mother waiting for delivery of her baby last night and Valentine will be her baby to foster and care for through whatever treatment is needed. Again, we won't have confirmation of CMO until she sees the vet tomorrow, but if it is, Valentine will be entering the Guardian Angel program and will need your help and support. I'll give everyone an update tomorrow just as soon as we know.

In the meantime, CP received a very special, early Valentine this morning ... WELCOME to the family!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Welcome Beryl!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Please help me welcome Beryl, who joined the CP family this week. Beryl was a very much loved and doted upon cairn princess in her home. Her family had a baby. This poor little baby was a sickly one, with many medical needs. Yet Beryl was still loved and doted upon. Another baby blessing arrived. With much devastation, this baby too was very sick. The family continued to search for answers and a diagnosis to their first child's illness. The diagnosis were many over the years. As their second child grew, they saw so many similar medical issues, and their hearts broke. Their children have multiple medical teams. Both children take many medications a day. Their oldest son is so ill he is tube fed.

Then a few weeks ago, the final diagnosis came- a very rare genetic disease for their first born beloved boy. Their second son is currently being tested for the same rare genetic disease.

Knowing now that there were not going to be any cures, and that the medical care required for their boys was only going to increase, they made the decision to let Beryl go, as she had increasingly been left home alone, and she was not getting the loving attention they knew she so deserved. They knew in their hearts she deserved much more than they could give, more attention, more activity, more love. They contacted Col. Potter feeling that we could find another family who would dote on Beryl as they had, and who would love her as much as they did.

Col. Potter said yes, and Beryl is now on her way to finding a family who will treat her like a princess. Beryl is heading to her foster home today.

Welcome Beryl!! Thank you Col. Potter, for once again being there for a needy little one.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Friday's Foster

Dayton was rescued by Col. Potter in early November and is thriving in his foster home. He is full of energy and love, which is no surprise. What is a surprise, is that he is a Red Australian Terrier rather than a Cairn! No worries, because he is still ALL terrier and needs a home! If you have an active household in need of a little charmer, maybe he's just what you need. Fill out an adoption application fast cause this little guy doesn't like to wait!

To read more about Dayton check out his updates written by his Foster Mom by clicking here.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Welcome Two Little Girls!

Written by a CP Volunteer

Today after going to the Dr. we took a side trip to pick up two girls who had fallen on hard times. Their Mom died and their Dad was put into a nursing home. The kids did not want the cairns so here they are!

BOTH ARE NOW CP GIRLS!

Mallory - BD June-18-01, black brindle, female, Mother to Katrina



Katrina - BD unknown, 2 year old, cream with black points,female

Heeere's Brexton!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Brexton was brought into Col. Potter's arms on Monday thanks to Wendy D. who picked him up and took him to his foster mommy Krista G. to start his journey in his foster home. This little guy is 2 ½ years old, and through no fault of his own, was an owner surrender. The owners found out that his high energy just didn't fit with their laid back life style. They did their research on CP and knew that this was the place they wanted him to be to find a new home. He's a cutie and I'm sure that we will be able to find him a good home in no time!

We could not rescue these kids without the great volunteers that we have and the funds that are donated, so a big thank you to you all!

Welcome Brexton!!

RECALL: Petsmart Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- PHOENIX, AZ, January 20, 2009 -- PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice® Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.

Although PetSmart is not aware of any reported cases of illness related to these products, it has removed these products from its store shelves and website and is conducting the recall as a precautionary measure.

Customers who purchased the recalled dog biscuit products should discontinue use immediately and can return the product to any PetSmart store for a complete refund or exchange. Customers can visit www.petsmartfacts.com for more information or contact PetSmart Customer Service at 1-888-839-9638.

For more information please visit the following link: Petsmart Grreat Choice Dog Biscuits

Meet Quinn and Reid!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Quinn and Reid are 3 year old owner surrenders that came into Col. Potter this past Sunday. The owners no longer had time for them and noted issues with housebreaking and stealing things from the table.

Quinn and Reid are active, happy boys. Their favorite pastimes seem to be marking and barking. They like to have their own way and are used to getting it, so they aren't sure they like me very much, especially since I've re-read the NILF (Nothing in Life is Free) articles from my bible, I mean foster handbook. Their rank was immediately reduced to "Private" and I'm their new drill sergeant. I'm quite sure once they finish boot camp their attitude towards life will be a little different (and they'll be more tolerable to their forever families). It's sure a good thing they're so cute....

Please welcome Quinn and Reid to the Col. Potter family!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Welcome Missouri River Kids!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

A river is a lifeline in many US communities. It can be a source of harnessing electrical power, a transportation link, source of food and a beautiful recreational respite. There are many different types of rivers from ones like the mighty Mississippi, to much smaller, local waterways. They have been romanticized in music, had entire books written revolving around them and immortalized in poetry. Rivers flow through all parts of the country, passing through communities of every social strata. The flow and ebb of a river's water can be hypnotic and never ending ...

Flashback about two years ago to Kathy telling the story of finding their way to a puppy mill to pick-up a lone male Cairn. They left the main road and the country road kept getting narrower and narrower the farther they went. Coming to the end of the road stood a ramshackle, old mobile home and beyond that were row after row of rabbit hutch-like cages filled with dogs sitting under the shade of trees and positioned so they would all drain down a hill -- forming a river of excrement ...

This past Sunday, Kathy and Barney H. once again made their way back to this same PM. Thanks to Intakes being notified by a new volunteer to CP of an ad in a local newspaper of a PM wanting to get rid of all of their Cairns, this river runs deep. The dogs are now all housed in a dilapidated building to "protect" them from the winter weather, but the stench and the filth remains and the river now runs inside. CP will be bringing in the remaining 20+ Cairns from this PM over the next couple of months, stopping the flow from this one "river" forever.

Please help me welcome the first Missouri River Kids:

Couivre: M, red wheaten, DOB 11/10/06



Charlton: F, silver brindle, DOB 5/18/06



Nodaway: F, wheaten, DOB 9/20/05



Wyaconda: M, red wheaten, DOB 2/5/04



des Peres: M, brindle, DOB 5/2/07



Courtois: M, wheaten, DOB 5/24/07



Fabius: M. wheaten, DOB 11/14/07



Current: F, wheaten w/ black ears, DOB 11/22/06



Niangua: F, red wheaten, DOB 4/19/01



This will require a HUGE commitment of resources by Col. Potter - from foster homes, to transport volunteers, even Blanket Aunties -- but no commitment more important than financial! The cost to vet and get these 20+ Cairns set-up in foster homes will be HUGE. Once again, please consider supporting these PM kids by donating to Name a PM Kid or just sponsoring one of them. These 9 are no longer living along the banks of a filthy, smelly river running through a dilapidated shed, but their kennel mates remain and are waiting for us to once again send the Rescue Barge down the river to bring them to safety and freedom.

LET'S KEEP ROLLIN' DOWN THE RIVER TO HELP THESE FURKIDS!!

If you would like to volunteer with Col. Potter email our Director of Volunteerism by clicking here.

If you would like to become a Col. Potter Foster Home email our Director of Foster Homes by clicking here.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Final Landing: Freedom Flyers IV Arrive

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

Late last summer, a puppy mill located in the hills of GA, contacted CP wanting to release their Cairns. We have received adult males, adult females and young puppies from this PM. We were told there would be one more group - all females that were still nursing puppies. This Saturday, those females, Freedom Fliers IV, got their release! With these final Cairns, this should have put this PM out of the Cairn puppy business!

Before I introduce you to these "birds", I would like to tell you a little bit about what it takes to get these furkids ready to even go to a foster home, much less an adoptive home from the time we pick them up.

With the cold snap the country has been experiencing, it was a very cold morning up in the hills of GA. Normally, you have to drive with the windows down on the vehicle just to get some relief from the stench of these dogs, but due to the temperatures, that was not possible. A 3 hour drive later, they arrive at the vet. They will all most definitely need baths and possibly multiple baths, just so the vet staff can stand to be around them. They will all need all of their shots, heartworm tests, fecal exams, examined for any skin, ear, or eye infections and treated for those found, their nails have never been clipped, so they will probably have to be cut while under for surgery and then cauterized, all will need to be spayed and checked for any hernias or mammary tumors with those repaired or removed if found and have dentals probably with extractions. On top of that, each one needs a crate, collar, harness and leash supplied for them. Then there's the transport to get them to a foster home. If by ground, you have mileage costs, but if by air, then you have health certificate and air cargo expenses. Once they arrive at their foster home, there may be continuing vet expenses, food and maintenance expenses.

Why am I telling you this? Because all of it takes MONEY. Puppy mill kids typically cost more for CP to rescue than owner or shelter surrenders. BUT, they also are the ones that need our help the most! The adoption donation doesn't come close to covering CP's expenses for PM kids. The difference has to be made up with the special promotions for PM kids: Name a PM Kid Program and New Leash on Life. We don't have another New Leash on Life scheduled for several months and the PM coffers are running dry. This means we won't be able to help other PM kids such as the Freedom Fliers IV.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THESE FACES and help others like them if you can. Sponsor a PM Kid by sending whatever you can - $5, $10, $20 any amount, it all adds up. Or you can totally sponsor a particular PM Kid's vetting - just ask for more details. You can mark it for use to help pay the vetting for a particular PM furkid, a group or just any PM furkid that needs it. This doesn't just apply to the Freedom Fliers IV, but includes all of our PM kids, including Mary Lou and other groups we will be introducing soon and those that need our help in the future. Giving up a Starbucks Coffee and switching to McDonalds can net several dollars EACH day, packing a lunch instead of going out (which is what I'm doing) can net SEVERAL DOLLARS each day, smoking a few less cigarettes each day will be healthy for you and NET several dollars each day. So, you can see it won't cost you any more, just reallocating your current funds. PLEASE HELP US TO CONTINUE HELPING THE PM KIDS!!!

The Freedom Fliers IV have come in out of the cold to the warm and loving arms of CP. It seemed only appropriate they have warm, tropical names:

Macaw: F DOB 7/15/04, brindle



Toucan: F, DOB 2/28/07, lt. wheaten



Cockatiel: F, DOB 2/28/07, brindle



Parrot: F, DOB 6/9/05, lt. wheaten



Oropendola: F, DOB 8/1/07, brindle



My THANKS to Monika R. for making the long, cold and stinky drive to get these "birds".

Please help me WELCOME the Freedom Fliers IV and please help us keep the doors of CP open for other PM kids!!!

Announcing a Very Special Arrival ...

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

They say "When one door closes, another one opens" and "When one life ends, another one begins" ...

The Col. Potter family was rocked by the tragic and senseless accident that severely injured Mary Lou Shobe and Toto and ultimately claimed Mary Lou's life. She was a tireless worker and supporter of CP and the Cairns we all love and want to help so much. Mary Lou's accident mirrors the plight of Puppy Mill dogs; at the mercy of someone who puts their lives in jeopardy because of their actions. Many PM dogs perish because of these actions ... as Mary Lou did. But some are strong enough, lucky enough to be able to survive until they get a chance at rescue. Such is the case of a beautiful little girl who made it to the freedom and safety of the loving arms of Col. Potter.

Introducing Mary Lou! She's a beautiful cream, petite, girl that weighs about 12 pounds. She is shy and frightened but melts into your arms once held.

My thanks to Kathy and Barney H. for literally hopping out of their front door and getting to the interstate to meet her transport and pick her up.

CP's Mary Lou has a very special angel watching over her and I just hope this puts a huge smile on the angel's face knowing that a door has opened and a new life has begun ...

Please help me welcome Mary Lou!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Welcome Beatrice!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

We received a call late last week concerning a wheaten girl who needed our help. She was originally scheduled to go to Boulder Humane Society in Colorado but because of her having an eye condition they were told she would be put down as unadoptable. The folks in Oklahoma contacted Col. Potter.

Beatrice is a scared little wheaten girl who was turned in as a stray. With the wonderful work of our volunteers we can once again step up to help another furkid. As a thanks for being able to help her, the rescue transport she was with is giving her a ride to her new foster home.

Please welcome Beatrice into the Col. Potter family!

Aggie Mae Joins Col. Potter!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Sometimes it is very hard to do the right thing, the best thing for someone you love. Sometimes a happy life event can alter another's life without meaning to - an unforeseen consequence. Aggie Mae has had such a change in her life. She has been a loved family member for over 10 years. She's been through many life events with her owner and handled them well - moving, marriage, new family members to name a few. The last family event didn't go as well. Aggie Mae is older and developing cataracts in both eyes. When a new baby arrived Aggie wasn't too sure about this change in the family. Her owners worked on different solutions but decided Aggie Mae just wasn't happy and looked sad. Aggie just wasn't adjusting to the new baby. Her owners made the heart wrenching decision to find Aggie Mae a new home through Col. Potter. Their wish for her is to be loved and happy.

On the bright side of Aggie Mae's life, she has been very loved and cared for. She is educated - obedience school, knows lots of commands and hand signals. She even knows the command for "Kiss" - just in time for Valentine's Day! Of course she's still a cairn - barks at doorbells and vacuum cleaners - a girl can't be too good! She is looking forward to a quieter environment and lots of spoiling in her golden years. Without Col. Potter and the support from CP members, fund raisers and donations, older cairns such as Aggie Mae could end up in shelters with little to no chance for adoption. Shelters can put down an owner surrender at their discretion and older dogs don't have much of a chance. Aggie Mae thanks ALL of YOU!!

Please welcome Aggie Mae to Col. Potter!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Welcome Kanya!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Last week, Intakes was contacted by a family looking to place their Cairn with Col. Potter. This poor girl was living outside in TN, in a dog house. She had spent her entire life out there, FIVE long years. All was fine (according to the owner) up until a few weeks ago when her companion, a lab, died suddenly. Now she was lonely. The children living in the home were allergic to her, so they couldn't bring her into the house.

Knowing the temperature was going to be dropping drastically, and she would be cold and alone, we got to work to get her inside the WARM loving arms of Col. Potter. Enter Susan B! Contacted on Sunday, Susan was able to meet with the owners to pick Kanya up on Monday night.
Tuesday morning, Kanya went in for her spay and dental, and is now B&Bing with Susan, inside where she is warm!!!

Kanya will be heading to her foster home this weekend, and looking for that perfect forever.
Thanks to Susan for acting so quickly to get Kanya. Thanks to everyone who makes the possibility of CP acting quickly a reality!

Welcome Kanya!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Friday's Foster

Reading, also known as Tillie, was rescued from a puppy mill in September 2008 and is enjoying the life of freedom. Good food and clean water? Check! Toys? You betcha! Love? Of course! (Who could resist that face?!) A home to call her own? Well … we are working on that one!

Tillie is a very kind hearted, sweet and gentle cairn that is ready to start the next chapter of her life. She is still a little shy but enjoys riding in the car, walking around the neighborhood, and playing with her toys. She would also love to have a furry little brother or sister or maybe even a puppy all her own!

Are you ready to help her write that final chapter where she lives happily ever after? Will your home be the one where she learns to fully trust again? It can be! Fill out an adoption application and let this sweet girl take over your home and heart!



Thursday, January 15, 2009

Dina Says "I CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!"

Written by Dina's Foster Mom

To read previous posts on Dina click HERE.

Apparently my beautiful blonde bombshell Miss Dina Potter aka Deeny read my recent update. We talk about our fearful babies making baby steps of progress. It seems as if Dina has decided that baby steps are not sufficient. She's going for the gusto and for the big steps!

Dina used to run inside from potty trips and run right to the living room, jump onto the couch and make herself as small as she could by trying to insert herself in between the cushions and the back or side of the couch. We let her do that but occasionally we would go sit on the couch and put out an arm to give her skritches occasionally. Then she got to the point where she would nudge the hand for skritches. Then she started not being wedged tightly in the corner. Then a tad farther from the corner. NOW I will spot her right smack dab in the middle of the couch!!! :) Dare I say she also pesters anyone sitting on the couch with food to share? ;)

The last several days she has been coming to me wanting treats and is suddenly allowing me to shake her paw. She even takes her weight off the paw I choose to shake! Then I was able to scratch her head and then....reach out with my other hand and skritch with both hands at *one* time. :) That was a scary prospect because a human could *grab* when they had two hands out and I knew that's what she was afraid of.

Yesterday she let me reach very slowly and pick her up. She stayed in my lap for a while and then left BUT she did not go back on the couch. Instead she's been wandering around. :) She's been spending some time under the dining room table when Foster Dad is working there. To top it all off....she just came to me and "urrrred" at me to *tell* me to give her treats!!!!!!! Can you believe the amount of blooming she's done recently?

I've got tears in my eyes...and a lot less treats!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Three Fates are in Col. Potter!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

Puppy millers control every aspect of a dog's very being; conception, birth, life and finally, death. These dogs are at the mercy of the millers. Their life and future are constantly in peril and their fate is always in question. They don't know love, kindness, comfort or care. They exist for one purpose and one purpose only; to produce income for the miller.

Greek mythology tells of the white-robed Moirae (the Three Fates). They were the personification of destiny and controlled the metaphorical thread of life of every mortal and immortal from birth to death (and beyond). Millers portray their own Moirae when it comes to the innocent and helpless animals they possess. On some level, I would like to think the tables are turned and the animals are now the Moirae and control the life and destiny of the millers, especially in the beyond.

Three little girls had their destiny drastically change this weekend when they were released from an Amish PM in PA. The weather was raging and their journey was cut short, but they made it to freedom and have found a whole new life with Col. Potter.

Meet the Three Fates:

Clotho ("spinner") spun the thread of life from her distaff onto her spindle. Our Clotho is an 11 pound female, who is pretty scared and frightened, but will now be able to spin a whole new life for herself.



Lachesis ("alotter") measured the thread of life with her rod. CP's Lachesis is a very thin and tiny 8 pound female, whose nails are so long they cause her to limp, but will now have a long and happy thread of life ahead of her.



Atropos ("inexorable") was the cutter of the thread of life. This Atropos weighs 13 pounds and is a female who has been able to cut the thread of her life in the PM.



My thanks to Deborah, the Rescue Angel who continues to get the dogs out of the Amish Puppy Mills, Jeanine D. for stepping in to get the Three Fates picked up when they couldn't reach their intended destination and for finding a vet locally to board and vet them.

Please help more PM kids achieve a positive destiny. Please consider donating to Name a PM Kid, sponsoring one of them as a Guardian Angel or as a Grandparent. The expenses associated with rescuing PM kids continues to rise and makes it more and more difficult for CP to say yes to these furkids. They deserve a chance to realize what their Three Fates could and should have been, to have a happily ever after in their destiny, but we are having to say NO to some because we don't currently have the resources. I know times are tough and the Fates have not been kind to all of us, but what you think is tough, is nothing compared to what these PM kids endure day in and day out. Right now it is well below zero in many areas of the country without factoring in the wind chill. My heart breaks thinking about any PM kid surviving in these conditions right now. PLEASE see if there isn't some way you can help to change the Fate of a PM kid by helping to support them monetarily. I know doing so will help the Fates look down kindly on you ...

Dina Update!

Written by Dina's Foster Mom

To read previous posts on Dina click HERE.

Dina aka Deeny is making steps in the right direction. I pronounce her name like that of Dina Merrill (Deena) who was a classy and lovely blonde actress many years ago.

It was no surprise that Dina was very wary of people's touches after living in a mill for 9 years and being severely burned. She skitters around the humans in the house and outside in the dog run. She is quite a treat-a-holic though so she would stretch her neck as far as she could to accept a treat. Late this fall she began to put her feet up on my legs to facilitate the treat being handed over. :) Foster Dad and I were both thrilled. Foster Dad saves small pieces of apple, orange, sweet potato and sits on the floor in the living room to hand them out. Dina practically crawls into his lap to make sure she doesn't get forgotten. :) Recently she's started to let Foster Dad gently take a paw and say "shake hands" to get her treat. That is a huge step for her. She's also started to come to me at various times during the day and put her feet on my knees when I'm working at the computer. She knows there are treats handed out during the day so she believes she deserves her fair share. She's just started to let me take a paw with one hand while the other offers her a treat. I am thrilled for this classy looking, but oh so fearful girl, who is getting less fearful little by little.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Welcome Ramzi to Col. Potter!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Col. Potter has an official new gentleman, Ramzi! He just had his 10th birthday and is an owner surrender. He likes tennis balls, squeaky toys and fetch. He's been known to enjoy getting petted as long as you respect his ears. Ramzi has periodic bouts of allergies which can trigger ear infections. When his ears feel bad he doesn't want them touched, although he enjoyed some ear rubs on his transport to his foster home.

Due to family obligations, Ramzi was having to spend more time in a crate. His owners didn't think it was fair to him and wanted him to have the freedom he had in the past. They made the hard decision for Ramzi to become a member of the Col. Potter family. Thank you to everyone who helped Ramzi get to his foster home!!

Please welcome Ramzi to Col. Potter!

Announcing the Arrival of Col. Potter's Angels!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

There are many different kinds of Cairn Angels:
  • Cairn Angels that look down and watch over all of us, keeping us safe and offering miracles on occasion

  • Guardian Angels that help provide extra assistance for our Special Needs Cairns

  • Personal Angels who are our own Cairns who can be real Angels, especially when they're sleeping

  • Puppy Angels who are the cutest little creatures and a true delight to watch develop and grow

  • Rainbow Bridge Angels who are there to welcome all as they cross over

The Bible tells us there are different classes of Angels. The two highest known ranks of Angels are Seraphim and Cherubim. Seraphim are the angelic choir and beings of pure light. Cherubim are regarded as having mystical roles as all seeing beings.

Cairns that survive the neglect and abuse of life in a puppy mill must truly have many different Angels watching over them. Without the Angels, they would surely perish in a puppy mill before ever having the opportunity to experience freedom and love and most importantly becoming someone's "Little Angel" themselves.

Saturday 45 dogs of a variety of breeds had the Angels on their side as they were released from a PM in MO to a rescue organization who then delivered them into the waiting arms of many different rescue groups. Two of them were Cairns. Please help me Welcome CP Angels:

Seraphim: F, 5 years old, red, quiet and reserved, but likes to snuggle



Cherubim: F, 5 years old, wheaten, outgoing, friendly, gives kisses and playful



My thanks to Lynn B. for meeting the rescue transport and picking up these two little Angels. Also, Chuck and Marlene T. for opening their door to them until they can be taken to the vet for boarding and vetting.

No one really knows what Angels look like and they can take on many different forms, but I think you will all agree as you look at the faces of Seraphim and Cherubim, you are looking at two Angels!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Rescue Me!

Written by Terri Onorato

Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well. I will respond to you.

Rescue me not out of pity but out of love. I will love you back.

Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion. I will learn what you teach.

Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future. I will relax and enjoy.

Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life. I will appreciate your gift.

Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience. I will please you.

Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become. I will grow and mature.

Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me. I will never let you down.

Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust. I will be loyal and true.

Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion. I will stand by your side.

Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to sooth your spirit. I will cherish you.

Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend. I will give you unconditional love.

Rescue me with true love in your heart and I will give you these things all the days of my life.

Welcome Majella!

Written by a CP Intakes Coordinator

Our Rescue Team members are a group that work quietly in the background of Col. Potter, searching internet sites like Petfinder and PetHarbor daily, looking for Cairns in shelters, in need of help. It is a very difficult job emotionally, to see the faces of so very many needy kids, and know that most have no chance, no hope. It can be very disheartening, yet they carry on every day for the good of the cairns that CP can help.

They find cairns that are safe in shelters, Humane Societies, ASPCAs and will be adopted out by the facility that has them. They find cairns that are safe in rescue groups. CP often cross posts these kids to give them more exposure. Occasionally, one of the Team members finds a listing for a cairn, often misidentified, that really does need help, and needs it immediately - because the facility they are in is high kill - giving them only minimal time as required by law, before euthanizing.

A few days ago, one of our PetHarbor searchers found a possible cairn girl in a shelter, known to be a horrible place for any dog. This shelter is one of the very worst.

We've been told that if dogs aren't reclaimed or adopted right away, they will have 90 days to be adopted.

The reality is much different.

Most get sick and die in the first two weeks.

Dogs are regularly euthanized because someone didn't see the hold note in the computer, or just from mix ups. Any dog that appears to have a disease or illness will immediately go down after their legal hold (and sooner if deemed necessary).

Things are really bad at this shelter. One of the shelter volunteers told CP that she came back after a week and at least half the dogs had been euthanized, including one that she was asking to sponsor.

A local CP volunteer was able to go to the shelter to check on this girl, and do an in person identification, as she had been listed on PetHarbor as a 'tan and white Scottish Terrier mix' by the shelter, and the picture taken of her was not great. While at the shelter, our CP volunteer spoke to four volunteers, and all said to get her out as soon as possible, and to just hope we were lucky enough to be able to pull her in time.

The 'tan and white Scottish Terrier mix' was in fact a cairn. The next morning, our volunteer was there at the opening of the shelter, to be sure we could get her out, if she was still alive. Luck was on her side, as she was there, and safe, and now is FREE!

Our volunteer wrote:

Majella was in one of exercise yards, running around and playing. She appeared to want to show the bigger black dog that arrived while I was there that she was boss, but they ended up just playing. She was friendly to me and the volunteer, and let me look at her teeth. She was a citizen turn in - most likely found by that person as a stray.

Majella was named after St. Gerard Majella, Patron saint of expectant mothers.

Majella is very lucky to have another chance at a wonderful life, thanks to the wonderful workings of all the volunteers of CP and our generous donors!

Welcome Majella!!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

2009 First Intakes - Windy City Kids VI

Written by CP's VP of Intakes

2009 has just begun, but CP already has welcomed some special furkids into the family!

For those of you that have been around the past few years, you know who the Windy City Kids are, but if you're new to CP, these are Cairns that come from a very old and honored breeding line of a prestigious breeder who has been forced to reduce her kennel due to age and illness.

Yesterday, nine more Windy City Kids became members of CP. My thanks to Mary C. and her sister, Carol A. for making the trip to pick-up these kids.

Those that have fostered a Windy City Kid in the past will agree these are truly special furkids with wonderful temperaments and dispositions and some great physical attributes. If you have ever wanted to foster a Windy City Kid, now is the perfect time! The number of Cairns remaining with the breeder is getting quite low and there won't be a lot of future Windy City Kids coming into CP. With the winter weather and temperatures affecting air transport, I'm especially looking for foster homes in the Midwest or within ground transport range from the Chicago area. If you would like to foster one of the Windy City Kids, please email our Director of Foster Homes at CPCRNFosterHomes@gmail.com.

Now, please help me welcome the first intakes of 2009, the Windy City Kids VI:

Elmhurst: M, lt. cream, DOB 6/08, sibling of Skokie and Roselle



Norridge: M, black brindle, 7 year old



Skokie: M, wheaten, DOB 6/08, sibling of Elmhurst and Roselle



Rosemont: F, red wheaten, 7 year old, daughter of Crete



Roselle: F, wheaten w/ black mask, DOB 6/08, sibling of Elmhurst and Skokie



Crete: M, red wheaten, 9 year old, father of Rosemont



Maywood: F, black brindle, 7 year old



Brookfield: F, red wheaten, 3 year old



Dixmoor: M, wheaten, 2 year old


HAPPY NEW YEAR & NEW LIFE - Windy City Kids VI!!