Sunday, December 31, 2017

Sunday Sweets!

Sunday is full of SWEETS!  Each week we showcase the sweeter side of Cairns.  If you have a sweet filled Cairn and would like us to consider YOUR photo for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets!" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.).

Happy New Year!


Macie's Sweet 16th Birthday

Zippy at 15

Foster Bongo

Foster Clarabel

Foster Juniper

CP Bonita

Foster Kimball

Foster Nash

Foster Nessie

Foster Pip

Foster Zinnia

Foster Alabaster Snowball

Foster Bushy Evergreen

Foster Pepper Minstix

Foster Shinny Upatree

Foster Sugarplum Mary


Foster Wunorse Openslae





Friday, December 29, 2017

Safety Tips for New Year's Eve!

Plan ahead so that you and your Cairns can enjoy New Year's Eve in spite of the fireworks!

We all want to keep our dogs safe and secure in stressful situations, and fireworks can scare them.  Some dogs will exhibit signs of fear that can include pacing, panting, trembling, salivating, trying to escape and/or barking.  Many dogs will actually injure themselves when trying to escape.  (I've even seen dogs that were hit by a car when they tried to flee from noises.)  What can you do to help keep your dog stay calm during the fireworks this weekend?

Here are some suggestions:

1. Consider not taking your dog to the fireworks display.  Make sure that your dog will be calm at home, or stay home with your dog during the fireworks.  Keep your dog confined in a comfortable location, if possible.  Walk your dog BEFORE the fireworks start.

2. Don't try too hard to reassure your dog during a fearful event with petting, soothing words, or extra attention.  This can sometimes exacerbate the problem by reinforcing your dog's fearful response.

3. Some dogs are very sensitive to people's moods and may be influenced by the way that you react to the noise.  It is best to act happy and upbeat or to redirect your dog's attention to some absorbing activity.

4. If you must leave your dog at home alone during the fireworks, consider what would make your dog most comfortable.  Bring your dog indoors.  Would he feel safest in a crate?  Try turning on the radio, television, fan or air conditioner as "white noise".  Make sure you provide a comfortable hiding place or "safe place" for your dog in case he is scared during the fireworks.

5. Pet anxiety studies have shown that music can have a calming effect on a stressed out pet.  I would recommend the Music My Pet CD.  This musical CD was created for the specific purpose of calming pets.  The classical music tracks were arranged to have a smooth soothing dynamic from beginning to end.  And the music is performed using only those instruments that have been proven to have a calming effect on pets (like the harp, flute and piano).  Try playing the CD before the fireworks begin to get your dog into a relaxed state, and continue playing it throughout the fireworks.

So, the best way to deal with this issue is to be prepared.  Before the fireworks begin, anticipate your dog's reaction to these loud noises.  Whenever possible try to avoid exposing your dog to fireworks.  If this is not possible, do everything that you can to make your dog feel more comfortable and secure.  Talk to your dog in a light, cheerful tone that sends a comforting message that the noise is no big deal.  Encourage your dog to find a quiet restful place to wait out the noise.

Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve and take time to be sure that your pets do too!!


Friday Funnies!

Off the Leash
Note: Click on the image to enlarge!



Thursday, December 28, 2017

Training Video: Door Safety for Your Cairn!

"Look at me!" is a key element in teaching your Cairn not to rush out an open door - but there's so much more!

This is another really great video by Zak George which demonstrates how to teach your Cairn not to rush out the door with "Sit/Stay" "Leave it" and "Look at me" commands, using positive training methods.  There is a spot of advertising by his sponsor, but it does not detract from this really helpful video.  Obviously, the dog is not a Cairn, but everything Zak demonstrates applies perfectly to a Rescued Cairn.  Note his admonitions to go slowly, take precautions, and set your dog up for success!



Training your Cairn can be rewarding!



Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Wacky Wednesday!


Note: Click on the image to enlarge!
Wednesday is the day to be WACKY!  Each week we will showcase a terrierific Cairn picture with an appropriate caption.  If you would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com!  All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.

A big shout out to Yvonne for being our Wacky Wednesday model this week!



Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Tuesday Tails: Caruso, Cindel, and Macie!

Note: Click on the image to enlarge!
Tuesday is full of Tails!  Each week we will showcase the Tail of one of our Col. Potter Rescued Cairns, either Post Adoption or still looking for that Forever Home while in a wonderful CP Foster Home.  If you have a great CP Post Adoption story (and photos!) and would like us to consider them for an upcoming "Tuesday Tails" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.).

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Sunday Sweets!

Sunday is full of SWEETS!  Each week we showcase the sweeter side of Cairns.  If you have a sweet filled Cairn and would like us to consider YOUR photo for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets!" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.).
Merry Christmas!
Kody fka CP IC


Sir. Buster, Gem, and Abbie

Cassie and CP Kevin Patrick

Maddie and Dexter

Zibby, Mookie, Casey, and Becky

Caruso

Charlie fka CP Little Papi

Kody fka CP IC

Sophie and Baby D

Sadie Jo and Skye La

Sweet Sanibel

CP Trekkie

CP Donegel and CP Eva

Barry










Friday, December 22, 2017

Friday Funnies!

Off the Leash
Note: Click on the image to enlarge!



Thursday, December 21, 2017

Safety First for the Holidays!

Keep the Holidays Safe and Happy for your Cairns!

1. The Christmas Tree
A holiday tree can look more like a playground than a holiday decoration to a curious cat. To keep pets safe, be sure to anchor your holiday tree well so it doesn’t tip and fall.

2. Decorative Dangers
Pets may think tinsel and ornaments are toys – but when ingested, these holiday decorations can obstruct the digestive tract, causing serious health concerns. Ornaments and tinsel should be kept out of your pet’s reach at all times.

3. Gift Safety
Avoid giving pets toys that can be chewed into pieces. There is always the risk of pieces of a chewed toy becoming lodged in a pet’s esophagus or digestive tract. Although cats love yarn and ribbon, the long fibers can also cause intestinal blockages. When giving gifts to furry family members, it’s best to stick to safer toys (like kongs and balls) and healthy treats .

4. Festive Plants
Some holiday plants, when ingested, can cause health problems for pets. Avoid decorative plants such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies – which can be the most dangerous. Even pine needles, when ingested, can wreck havoc in your pet’s intestines – so keep your pet away from fallen needles.

5. Human Food
Holiday foods, including fatty meats (especially roasts with bones), gravy, spicy foods, sweets and chocolate should all be kept far away from pets. Make sure to keep your pets away from the holiday table and unattended plates of food.

6. Holiday Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are dangerous when ingested by pets and should never be left on tables that are within your pet’s reach.

7. Holiday Lighting
Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Be sure candles are placed on a stable surface and always put the flames out prior to leaving a room.

8. Reduce Stresses
The excitement of the holiday season can be stressful for pets, triggering possible illness and intestinal upset. If you’re hosting any holiday parties, make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. And make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

9. Tree Water
Standing/stagnant tree water can grow bacteria (making it unsafe for pets to drink) – so it’s best to keep your pet away from the trees so they are not tempted to sip the water.

10. Poison Control
If you believe that your pet might have eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Wellness Blog

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Wacky Wednesday!


Note: Click on the image to enlarge!
Wednesday is the day to be WACKY!  Each week we will showcase a terrierific Cairn picture with an appropriate caption.  If you would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com!  All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.

A big shout out to WiiGii for being our Wacky Wednesday model this week!



Tuesday, December 19, 2017

The Miracle Workers

Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft in The Miracle Worker


The other day, I happened to catch a showing of The Miracle Worker, the wonderful 1962 film starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke.  The movie portrays the narrow span of time in which Anne Sullivan, a novice teacher newly fetched from Boston’s Perkins School for the Blind, tackles the formidable task of convincing the wildly out of control seven year old Helen Keller to “tolerate” her and learn how to function in a soundless, sightless world.

Two weeks.  After an initial battle over proper table manners, Helen’s angry father gave Anne two weeks to prove she could make a difference.  Removing Helen from the sphere of her overcompensating, guilt-ridden family, Anne first teaches Helen to rely on her and trust her for all her needs, and this opens the door to greater learning.   When Helen’s parents insist she be returned to the main house after two weeks, in spite of the obvious progress, Helen immediately tests her new bounds, reverting to poor table manners.  When Anne intercedes to prevent this regression, Helen’s father objects that the teacher is treating her like a sighted child – and Anne emphatically agreed.  In order for Helen to learn and ultimately succeed, she must think like a sighted child, and her own expectations had to be high, not self indulgent.

It struck me then how well this story correlates to so many of our Rescued Cairns, and I immediately thought of CP Foster Dad Ron K. and the wonderful video of his Foster Jacket, romping playfully in the snow.  Jacket had come to him as a terrified five-year-old breeder dog, afraid of all people, treats, and the television.  Ron taught her to trust him, with abundant love, patience, and leadership, communicating exactly what he wanted her to do, giving her the strength to embrace life with confidence and joy.  It took more than two weeks, but Ron prepared Jacket well to move on to her Forever Home, where she continued to blossom into a happy, healthy Cairn girl who wiggles with joy when her humans come home.

In memory of Foster Dad Ron K., and in tribute to the many Cairns who have benefited from his strong  yet tender leadership, please enjoy Jacket, romping in the snow…



Editor's Note: This post ran originally on 12/22/15. 

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Sunday Sweets!

Sunday is full of SWEETS!  Each week we showcase the sweeter side of Cairns.  If you have a sweet filled Cairn and would like us to consider YOUR photo for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets!" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.).

Foster Sam Malone
Foster Nolan

CP Senex

Foster Jerry

Oliver fna CP Manicotti and Leon fna CP Ricky W

Foster Wookie

Dutchness

Ovra, CP Cooper, Foster Charlotte, Norton and Sophie

Foster Romeo

CP Cassie & her new brother, Brick the cat

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