Friday, September 29, 2017

Friday Flashback: Berman Believes in Forever!

Written by CP Berman
Originally posted 10/18/2014 on the Post Adoption Blog
CP Berman, now Blissful in Forever!

They’re in Love!!!  They are so “crazy” about me (whatever that really means…) and they really seem to be enjoying spending time with me!

Ha!  I bet my Foster Mom is gonna’ be surprised to hear this!  She was like all, “Berman!!!  That’s enough!!!” and that sort of thing, but I have made excellent progress!

I've pretty well figured out that this is my permanent home – Forever! - and it makes a difference, knowing that Mom and Dad will always take care of me.  I mean, it was confusing at first because, almost right away, they up and took me off to some strange place they called “Florida” and I was sure they were going to dump me off somewhere – but they didn’t!  They kept me right with them and then brought me back home – and now I am one contented little camper.

Don’t believe me?  Well, just watch my little movie!  You can’t get much more contented that that!  Mom and Dad love to watch me when I am totally relaxed.  They say I am “a hoot to watch” which I think means I make them laugh!

Making your Mom & Dad laugh is a great thing to do, and it’s really very simple:  I just roll on my back with a toy bone or ball in my mouth, kick my hind legs out, take the toy out of my mouth with both paws and drop it back in my mouth again – They think it's hysterical!  Unfortunately, I killed the squeaker on the bone in the film, but when I have one with a squeaker, I really get going!  It's so cute to watch Mom and Dad giggle!

Foster Mom’s description of me on the Col. Potter website said I had “the potential for being an awesome dog” and I have to admit, she got that absolutely right!  All it took was an Awesome Mom & Dad!

Oh!!  I think I must be in Love too!

Thank you Foster Mom and Col. Potter!

Read my Intake Story Here:
 

Friday Funnies!

Raising Duncan



by Chris Browne


Thursday, September 28, 2017

Crate Training Essentials for Your Cairn!

Contributed by a Col. Potter Volunteer

When life is a little stressful, it’s nice to have a place to call Home!

Are you thinking about adding a new Rescued Cairn to your family?  There are many things to consider, and lots of planning to do.  You can expect to get many great tips to help you integrate your New Cairn into your home, so it is good to know that some of this advice will also will apply to your current resident dogs.  Learning to use a crate effectively is a great example.

Crate Training Essentials

Your new dog has been Crate Trained, and is accustomed to sleeping in his or her crate.  He or she is also accustomed to spending some "down time" relaxing in the crate.  This is a practice that we HIGHLY recommend you continue.  Crate training is definitely NOT "cruel" as many people believe.  Numerous studies have shown that, contrary to being cruel to dogs, it's compassionate and caring.  Canines are, by nature, pack and den animals.  They feel safe and secure when they have their own den-like containment area.  A cage/crate serves as such.  Maintaining a positive pattern of regular, daily crate time will serve you well and will provide your new Cairn a safe and familiar place of his or her own.

Another helpful hint is that we often give the new dog too much attention at first in an attempt to make him or her feel welcomed, secure, and loved.  Please be aware that your new Rescued Cairn will be on emotional and physical overload for at least a couple of weeks.  Give them time and space to "decompress."  To become familiar with and comfortable in your home and with your family, on his or her terms.


A wire crate lets your Cairn feel like part of the activity
in the room, and a sheet or blanket can be draped over it
to give a more den-like feel when a more quiet time is desired.

Keep in mind that your little one has experienced at least TWO major disruptions in life already: being rescued from whatever his or her original environment was, then leaving the safety of the Foster Home to become your adopted dog.  Just think about your new Cairn’s story and imagine yourself in the same situation… Changes – even for the better – can be very stressful.  It's no wonder they experience a bit of overload.  Quiet time in the crate will help your Rescued Cairn adjust more easily - and more quickly.

Crate him or her at night and while you are away to help him or her feel secure.  Also, give him or her "time outs" in the crate whenever you sense the beginning of a little over stimulation or overloaded.  Sometimes everyone - human and canine - needs a chance to catch their breath.

Take it Easy and You’ll Get it Right!

Basically, TAKE IT EASY with your new Cairn!  We recommend that you not take the new dog into a lot of new situations right at first.  Many mistakes are made because the new adoptive home is so excited about their dog that they want to share their new little one with all their friends and family.  This new dog has NO CLUE that the adoptive family is their new family, nor will they have a clue who these new people are - especially new people who have dogs.  Give your New Cairn time to adjust to you, your immediate family, and your home before taking him out to visit friends or relatives.  If your friends and family cannot wait to meet your new family member, please introduce them to him or her slowly and allow time to adjust and welcome each member one at a time.  A large number of unfamiliar humans descending on a newly adopted Cairn has the potential to be overwhelming and can cause them to react in a negative way.

You cannot go too slowly...  but you can move too quickly by exposing your new adoptee to too many new people, places, sights, sounds and smells at first.  Be sure to use the crate wisely to give your new Cairn time to relax a few times each day, always making it a gentle, positive experience going in and coming back out.  Little bits of cheese in your hand help in any crating exercise, and it will reinforce the absolute goodness of your hands!

Good luck! And thank you again for opening your heart and home to a rescued Cairn!

Rescuing one Cairn will not change the world,
but it will surely change the world for that one Rescued Cairn


Read More About It:

It’s Always Best to Start at the Beginning!

I’m Not Sure we’ve been Properly Introduced!

Toto: The Other Side of the Story!

And the Oscar goes to…


Col. Potter Needs a Few More Beginnings! 
Please Volunteer to Foster and help us help give a new start to every Cairn in need!

Please  Consider being a CP Volunteer!

CP Foster Home Application form:

CP Transport Volunteer Driver form:

CPCRN Volunteer form:

Col. Potter’s Name a Rescue Cairn Program








Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Wacky Wednesday!



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 Finnegan and Mulligan fka CP Wintry for being our Wacky Wednesday models this week!




Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Tuesday Tails: Mountain Man Monty

As you may recall early in 2017, CP Foster Monty, who became known as “Mountain Man Monty”, was taken into Col. Potter Rescue and was on a transport to his foster home when he took a ‘walk about’ for three weeks.

Many volunteers stepped forward to try and get him back to safety, even trackers with big dogs came to help.  Eventually this little mix was captured in a trap and sent to his CP Foster Home in the state of Washington.  After being evaluated and  getting a clean bill of health, he was made available for adoption.

Well, his Foster Mom got a knot in her stomach, thinking that someone would adopt him, and she just couldn’t bear the thought.  Needless to say, in August 2017, Monty got to stay in his Forever Home without ever having to leave! 



This from his Forever Mom, Sandy…



“In my office, Monty gets to watch me, keep track of what is happening outside, and get a little sun!  Anytime I come back to do computer work, that is where he is!  If the curtains are closed at night, he will sneak in behind them.



Gotta love this boy!




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, September 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.).


Bria fna Heceta

Foster Shekel

Gabby fna Detroit

Leo Bean fna Coffee Bean

Foster Cassie Lassie

Foster Kenzie S

Sonny Boy

Duffy

Baby D

Oliver






Friday, September 22, 2017

Friday Flashback: The Natural

Written by CP Reenie
Originally posted 11/28/2014 on the Post Adoption Blog
At 9 years old, I'm the baby here!  Mac and Molly are 14!

Foster Mom, PK, I have such good news to tell you!!!

You are Not going to believe this!  Well, actually, maybe you will!

You know, I had that really long, long ride the other day and after we said goodbye and I went off with that nice man, Bill, then I finally met my new Mom.  She brought me home and I met Mac and Molly and Dandi and Allie and Gabby and Ashley and Bridgett and Riley and Grace, and Emma.  I might have forgotten someone, but that was a lot to learn!  Everyone was really excited to meet me and I was really happy to find out that they were all my brothers and sisters now.  Mac was my very special new brother, sticking with me like a guide, making sure I got to meet everyone and see all the fun stuff in the house.  I haven’t decided if I like the sofa or the pretty chair best, so I’m just using them both!  Mom got me a new Winter coat and a new bed and some new toys – it was like Christmas!

So, anyway, the next day Mom took me to the vet to get everything checked out and she found out that I am only nine pounds now!  Taking off a leg is a sort of extreme way to lose weight, and I don’t recommend it, but I have to say that I love the new, trimmer me and I am feeling better and better every day!

I really like this chair, but I Love Mom's lap much better!

Well, the next day Mom took me to the “spa” and got me all spiffed up, and then the next day she took me to “specialty” and emergency vets – really just to show me off, I think.  I mean, I didn’t get poked or prodded or anything, but everyone fussed over me and made me feel very special!

But then something special happened! 

Three little children came out of one of the exam rooms and they were all crying and sad.  They saw me and came over and said their dog had just died, so Mom said if they wanted to sit down, I could visit with them for a while – and that’s what I did!  They sat on the chairs and I jumped right up into their laps and let them all pet me while Mom told them the story of my past and how I lost my leg.  It was very interesting because the Mom and Dad of these three kids were both deaf so Mom had to make signs with her hands.  Mom and I spent about a half hour visiting with this family and by the time they decided they needed to go home, the children were not crying anymore and their Mom and Dad did not have that worried look on their faces.

Mom was very proud of me and told me I was “a natural!”  I guess I’m not 100% sure I know what that means, but I loved being the center of attention, and, even more than that, I really loved that I made everyone feel better - and it took no effort at all!  If that’s what Mom meant, then I agree!

I’m a Natural!

Thank you to the wonderful Volunteers of Col. Potter for rescuing me and giving me the opportunity to spread my wings and discover how easy it is to help others.  Thank you Foster Mom for helping me recover and for believing in me!  You did good!

Reenie enjoying her 1st visit to the Lap Factory!

P.S.  I think I found the Lap Factory!  Mom took me to a new place called "Assisted Living" something or other and you would not believe how many laps I found there!  Woohoo!


Friday Funnies!

Off the Leash



Thursday, September 21, 2017

Leadership and Important Drag Lead Basics!

A drag lead is strongly recommended for at least the first two weeks your new dog is in your home, and maybe longer, to prevent potential trouble and give you easy control when needed.


Why Leadership is Important



Before you bring a new dog home, it's important that you understand that your new dog must accept you as the leader - in all things - in order for there to be peace and harmony in the home.  First and foremost, you must be Alpha in your new dog’s eyes, i.e., the All-Powerful Leader and Provider of All Good Things.  Being Alpha does not mean you must be domineering or that your dog is supposed to think you're a dog!  It is ludicrous to even suggest that!  Being Alpha simply means your dog sees you and respects you as the Leader, the entity who controls all of the things of value: food, toys, furnishings, doors – everything!



The messages you put out the first few days are vital to your ultimate success with your new dog.  Think ahead about how you are going to introduce the new dog to your home, your family, and your routines.  If you can visualize exactly how you will do things, every act will flow much more naturally when you have your new dog in your arms or at the other end of the leash.



If your dog feels secure that you know what you’re doing, you will have harmony in the home.  To be a good, effective leader, you must provide clear communication to your dog in every situation, so it is entirely up to you - the human - to see the world through their eyes and think like a dog, not the other way around.


A drag lead is simply a short lead (maybe 4 or 5 feet long) that is attached to your dog’s harness at all times.

The Magic of a Drag Lead

It is always best to Start at the Beginning!  For the first two weeks minimum, you should have a drag lead attached to your New Cairn’s harness, inside your home and outside, in a securely fenced area.  



A drag lead is simply a short lead (maybe 4 or 5 feet long) that is attached to your dog’s harness at all times.  Simple, yet it can seem almost magical because it communicates to your dog that you are the leader.  The first time you calmly step on a drag lead to gain control over a situation, your new dog will “get” the message.



If there is a problem, the drag lead allows you to take control of the situation without putting your Cairn in a position where it feels the need to defend itself.  Remember, you are a Leader, not an adversary!  If you reach for your new Cairn under a piece of furniture, you are invading their space and may rightly invite a defensive growl (or other defensive behavior), but if you calmly step on the lead and maneuver it toward you so you can pick it up in a non-threatening manner, you are in a much better position to coax the dog out of it’s “safe” spot, redirect the dog’s energies, and restore the leadership balance.



A drag lead gives you power (Alpha) and a measure of control, and it helps you avoid situations where you ask for a behavior but have no way to ensure that you can make it happen without asking a 2nd time (which you should never do!).  “Come!” is a great example.  In the beginning, it is really best to calmly step on the lead, pick it up, and then say, “Come!” where you can easily reel the dog in, ready to give a nice treat as soon as the action has been achieved.



How much you need to use the drag lead will vary from dog to dog, depending on their level of fear or sense of entitlement (i.e., they think they should be Alpha!), but you will be well served, no matter what, if you attach a drag lead for at least two weeks – and maybe longer.




More to Think About from the Whole Dog Journal Blog:


Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Wacky Wednesday!



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 Macie and Ceili for being our Wacky Wednesday models this week!




Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Tuesday Tails: Deex fka CP Lord McGuyver

Deex fka CP Lord McGuyver


Remember little Lord McGuyver? This 21 lb., 8-year-old Wheaten cutie traveled from his Col. Potter Foster Home in New York to his Forever Home in Texas last month - and now he is king of the castle! 


Deex is happy and feeling right at home!


Now known as Deex, his new mommy treated him to a spa day upon his arrival. Healthy, happy, and sporting a brand new haircut, Deex now spends his days doing his favorite things:  running up and down the stairs, jumping when he is super excited, and getting lots of kisses and belly rubs.  He also enjoys going for car rides and getting his treat of choice - duck jerky.  Deex has made himself at home right away and is most happy hanging out with his new family members.  



Friendly and very affectionate, his new family agrees that "he is the sweetest and BEST dog" they've ever had!  



Happy forever, Deex!







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, September 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.).

Mountain Man Monty

Foster KayJay

Chrissi fna Naughty

Finnigan fna Fionn

Foster Carlotta

Foster Carousel

Foster Elisa

Rocky fka Sousa

Foster Groot

Foster Isla

O'Malley


Friday, September 15, 2017

Friday Flashback: Divinity Remembered

Contributed by a CP Volunteer
Originally posted 12/10/14 on the Post Adoption Blog

Divinity is remembered for her gentle nature…

It is hard to believe that it has been three months since Miss Divinity bid us all farewell.  Her Dad has been generously maintaining her Blog and doing what he can to help other Cairns in need, and for this we are all grateful.

…and for her achievements as a certified Therapy Dog

Divinity was always ready to help others - two or four-legged!

Today Dad’s post was especially touching.  Pet Partners honored Divinity with a special tribute, simple and well worth the read.  Divinity lived in a wire cage for nine years, but blossomed in her freedom, becoming a certified Therapy Dog and a gentle ray of hope to humans and other animals in need.
Read Divinity’s Blog Post about the Pet Partner’s Tribute:
Read Divinity’s Tribute in Interactions on Page 10:
Read about Divinity’s Farewell:
Read about Divinity’s 4th Gotcha Day:
Read about Divinity’s 2nd Gotcha Day:

Friday Funnies!

Off the Leash



Thank you, Bonnie!!!




Thursday, September 14, 2017

Toto: The Other Side of the Story!

Written by Michele Stadnick

Georgie and Frankie - Just like Toto, right???


So, "The Wizard of Oz" is your favorite movie, you just LOVE Toto, and have always wanted a dog just like him? A dog who's small, cute, lovable, and doesn't shed all over your couch? 

You've done your research and learned that Cairn Terriers are (take your pick):


  • Good with children
  • Friendly
  • Loving family dogs
  • Adaptable to living in small apartments as well as large homes



Well, YES and NO…



Probably NO ONE ever told you that Cairns will almost INVARIABLY:

  • Chase squirrels
  • Chase bunnies
  • Chase bugs
  • Chase bikes
  • Chase paper fluttering down the street
  • Chase anything that moves
  • Chase things that aren't moving, just to GET them moving so they'll have something to chase
  • Bark at cars
  • Bark at bikes
  • Bark at birds
  • Bark at trikes
  • Bark at trucks
  • Bark at the phone
  • Bark at fireworks
  • Bark at thunder
  • Bark at the doorbell
  • Bark at the doorbell on TV
  • Bark to hear themselves bark
  • Bark just to get your goat -- or your attention
  • Or both
  • Bark sometimes just cause it feels so damned GREAT
  • Dig up that mouse hole
  • Dig up your tulips
  • Dig up your roses
  • Dig up your lawn
  • Dig under your fence
  • Dig under your shed
  • Dig up your linoleum
  • Dig up your carpeting
  • Nip at people's feet if you haven't redirected their intense prey drive
  • Nip at your hands too, if not trained properly
  • Try to control their universe and everything in it -- INCLUDING YOU
  • Will succeed at this unless YOU intervene. And even then, they'll try again. And again. And again and again and again and again.
  • Lunge at other dogs on leash
  • Lunge at people, unless trained not to
  • Lunge ‘cause it feels good and they're in a hurry to get where they're going, and you're the only thing holding them back from experiencing the next exciting adventure around the corner or around the world.
  • Bolt out any open door in the blink of an eye
  • LET ME REPEAT THAT: THEY WILL BOLT OUT ANY OPEN DOOR IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
  • And won't return until they're good and ready.
  • Sometimes not even then
  • Refuse to come -- unless they want to
  • Refuse to sit -- unless they want to
  • Refuse to stay -- unless they're bored silly, and if so, that's the BEST time to move around to stir up the action anyway
  • Refuse to stop barking -- unless there's something in it for them...like a fabulous treat
  • Refuse to do what you want at the PRECISE moment that it's most important that they do...like when you're trying to show off how obedient and well-trained they are (which is, of course, a grand delusion on your part).
  • Nor, it seems, has anyone told you:
  • A Cairn can never, ever, ever be trusted off-leash, EVER.
  • Not even for a second. Regardless of how well-trained you have deluded yourself into believing he is
  • That all the dogs you've had before and have trained so well don't matter...if they weren't Cairns.
  • Because Cairns are different.
  • Very different
  • That they're generally NOT the best breed for a home with small children.
  • That one bears repeating: Cairns are generally NOT the best breed for a home with small children.
  • That Cairns WILL shed a little (or a lot) if you don't groom them properly.
  • That they're relatively resistant to housebreaking (don't expect them to be housebroken in a week, or even a month)!
  • And even when you think they're housebroken, if they've got something else on their agenda at the moment, they're likely to conveniently "forget."
  • That they are affectionate -- on their terms, not yours.
  • That they are stubborn and hardheaded, not to mention incredibly independent
  • That obedience training is a necessity, not a luxury. And that it's just the FIRST step in the process.
  • That you should read the previous sentence again, and forget everything you think you know.  If you haven't owned a Cairn, it doesn't apply.
  • That they were bred to hunt and kill, and their intense prey drive can NEVER be trained out of them.  Toto may not have KILLED those flying monkeys, but that's only because Toto KNEW they were fakes.  Otherwise, they'd have been dead, not merely outwitted.
LB is always an angel - right?
What they SHOULD have told you is:

  • They're wonderful for THE RIGHT OWNER
  • They're loving -- IF YOU LOVE THEM, TREAT THEM WELL, AND HAVE EARNED THEIR RESPECT
  • They're smart -- PROBABLY SMARTER THAN YOU
  • They're sweet -- WHEN THEY WANT TO BE
  • They're funny -- VIRTUALLY ALL THE TIME, IF YOU ENJOY DEMENTED, DEVIOUS, DEVILISH HUMOR
  • They're good with GOOD, WELL-BEHAVED CHILDREN WHO HAVE GOOD, RESPONSIBLE PARENTS.  And if they haven't had a bad experience previously with ill-behaved kids. Otherwise, it's a recipe for disaster.
  • They're strong
  • They're hearty
  • They're brave
  • They're relentless
  • They're devious
  • They're insightful
  • They're indomitable
  • They're energetic beyond description
  • They're intelligent beyond belief
  • They're the BEST dog you'll ever own
  • BUT...they just may be the WORST dog you can imagine.
  • THAT PART IS ALL UP TO YOU! 
Macie - Sweet is her middle name!
Oh, and by the way, Toto was actually a GIRL!