Wish They All Could Be California Girls ...

One look at this cute little girl and the old Beach Boy song came to mind! Saturday Carly became a new Col. Potter girl. She's an owner surrender, 5 years old and beyond cute. Cathy A., another California girl, made the trip to bring Carly into Col. Potter. Cathy reports that Carly is very sweet, extremely friendly, well behaved, polite, and excellent in the car. If that wasn't enough, Carly is good with kids and other dogs. Carly got a bath at Cathy's house and she loved that too! Yes - she is a cairn!!

A huge thanks to Cathy for all her help in bringing Carly into Col. Potter. Please welcome this sweet little girl.

Meet Freeloader!

Furkids find their way to the loving arms of Col. Potter in many different ways. This little boy's journey definitely had many rescue and guardian angels watching over him to get him this far. The Rescue Team monitors Petfinder classified ads. We found one that had listed three dogs that had been found starving in an abandoned home, supposedly one was a Cairn. There was one small terrier and two Pit Bulls found. At first the rescue angel just took food and water to the dogs in the abandoned home, but after a period of time, it was apparent no one was coming back for them and she took them home with her and tried to find their owners or rescue or adoptive homes for them. You can draw your own conclusions of what a young terrier was doing with young, and apparently not vicious, Pit Bulls.

Enter Col. Potter. After having received pictures, it was obvious that the young, male terrier was indeed a Cairn. The rescue angel gave of herself once more and personally delivered him to our vet in Missouri where he will be boarded and vetted before moving to a foster home.

The famous comedienne Red Skelton had a character named Freddie the Freeloader who was a hobo but always had flowers to offer as a gift. This little boy doesn't have flowers, but does have lots and lots of love to give as his gift.

Please help me welcome Freeloader to CP!!! We believe him to be 6-8 months old and currently weighs about 10 pounds. He even seems to have a little bit of "red" in his coat.

Freeloader will be ready to move to his foster home next weekend and is in need of someone to share his love with while waiting for his forever home. If you would like to foster a rescued dog check out our foster facts.

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Entry 8)

Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors, has graciously allowed us access to her diary documenting the journey of Flopsy, also known as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home. The diary will be broken up into short sections and posted. Check back for new entries in the series entitled "From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog". (Previous Journal Entries: Entry One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven)

5/23/07
Tonight was the third night of play. This is so exciting! Something else Rusty has begun to do is come to the back part of the house when I take our dogs to the bedroom for bedtime. Usually, Rusty will stay in the kitchen area until they are crated, and then I would go out to the kitchen and pick her up and carry her back to the bedroom from the kitchen, but at least while I’m tending to the others, she gets curious enough to venture back there.

5/24/07
A nice birthday present for me this afternoon, when I looked outside the window, Rusty was laying on the grass, playing with a toy! Only MacKenzie was outside with her and she was actually watching Rusty. Rusty had a rubber toy MacKenzie had taken to the grass earlier. It was in her mouth, and she was tossing around her head a little. Then, Rusty turned over on her back with the toy still in her mouth and pawed at it with her front paws. This little one is simply amazing and I feel quite fortunate to be going through this process with her.

When Rusty stopped playing, she came trotting towards the house with what looked like a bounce in her step and a Cairn smile on her face. Tony and I both agreed that she looks so much more relaxed than she has ever looked before now.

5/28/07
Great things happened this evening when we went outside for final potty. Rusty had gotten one of the egg-shaped toys that our kids worship. She was rolling around in the grass with the ball in her mouth and would give it a little toss and grab it again. Spin in circles with the ball; just having a great time.

Holly and McDuffy started playing, so Rusty ran over to join them. The three of them rough and tumbled for quite some time. McDuffy ran over to the pool, jumped in, then jumped out and raced across the yard. Rusty was in hot pursuit after him! Her tail was high in the air and she had a huge smile on her face. McDuffy continued to zoom around the yard and Rusty zoomed after him. It was wonderful!! McDuffy would stop and roll and Rusty would play bow at him. Then McDuffy started to play with Rusty. This is a first, because he’s been laying back with her. It’s as if he could sense her apprehension. McDuffy and Rusty played rough and tumble together for a little while longer, and then it was over.

It was now time to go inside and go to bed. When we went back outside to get Rusty to come in (our daily routine), she seemed to go into one of her severe panic modes again. It was so strange, one minute she was as happy as a lark, the next minute, she was panic stricken. I’m wondering if it was a reaction to the over-stimulation and she didn’t know how to react when she came back down to earth.

To Be Continued ...

Two Furkids Join The CP Family

Intakes was contacted by a lady that had found a local internet ad for three Cairn Terriers. One of the females was already gone, but today, a male and female found their way into the loving arms of Col. Potter.

They both are pretty friendly and socialized for PM kids, especially the female, and get along well with other dogs. The female is missing the tip of her left ear and the male has a tumor type growth on his head.

These two have special names that have been donated to our Name a PM Kid Program to help support our efforts in rescuing PM kids. If you would like to donate to the Name a PM Kid Program, please visit our website. It is truly a very special gift or loving tribute that gives in more than one way.

Tuckerboy: Donated by Tracey B. in honor of Tucker, her first cairn, her best boy who went to the Rainbow Bridge in 2004 after 15 years together. Tuckerboy was born 8/29/02.

Beeny: Donated by Angela T. in honor of Susan’s efforts in the successful search and return of Tinman. Beeny was born 5/24/03.

They are being boarded and vetted in Missouri. We are sorely lacking foster homes in the midwest right now, and can use them across the entire CP foster home system. If you are interested in fostering, check out the Foster FAQs.

My thanks to Kathy and Barney H. for picking up Tuckerboy and Beeny from their rescue angel and transporting them to the vet. Please help me welcome Tuckerboy and Beeny to the CP family. They already have a great head start on their happily ever after with the special names they carry and guardian angels to watch over them!

Pictures of the American Revolutionaries

CPCRN recently introduced a new class of recruits. Below are the first photos of the American Revolutionaries. Soon those sad faces will be replaced with happy smiles in the loving care of CP and their foster homes.

Allow Me To Introduce Cutty - Written by His Foster Mom

Cutty was dumped at a shelter. Apparently, he was adopted out once and returned within 24 hours because the toy poodle didn't like him. Having spent time with him, I can say without hesitation that it was the toy poodle's fault. Susan B. stepped in and now Cutty is a Col. Potter kid.

I have tried and tried to figure out why someone would give this little guy away. He is absolutely perfect. He instantly got along with my herd (which is quite unusual). He is beautiful and really sweet. He sleeps quietly in his crate without any protest and he loves being groomed. I haven't found a flaw yet.

Welcome the American Revolutionaries!

On April 19, 1775, a shot was fired that was heard 'round the world. It was the beginning of the American Revolution. On this same date, in 2008, Col. Potter with the help of Deb and Jim fought for the freedom of 7 Cairns from oppression and won their right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." To honor those original freedom fighters, who played key roles in the Battles of Lexington and Concord; our new Col. Potter recruits are thus named:

LEXINGTON - 2 yr old female
BURKE - 2 yr old female
LAURIE - 2 yr old female
ADAIR - 5 yr old female
BOSTON - 3 month old male wheaten
BARRETT - 3 month old male red wheaten
REVERE - 7 yr old male

Deb and Jim not only spent a long grueling day winning these kids freedom, but also came up with this perfect theme and names for these kids. Thank you Deb and Jim!

There are many more Cairns that need our help right now, but unless we have more foster homes, we will have to turn them away. Besides these mill kids and others like them, we have owner surrenders and Cairns in danger at kill shelters. Saying no to a Cairn in danger is one of the hardest parts of doing Intakes and breaks our heart, but without foster homes, we can't help them. Please consider fostering, so we don't have to turn any away.

Check out our Foster FAQs for more information on how YOU can become a foster home!

A New BIG Boy!

Please welcome a new boy to Col. Potter. He was picked up Saturday and he's doing just great. I think he feels like he was let out of jail. It's a big new world for him, and he loves it!

He was very neglected and mistreated and was extremely overgrown. He looked like a little rag muffin! We bathed him twice, trimmed up his face, ears, and tail. Removed a ton of mats and brushed him out. You'd never know it was the same dog. He's a big boy, about 21 lbs. Now we can see his beautiful brown eyes.

He'll make a family very happy. He's a little sweetheart!

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Entry 7)

Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors, has graciously allowed us access to her diary documenting the journey of Flopsy, also known as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home. The diary will be broken up into short sections and posted. Check back for new entries in the series entitled "From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog". (Previous Journal Entries: Entry One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six)

5/8/07
Rusty still tries to elude us when we want to catch her, but she does relent, after a few laps around the kitchen or in the yard. This is improvement from the times we would have to “corner” her to catch her.

Rusty isn’t fond of the doorways and will not come inside the house, unless we hide behind the cabinets. Same goes with going outside. We need to be completely out of sight, and then Rusty will scurry outside.

Tonight, on our walk, Rusty acted like she wanted to run, so we all ran for a ways down the street. She actually looked like she enjoyed it. However, the minute we looked in her direction, she appeared as though she is searching for a safe place to hide.

After the walk, we stood out front at the neighbor’s house, talking and so they could give the fur kids some treats. Rusty didn’t want anything to do with the treats and looked very concerned the entire time. She paced at the end of her leashes, until we went home. I know Rusty has made some miniscule improvements, but I just want so much more for her.

5/16/07
We took the fur kids to Pet Smart this evening to pick up a few things. It was nice and quiet, which was perfect for Rusty. She really did well while we walked around the store. Of course, she was nervous to start, but after about 30 minutes, she began to sniff around and check things out a little bit. Rusty’s favorite part was the ride in the truck. She really enjoys her rides.

5/17/07
After returning home from our nightly walk, we cleaned out the pool for the kids. McDuffy had gotten in, and then began to race around the yard. Holly gave chase with McDuffy, then Rusty joined in! She actually chased McDuffy with Holly! You could tell she didn’t quite know what she was doing, but she was doing it!! It was so awesome to see Rusty do this, even if it was only for about 5 seconds. I’m so happy for her. She actually looked as though there was a smile on her face.

5/21/07
Rusty had another major breakthrough this evening. She played with Holly! Rusty was actually jumping on top of her then she play bowed and zoomed. The play session lasted about 5 minutes. I think it was a big stress reliever for Rusty. We still haven’t progressed too much with us, but I think the canine play is a step in the right direction.

5/22/07
Another play session for Rusty tonight! She was zooming and rough-n-tumbling with both Holly and McDuffy. We also took the pups on a walk tonight and she did fabulous, as usual. Rusty really enjoys our walks.

At feeding time, when I take Rusty and Holly outside to eat, Rusty is doing the “happy dance” just like Holly. It’s so cute to see her mimic Holly.

To Be Continued ...

Brunfelsia Plant Proves Life-Threatening to Dogs

Reminder: Today is the last day to get your squares for the quilt raffle. For more information click here.

According to a recently published study by Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), dogs seem to be particularly attracted to the seeds and berries of the Brunfelsia plant, commonly known as “morning, noon and night” and “yesterday, today and tomorrow.” In fact, canines are most susceptible to poisoning by this gardener’s favorite, aptly named for its fragrant flowers that bloom in vivid purple and gradually change to lavender before fading to white.

From 2001 to 2006, the APCC treated 38 cases of Brunfelsia poisoning involving 42 dogs. One California hound experienced stiff limbs and excessive drooling after ingesting several seeds from the plant. A terrier puppy from Florida developed life-threatening seizures after consuming another part of the plant. With help from the APCC and the services of a local emergency veterinarian, the puppy eventually made a full recovery. However, three of the cases proved fatal.

“Brunfelsia toxicity can progress very rapidly to a potentially lethal situation, so it’s critical that pet parents seek immediate veterinary care,” says Dr. Khan. “If pets consume any part of the plant, they can become ill within hours and develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as tremors, seizures and muscle rigidity that makes the animal appear to be in a ‘sawhorse’ stance.”

The most commonly affected breeds are Labradors and golden retrievers, who, because they tend to be very active, may be more likely to get to the plant’s seeds and leaves.

If you have Brunfelsia in your home, please keep the plant in an area where pets can’t reach it, or replace it with a nontoxic alternative. Pet parents should remember to take precautions against the many plants and flowers that can prove harmful to their animals.

The following video from the ASPCA features 17 other common poisonous plants:

Information from the ASPCA Pressroom.

Myron Bolitar and Windsor Horne Lockwood III

Kenneth and Deirdre, two CPCRN volunteers, drove up to Minnesota Sunday and picked up two new kids. These boys have just come out of a breeding facility in South Dakota. They are big boys, about 26-28 pounds each, but they are not at all fat, just tall with huge coats, long legs and big heads. While they were driving they were listening to a book on tape: Back Shot, by Harlen Coben. The two main characters in the story are named Myron Bolitar and Windsor Horne Lockwood III. So, please welcome Myron & Windsor! (You can call him "Win" for short, but Myron never shortens his name!) Myron and Win seem to know each other quite well and are good friends. Myron is a blond and is a bit of a smart mouth … already explaining that he should be in the house and not the garage. Win is the strong silent type, at least so far. Right now they are in their private apartment in the garage. This, while not the most luxurious of accommodations, is safe, clean, dry, and out of the wind . It offers clean water, good food and soft beds. May I respectfully suggest that it may be better than their previous "prison"? Monday we are all going to the vet where they will stay for a while. For the vet's sake if nothing else, one of the first orders of business should be a bath!

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Entry 6)

Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors, has graciously allowed us access to her diary documenting the journey of Flopsy, also known as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home. The diary will be broken up into short sections and posted. Check back for new entries in the series entitled "From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog". (Previous Journal Entries: Entry One, Two, Three, Four, Five)

5/4/07
A Glimmer of Hope! This afternoon, Tony called me at work to tell me that Rusty ZOOMED for about 20 feet, twice!! He said it was quick, but for a minute, she wasn’t pacing, but ZOOMING! When I got home from work, I went outside for a while with the dogs, no zoomies for me. When we returned home from dinner/shopping, I took everyone outside for a quick potty. I saw her zoom!! One more tiny step in the right direction. This evening, I was telling Tony that Rusty is going to learn to trust us and then she will have to start all over, when she is adopted. At least I know Rusty will not be nearly as terrified as she was when she first arrived with us.

Rusty is going to need a very patient and understanding adoptive home. I will need to ask them if they are willing to give her lots of time and work with her on gaining her trust. A person who expects instant gratification, will not be the right one for Rusty. Also, a person who expects Rusty to act like a “normal” Cairn, will be disappointed. Rusty needs someone with a true “rescue spirit,” not someone who just wants to adopt a Cairn. If I let Rusty go to a home with high expectations, I will have failed her, as a foster mom. I am on the side of my foster kids and know them better than anyone else, therefore I know what’s best for them.

I only wished every adoptive home was like me and could accept these little mill kids for who they are and not forget where they came from. Years of suffering and neglect cannot be erased in a matter of months and it will not disappear all together. I think that is what makes my mill babies special to me.

5/5/07
I am noticing that Rusty is keying into our fur kids’ behaviors more and more. This afternoon, while I was laying on the grass, Rusty went over to where Starry was, wagged her tail at Starry, then proceeded to watch what Star was doing. She was eating grass, so Rusty decided to give it a try, too!

When all of the girls were peeing on top of each others’ pee, in the grass, Rusty joined in and did the same.

When I was giving the kids some egg today, Rusty kept peeking around the kitchen island. She wants so badly to join in, but the poor little thing is so emotionally torn on whether to trust or not.

5/6/07
Boy, does this girl love to take rides! This evening, we went to get an ice cream cone and took the dogs with us. Rusty likes to look out the window, watching the world go by. Her favorite spot is next to the door. She just seems to forget about all of her worries, when she is in the truck.

Day-by-day, Rusty is getting easier to catch. We don’t have to play tag nearly as long as we did in the beginning.

Rusty still doesn’t like to be left in her crate, when I leave the bedroom. She makes sure her protest is loud and clear.

I truly believe that Rusty is going to be ready for adoption much sooner than I originally thought. Especially, if the right home comes along for her. This morning, when Tony was called into work, I put britches on the girls and let them into the carpeted living area with me, while I watched a movie. Today was the first time Rusty relaxed in the L.R. and laid down on the large dog bed in front of the hearth. I couldn’t believe it, she was actually relaxing! We have done this before, but she paced in and out of the L.R. the entire time I was in there. Now, Rusty would still jump up and run away, if I made any movements. However, she would return to her spot and lay down again. She really wants to be a part of the group, but fear and lack of trust, continue to pull her away.

To Be Continued ...

Guiliani's State Of The Union Address

Guiliani, one of the CPCRN Presidential Candidates, was recently adopted and sent the following letter to her foster Mom:

Dear foster momma and daddy,

Hi! The trip went well. I sat with that girl (note from foster mom: her human sister Amy) and we hugged and cuddled and talked (well she did a lot). I think I am going to like her a lot. I gave her lots of sweet kisses as a positive reinforcement to train her when I want lovins.

I like my new yard and immediately peed. I peed inside too. Ooops. Then I peed a couple more times outside. The peoples got all excited and told me how good i was and smiled a lot. So I peed some more outside.

Whew. We walked a few little walks during the day. I even met "grampa". He came to cut a tree down. It didnt bother me any. I did have to stay in the kitchen here and there between walks and them coming in to play and checking and all that.

I let them know I really really like my "peeps". I like that girl, I like her mom and I even like the dad. I went right over to the dad and kissed him and let him know I needed lots of luvins.

Tiffy, my new sister, is pretty nice, she gave me a few kisses, but she really is attached to her mommy so the mommy is pretending to not pay too much attention to me. But she told me not to worry, and anyway, she kisses and luvs on me when Tiffy is not looking. :) I got a secret for the mommy....Tiffy comes and kisses on me when the mommy isnt looking!!!

They have started some little trainings like you know, what we were working on. sit, stay and come. You know how much I like my treats so you know, hey, I try real hard to do the trainings.

They told me they really like me and think I fit in real well. They said the first day was even better than they thought it would be.

They said to say, "Thank you!"

hugs and kisses Guiliani aka "Julie, Jules, JuJu"

Picture of me and my new Mom. (I'm on the left.)

Me and my new sister. She loves me LOTS!

If you would like to help a dog write their "happily ever after" story, apply to be a CPCRN Foster Home!

The Sobering Reality of Pet Overpopulation

As a nation, we claim to love cats and dogs. Millions of households have pets, and billions of dollars are spent yearly on pet supplies and food. But as a nation, we should take a hard, sobering look at a different annual statistic: the millions of dogs and cats given up to shelters or left to die on the streets. And the numbers tell only half the story.

Every cat or dog who dies as a result of pet overpopulation—whether humanely in a shelter or by injury, disease, or neglect—is an animal who, more often than not, would have made a wonderful companion, if given the chance.

The Humane Society of the United States pet overpopulation estimates:

1. Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year: 6-8 million


2. Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million


3. Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600,000 and 750,000 -- 30% of dogs and 2-5% of cats entering shelters
   
4. Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred: 25%
   

What can YOU do to help reduce pet overpopulation?

1. Spay or neuter your companion animals.


2. Adopt from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Don't support puppy mills by buying from a pet shop. (Read one organization's efforts to stop pet shops from selling dogs obtained from puppy mills.)


3. Volunteer or donate to rescue groups and animal shelters.


4. Educate others about the reality of puppy mills and the benefits of spaying/neutering.

Click below to watch a video about the pet overpopulation crisis. (Warning: Contains graphic images.)

Information taken from Brightlion and HSUS.

Spay And Neuter: A PaLC Public Service Announcement

Some people think that neutering their pet may hurt them. Actually, neutering helps prevent some harmful medical problems for animals and decreases their chances of getting cancer. Neutering also deters high-risk behavior such as roaming, getting into fights, and mating. So, neutering your pet doesn't hurt – it helps.

Don't use your cats and dogs to teach your children about the birds and the bees. Between 8-12 million companion animals are killed each year in America due to lack of homes. Don't let your pet have even one litter. Spay or neuter today.

Why did Spot cross the road? He loved the ladies. Unfortunately, his latest girlfriend lived on the far side of the highway. Spot never made it to the other side. About 80% of dogs hit by vehicles each year are un-neutered males. Fixing your pet decreases the urge to wander and increases his chances of living a longer, healthier life. Get your pet fixed.

For every person that is born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are also born. You do the numbers … There aren't enough homes for them all. You can solve the problem. Spay or neuter today.

Only 1 in 9 cats and dogs born in the U.S. will find a home. The rest will be destroyed because nobody wants them. Could you choose which animal will live? It's a choice no one should have to make. But your local animal shelter makes this decision every day. You can help stop the killing. Spay or neuter your pet.

Information and graphic from The Dog Hause.

Welcome The Two Poets!

Last Monday CPCRN was contacted by another rescue about a breeder release in AR and could Col. Potter help the Cairns. CP contacted the Rescue Angel who was working directly with the miller to get the dogs released, and we were told there were 2 females and 1 male Cairn, all around 4 yrs old. With the help of the Rescue Angel and Deb S., the release and transport to one of our rescue vets was set up for Saturday.

Sadly, one of the girls we were to pick up did not make it into CP. At the last minute the breeder realized she was pregnant and will not release her until she whelps the puppies. Please say a prayer that this girl will still find her way to freedom.

April is poet’s month, so these kids are named in honor of Robert Frost and Emily Bronte. Frost is a reddish wheaten male with dark ears and seems to be the shyer of the two. Bronte is a reddish wheaten female with dark ears and wags her tail when spoken to.

Please help me welcome Bronte and Frost.....the two lucky furkids who made it to CP!

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Entry 5)

Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors, has graciously allowed us access to her diary documenting the journey of Flopsy, also known as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home. The diary will be broken up into short sections and posted. Check back for new entries in the series entitled "From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog". (Previous Journal Entries: Entry One, Entry Two, Entry Three, Entry Four)

4/29/07
Rusty has been with us for 2 weeks now. To an outsider, she probably looks like a terrified dog, but I am seeing a few subtle changes. Rusty isn’t pacing around the kitchen/yard nearly as much now. Her eyes don’t look like saucers of fear, they are a little more settled. She seems to be relaxing just a bit more. I also got a D.A.P. refill and I believe this has helped.

We got out the plastic kiddy pool, since the temps are rising and Starry and McDuffy enjoy soaking after a walk. This morning, I let the dogs outside for about 10 minutes. I heard someone rubbing/rolling outside the slider door and thought is was Starry or McDuffy, but no it was Rusty! She had gotten in the pool! I don’t know if she got in on purpose or not; I’m hoping it was on purpose.

4/30/07
We took Rusty to the vet this afternoon to have her ears checked for infection. It turns out she has yeast and bacteria in both ears. She also has some “cauliflower” in her ears from repeated infections, while in the mill. Rusty will be on prednisone, antibiotics, and an ear ointment for 10 days. We will take her back for a re-check to see if some of the swelling has gone down. Dr. Stack also cleaned her ears really well, as they were quite filthy.

Rusty did really well in the truck on the ride there and back. I think she will be a great traveler.

5/3/07
Rusty continues to enjoy her walkies. She is afraid if she sees another person on the walk, but she perseveres.

Today, a new stuffed toy came in the mail with a couple of things I ordered. Holly had been playing with it outside and left it on the patio. Tony and I were laying on the grass with our pups. I happened to sneak a glance over on the patio when I heard a toy squeak. It was Rusty! She suddenly picked up the toy Holly had and shook it around. I wanted to scream, I was so excited! As soon as Rusty saw me looking at her, she dropped it. That was the first time she has picked up a toy! She is really watching and learning from our crew, how to act like a dog. It is really awesome to be a part of her transformation, as slow as it may be. I think Rusty’s ears are starting to feel better. She’s been on meds for four days now and been such a good girl for her ear drops.

Rusty still likes the kiddy pool. She has gotten in it several times. I think it’s neat she has found something, I believe, she likes. Rusty gave a couple of wags of the tail to Holly today when they were sniffing around in the grass. She is really starting to connect with our fur kids.

To Be Continued ...

A Little Tough Girl ...

About a week ago we were contacted by a shelter in Florida concerning a 6 month old stray wheaten girl. This little one was found by animal control roaming the streets taking care of herself. A very nice shelter worker contacted us to save her. Thanks to that kind soul this little tough girl will become a princess in no time under Col. Potter's care.

Please join me in welcoming Carissa!

Meet Col. Potter's New Mini Cairn Princess

A female Cairn puppy was purchased by a couple for their son. When the son didn't take care of the puppy, the parents listed her in an ad as "free to good home". The Rescue Team monitors for such ads and contacts owners with the dangers of these types of ads. Luckily the owners decided that Col. Potter was a better option, and the wheels were set in motion to bring this darling 6 month old girl into the safety of CP.

Please welcome Violet to our CP family!

Too Late ...

The following video is about the commercial dog breeding industry, often referred to as puppy mills. Many people do not know this "invisible" industry even exists but it does and it leads to the death of millions of animals in shelters every year.

Remember to tune in to Oprah Winfrey today for Lisa Ling's special investigative report on puppy mills.

Welcome Nebbiolo!

Nebbiolo found her way to Col. Potter in a round about way. A small rescue in MO was contacted to take in a Yorkie, but when the owners showed up, they also brought along their female Cairn. The rescue did not have room for her, but were afraid she would end up in a shelter if they turned her away. They agreed to take Nebbiolo and contacted CP asking if we could take her. How could we say no to this sweet 2 yr old brindle girl?

Set Your DVRs!

Winfrey Dedicates Show To Her Late Dog

CHICAGO - Oprah Winfrey plans to dedicate a show investigating abuses at puppy mills to her cocker spaniel, Sophie, who died last month from kidney failure.

"Sophie gave me 13 years of unconditional love. She was a true love in my life," Winfrey says on the broadcast scheduled to air Friday. (Advance remarks from the show were released Tuesday by Harpo Productions.)

The show features special correspondent Lisa Ling investigating puppy mills, which Ling calls "horrific" and "haunting."

Winfrey says the show is "for anybody anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog, or just cares about their basic right to humane treatment."

While Sophie was not a product of a puppy mill, and Winfrey's three current dogs were adopted from breeders, Winfrey says in the future she would look to adopt from an animal shelter.

"I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show," she says.

Welcome Jersey!

This boy has a fairy tale story and Col. Potter is going to help continue his adventure. Well over a month ago Intakes began contact with a shelter regarding a stray in poor condition but with a determined spirit and wonderful personality. He ended up in the shelter in the cold days of February with almost no coat. He passed the temperament test in flying colors and was put on the adoption floor. Week after week he was passed up because he wasn't very pretty. All the while the shelter got him the treatment he needed to get back to being a handsome cairn boy. We worked with the shelter offering our skin protocol to assist them in their quest to help Jersey. As his time began to run out at the shelter, the wheels were put in motion to bring him into Col. Potter. He is currently doing his mandatory quarantine and will be ready to go to his foster home REAL soon! He is very sweet, friendly, loves to play ball and is 7-8 years old. Are you his fairy godmother?

If you would like to become a CPCRN Foster Home please check out the Foster FAQs!

I Have A Cairn Puppy Vol. II

I have a Cairn puppy so …
My house is ALWAYS a mess,
But about this I surely don’t stress,
Because when HIS job is done,
And he’s tired of having fun,
Getting this picture is really the BEST.


I have a Cairn puppy so …
The yard is no longer flat,
He digs holes and that is that,
We fill them, he digs them again,
It’s surely a daily routine,
A chore so worth doing,
For him the task is what he dreams.

I have a Cairn puppy so …
You all know we’re in love,
This tiny little bundle has so quickly grown up,
The coat of a winner, the heart of a star,
He’s one in a million and he’s ours, all ours.

I have a Cairn puppy so …
We were able to get,
An official AKC ILP for Earth Dog events,
We can’t wait to try him,
We know he’ll do his best,
So we’ll keep you informed WHEN he passes that test.

Written by: Amy R., April 2008

To read "I Have A Cairn Puppy" Vol. I click here.

Heeere's Holke!

Holke (hole-key) is estimated to be 2 ½ years old. He was one of three dogs that were to be put in a pound during a divorce. Instead of putting the dog in a pound this woman took him with all intention of keeping him for the remainder of his life. Her husband has passed away, she had a stroke that effected her keeping up with Holke. She did not want him to go to a pound and came to us for help. She lives very close to Marlene and Chuck so, Marlene stepped in to help pick up and bring Holke into the loving arms of CP. Seems that this little guy wiggled his way right into the hearts of both Marlene and Chuck as they have become an official foster home to foster this boy. Thanks Marlene and Chuck for all you did and are doing for Holke!

Welcome Banjo!

He is a sweet 1.5 yr old boy who enjoys other dogs, cats, adults and children. He was surrendered by his owners due to ongoing health problems of their young daughter, which left no time for Banjo. Banjo doesn't play an instrument, but has great vocal chords and let it be known he was a bit unhappy when his owners left him. Huge thanks to Marlene for all her help with Banjo and listening to his audition for lead vocalist.

Banjo will soon realize Col. Potter is a great place to be when he gets all the time and attention he deserves with first time foster parents Becky and Reed!