Friday's Feature

Written by a CP Media Volunteer

How could something that requires a person to dedicate a significant amount of their own time, effort, emotions, and even money, be so rewarding?

Col. Potter Volunteers have signs around their necks, marking them as pushovers for any outstretched Cairn paw that needs a helping hand. Many times, the volunteers experience more vexing moments than potentially getting peed-on, but they continue to come back for more. The volunteer can find it reaffirming, as if going that extra distance might show the confused, and in the beginning, "manners-challenged" Cairn that they still have a buddy standing by them, even if they aren’t showing their best side, at the moment.

The volunteer might also be demonstrating to themselves that their commitment goes beyond ear scritches, tummy rubs, and the easy joy of watching a happy Cairn at play. Hanging in there with a new furry acquaintance, who may smell badly, have serious and evident health and hygiene issues, in addition to being scared and defensive, is a true test of commitment. It will require that a sense of the future be present from the very beginning. One must also know that there is an organization behind the volunteer, which knows how to deal with those various hardships and illnesses. An organization which will enable the volunteer to promise the Cairn, life is going to get better; he won’t just be getting a change of scenery, but will also get a completely different life.

When I found Col. Potter, I was exploring the concept of rescue in general, with the idea that I would find a source for a Cairn in the future. I had no idea such small, sweet-natured dogs could have so many things go wrong with their health, or that they could endure so much abuse, and still maintain a core of hope and gentleness, in which many humans would do well to take note. My fondness for the breed grew stronger, as I realized at what length, a large group of very diverse, talented, and dedicated people would go, in order to salvage broken, but not wrecked, Cairn lives.

Volunteering for Col. Potter may open one up to the possibility of being exposed to things that can strain the senses and test one’s emotions. However, once the time of testing passes, what will remain, is a clean, bright-eyed, and loyal friend. A friend who might spend the rest of his life adjusting to freedom, but will know, that because someone accepted him for who he was, he won’t have to go back to his former life ever again!


Col. Potter Cairn Rescue Network is in need of volunteers in all areas of the organization. If you interested in helping, we would love to talk to you! You don't have to have "mad skills", just a mad love for cairns! :)

Email our Director of Volunteerism by clicking here, or fill out the volunteer information form by clicking here.

If you are unable to volunteer but you would still like to help change the world, one dog at a time, contribute to rescue by clicking here.