The Miracle Worker

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…

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!

Give a Bark Out to Barkley! Written by a CP Intake Volunteer

This weekend a little red wheaten boy entered the loving arms of Col. Potter. Please welcome Barkley! We are also welcoming one of our newest foster homes who stepped in to give this little guy a new chance on life. Beacon's new Forever Dad, Dan M., answered the call when we were looking for a foster home. Please join me in welcoming both Barkley and Dan. I would like to thank Sandy E., Mary Jean O. and Dan M. for giving up their Saturday to get Barkley to his foster home. If you would like to open your home to a foster check out our foster facts!

Do You Remember Miracle? (Entry Six)

Some Col. Potter cairns develop their own "fan club" and such is the case with Miracle. For the next few days we'll be posting his story - how he came into Col. Potter, his surgery, life with his Foster Mom and "nurse" and a wonderful update from his Forever Home. Do you remember Miracle? (To read previous entries click here.)

The following post was written August 4, 2006:

A Letter to Miracle:

Dear Miracle:

I cannot tell you how much I ached for you when we were first contacted and how angry and upset I was that this was allowed to happen to you and then that people could be so cold and callous as to just dump you at a shelter without any medical care. When Lisa rushed you to the vet and they contacted me with the severity of your injuries, I just became angrier. Absolutely not, we were not going to let you go to the Rainbow Bridge, at least not without trying, not without a fight. I cried and worried so for you those first few days, but then you showed us what you were made of ... you are a Cairn and you had way too much living to do. The entire vet staff fell in love with you and so admired you for your courage and determination to survive.

I couldn't wait for you to get well enough and start your journey to me to foster, but then as luck would have it, you got dognapped in Iowa. Deirdre and Kenneth fell in love with you, how could they not, and so you finished your recuperation in their loving arms.

And now it is time for you to make the final stop of your journey, to your loving forever home. One that will never turn their backs on you again, one that will never allow you to be hurt again, one that will love and care for you forever. You are truly a Miracle little boy and if anyone doesn't understand what a rescue is and why they are needed, they only have to read your story. Thank you for allowing Col. Potter and me personally to be a part of your Miracle. Rescue doesn't get any better or give any more rewards than to see your foster mom's eyes dripping because you have your very own forever home. I love you little man, be good and keep in touch...

Your Auntie Valerie - whose eyes are also dripping

Do You Remember Miracle? (Entry Five)

Some Col. Potter cairns develop their own "fan club" and such is the case with Miracle. For the next few days we'll be posting his story - how he came into Col. Potter, his surgery, life with his Foster Mom and "nurse" and a wonderful update from his Forever Home. Do you remember Miracle? (To read previous entries click here.)

The following post was written August 6, 2006 by Miracle's Foster Mom:

Well folks, yesterday was a wonderful day …

A difficult day ... but a wonderful day...

The boy got to have a bath ... and a good brushing...

His new Mom and Dad sent him old worn, unwashed smelly T-shirts, just as I asked them to. They also sent a used bandana from his new brother Rion. So the boy got to sleep with the smell of his new family all around him for several nights.

Foster Mom worried.... Foster Mom hugged him tight and petted him and told him all about Colorado ... His new Dad likes ice hockey, so the boy got a Colorado Avalanche collar and leash ... And Foster Mom worried ...

We packed up his crate … and his paper work … and some new toys ... and a couple of old ones ... and off we went to West Des Moines.

Brad, his new Dad, drove in from Colorado and we met him at his sister-in-law's house. Shelly (his new Mom) stayed home with Rion, who is one … and a quite feeble older gentleman who is 15 and not doing too well at all. A hard choice for her to make, but one that speaks volumes of the care this family takes of their furkids ...

We arrived with no problems ... and got the boy out of his crate .... and I really worried .. and tried not to cry ....

But I shouldn't have worried ... Brad smelled right to the boy... and Shelly had sent a bag of Beggin’ Strips ... Between the familiar smell of his new Dad and a couple of strips cut into tiny pieces ... the boy knew he was with the right person and forgot all about Foster Mom & Dad....

So I asked Brad, "What are you going to call the boy?"

"Oh, we'll keep the name Miracle. It suits him so well," he said while pulling out a new name tag with the boy's name, new address and phone number on it.....

Which of course started my eyes dripping again ...

So Colorado has a new resident.

Miracle C. ... a wonderful name … a wonderful day...

And as I watched through my tears, Miracle followed his new family into the garage with never a backwards glance...

Good luck my friend ... Thank you for being a wonderful part of our life... I will think of you often.

Do You Remember Miracle? (Entry Four)

Some Col. Potter cairns develop their own "fan club" and such is the case with Miracle. For the next few days we'll be posting his story - how he came into Col. Potter, his surgery, life with his Foster Mom and "nurse" and a wonderful update from his Forever Home. Do you remember Miracle? (To read previous entries click here.)

The following post was written July 7, 2006 by Miracle's Foster Mom:

Miracle is getting more and more active every day. He is walking on four legs about 90% of the time. Most of the time, when he first wakes up from his nap, he limps a little on his bad leg, almost as if it is a little stiff. But by the time he has been up and about for a while he is doing fine.

His wound is completely closed with no discharge at all. His coat is growing back nice and coarse, just like it should be.

He is very good about his crate. When we tell everyone it’s bedtime he runs and gets into his crate right away. He stands in the crate waiting for his good night cookie. As soon as he has it he flops down ready for the night. When we go to let them out in the morning Miracle is usually on his back dreaming his Cairn dreams and his crate is always clean and dry.

Miracle is a sweet little dog. He loves scritches, tummy tickles and ear rubs. He gives the softest kisses and just folds himself into my arms for quiet Cairn cuddles.

As Miracle gets better and better in every day and in every way he finds more and more of his inner Cairn.

Today for example, Kenneth was working on the computer so I decided to give in to temptation and take a little nap. I was woken up by Tia who was nudging me with her nose. So I rolled over and she and I were having a Mommy and Cairn cuddle. Then I heard a little cry … a kind of a squeak, a noise I could not quite identify ... I sat up and looked around my bedroom. Who do you suppose was standing on top of my dresser? Right in among the cans of hairspray, body lotion and talcum powder was a small blond "handicapped" dog.

I went over and lifted him down and explained that he was a dog, not a dresser ornament. Tia, Miracle and I went to find the rest of the gang. I told Kenneth about Mr. M's adventure in the bedroom. "Well," said Kenneth, "I think you better go and look at the living room window". "The window" I repeated? "Right, it seems that the pictures and plants needed rearranging ... I will give three guesses who did it, and the first two don't count" said my husband.

Our living room window is a bay, standing at mid chest height, with a large sill. And sure enough, when I went and looked, everything was rearranged. So please don't be fooled into thinking that this poor handicapped little dog lets his "bad" leg slow him down a whit.

He is about 3 years old and he is a real Cairn boy. He steals … shoes, laundry, and other dog’s toys ... things happen when he is around. Waste baskets and kitchen garbage cans magically fall over. Toilet paper unrolls itself ... magazines and newspapers left neatly on the coffee table fall on the floor. Plants and pictures on window sills rearrange themselves. The world is his to explore and he does his exploring at a run. Yesterday he zoomed ... just for the love of zooming.

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Entry 14)

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, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen)

9/28/07
We had our second class last night with Flopsy/Rusty and Starry Night. Our lessons were to go down, drop it, and loose leash walking. Rusty did quite well walking around the store. She only had problems when we encountered other people, then she would try to flee or hide behind me. When I felt she had enough, we went back to the training room and I practiced her looking at me. She was looking at me much longer this time, and of course we have been practicing all week. Another employee saw us and came into the room. I explained Rusty's situation and asked her to give Rusty a treat. Rusty took it from her and even moved her nose back to her hand and licked her fingers. We did this twice.

When everyone returned to the room, we began our other lessons. Rusty is just much too concerned with everything going on around her to attempt any of the lessons. We try, but she just doesn't understand. She did seem much more relaxed while she was in the room, so maybe in a few more weeks, her anxiety level will lower even more. She did ace the "leave it or drop it" lesson! Rusty wouldn't even touch the chicken rawhide!! We were told to give it to them and give the command "drop it" and while doing so, have the exchange treat at their nose, so they can drop it and take the treat. I don't think we have to worry about her picking up things she isn't supposed to pick up!!

Also this week, I spent 3 evenings hand stripping all of her dead hair off of her. She was such a trooper!! I have attempted to do little bits of grooming here and there, but never a total body stripping. I figured she's been here long enough to be able to handle it now. It's hard to get used to her without all of that hair, she looks so tiny. She has such a wonderful Cairn coat, though.

10/11/07
It's been a while since I've written, but that doesn't mean Rusty hasn't progressed. We just completed our fourth class at PetSmart. Rusty continues to make slow, but positive progress. The same employee has been giving her treats every week we have class. This time, Rusty did not hesitate to take the treat from her. We were so excited! Rusty walked around the store with foster dad really nicely.

One thing we noticed Rusty do when we were in the truck last night, is she stretched her seat belt far enough that she was able to put her front paws on the console between us! She stood there like she has done this all of her life, and just looked straight ahead out of the windshield, like a "normal" dog.

Earlier this week, we noticed a red, inflamed spot on the top of her foot, between her toes. Rusty is the best dog ever at the vet's office. Dr. Perry wanted to open the spot and see if he could find something inside it. We came up empty. He said that in all likelihood, it had already worked its way out. They bandaged up her foot and it looked like a club! We removed the bandage this morning and it looks like it is healing well.

11/12/07
Tonight, I spoke with Sheryl, who is interested in adopting Rusty. Wow, what a lady!! She is a true blessing for my little girl. She is just what I have been praying for, in a forever home. I have given my blessings for this adoption to proceed. Sheryl is planning on flying from Boston to Arizona to pick her up.

Of course, now the tears have come. It is such a bittersweet time for me. On one hand, I am thrilled that Rusty's journey is almost complete, but on the other, I am sad she will be leaving. I had hoped she would be living closer to us, but it is a small sacrifice to make for her happiness. In spite of her shyness, she has been such a wonderful girl to foster. I love her so much, but I know that it is my time to step aside and let her go.

To Be Continued ...

A Day In The Life Of Burke's Foster Dad

Daddy Bill has been such a good Foster Dad. Letting Burke in and out when needed, carrying her down the steps because she is afraid of them, staying out with her while she goes potty. He makes sure Burke gets extra meals during the day and extra loving. He is often seen holding, taking to and loving on the babies, or just gazing at them, chuckling at their antics. He bounds out of bed in the middle of the night if one happens to SQUAWK, to ensure their safety.

So Daddy Bill takes Burke out and then comes in to gaze at the little ones, only to realize, OMG! THERE ARE ONLY TWO! OMG! DANIELLE IS GOING TO KILL ME. Frantic searching ensues! He takes all the covers out, no baby. He takes up all the paper surrounding the pen, NO BABY! HE IS FRANTICALLY SEARCHING NOW, BEMOANING THE HELL OF 500 WOMEN, if he fails to FIND THE WAYWARD LITTLE SNOT!

Burke keeps going to the plexiglass gate and staring, Bill looks, sees no baby, searches the floor of the room, HOW DO YOU LOSE A BABY IN ONE ROOM! ONE THAT STILL HAS ITS LITTLE EYES CLOSED!

Once again Burke goes to the plexiglass, for the third time. Daddy Bill gets on his hands and knees to see from her level, still sees nothing. Searches more, really in a panic now! Once again Burke goes to the same spot of plexiglass and BARKS. Bill again gets on his knees and looks and YES there is a slight movement! Saratoga May is between the crate and the plexiglass, asleep in a puppy heaven of freedom!

We will be NESTING the crate tonight and providing Burke with steps to get in and out. What a hoot that little girl is!

Foster Dad wishes he drank.

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 ...

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!