From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Update 9)

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

7/17/08 - Maisie update from her Foster Mom

Today, I arrived in Verona, NY for a 3-day Col. Potter fundraising event. One might wonder why I flew clear across the country to attend. Well, one of the biggest reasons was so I could see Maisie again! Sheryl is driving up to NY with Murry, Maisie, and her mother, Cassie. I checked into the hotel and called Sheryl, they were almost at the hotel! I could hardly contain my excitement to see her and Maisie again.

When they arrived, Maisie and Murry were safely contained in their traveling crates. Sheryl and I said our “Hello’s” and I met her charming mother. Then, my attention turned to the backseat of the car. There was my little princess. Would she remember me? After all, it’s been over six months since her adoption. I said her name and she looked right at me! I could see in those eyes, that there was some recognition. Sheryl got checked into her room and a little later, I went to her room to visit. Maisie got into her crate and so I sat on the floor and reached my arm inside to pet her. She didn’t tense up, she seemed to enjoy the pets. The thing that got to me the most were her eyes; they looked so soft. Also, I immediately noticed that she was no longer flicking her head back and forth, looking for an escape. I was amazed at her transformation! Of course, I got teary-eyed, thinking that Maisie is finally accepting being a pet. I was so elated.

7/18-19/08

The next two days were busy at the NY CRAP (Cairn Rescue Awesome Party), but I managed to escape for a little while and spend time with Maisie and Sheryl. It was so wonderful to hold my sweet little girl, again. There were close to 100 Cairns there, and nearly that many people. Maisie was doing so well. She was trotting around the dog yard with the other Cairns. There was a little kiddy pool in the yard that had been turned over, but it didn't stop Maisie from trying to "swim!" She loves the pool!


She and her Cairn brother, Murry seemed to stick close together, so sweet. When it got to be too overwhelming for them, they found a little corner of the yard, with some tall plants and hid in there.

A couple of huge things that I noticed; when Sheryl went to put the leash on Maisie, she actually walked up to her! This is truly a miracle. The other thing, when Sheryl would leave the dog yard, Maisie would look for her. It was so evident the love that Maisie has for Sheryl and vise-versa. Murry and Maisie seem to compliment one another, as they are both so quiet and calm. They like to lay in the same crate together, it is really cute to watch them.


7/20/08

Today was the last day of the event. After brunch, Sheryl had gone inside the house to ask a question and left Maisie in the dog area. I couldn’t believe my eyes, Maisie was trying to climb the stairs on the outside of the staircase, trying to get into the house where Sheryl had gone!


Soon, we said our good-byes and once again, the tears came, but they were tears of happiness for my once terrified puppy mill foster. She truly has found her happily-ever-after. I am so thankful that Sheryl wanted Maisie to be a part of her life and continue to show her what it is like to be loved and not abused in a puppy mill, pumping out puppies for profit. I took some pictures as Sheryl, Maisie, and Murry left the event. You can see Maisie looking to her mom for guidance, just precious.


This concludes the series "From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog". Thank you Karen and Sheryl for allowing us to join Rusty/Maisie on her journey. Happy Forever little one! You definitely deserve it!!

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

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

July 14, 2008 - Maisie update from Maisie! (With a little help from her Forever Mom.)

Hi Mommy Karen - I have lots to tell you! Where to start? I have a new 'toy' - a big blue swimming pool! I luv it. I can hop in and out whenever I go outside. Sometimes I hop in even before there's any water in it - I can be such a silly girl. Murry doesn't like to dog paddle so I have it all to myself.

We've had some new people in the house - there was a man named Jim and he was nice. He held my rope on our walks, but I had to keep an eye on him just in case he tried any funny stuff. I think he was up to something, and since he knew I was watching him, he left town a few days ago. Now it's just the usual gang and Mommy Sheryl's mommy - she speaks to me in a very soft voice and she moves kind of slow so I know I can get away from her if I have to.

Mommy Sheryl said we almost had 'Murder & Mayhem' in the front yard. Murry and I were helping with the flower garden - Mommy Sheryl crawls around and pulls up big clumps of something she calls weeds - Murry and I dig lots of holes and then we take a nap because that's hard work. Something called a squirrel decided to pay us a visit - he came down the tree and onto the grass - we chased him on to the fence and got him so confused he jumped back into the yard. We almost got him, but just in time he ran up a big tree - I jumped and jumped to get him, but he went too high for me - I can only jump up 6 feet. Let me tell you - that was really fun. I hope he comes back again. Mommy Sheryl said we were soooo fast.

On Sunday we went to a pool party and I met lots of new people. It was a little scary, but I sat under Granny's chair and then I even said hello to some people. Everything was going great until the end of the party when I decided to walk on the pool cover - how did I know it was just floating on the water? I did a couple of excellent dog paddles and since Mommy Sheryl had my leash and I had my harness, we did a quick exit. Murry misses out on all the fun.

Next weekend we are going to a really BIG party in some place called New York - Mommy Sheryl says that I'm going to have a very special surprise when we get there - I'm so excited - I love to go in the car - and we're even going to have a picnic on the way to New York -I think that's a special kind of puppy treat - yum, yum.

We'll that's it from here - I'm having a great summer.

Luv and kisses – Maisie

To Be Continued ...

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

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

July 07, 2008 - Maisie update from her Forever Mom

It's been very interesting watching Maisie negotiate here at home now that there are more humans in the household. Jim was here for 10 days and flew back to Phoenix yesterday. I don't really think Maisie remembered him from her Gotcha Day when he drove me to your house, but she was not very nervous around him. When we went for walks, Jim took Maisie's leash and I had Murry - thought it would be good to have her break the routine a bit. She walked well - she loves her walks - but would look over her shoulder every once in while, casting dark looks, as if she couldn't quite believe that 'HE' was walking her. She did sit between us on the couch to watch TV a few times, and was relaxed enough to nap. She's so funny about some things - as skittish as she can be, when he was mowing the lawn with the very noisy gas mower, she would sit right in the mowing path and not even think about moving - I moved her indoors until he finished.

My mother who is 92 has had some health set backs, so has come to stay with me, and she loves the pups and kitty. Murry has taken up permanent residence next to wherever mom is - I have to 'chase' him out of her bedroom at night. In the change in our schedule, I haven't always remembered to bring Maisie upstairs. (I usually carry her up as the stairs are not carpeted and she doesn't do stairs - or so I thought!) Murry does the stairs, so a few times she found herself "abandoned" downstairs. A couple days of that and she'd had enough - she tried coming up 4-5 steps and then would go down. Now she takes the first 10 steps slowly, and then jet propels herself up the rest. She always seems kind of surprised that she made it up.

You'd think this would be a good thing, but I'm not so sure. She really doesn't like it when I'm out of sight, so if I go upstairs just for a quick trip - put laundry away, get something for mom, etc., Maisie is right there with me. I have to carry her down, as the steps are too slippery for her to navigate on her own. (I'm working on getting them carpeted.) In the meantime, I'm trying to decide if carrying all 17.4 pounds of her down the stairs 10 times a day can be counted as weight lifting?

She's very cautious around my mother. If mom is sitting in a room that she wants to pass through, she gives a couple little false starts - moves forward about 3 feet, and then retreats. Usually on the third try, you can almost hear her saying "I can do this." - and then she puts her head down and runs through the room just as fast as those little Cairn legs will carry her. She's a bit curious about mom, and I've seen her peeking around the corner to check her out. You know what a 'watcher' she is.

Her interdigital cyst is getting better - we're doing Epsom salts soaks 3 times a day. She's not licking it, or fussing with it, so I don't think it's painful or bothersome for her. (We weighed her at the vets last week when I took her in to have the cyst aspirated, and although she's gained 3 pounds since Jan, she's not too heavy - we can still feel her ribs and she has her little girly waist.)

To Be Continued ...

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

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

May 07, 2008 - Maisie update from her Forever Mom

Wanted to share a 'first' with you, there are 2 puppy pillows in my office, and Maisie 'owns' the big one. Yesterday Murry decided he'd give it a try, and she decided to keep him company! They slept together for over an hour. And again today, they napped together. So sweet!

June 25, 2008
Returned to Boston and picked up The Gang of Three Sunday evening. They were all very happy to see me. When we got home I put the pups in the yard while I unloaded the car and Maisie was sooooo happy she was running up and down and Murry played some too. When we went to bed that night she bellied her way up to me (she usually sleeps at the foot of the bed) and put her little head on my tummy - she wanted to be close -I think she missed me.

Murry got sprayed by a skunk while I was away and the Pet Nanny cleaned him up but he was still wearing Eu d'Skunk so he went to the groomers yesterday. Maisie was looking for him everywhere in the house - I took her to the groomers to pick up him up and she kept sniffing him - I think to make sure it was him - he had 4 baths and then some aroma therapy - I had her nails done and she was fine with it.

I just came up to my office to get on the computer, and Murry does the stairs, but Maisie doesn't. She waited 5 minutes and then gave me a couple of very indignant barks to say - "Hey, remember me? I want to come upstairs too!" I am starting to teach her the stairs - just a few at a time.

To Be Continued ...

If you would like to help a puppy mill dog like Maisie and possibly win a great gift, check out our New Leash On Life XII!

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

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

April 24, 2008 - Maisie update from her Forever Mom

Now that it's almost Spring, our little girl is assuming the guise of 'Squirrel Girl' a true super hero - no squirrel too far away, too small or too high up in a tree. Squirrel Girl could leap tall buildings in a single bound (potentially), but is content to leap around the yard and stare into the trees on the off chance that there will be an up close and personal encounter.

And today, just to spice things up, we had a pair of mallard ducks (male and female) in the yard. We were going out to the car to go to the park, and fortunately, because I know how our little girl has such excellent eyesight, I had a very firm grip on her rope and had it wrapped around my hand several times, so that when she spotted the mallards, she couldn't just bound right over to them. It took me a minute to see what she was seeing. I think the ducks were eating food that had spilled from the bird feeder, but it's quite unusual for them to come up from the beach.

We've been trying something new at the park, now that we've been going there for 3 months and she knows it's safe. I used to tell everyone “don't look at her; don't say her name”. Now they are all talking to her and saying her name so that she can learn no harm comes from that. She gets those really big eyes, but is less fearful.

And, here's an example of something good coming from something that was not good. There is man at the park who carries a bag of treats for his dog, and insists on giving them out to all the other dogs in spite of being asked not to. About 3 weeks ago he gave Murry a treat that lodged in his throat. Poor Murry couldn't swallow, but he was able to breathe. People were suggesting a Heimlich maneuver, fingers down the throat, etc. I was just watching him as he was not very agitated and was trying to swallow. Then one woman came over and said she does 'energy work' with animals, and maybe she could help. I agreed and she put her hands on Murry's back, toward his tail. She gently massaged him for about a minute and then he threw up the treat and his breakfast - and was fine after that. In talking with her I learned that she is a Reiki Master - Reiki is an ancient and traditional form of energy balancing originating in Japan. Anyway, we talked about Maisie and she thought she might be able to help, so this past Monday she came over and gave her a treatment. It was easy, I just held Maisie on my lap, and she gently touched her for about 20 minutes. Maisie didn't mind, although she looked at the woman a couple of times, and then she put her head down and gave a big sigh. I wasn't sure what to expect form this, but thought it was worth trying. I was so surprised the next day when I noticed that Maisie was acting less fearful, and also seemed more relaxed. The next day we got to the park a bit later than usual, so folks were finished with their walks and just visiting at the picnic tables. I went over, and put Maisie up on the table and there were 5 men sitting at the table. I sat right in front of her and even with the men talking and laughing, she wasn't acting afraid - she didn't try to get down, and even looked around a bit at them. So on Saturday she's going to have another treatment.

The other thing that happened after this is that she initiated some play with Murry in the yard. We also had a visitor, a little schnauzer, and she was running with him and Murry a few times.

So, all good things, I think; very small steps, but all progress. Murry seems more interested in her, so that is good. The kitty really likes her, and of course, I'm madly in love with her!

To Be Continued ...

If you would like to help a puppy mill dog like Maisie and possibly win a great gift check out our New Leash On Life XII!

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Update 4)

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

3/7/08 - Maisie update from her Forever Mom!

We've had some nice milestones this week.

Maisie did "sit" twice with a verbal command - When I'm handing out treats, I always ask Murry to sit, and Maisie only had to "look cute" for the first 6 weeks. Then I started pushing gently on her back end and saying "sit" and then giving her a treat. I have to say she generally seemed bewildered by the process. Anyway, one morning this week after our walk, Murry did his sit, and then when I asked Maisie to sit, she did! Then later in the day did it again! Now she seems to have forgotten, but I know she has it in her.

We were in the front yard, and they were off leash. Maisie usually just stays close to me and then I have to run up and down the yard so she gets some exercise. We'd been out for a while and a friend was walking by and we were talking over the fence, when she remarked on the dogs. When I turned around to look, Maisie was running up and down the yard - chasing Murry and then he chased her - they did this about 5 times, but as soon as she saw me looking at her she stopped. (You know from experience that she does that.) When someone knocks at the front door and Murry runs to the door, Maisie's right there with him. Of course, when we open the door, she moves back across the room to observe, but she's not hiding in a corner anymore.

Earlier this week, we were all in bed and I fell asleep reading - woke up about 3:30 AM with the light still on and noticed that the kitty was using Maisie's mid-section as a pillow. Last night we were all getting settled on the bed and Maisie rested her head on top of Murry's backside and he didn't object. (Murry can be very grumpy on the bed.) They both went to sleep like that.

So we have little bits and pieces of progress. No pressure on her - we just move forward at her pace. We just came in from doing errands and then walking and as it's raining here, we had lots of towel and blow drying. Now I'm settling in to do some work, and they are both on their "office" pillows napping.

To Be Continued ...

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Update 3)

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

2/14/08 - Happy Valentine's Day From Maisie!

Hi Foster Mom & Dad - Maisie here with lots of LUV for you ! ! ! Do you remember this picture of you and me? I've had sooooo many adventures since then - and sooooo many new friends.

Mommy Sheryl takes us for lots of walks - I've met lots of dogs at the park - some are really big but they all like me. We go in the car to get to the park and I have my own crate in the back seat, right next to Murry's so we can see each other and we can look out the windows too. My little undershirt with all the hearts is just great for keeping me extra warm under my special jacket with my name on it. Murry looks very smart in his black and white jacket.

My toes are getting lots better - I get my pills three times a day and they are always covered with something yummy, so I really like to take them.

After dinner we get bones to chew on - well, Micha doesn't because he's busy taking another nap - he really sleeps a lot - when he's not watching the birds at the bird feeder - we call it Bird TV!

At bed time Mommy Sheryl puts me and Murry up on the bed - we know not to jump down. Micha jumps up and down on his own, but that's just the way kitties are. Here is a picture of us waiting for Sheryl. Micha is so silly, when we go to sleep he gets completely under the top cover - he looks like a big lump. I sleep between Murry and Sheryl - very comfy and sometimes I even snuggle up to Murry - he's my good buddy.


When we go outside he barks a couple of times and then we run around together to make sure there are no wild animals in the yard - can't be too careful, you know. Sometimes there's frozen snow so I eat the ice - it's yummy.

I'm so happy in my new home - just this week I realized that when someone walks towards me, I don’t' have to run - that it has nothing to do with me. Sometimes Mommy Sheryl calls me "Maisie Daisy" - she says that's 'cause I'm like a flower getting ready to bloom. Thanks for taking such good care of me - luvs from Maisie - and hello to all my Cairn buddies!

To Be Continued ...

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Update 2)

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom. (To read previous updates click here.)

1/27/08 - Progress report from Sheryl!

Some of her big accomplishments are:

• Instead of running away when it's treat time and making me put the treat down and step away, she actually comes right up to me to get it!
  
• She is providing endless entertainment for the kitty as I keep a very lightweight leash on her in the house and the kitty chases it and carries it in his mouth as she moves about.
  
• This morning when it was time to go out she came to the back door and waited while I put Murry's coat on and then I put hers on - usually I have to track her down for this.
  
• Going in and out the door is now relatively easy - she probably does it on her own about 8 out of 10 times.
  
• She is staying in whatever room we're in without me having to attach the leash to something.


• And, I think this is a big one, last evening my friends Bob and Laurel came over and Maisie was on her big cushion in the living room (the one she's on in Susan's pictures) when they knocked. I answered the door, we said hello's they came in, etc and she did not leave the cushion or the room - we went upstairs to look at some furniture and then back down to sit in the living room and she still did not leave the room! I had asked them not to look at her or pay her any attention and it seemed to be OK with her to have these strangers here.

She is very funny when poor Murry is outside trying to poop, she puts her nose right up under him - today he lost his balance - he doesn't seem to mind whatever she does.

It's snowing here today and she does love it - runs around and looks very happy - I see her and Murry showing a bit more interest in each other - very small signs, but all in the right direction. When they are in the yard alone, they tend to interact more than when I'm out there with them - I can see this when I let them out in the back yard and watch through the window.

She's a great little princess - she has such a girly walk - really just prances about and I think she likes all of us and is content here - I think at the end of the year we'll have a sociable gal who'll be comfortable with strangers. Susan gave me a book about helping shy dogs and it has some great suggestions.

To Be Continued ...

From A Pauper To A Princess - The Journey of a Puppy Mill Dog (Update 1)

We've all followed the journey of Flopsy, also know as Rusty, from the puppy mill to her forever home thanks to her Foster Mom, Karen, one of CPCRN's foster mentors. (To read Rusty's journey from a pauper to a princess written by her Foster Mom click here.) Rusty started the next chapter of her life in January 2008 when she was adopted by her Forever Mom, Sheryl. Not only did Rusty get her chance at "happily ever after" she also got a new name! Rusty is now known as Maisie and lives with her brothers Murry and Micha. Maisie's story continues thanks to updates from her Forever Mom.

1/5/08 - Written by Maisie's Foster Mom

Sheryl and Maisie arrived in Boston around 5:30 a.m. She called me this evening, after she had a chance to pick up Murry (Cairn) and Micha (cat) at the pet sitters house and introduce Maisie to Murry.

Let me start at the beginning. She said Maisie was a perfect angel on the plane ride home. Once they hopped a taxi and got home, she let Maisie out of the Sherpa and she did her business. They then went inside the house and to bed for a while. Later in the morning, they got up and she fed Maisie her breakfast. Sheryl left Maisie downstairs and heard her pacing, trying to figure out where Sheryl was. Sheryl called to her, but Maisie couldn't figure out the direction of her voice.

Sheryl went and picked up Murry and Micha and left Maisie at home in the crate. When she returned, she put Murry in the backyard and went back inside and got Maisie. She said they sniffed one another for a minute or two, and then lost interest. :) Sheryl said that Murry was more interested in her, since she had been gone for a week. They went inside the house and Sheryl and Murry went upstairs again to unpack. Sheryl said no more than 5 minutes later, she hears a "thump, thump, thump" and went to the stairs and there is Maisie coming up the stairs to be with them! We don't have stairs, so this is HUGE! The only other time she attempted stairs is when we were staying with Lois in July.

Sheryl took Murry and Maisie to the park for a walk, because the next door neighbor had workers outside using power tools and it was really noisy. She put Maisie in her seatbelt and Maisie did her usual rubbing her head around on the seat, getting excited to go for a ride. Sheryl said the time of day she took them is when the park is quiet, so she knew it wouldn't be too overwhelming for Maisie. Maisie, of course, loved her walks and did amazingly well, even when other dogs came up to her. She said they walked the park for 45 minutes.

Sheryl said that Maisie has claimed a "safe" corner in the house and tends to lay there most of the time. When I was talking with Sheryl, she said she had Maisie on her lap, because she didn't want Maisie to always stay in the corner.

Maisie did mark in her house twice, so I told Sheryl that when she isn't able to watch her, to put her in an enclosed area to prevent this from happening and she agreed to do this. I also suggested that she pick up the throw rugs for a little while, since there might be certain odors on the rugs that are "enticing" her to mark.

I am so pleased with how things are going!

To Be Continued ...