Wacky Wednesday!

Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)

A big shout out to Alexie and Bob for being the Wacky Wednesday models this week!

Meet Amber, CP's newest jewel

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Meet Amber, a gorgeous 3 year old red wheaten girl. Amber has a little too much “terrier attitude” and her former parents didn’t quite know how to handle it, so they contacted Col. Potter for help. She’s bunking out this week in a temporary foster home, and initial reports describe her as a sweetheart, who gives exuberant kisses and rolls over for tummy rubs. Plus she’s housebroken, playful and gallops around tossing toys, chasing balls and entertaining herself. She’s heading to her foster home next weekend and will be receiving a little attitude adjustment training – along with the all love and nurturing that little cairns need.

Please welcome Amber!

Westminster through a dog's eyes

Raising Duncan

by Chris Browne

CP foster Eraser - curious about show cairns...

Written by CP's foster Eraser

Eraser is pondering...



are the cairns shown in this country using the same standards as the british cairns? or do the 2 countries use different standards, cause those show cairns are some big dogs. but you know it aint the size of the dog in the fight its the size of the fight in the dog,,,, he he he

i tease cindy cause in the ring im a DOG and she is a hee hee hee heh - but all she wanted to look at is the newest fashion in the ring new color leashes -styled hair -oh brother, im going to the vet to get my stiches out , hope i dont get jeep sick again ,

Eraser over and out

Eraser and Cindy U are being fostered in Pennsylvania, you can learn more about them by clicking here.

Note from CP's blogger - Eraser had a tumor removed and it was not malignant so he's on the mend.

*** URGENT*** CAIRNS NEED HELP!

Written by CP's VP of Intakes


Last Friday night Col. Potter was made aware of a situation where more than 100 dogs were seized from a single home. There were reported to be Cairns in the group. Yesterday, several CP volunteers traveled to the shelter to do in-person IDs of the dogs and determine who were Cairns and give a brief medical assessment. This shelter is totally OVERWHELMED with this amount of dogs!!! They are not equipped to handle anything like this and are seeking help from rescues as quickly as possible.

Col. Potter has answered their plea and has agreed to take those identified as Cairns! Those with the greatest medical needs are being pulled and transported to our wonderful vet who has agreed to come in on a weekend! The others will be picked up early this week and moved to a facility for boarding and then be vetted.

ALL OF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE HELP OF OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS THOUGH!!!

- We need foster homes desperately! If you are a foster home and don't currently have a foster, or are a foster home that can squeeze in another, please let me know! If you are not currently a foster home, this is your opportunity to truly make a difference in the life of a Cairn!! Complete the foster application. We will give priority handling to foster home applications.

- We need help financially! The cost to bring a group of this size into Col. Potter will be sizeable! Please watch for a special fundraiser that is being put together to help these furkids.

- Once these furkids are vetted and ready to move to their foster homes, we will need transport help. Please try to give of your time and driving to get them transported.

Keep watching for more information, introduction and pictures of these furkids in the next few days ...

Cairn Sweethearts - More Pictures!

Milo

Sadie and Kayla

Zander

Bea

Neha


Neha and Zander

Marisela

Nygel and Sarut

It's Westminster Dog Show Time!

Raising Duncan

by Chris Browne

Note from CP Blogger: Be sure to watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The cairns are on tomorrow, Tuesday at 11:15 in Ring 1 - there are only 12 entries !

The Five Things You Need to Know About Ice Melts

ASPCA Newsletter

Most of us know how to protect our pups in freezing temperatures (doggie sweaters, here we come!) but not everyone is aware of another winter danger for dogs: the ubiquitous rock salt used to melt ice. In the past five years, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has received hundreds of calls about ice melt exposure. Here’s everything you need to know to keep Fido safe from salt melts till spring:

1. Ice melts are poisonous to dogs if ingested. Dogs who lick their paws after a wintry walk may be exposing themselves to toxic chemicals like potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium carbonate and calcium magnesium acetate that are present in many ice melts. Consumption of ice melts can be lethal, but only if your dog ingests large quantities.

“Larger ingestions can lead to an increase in the blood's electrolyte levels, weakness, lethargy, moderate irritation to the oral and gastrointestinal system, and even tremors,” says Nicole Martin, a certified veterinary technician and Client Services Manager at APCC.

Still, smaller quantities of ice melts can make your dog feel pretty sick. “We would expect a small ingestion, such as licking paw pads after a walk through ice melts, to lead to mild gastrointestinal signs such as hypersalivating, nausea and vomiting,” Martin warns.

2. Melts can irritate dogs’ paws. Dogs’ gastrointestinal systems are not the only part of their bodies that react badly to ice melt exposure. Though paw pads are tough, ice melts can cause them to burn, become irritated and even crack, turning a daily walk into a painful ordeal for your dog. “It's important to regularly check in between your pet's paw pads for signs of irritation,” Martin advises.

3. It’s relatively easy to protect your pup from ice melts. A few simple steps can keep your dog safe, but one of them is especially key: “After wintertime walks, pet parents should wipe their pet's paws off with a clean, damp towel,” says Martin. She adds that dog boots can go a long way toward protecting your pet from the perils of winter walks.

Other ways to keep your pet safe: Wipe down your dog’s entire body if she was rolling around in the snow, don’t let your dog drink from puddles of melted snow, and keep your dog from snacking on snow near any place where ice melts may have been used.

4. “Pet-friendly” ice melts are available, but they may not be the answer. “Although these types of melts tend to be considered safer, they, too, can lead to problems if the animal has been exposed to enough of the product,” says Martin. If you’ve got ice melts of any kind at home, keep them in sealed, pet-proof containers.

5. If you think your dog ate ice melts, please take action. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Sunday Sweets

Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)

Rocky, Gabby, Wookie

Sarut aka Sugar

Nettlie

Magda

Haines

Cleva

The True Cost of Abdication: Corgis not Cairns now have the run of the castle!

Written by CP Blog Intern

The Oscar nominated film The King's Speech is the story of King George VI overcoming his stammer. While the humanity and drama of a royal undergoing such a human trial is undeniable, equally fascinating are the political machinations that received only a passing mention, if any, in the film. While the fallout from his brother's engagement and subsequent abdication out of his love for divorcee Wallis Simpson is certainly fascinating, the real story is how as King Edward VIII stepped down, so too did Cairn Terriers as the royal pet!

King George V was an animal lover. His prized parrot oversaw many of his official signings from a perch behind his desk. He also loved Cairns, and his son David, aka King Edward VIII, inherited this love. He even purchased a Cairn Terrier for his love Wallis Simpson in 1934. Of his gratitude toward his prized Cairn Slipper's companionship, David wrote:

‘He followed me around The Fort; he slept by my bed; he was the mute witness of my meetings with the Prime Minister.’ One of the defining aspects of the Cairn breed, as we all know, is their loyalty and it seems no one knew it better than the former king.

Wallis Simpson with Slipper, a gift from King Edward VIII

When David stepped down and George VI's reign began, thus ended the era of Cairns as the royal pet. Still, the monarchy's loss is our gain and while our Cairns may not live in a proper royal castle, they are still masters of our domains.

Source:

http://www.etoile.co.uk/Muse/010104.html

CP foster Marisela will win your heart!

Contributed by Marisela's foster mom



Here she is, the queen of queens for posing...unless you want her to really sit up...she tends to wilt after a few pics. ;)

Marisela is doing great here. She quite enjoys the variety of doggie beds available to choose from. Oh, and don't forget the couch, that's also quite acceptable for lounging upon. Sometimes she get a bonus when foster papa comes to join her. Then foster papa gets kisses.

Marisela will be facing a challenge when her new foster brother arrives early in February. She will have to learn again that a new dog in the family is not a problem for her. That we will keep her safe, no ifs, ands, or buts! We know she was the subject of fights from an aggressive dog in the past and she's doing a good job of trying to get rid of that baggage.

With humans she's an absolute honey and would love a home of her own. She is being fostered in Ohio and you can learn more about her by clicking here.

CP foster Eraser - the story about the tumor that popped through his ear!

Written by Eraser and his foster Dad

Eraser looks good after his surgery in this video (you can see Cindy U too!)



Please click here if you are unable to see the embedded Video

Note from CP Blogger: Eraser recently had tumors removed from his ear and his head and we're happy that the biopsies were benign and didn't affect his ability to impart wisdom!

Jan 13, 2011

Eraser says:

Hi everyone im back!!! but im mad, someone shaved half my head now i look like a chinese crested . i got lots of medicines to take every day. but thanks to Col. Potter i have the chance to get them. im tired now so im off to sleep after i chat with cindy u a litttle, love and kisses Eraser

Jan 12, 2011

Eraser says:

oh my ear bleed because a tumor broke thru the skin inside my ear, and i had the tumor cut out from deep inside my ear canal, on top of my head i had another tumor too , and it was cut out , biopsey will be done

Jan 11, 2011

Eraser is a very sick dog, he is at the vets hospital having an operation to remove some cancerous tumor from his ear and head; the tumor popped through the skin and that was the cause for the hemorrhage on Saturday.

Jan 8, 2011

Eraser has blood coming out his ear.

I cleaned it out and got 10 q-tips full of blood and black gunk, and I put in antibiotics and gel cleaner. The emergency vet said to watch him and if he gets worse come in, if he stays the same wait till Monday. I don’t know why it wasn’t there 3 days ago when Ii just looked at the ears and his nails. I guess ill be awake all night on eraser watch, (sigh) dave-n-cindy -n- eraser

Eraser and Cindy U are being fostered in Pennsylvania and you can learn more about them and the other cairns available for adoption by clicking here.

Friday's Funnies

Raising Duncan

by Chris Browne

When Pets Come Between Partners

HomeAgain Newsletter- February 2011


When Brad Sender and his wife, Kim, of Austin, Texas, returned from their honeymoon and moved into their new condo, Kim’s English Cocker Spaniel, Roxy, refused to let Brad into the master bedroom. The dog growled and bared his teeth. Roxy declined to give up his place on the bed next to Kim, and Brad spent his first post-honeymoon night on the couch.

Cat owner Nancy Golden of Bedford, Massachusetts, had a similar experience when she met and married the man of her dreams, Jim Storms. Her long-time feline soul mate, CG, was furious at Jim’s intrusion and went on a hunger strike, crying piteously for hours.

“Jealous pets are a very common problem,” says animal behaviorist Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, author of the best-selling book “If Only They Could Speak” and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton, Massachusetts.

“I believe that animals are thinking, attentive beings capable of complicated emotions such as jealously and guilt. Consequently, they can manipulate and carry out attention-seeking behaviors, knowing the results will alter their owner’s conduct for their benefit.”

Bring in the Pet Shrink

Animal behaviorists are often called in to act as family counselors and use behavioral modification techniques to try and resolve situations involving the family dog or cat. Sometimes they even prescribe the pet mood-altering medications to deal with the type of human-animal triangle that embroiled both the Senders and the Storms.

The use of psychotropic drugs for pets is very controversial. Many veterinarians and behaviorists consider it trendy and unnecessary. Dodman believes, however, that without these new and developing treatments there would be an even greater number of animals abandoned at shelters or euthanized.

“The drugs can be used short term to get a pet around a sharp corner, or more or less indefinitely,” he says.

Who’s Really the Jealous One?

New York psychologist and psychoanalyst Dr. Joel Gavriele-Gold, PhD, points out that the pet owners are often a major contributing factor to a problematic human-pet triangle, usually without realizing it. The fact that so many innocent animals are given up to shelters under veiled excuses like, “My dog doesn’t like my new husband,” or “My girlfriend doesn’t like the cat,” prompted him to write his book, “When Pets Come Between Partners,” outlining the power play involved in many human-animal relationships.

“Jealous pets are a very real problem, but sometimes the animal is merely the catalyst for bringing out other unresolved psychological issues,” explains Dr. Gavriele-Gold. “When people are starting out together and one person demands that the other’s cat or the dog go, this is only the beginning of issues that are going to get much deeper and worse in other parts of the relationship. People tend to dump their own personal issues on their pets, and the animals wind up looking as if they’re the problem, when, in fact, they’re not.”

“I had a client who had moved to New York from New England with his wife and a mutt named Fred,” says Dr. Gavriele-Gold. “The couple was fighting and the husband blamed Fred, saying the dog couldn’t settle down in the city because he missed his girlfriend in New England. In the end, the couple got divorced and the husband went back to his girlfriend in the country, taking Fred with him!”

Another typical jealousy-fueled scenario is when two people each bring their own pets to a relationship. It’s sometimes difficult for the animals to get along.

“Pets, like people, react differently to different situations,” says Dodman. “Some see all changes as a threat, others see an opportunity. When it comes to dogs, this is a matter of personality rather than breed.”

Dodman evaluates cats on their alertness, sociability, and equability. “A cat that is active, very sociable, and equable is a dog,” he jokes.

If you have a pet that is having trouble adapting to changes in the household, ask your veterinarian to recommend a certified behaviorist or contact the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants at http://www.iaabc.org/ or the American Veterinary Medical Association at http://www.avma.org/.

Books like Dr. Gavriele-Gold’s “When Pets Come Between Partners” (Howell Book House), and “If Only They Could Speak” by Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman (W.W. Norton and Company) are also excellent resources.

Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle writer. Her work appears regularly on MSNBC.com, MSN.com, and in various national and international publications. She is a member of the Dog Writers’ Association of America and the Cat Writers’ Association.

Healthy Hounds Series: When “People Food” isn't Just for People

Written by Reggie and Gemma's Adoptive Mom

One of the most common questions that dog owners will ask each other seems to be “Does your dog get people food?” There really is only one way to answer this question if you don't want to her a litany of advice advising against it. I've stopped lying and I now fully admit that my dogs get people food. Of course that doesn't mean I feed the dogs whatever they want from the table...I'd have VERY heavy dogs. Choosing foods to share with your dog is a particular process with lots to consider:

1. Is this a toxic food? The most important question to ask! There are lists all over the internet of foods that dogs cannot properly digest or that are flat-out poisonous to their systems. Among those items are the classics like chocolate and raw eggs, but did you know that other seemingly benign items like grapes, cherries and onions can also be bad for your dog? Even something as small as a macadamia nut can be hazardous to your dog's health. Print out a list like this one about Toxic foods for dogs and keep it close by. Before you toss your dog that extra scrap while making dinner, check the list as your first precaution.

2.Is this even considered a healthy food for humans? Sharing a bag of potato chips with your pup may not directly poison either of your systems but just like saturated fat and high sodium content aren't good for you, they are certainly aren't good for your dog. You may feel like you're being a good “dog parent” by sharing a little of dinner every night but in reality, lasagna is no where to be found in a dog's natural diet. A good rule of thumb is to consider whether the food in question is considered “healthy” for you. If the answer is “no” or even “not really” then you should reconsider offering that particular snack to your dog. He may not think so, but you're really doing your dog a favor by not giving it to him.

3.Does this “people food” provide a specific health benefit?- Just as blueberries offer rich antioxidants to you, they do the same thing for your dog! Pick foods that strengthen digestion, that contain vitamins or that boost the immune system. Just for some ideas to get you started, my dog LOVES clementine orange segments. They're a rich source in Vitamin C so I give him a couple per day when I'm snacking on one myself. My mom's pug loves carrots which are packed with nutrients like Vitamin A & Vitamin E so he gets those as healthy treats. Some healthy foods for dogs:

Apples and Mangoes (be sure to remove the seeds as they are poisonous!)
Carrots
Zucchini
Potatoes- a great carbohydrate supplement to use in place of foods high in grains.
Leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage
Oranges & Grapefruits
Yogurt- low sugar is better, Greek-style is best.
Salmon
Pumpkin and sweet potatoes – awesome fiber sources!
Green Beans (my dogs love the freeze dried kind from our natural foods store)
Oatmeal- Plain, low sugar with dog-friendly fruits like blueberries.
Plain, white meat chicken breast- No skin and low salt!

NO RAISINS!

4. How many calories are in this?- A simple question that gets forgotten so quickly! Just because the treats you're giving your dog are healthy, it doesn't mean they should be overdone. For example, if you decide to give your dog oatmeal for breakfast on a Saturday morning, keep the portion close to their normal caloric intake for that particular meal. As with everything- People foods are best for dogs when given in moderation and as a supplemental addition to a healthy base-diet.

It's so important to keep your dog's diet varied and by implementing a few “people foods” here and there, you'll be adding not only to the health of your dog but to their quality of life as well: I've never met a dog that doesn't like a hand-out! Just make sure the foods you hand out are the right foods to keep your pup around for years to come.

Maddie Girl joins CP

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Please welcome Maddie Girl! She is described by foster mom as a 'cute little jumping bean'. She is a sweet 4 year old black brindle darling, happy and a joy to be around. Her beloved adoptive Mom is facing some extreme medical issues, yet Maddie Girl was Mom's biggest concern. Mom knew this little bean needed to be safe and well cared for, so she reached out for some help. Maddie Girl was welcomed with open arms, yet sad, heavy hearts for all Mom is going through.

We are so blessed to have a group like Col. Potter that cares about our homes just as much as it cares about the cairns!!

Welcome Maddie Girl!

Wacky Wednesday!

Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)

A big shout out to Flurry for being the Wacky Wednesday model this week!

Welcome Haines

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Haines has landed in Col. Potter and he couldn't be happier! This boy spent years as a breeder, eventually finding his way to a kind cairn loving soul who took him in so that he could have a better life. He is six years old, and reported to love playing with the resident cairn girls. He is a quick study--when they tell him he is doing something wrong, he changes his behavior.

He will be heading to his foster home this weekend, ready to continue his journey learning all the important skills needed to make any cairn owner laugh!

Welcome, Haines!

Introducing Bucky!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Col. Potter welcomes Bucky, a sweet 8 year old wheaten cairn boy. He was surrendered to a vet who contacted another rescue for help. That rescue referred the vet to Col. Potter. We have worked quite a bit together the past, so they knew the level of care we provide and hoped that we could help Bucky.

Bucky is reported to be very sweet and friendly, loving to follow his people around. He is heading to his foster home tomorrow, as long as the weather cooperates! He is going to make an adoptive family very happy!

Welcome, Bucky!

Get the Free PetRescuer iPhone App

Home Again Newsletter/ ITunes

Note from CP blogger: this is a great free way for those who have an iphone to become part of the effort to return lost pets to their owners.

Help lost pets wherever you go with the new HomeAgain PetRescuers iPhone app! Receive Lost Pet Alerts on your iPhone, view where they were last seen on an interactive map, and get detailed information—like breed, color, photo, microchip number, and other characteristics—for each missing pet. Rescuing lost pets just got tech-savvy!

Be a hero for lost pets! Between 6 to 8 million pets enter animal shelters in the U.S. each year, including many lost family pets. Download the PetRescuers app by HomeAgain, and you can help keep a lookout for lost pets in your area. By receiving notifications about lost HomeAgain pets, you can help get these pets home to their families and keep them out of overburdened animal shelters.

PetRescuers is powered by HomeAgain®—a leader in the pet microchipping and lost pet recovery. All of the lost pets featured here are microchipped and have been reported missing to HomeAgain by their owners.

Thank you for helping reunite lost pets with their families!


FEATURES

Receive Lost Pet Alerts for missing pets in your area
- Photo of pet
- Species
- Age
- Breed
- Area last seen
- Medical information
- Personality description

Map all lost pets in your area

Control your alert settings
- Target alerts to a 5, 10, or 25 mile radius
- Default location & mobile alert mode
- Bark, meow & chime sounds

Learn what to do if you find a lost pet

Stream live feed of pet & owner reunion stories


ABOUT HOMEAGAIN

HomeAgain is a pet microchip ID and pet recovery service. Every month, we reunite 10,000 pets with their owners, and we have 24/7 call center with trained counselors who personally guide members through the emotional process of finding their lost pets. And we’re the only pet recovery service with a nationwide network of over 500,000 professional and volunteer PetRescuers ready to be on the lookout for lost pets.

HomeAgain Website > http://www.homeagain.com
PetRescuers Website > http://petrescuer.com/

This can be found in the App Store under the Lifestyle category.

CP foster Boscar plays in the snow - VIDEO!

Contributed by Boscar's foster mom

I am so very proud of foster boy, Boscar. He came to us on Christmas Eve and was housebroken within 4 weeks. WELL - I was sure that during this horrendous weather we've been having that there was bound to be an accident. I WAS SURE PROVEN WRONG!!!! This guy was a trooper through the sleet, 45-60 mph winds and unrelenting snow --- not one accident. He is the sweetest most loving guy and so wants to please everyone. I hope you enjoy this video of him playing in the snow and his snuggle time this afternoon.

Please click here if you are unable to see the embedded Video

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

He has very distinctive coloring, he has a black head, tail and boots on all four legs and a grey/cream/brown brindle on the rest of his body. He is such a wonderful sweet boy. He's one of a kind and looking for his forever home. He's being fostered in Illinois and you can find out more about him by clicking here.

CP foster Eraser says: on the 'Supperbowl'- Special Edition

Written by CP foster Eraser

I don't really understand this Supper Bowl game on Sunday

2 teams dress up like clowns and throw and kick a dead armadillo back and forth to each other


I guess the armadillo is the Supper

There is only 1 so i guess they fight to see

who gets to chew the flavor out of it first


Eraser, mayor of Inwood and Cindy cookie baker

Eraser and Cindy U are being fostered in Pennsylvania, you can learn more about them by clicking here.

Sunday Sweets - Shredding and Stuffing!

Sunday is full of SWEETS! Each week we will showcase the sweeter side of Cairns. If you have a sweet filled cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture for an upcoming "Sunday Sweets" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes.)

Nettle

Connor and Nettle - in cahoots!

Flurry

Tasha

Chance

Zander - caught in the act!

Reminder: Epilepsy Dogs, Other Sick Pups & Sick Owners - Refill Meds in Advance!

Written by a CP Volunteer

With the weather being as horrible as it has been for many people it's a great time to remember that it is REALLY important to NEVER allow for your medications, whether they are for you or your pup, cat, birdy, reptilian buddy, etc - never, ever, allow your prescriptions to run out!

A good rule of thumb, plan to call in a refill when you have approximately 10-14 days of the medication left.

For epilepsy dogs - it's really important to keep an eye on the medications that are used in emergency situations - liquid diazapam - ALSO remember, if diazapam is stored in a plastic syringe WILL become ineffective over a short period of time. Have your vet dispense in glass, or dispose of your plastic syringes every 6 months for new ones.

You never know when something like this weather will happen, that's going to keep you stuck inside and off the roads and from doing your regular routine. NONE of us or our pups should be without medication because of Mother Nature.

I try to keep 1 month of medications on hand at all times. It's just one piece of mind that I know I don't need to panic about when lights are out, we're stuck inside, if it gets cold without heat, etc.


Please try to do the same for yourself and your pups. I hate to see or hear about people or pets suffering because of this.

Relationships, Pets & People

Home Again February 2011 Newsletter

The greatest joys in life are simple. The wise know that true happiness comes in a squirmy, furry package with four legs and a tail. And just to be crystal clear here, we’re talking about having a pet. But having a pet (because no one really owns a pet, do they?) is just the beginning.

Forged over years of mutual care-taking, afternoon cuddles on the couch, and the simple passage of time, the human-animal relationship reminds us that, well…we’re human. Why exactly is sharing your life with an animal so affirming and rewarding? Let’s find out.

We’re so _________ together

Several bona fide scientific studies prove that people benefit from their pets in terms of health: stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, mental stimulation, etc. That’s fabulous rhetoric to get your office to endorse take-your-pet-to-work Fridays, but pet people know all that already, and that’s not really what seals the deal.

We asked our community members to tell us about the kind of relationship they have with their pets. Their responses reveal something very interesting:

Katie from KY, My dog is my heart dog. She does photo shoots, I blog about her, she travels everywhere with me...and I do mean everywhere. (The only exception is the grocery store.) Right now, I have the luxury of planning my life where I can take her everywhere and we can do so much!

Carrie from CA, My dog is my crazy, amazing, hilarious play buddy!

Michael from NY, I love my little dog. He’s my best friend and my constant companion through thick and thin. He’s always there for me, and I try to be there for him. I try never to take him for granted.

Even though the types of relationships described are as different as you and me, they all point to one thing: Pets know how to bring out the very best in their human companions. Think about it. When was the last time Fido skipped a brisk walk or Fluffy told you to splurge on that second bowl of ice cream? Never. Fido and Fluffy are too busy drawing out that deeply caring and nurturing side of you by willingly offering their care and affection—all the time.

When you get right down to it, pets and people are just anything and everything they want to be, together. We bring out the best in each other, and the possibilities for happiness are endless.

Huggin’ it out, everyday

We wouldn’t be doing pet relationships justice if we didn’t focus on one of the most indisputably rewarding parts: physical affection. No matter how it’s served—hugs, kisses, cuddles, or snuggles—receiving a very special just-for-you dose of daily affection keeps us feeling light, young, and warm all over. It’s pretty mushy stuff, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t live for it.

CP's foster Eraser says: (all about groundhogs)

Written by CP's foster Eraser

note to self; next year that stupid ground hog isnt going to be standing there
giving the weather forcast,

i will sneek up behind him in his hole and Cindy will mingle in the crowd

and when he sticks his head out the hole bang- bang- clook-palooey 1 groundhog for breakfast,mmmmmmm

note to self ;see if there is a recipe for groundhog in the Culinary Companion #3

from the desk of Eraser mayor of inwood

Eraser and Cindy U are being fostered in Pennsylvania, you can learn more about them by clicking here.

Friday's Funnies

To Coat or Not to Coat

Written by CP's Blog Intern Volunteer

For those of us in the East, this bitter winter with record snowfalls has been a tough winter for dog owners. As humorous as it is to watch your Cairn sink into snow that is deeper then he or she is tall, common sense kicks in and you realize that all this cold can’t be good for him or her. Right?

We’ve all seen the dog owners who bundle their best friends in coats during the winter to make sure they’re warm. Especially in winters like this it seems to make sense, not just to protect your dog from the low temperatures but also from catching cold. Yet, in an article at the New York Post, the American Veterenarian Association points out that dogs won’t catch cold without a coat because: “…there is no cold virus that affects them.”

With dogs unable to catch cold, surely they’re still at risk from exposure to the elements? Not according to veterinarian Jesse Webb from Juneau, Alaska who says that: “Just because we feel cold, it doesn’t mean our dogs do.” In fact, the New York Post article goes on to say that putting a coat on your dog can actually be dangerous! Certain dog breeds like Huskies self-regulate their own body temperature with fur that lifts up off their bodies or presses against it depending on the temperature. Putting a coat on such an animal would be unnatural and possibly lead to heatstroke.

While there are exceptions to this rule, such as small thin-haired breeds like the Chihuahua, for the most part dogs don’t need coats. They probably don’t even want them. Having attempted to put coats on my dogs in the past I can tell it’s an act they don’t look forward to and they seem quite happy for it to come off. While our desire to coat our dogs is a testament to how much they mean to us sometimes too much concern can be just as bad as too little.

Our picture is of a Cairn Terrier wearing a winter coat. The breed is a perfect example of a dog that may not need a man-made coat as it already possesses a double-layered coat with a soft, dense under coat and a harsh outer one. Putting a coat on your Cairn could actually harm it! So keep your cairn warm and dry but take these points into consideration.

Source Material

Welcome Darlin' Corinna

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



A special girl made her way into the arms of Col. Potter today. This sweet tiny senior girl was in need of help when her family could no longer care for her. She had given all her best to her family, years of loving devotion. It was heartbreaking that they could no longer keep her. They did know to turn to rescue, but were concerned that age might be a factor in placement.

Good Luck was on this little one's side when the Col. said 'Yes'.

Foster Mom wanted to name her to honor one of our devoted volunteers, our own Corinne. Corinne's hard work on behalf of cairns in need has touched Foster Mom's heart. Corinne, too, always gives her best, with years of devotion to Col. Potter.

In honor of that, please give your warmest welcome to Darlin' Corinna!

2011 CP Calendars have been marked down to $10 and are on Sale Now!!

Hi Everyone:

We have marked down our remaining 2011 calendars to $10.00 which includes shipping except for foreign orders which still require the additional postage according to country, however the price of the calendar itself has been marked down.

NOW is the time to pick up a few extras for your vet, shelter, you name it! The price is WONDERFUL for this great calendar and the fur kids say thank you also.

I also wanted to say a gigantic THANK YOU AGAIN to Beth who is our accountant and keeps the books on the calendar and who notifies Deirdre and Kenneth who do our Ducky Slipper Run constantly. We have never had anyone who has been as diligent as Kenneth and Deirdre on doing the snow and slosh and midnight postal runs, often several times a day to get special orders out. Thanks Beth and Deirdre and Kenneth.


Please click here to take advantage of this great price!

Wacky Wednesday!

Wednesday is the day to be WACKY! Each week we will showcase a terrierific cairn picture with an appropriate caption. If you have a terrierific cairn and would like us to consider YOUR picture and caption for an upcoming "Wacky Wednesday" send it to us at cpcrnblog@gmail.com! (All photo submissions become the property of CPCRN and may be used for fundraising, promotion and/or outreach purposes. )

A big shout out to Gabby and her angel Miri (RB) for being the Wacky Wednesday models this week!

Loira jons the Col. Potter familly!

Written by a CP Intakes volunteer



Loira--which means light--is surely going to be a light in someone’s life! Her story thus far is a sad one. After 12 years of together, Loira's elderly owner fell on her, dislocating Loira’s hip. The owner took her to the vet to have the needed surgery and paid for her care. The owner realized she could no longer care for Loira so she relinquished Loira to the vet’s office. They contacted Col. Potter to see if we could take Loira and help find her a good home. We were able to jump in and say YES we can help. Now Loira has a chance to have a happy ending to her story!

We can not help cairns like Loira and others without the help of all the volunteers that do so much and give financially to Col. Potter. Please continue to give so that we can keep helping cairns in need!!

Crate Training a Puppy - featuring CP's foster puppy Dylan!

Written by a CP Volunteer

Dylan

My two cents is that I'd be crate training him at night. Use a small, plastic type crate so he feels secure, and put it on a chair next to your bed where he can see/hear you while you sleep. Then if he fusses, you can reach over and put your fingers in the door (if you position this correctly, you can even fall back asleep with your fingers still there ). Don't take him out when he fusses, unless it's been 4-5 hours and he might need to potty. In a few days, you'll be able to move the chair away from your bed or the crate to the floor, once he knows he's safe and close to you. Then you can slowly start moving the crate to where you want it to be. My puppies always get a soft toy and a chew bone in their crates in case they wake and need a distraction.

I'd feed like Dylan's foster mom has suggested - a mix of kibble and a wet - either the puppy plate or cottage cheese, but at 9 weeks I'd do 4 meals a day and taper to less wet food/more kibble and less feedings as she gets older and is able to hold more at each feeding. Cottage cheese can't be beat to add calcium to their diet as their bones are forming, cartilage is stiffening in their ears, and they lose their baby teeth and get their adult ones at about 5 months old. It's like they grow so rapidly, their body just sucks the nutrients up. And don't be surprised if he does rapid changes in the amount he eats, gobbling for a few days and then hitting a plateau. You'll be able to tell what portion size satisfies him for a meal (give him like 10 minutes to eat with no distractions), and then that's your portion size you should make for the next meal, adding a few more bites to the portion as he gets bigger until he's eating that adult serving of 1/2-2/3 cup kibble a day plus his dollops of the extras. If he's a good size at 6 months, he can probably be at 2 meals plus a snack before bedtime, and you could transfer him over to an all-age kibble then, plus a dollop of yogurt. Each dog is different, so you've got to use your judgement on how much he can consume at a meal and if he's getting enough to keep her growing. Our foster that just left a week ago just couldn't hold very much at a time - at 19 weeks she was still getting 3 meals a day plus a snack meal about an hour before bedtime.

Lots of toys rotated in and out of the ex pen to spark his interest, plus a snuggly bed, and once you've given him lovin' and put him back in, ignore the whines. I use a roll of brown contractor's paper($10 at Lowe's for 130') in one end of my ex pen instead of newspaper or those disposable pads that make so much fun noise when they're torn up. I put the roll on the outside and pull the paper under the end and back out just a bit on the other side. It absorbs, but excess can be wiped up and poo picked up easily.

Our featured CP foster puppy Dylan is being fostered in Mississippi and you can learn more about him by clicking here.