UPDATE 7/1/10: Gouda has become quite a sweetie. He loves belly rubs and cuddles with his foster parents. Gouda has a habit of laying his head on foster mom's feet when she is working at the kitchen sink. Gouda is still very much a puppy. He loves to roll in the grass, zoom in the fenced yard, and play chase or wrestle with his foster sisters; oh and steal foster mom's shoes! Gouda can still be timid in new places, such as the trip he took with his foster family, but he was a good car rider and did exceptionally well for the number of other people and dogs that he met. Gouda would love a forever home of his own. One with a yard, at least one doggie playmate and a family that loves to give lots of cuddles!

04/16/2010: Gouda is a handsome young boy who came from a breeding situation. He is currently learning what it is to live in a home. He gets along well with the other 6 dogs in his foster home - especially a 7 month old foster girl he loves to chase and wrestle with. Gouda was timid around people when he arrived, but is slowly learning people can be trusted. Gouda is still working on house training, but already sleeps quietly in his crate all night, which he keeps dry and clean. Gouda is sweet boy who is now on the search for his forever home.

UPDATE 6/5/10: Vancouver is a gentle girl who wants to please people. She loves everyone, but seems to be partial to men. She has been a great mom to her puppies and still plays with the two still here. Vancouver enjoys toys, but would much rather have human attention. She has been housetrained for quite some time. She sleeps quietly all night and was quick to pick up the daily routine in her foster home. When Vancouver smiles, you can sometimes see a little of her front teeth. It's the most adorable smile to see, and her tail is always wagging. She is a calm girl and seldom barks. If you are looking for a sweet and gentle companion with an engaging smile, Vancouver may be your girl!

UPDATE 5/15/10: Here's a video of Vancouver showing how social a girl she is: tinyurl.com/2d92wew

05/03/2010: Vancouver is a very friendly girl who seems to love everybody she meets. She's been rescued from a breeding situation with her last 3 babies, who are also ready for adoption to loving homes. She's ready to retire and be someone's pampered princess. Check back for updates on this little lovey girl.

UPDATE 8/17/10: Boise (the lighter colored of the two) and Tampa recently had a great time meeting other rescued Cairns at a get-together for Col. Potter volunteers. Here they are having fun and making new friends: tinyurl.com/2g9skwr

UPDATE 5/24/10: Boise, aka Hildy, has been in her foster home a couple of months now and she is a very changed dog. From a scared, confused dog who lived in a breeding cage, to living in a home with free-range privileges was a big jump. But she's making the most of it. No longer does she cringe when Foster Ma reaches down to pet her. She's right there with the resident dogs and fellow foster pup Tampa, with a new mantra: "Pet me! Pet me!" Boise loves running in the large backyard, chasing squirrels and "conversing" with the other neighborhood dogs on the other side of fences. She's not exactly trained for good manners (YET!), but she follows the lead of the other dogs as to the household routine, including when and where to take potty breaks. She is loosening up daily and showing more of the normal Cairn love of life. However, she is an alpha and she doesn't mind reminding the other dogs. She's learned Foster Ma doesn't put up with food fights. But she has no compunction about trying (and often succeeding) in using intimidation to take away favorite toys. So far, there's accommodation in the household over how much she can get away with. But she should probably not be placed with another strong female. Other dogs would generally be OK. She hasn't been tested with cats or kids. I think older kids would be fine. She's a "mouthy" dog, using her mouth to play and hold things, including hands, but she has never bitten or shown any aggression. She is a chewer, although it seems to be a toss-up with any particular item whether she's going to chew it or just carry it around in her mouth. She's a free spirit. We haven't tried much training for basic commands or walking, but she's smart and there's no indication she won't be fine. She loves people, and now even runs up to strangers for petting. She just needs a human or two of her own who have the time to give her the love she craves!

04/27/2010: Boise has been in her foster home for about two months now and she has settled in to being a really nice home dog. We've nicknamed her Hildy. She is adjusting well from her past as a commercial breeding mama and has decided she much prefers being a house/lap/tail wagging normal Cairn. She was quite confused when she arrived, but her curiosity got the best of her. She got along immediately with most of the resident dogs and her traveling companion, Tampa. At first, she couldn't quite figure out what to make of that big, open area of grass, trees and funny things growing all around. The resident dogs were always running up and down the different levels (on a hillside lot) and disappearing among the trees. Sometimes they got pretty excited about something. It took her a day or two to take a chance going up the steps to join them. Thus she discovered - oh my - squirrels! She also had to learn that she was expected to protect "home" from the dogs on the other side of the fence. That's fine cuz it's fun! I fully expected that a dog just out of a breeding facility would not be housebroken, and there were a couple of incidents the first couple of days. But, not knowing anything else, she mimicked the resident dogs and quickly learned the cycle of the day, including that all dogs went in and out at certain times. Boise was a bit thin when she arrived, but was given extra food to correct that, so she weighs a bit more than she did at the beginning.

UPDATE 8/17/10: Tampa (the redder colored of the two) recently had a great time meeting other rescued Cairns at a get-together for Col. Potter volunteers. Here he is checking things out and making new friends: tinyurl.com/2g9skwr

UPDATE 5/24/10: Tampa, who goes by Hermy here, is coming along well in his transition from breeding dog to regular Cairn. Sometimes he can't believe his luck -- a human who actually pets him (and feeds him!), a large yard to run in and pals to run with. He's still a shy guy, not 100 percent sure that when a hand comes down toward him it has a benevolent intent. But he doesn't run away from it. It might be just to pet him. He couldn't miss that! He's been good at following the lead of the resident dogs in learning about his new life. He loves lying in the sun, rolling on his back on the lawn and chasing squirrels. He's "mouthy" but it's just his way of adding to his ability to hold and test things. He is not aggressive in any way. He loves to play with the resident Schip Tita, and vice versa, and they get into some interesting tangles (no growling). He's not much of a chewer. Hermy is not 100 percent housebroken, but it seems to be a problem only if he is left in too long. The others seem able to "hold it" but, although he'd rather go outside, he doesn't seem to know exactly what to do. A little attention to the problem should take care of it. He is very affected by discipline, especially harsh words, and cowers if yelled at. He's a little guy, only 11 pounds when he came here. He hasn't been weighed lately but he definitely has gained weight with regular meals. His ribs and backbone are no longer prominent. If his hair weren't so long they probably would have been quite evident when he first came. He's becoming a lively little guy who doesn't at all mind stopping to sit in a lap, and soak up the love. He'd be good in a relatively quiet home, perhaps with another dog or two, and some understanding humans to assure him of more love.

04/27/2010: Little Tampa, who I've nicknamed Hermy, came to me a couple of months ago after a life as a commercial breeding dog. He was shy and confused; okay with other dogs but very leery of people. When he saw other dogs being petted, he agonized over his desire for that affection and his fear of hands. He still hesitates, but now he can't resist coming in for a petting when he sees the other dogs in the house getting theirs. More and more, he sees the resident human as someone who can be trusted. He still shrinks back occasionally when a hand reaches down to him, but relaxes immediately when the affectionate stroking starts. And he's learned that sitting on laps, while scary at first, is pretty nice! Tampa is on the small side. He comes to his nickname and spends more and more time exploring the large backyard and barking "hello" (or whatever) to the dogs on the other side of the fences, and he's learning about squirrels. He interacts with the resident dogs quite well. Tampa is not an "up front and in your face" kind of dog. He hangs in the back of the pack, although he's getting more and more confident.

UPDATE 5/19/10: Crete had a spa day today to blend his lion look with his Cairn look. The vet cannot believe how well he is doing from the surgery. His leg hasn't atrophied at all due to light exercise and him being a Cairn, after all.

UPDATE 5/14/10: Crete went to the vet to get his stitches out and have a post-op exam. The vet was amazed when our little man walked from the truck into the office (up one small step) and into the exam room. He was a perfect gentleman while she took the stitches out and examined his incision. I showed her Crete's latest trick - when I scratch his back he once again thumps his leg in enjoyment! He gets an A+ from the vet and his next visit will be in 6 weeks for an x-ray. His tummy problems are finally under control. He lost a little weight, but yogurt and pumpkin will help that out. Crete is trilling again when he is happy, and I've missed this sound around the house. There is nothing in the world as sweet as the Cairn trill. He can now have a bath and be cleaned up, and I will try to blend his Cairn fur into the lion look that resulted from the pre-op shave. Thanks for the continued good thoughts for our boy. Please know that every day we thank Crete's aunts and uncles who send prayers and are helping with his vet bills. You all are a very special group of caring souls.

UPDATE 4/28/10: On Thursday April 22, in the wet state of Colorado, our own Col. Potter's Crete came up missing. All of his 4 legged brothers and sisters were still in their crates or beds but, one blind, 11 year old, red wheaten was on the lam. Calls were made to Col. Potter, surrounding shelters, animal control, and neighbors. Foster Mom started walking, calling, banging the bushes, looking under cars, trucks, sheds, even stacks of lumber. At 10 pm the flashlights came out and the dogs came along to check the green belt, and down the side streets calling, calling, calling. Friday morning more alerts were sent out, Fed Ex, UPS, US Post Office, more time spent talking to neighbors, people walking by, area Vets, boarding facilities, and area groomers. All have posters, and posters are hung on every street within 5 miles. Another trip to the shelter aisles, looking into the sad eyes of the dogs who didn't have a loved one to search for them.

We get a call from the shelter - a Cairn has been picked up, but not our Crete. Saturday, Sunday, Monday more of the same. Finally on Monday out of the blue about 3:15 in the afternoon, a golden boy shows up in the front yard. He is scared, and has black dried spots on him. At first we thought he had been bitten, and the spots were dried blood. His leg is hurt and he won't put any weight on it. Into a crate and off to the vet we go. On exam he hasn't lost an ounce of weight, there are no puncture wounds, and it's not mud or blood in his coat just FLEAS. So he got an immediate application of Frontline. No injuries to speak of except the leg. Off to the emergency vet we go for an x-ray. It's clear the little guy is hurting and he has bruising on the inside of his leg all the way over to his groin area. He has deep purple bruising, the real "owwie" kind, but being a Cairn he doesn't whimper or whine. After a shot of pain reliever, he relaxes enough to give foster mom a kiss and heads off to x-ray. The vet comes in with the films, and says his pelvis is fractured in one place and maybe two. So we call an orthopedic surgeon, and the first estimate is $3000. Okay, we get a second estimate of $2000 to $3000. Crete stays overnight with the emergency vet, where a blood test is given. He has low potassium, gets an IV and pain meds. We check in with two other orthopedic surgeons and the best plan is still going to cost $1500. So we called the regular vet to let them know what was going on and luck had the traveling orthopedic surgeon is in to do surgery on another rescue girl. He offers to take a look at the films. Dr. Ed says he can fix Crete's pelvis. He loves Cairns and knows he's got another rescue pup on his hands, so his is estimate $1100 to $1500.

So our little recovered Cairn boy says "I need more prayers and some donations 'cause the Col. says they will fix me up. If you could help out with a buck or two by clicking on the Guardian Angel link at the top, then my bill won't hurt any of my cousins chances for a new life - like Col. Potter is giving me".

UPDATE 1/31/10: Spring is in the air and I am ready for my forever home. I just need someone to love me back because I am ready to snuggle and cuddle. Crete is such a love and will lay in your lap and watch those old movies with you or go for a walk in the sunshine and enjoy the outside. He may have trouble seeing and smelling but his ears work very well. He can hear an Oreo twist at 50 paces. He adapts well to new things as long as his person is with him. He met new people this week and sat for an ear rub like a gentlemen. No barking or trying to run (and they were young guys). His favorite game is to lay upside down in my daughter's lap and have his paws played with. He acts like he is going to "get her" but if she stops he holds a paw up for her to grab softly again. Get your application in for this sweet fellow.

UPDATE 12/25/2009: Toys, blankets, beds, what is a fellow to do! So many presents and some of them are mine! I love presents! Not so much toys, but soft beds and blankies are great! I just love Christmas! I was hoping for a forever home so Santee Paws would find me, but he found all of us here in snow country! Thank you Santee Paws!

Crete is a real goober. He loves to play with his human foster sister and does all of his duties outside, thank you very much. Now he still needs a belly band as sometimes he thinks it's okay to mark in the house. Well it is a new house! Crete can see shadows and gets around very well. He gets along well with the rest of the herd as long as they don't startle him. He ignores the cats, but that does not mean I would trust him alone with them. Crete also goes up and down the stairs well. He really is looking for a forever home where he can nap with his forever family and go for short walks. He wouldn't mind a brother or sister either. He does great with my kids, but they are older and Cairn savvy. If you want a special goober to warm your days and nights Crete is the boy for you!

UPDATE 10/25/2009: Here it is almost Halloween and the snow is falling again! I am a good boy and get along well with my fur siblings. All I want is a warm bed and lots of snuggles. My eyes have stabilized. I can see shadows and get around pretty well. I can even go up and down stairs. I still wear pants in the house (foster mom says I will a wear a belly band cause they are stylish - I know its cause I still try to mark a little now and then). But I got that other stuff down pat; it is outside only and I tell when I have to go. I have a very good appetite and love cookie time. I don’t play with toys but I will play with my human sister. We play a game called “Get Goobers’ Paws” and I get all silly and run around the living room. Get your application in. I may be a bit older but that just means I don’t chew shoes or eat the couch. See what a bonus I am!

UPDATE 5/3/09: Well, Spring is finally coming to the mountains of Colorado! I get to roll in the new grass and smell the funny little flowers. I am glad my nose works well because I have little "old man eyes" as foster mom calls them - I don't see too well anymore - but that doesn't matter. I get along well with the other dogs when we are outside, and I can go for walks just like they do. I enjoy laying in the sun on the deck upside down sunning my tummy. I am just waiting around till my real family finds me. Anybody out there looking for a goofy guy with a great sense of humor? I make foster mom laugh at me and call me "goober!" Look me up and put your application in for me, cause I'm totally worth it!

01/22/2009: "Sweet older gentleman seeks permanent companion for long walks, movie nights, snuggles on the couch, light games of fetch and regular meals followed by snacks. His perfect companion would be devoted to a quiet life of love and leisure."

At 9 yrs this boy is just looking for the easy life. He's a nice 15 lbs of wheaten red head, had all his shots and he's heartworm negative. If this sounds good then Crete is your guy.

UPDATE 5/25/10: Oswego is enjoying his big grassy yard. He has learned to play ball and even will bring it back on occasion. A routine is definately a must with this boy. He doesnt handle change well. He is now sporting a short haircut for the hot summer days to come. Girls are okay but other boys are a threat. He has a playbuddy another female Cairn who he zooms and rolls around the yard with. He is the supreme bug killer in the yard chasing butterflies with the best of them. If you are an alpha home with patience Oswego would love to meet you. Please give this guy a chance!

UPDATE 1/31/10: Valentine's Day is coming up, so anybody out there in the market for a big boy to run with - or play with? Oswego continues to improve with his issues. He now will play with toys outside, running and chasing with his foster sister. He can hold a sit for a couple of minutes. Oswego is on a supplement to help calm him down. It is very inexpensive and just goes in his food 2 x per day. Have a heart and give a guy his forever home and you will receive lots of love in return!

UPDATE 1/3/10: Happy New Years everybody! It's me, Oswego. I am a new man, even though foster mom still calls me a boy! I take my medicine regularly and am so good! I do my duties outside - well, I do mark on occasion! I love to play and I love getting my scritches. I still like toys. This medicine has really made me realize just what I was missing! I am young and I wanna have fun!

Oswego is still doing awesome on the 5HTP. He is still full of energy, but is able to stop and listen to direction. He is so ready for a forever home with a family who will have time to continue his training and give him plenty of exercise! If this is you, fill out the application. Oswego is ready to roll!

UPDATE 12/12/09: Guess what, I have more news! I sit now when mom puts the leash on me! Is that not exciting? I mean come on, I couldn't do this before! So where's my treat? I still like my toys and playtime and my foster brothers and sisters. But here's the thing - I want my very own home! One with no other doggies but me, or maybe just one girl doggie cuz they are so cute! Foster mom here: Oswego continues to grow into himself as a responsible young Cairn. Just sitting to get his leash on is one more major step for this boy! Oswego needs a young couple or person who really has some time to spend walking, running, and keeping him on his program. He is housebroken, but does mark new territory. Hey, it's Oswego here again! I'm young, I'm fun, and I need a partner! If you do too, then pick me!

UPDATE 10/25/09: This is Oswego here and I have news for you. Foster mom says we have found a miracle treat. I get it 2 x per day and it helps me to calm down. I like it very much because now I get more play time and scritches and get to sit out with all the other fur kids. I like toys now 'cause I stop long enough to know they are there. I play with the other fur kids and don't make them grouchy at me. Foster mom here - Oswego has calmed down 200%! He can now stop long enough to come when he is called, and he will sit still for a treat. He won't sit still for cats though, and shouldn't be around them for his own sanity. He will tolerate grooming and being held with no aggression. These are huge advances for this guy. Oswego is still going to need a special family who will work with him consistently, but he is a good dog! He's not a lover, but is more of a companion for those long walks or runs because this guy loves to go. He sleeps in his crate like a champ and goes in with a verbal command. He is housebroken and will hold it all day if he has too. Please consider Oswego for your boy - one that would love some serious one on one time with his own person, and not have to share it with the whole pack. At his age there is a lot of life and love to share!

UPDATE 5/3/09: "Guess what, everybody! Foster mom says I am ready to go to a forever home. I have worked hard at learning to trust and am ready to continue my education with my forever home." Oswego is a very active 3-yr-old big boy Cairn. After much work on his part, (and a lot of long runs with his 2-legged sister) he is learning that not everyone will hurt him and he can be picked up and moved around without being hurt. Note: Oswego is very good running alongside his person on roller blades. He is a goofball with a low attention span because he is so excited over everything he encounters. Oswego is up to date on everything and ready to go. If you are up for a very active boy this is your guy. Get your application in!

01/23/2009: Oswego is a big wheaten boy. A strong, sturdy 3 year old who is neutered and up to date on all of his shots. He is heartworm negative and working on being ready for his forever home. Oswego walks well on his leash, is crate trained and working on housetraining (we have an occasional marking booboo) but overall is learning some manners. He has a few more things to work out and then will be available. Keep an eye out for this big, playful fellow. He will be worth the wait!

08/22/2010: Hi folks! We're raisin' Caine down here in Florida and we would like you to join in! Caine came to the Col. Potter family via the scenic street route. He managed to land in the city lock-up, thus we dubbed him Caine after Lt. Caine of CSI Miami when we sprung him. Most of the time we call him Sugar Caine since he is such a sweet boy. It is obvious that he was once someone's beloved pet as his household manners are great with no accidents and no barking. He just wants R&R for the time being. Caine does have a couple of medical issues that require daily care but only takes a minute. He has severe dry eye in his left eye and doesn't see too well. Also he is getting over an ear infection so his hearing is limited too. But this guy always amazes me. Even with his limited vision he found the doggie door on his own and learned to use it immediately. He sees well enough to get around and loves to go for walks. He has even walked beside me on the bicycle and managed to steer clear of the wheels. What he doesn't see and hear he makes up for with his sense of smell! He's never late for dinner and lets me know by gently licking the back of my leg when I'm in the kitchen fixing everyone's food, just enough to remind me not to forget him! He had some lumps from infected sweat glands that were removed and is still healing from that but is doing very well. Caine is a good looking guy too. He is a handsome grey brindle. We will post pictures soon. We will keep you posted on his progress as he goes through the healing process and getting used to his new surroundings and fellow Cairns. We are sure he will make someone a great companion given time!

UPDATE 8/10/10: I am just so proud of our little "D". You will not find a more lovable companion in a dog - her devotion and love are something that melts the hearts of even the very manly men. Yes, I know that she is not a puppy, but Denver doesn't know that, not for a second! Playing, hunting, exploring - she is no couch potato. This girl loves life and can't wait to meet it every day. She always has a smile on her face and looks up at you like she is saying she is the happiest girl Cairn on the face of the earth. This little girl's heart and soul will stay with you for many years to come. There is not a day that goes by that in some way she comes to me and thanks me for her freedom, because that is what Denver cherishes the most. She gets to sleep on her blanket, eat good food out of her own bowl, and use the doggy door to do her business or to just go looking for her next big adventure. Most of us aren't young puppies anymore either, but just like Denver, we have lots of love in our hearts to give to those who are special to us. Denver is waiting to share her love with you.

UPDATE 7/3/10: Yesterday, Denver and my granddaughter Alycia (she is 9) played all day long. After a few hours she asked me why no one has adopted Denver yet. I told her that it is hard for someone to imagine from pictures and stories just how special she is. She agreed. Denver is the ultimate companion dog for someone because she loves people that much. I have two other dogs her same age and she runs circles around them. She is full of life and loves living, just happy to be alive. I can send in 100 pictures and just as many write-ups, but you will never know how special Denver is unless you adopt her. Of all the Cairns I have fostered, she is the most loving and affectionate to people and it seems as if her life is lived to please you. Before my granddaughter went home she asked me if she could trade her Pomeranian Princess for Denver. (smile) I told her she needed to love Princess a little more and that I knew there was a very special home waiting for Denver. They just haven't found each other yet.

UPDATE 6/20/10: No little princess could be more ready and more deserving of finding her forever home. Ms. "D" is the perfect companion, as she never wants to lose sight of you. She lies at my feet when sitting in the living room, lies in the bathroom while I put my makeup on. She never wants to be too far away from the person that gives her love. She enjoys food but is not food aggressive. She willingly goes into her crate with a biscuit when I am ready to go to work and is so happy to see me when I come home at lunch to spend a little time with her. Her accomplishments in becoming part of a family have been amazing. Denver is fully housetrained, uses the doggy door, knows her place and her food bowl, and sits or begs for a biscuit. She is part of the pack when we all go out, and when they are all called for a cookie. As her foster mom, I am so very proud of her achievements after living the life of a mill momma. She loves when company comes and she greets everyone with a wagging tail. If you are looking for a special dog that will adore you because you are just there for her, look no further. This little girl has all the qualities that you will ever need for a lifetime. Denver will definitely leave a paw print on your heart - she has mine.

UPDATE 5/30/10: There is a little girl with big brown eyes who needs her very own forever home and her very own family. Denver loves to be cuddled and she will follow you anywhere. She just wants to please you so that you will love her. That is all she wants, a home she can call her own. Toys, food and a place to lie down. If you have a yard she also loves to explore. She is a real hunter and is fast as lightning. Ms. Dee (that is what we call her) sits on her hind legs and begs. She can also spring straight up in the air but she doesn't jump up on the furniture. She has a great coat, very thick. When she walks she has a cute little wiggle in her butt. This little girl will make someone very happy and give so much love. She's just waiting for that special person, could it be you?

UPDATE 4/25/10: Ms.Denver has been with us for 2 months now and we could not be more pleased with everything she has accomplished. Her life before coming to live with us showed her no love, no compassion, she just existed in a cage. No one to brush her or pet her, no one to tell her what a beautiful girl she is. She survived living 7 years with no one to call her own. When she was rescued things changed and at first she did not know what to make of those changes. She had her own bed and it was warm and clean. And every day she got to play with toys and eat good food from a clean dish. When she drank it was fresh clean water. Little Dee had to learn the little things: sharing toys, playing with another dog, eating from her own dish because there would always be more food. Learning to use the doggy door to the backyard, walking on grass for the first time, and learning where she should go to relieve herself. Two months, that's all it took. Two short months to become a family pet, part of the pack, a little loving girl. She is fearless, not afraid of people, noises or new experiences. Ms. Denver is a true survivor. She is 7 years young, running, playing, always looking for her next adventure. And at the end of the day when all the toys have been played with and her tummy is full of good food, she curls up in a lap and cuddles. She is a strong warrior princess, she is one tough little girl. She is just missing one thing, a family she can call her own and who will love her unconditionally - forever. When she looks at me with those big brown eyes, I can tell she knows that she is waiting for that special person or family - and she has faith that they are out there. This little girl has so much love to give and it can be all yours. Ms. Denver is just waiting.

UPDATE 4/11/10: Denver has become the well behaved Cairn princess that I knew she would be. She is housebroken and knows how to use the doggie door. Hooray! She has become a true Florida dog, hunting lizards with a high prey drive. She is just adorable and walks with a little swing in her behind! For a little girl who lived in a breeding facility for 7 years she has lots of energy and she's retained her joy in life. She loves everyone she meets, be it man, woman, or child. She played with my 8 year old granddaughter for hours. She loves toys and is a bit of a toy hoarder. I have been teaching her that all the toys can't possibly be hers when she has 4 foster brothers and a sister. She is getting better. Denver is not afraid of anything: Vacuum cleaner, loud noises, thunder - nothing unnerves this little girl. My little Denver needs her forever home. I always feel that she is looking at me with her big brown eyes, asking why her forever home has not found her yet. When I hold her I let her know that is because the family that adopts her has to be very special, because SHE is a special baby girl. Watch Denver 'do' uptown in this little montage: tinyurl.com/y6c8bhw

UPDATE 3/20/10: Ms. Denver has done so well these past few weeks! She is loving life to the max. It is hard for me to believe that she is 7 years old because she acts like a puppy. Toys are her favorite and the louder the noise the more excited she gets. She is a tiny little girl too, but makes up for it in feisty-ness. She knows what certain words and commands are. She only has accidents in the house when foster mom forgets that it's time for her to go out. When she does go out we ask her to do her "good girls" and she goes. From being in the breeding facility she has rubbed the hair on her nose off but it is now growing back great. Her coat is coming in too and it is very soft. She loves sitting on your lap and will fall asleep there very comfortably. Denver is a sweetheart and melts your heart with her big brown eyes. You would never think this little princess spent her first years in a breeding facility. She does need strong alpha leadership. She tends to think that she is the boss, not with us, but with our resident dogs. She is very attentive to us and has become my little shadow. If you are looking for a spirited little girl to love, our little Dee is right for you.

UPDATE 3/8/10: Denver, (or Ms. Dee, as we call her) is progressing nicely. She loves to eat, play and sleep and mostly in that order. She is a tiny little girl who has a bit of bossiness in her. She believes that she deserves every minute of our attention and that she is the princess of the kingdom. This is unfortunate for her as there are many residents here. Give her a toy box filled with toys and she is in heaven. She occupies herself playing with all kinds of toys. We have caught her watching TV and actually runs up to it and barks when she sees something that she does not approve of. She loves people and thrives on lots of attention. She would never tire of being petted and getting belly rubs. She is very submissive with people, rolls over to show her tummy and wiggles. Ms. Denver is a little doll and could be your very own Cairn princess.

02/28/2010: Denver has been with us for a week now, but just within the past few days she's made a remarkable transformation, adjusting well to all the new situations she's been exposed to. Everyone fell in love with her at the groomers when she went in for her hair appointment. She gets along well with all of our resident dogs - even wrestles with our 10 year old Mastiff. She can't get enough of playing with toys and takes them all out of the toy box so she can surround herself with them. Denver eats well, plays hard, and sleeps all night long. She is a very smart girl so her potty training is going well too. This is a true Cairn princess who just needs a home to call her own. Anyone out there looking for your own little girl, look no further. Denver is right here in front of you!

UPDATE 7/14/10: Gabriella has positioned herself into our pack very nicely and neatly. She simply loves her foster sister and never passes up a chance to give her tummy kisses. She loves to be petted and will not hesitate to let you know when she feels neglected. She has assumed the role of co-protector of the house and back yard with her foster brother, racing from side to side declaring her authority and carrying on high-level conversations with the neighbor's dogs until everyone loses interest. Gabriella loves to go for a ride in the car, and rides very quietly. She still protests when I leave for work in the mornings, but I'm not sure at this point if it's separation anxiety or just wanting to go for a ride. She catches on quickly to schedules and ways of doing things, but she still makes it clear that she does not like the noise of a lawn mower, vacuum cleaner, dust buster and blow dryer. This girl is a real sweetheart. She has been spayed, is up to date with her shots, and has recently had a dental. Gabriella is ready to be the center of attention for that perfect someone.

06/27/2010: Gabriella is a sweetie pie! She loves to be held and loved, and she loves to just sit beside people. She loves human companionship so much that she is quite vocal when we leave the house. She is getting to know the routine though, and is now not as vocal on weekdays when she knows I'm heading to work. She's very quick to learn and adapt. She was on the defensive when she first saw the resident pups, but when they ignored her repeatedly, she was much better behaved. She was very willing to oblige the resident cats in a chase, but after a couple of "aacks" from foster mom, she got the message that chasing was not allowed. Gabriella has one toy that she's possessive of, but as she realizes that no one will take it away from her, she is becoming more relaxed about it. She is a very funny girl, too. She will look at you from the corner of her eye and moan or squeal if you don't pet her right away. She would do best as an only child, but will get along with other animals if they are passive and non-confrontational . Gabriella is potty trained and up to date with her shots, and we just learned today that she can catch treats in mid-air. We can't wait to see what else she will surprise us with!

UPDATE 08/15/10: Hi everybody! It’s me-Gianna. I decided to make list of my requirements for my forever home. I’ll call this my wish list. Number one: You; yes You. If I have You then I have love and your love will take care of all my other needs. Well that’s all I have on my wish list; someone to love and love me back. Do you have any love to spare?

UPDATE 7/21/10: Boy, is it hot here! Foster mom has had to cut back on some walks because it is so hot she thinks she can fry an egg on the sidewalk (yummy). She also has been watching me like a hawk and checks me out real good before we go on walks. I had a couple of weeks that my blood sugar levels went a bit crazy on me. Foster mom had to board me when she went out of town and I got too excited and my little system got out of whack. But I am fine now. My foster brother, Houston, got moved to a real nice foster home in South Carolina. Tell ya a secret; I’m glad he is gone. He was a show off. Foster mom and Houston played silly games. I’m much more civilized than he is and I appreciate fine things like cuddling next to my humans. I always get told I’m a good girl and how good I am getting my insulin shots. I never complain – as long as there is a treat!

UPDATE 5/1/10: Gianna is such a great companion. I think I call her Sweetie more than Gianna. She is always near, waiting patiently for me to finish what I am doing. She is the easiest dog to care for. I'll show her what I have in my hand and she normally sits down and lets me do what is needed. When I had to leave for a trip and Gianna was kenneled with my vet's office the vet tech was amazed how easy it was to treat her. You can't help but call her Sweetie because she is just so good about letting you take care of her.

I think I love her calmness the most, she patiently waits and doesn't get excited when I am doing something. For walks; she see's me get the leash and goes to the front door and positions herself for me to put her harness on. Once out the door; she is one happy little girl wanting to explore her world. She loves her walks and I enjoy taking her.

Gianna is a wonderful companion. If you are looking for a Cairn to always be by your side then this is your girl!

UPDATE 2/16/10: Hi all! It's me, Gianna. Foster Mom has been spending time getting me clean and trimmed up for the pictures. I think I spooked her when she was getting the bath ready for another dog and I crept up on her in stealth mode. When she turned and saw me right next to her she said that was just a little spooky! I just wanted her to know I wanted to be the first to get the bath. It worked; Foster Mom can figure these things out sometimes. If only she could tell when I wanted treats. After the bath I get a massage with a brush that feels really good. Well, she's actually getting rid of hair I don't need but it sure does feel good. I really like being next to people, I think that is the best thing in the world. Okay, second next to treats. If you're looking for a dog that likes being near you; I am your girl. I'm ready, just put in the adoption request!

UPDATE 1/3/10: While I was sitting reading the paper a paw tapped at the top of the paper - obviously a bid for my attention. So I dropped the paper d there was Gianna. I told her once I finished I would give her some attention. I brought the paper back up but this time she pulled the paper all the way down. I guess it was important because she asked the following: Maybe someone can answer this question?

Can anybody find me somebody to love?
I'm OK, I'm alright
I ain't gonna face no defeat
I just gotta get out of this foster home
Anybody, anywhere, anybody find me somebody to love
(© lyric attributed to Queen)

UPDATE 11/25/09: R U NEEDY? Looking for someone to listen attentively to how your day went? And comfort you when you're down? Maybe you need someone to walk with you to relieve the stress of the day. When everyone else is busy; I’ll always be there to listen or go on a walk. I can help you relax; all you need to do is rub my belly and scratch underneath my front legs (it’s been proven by science- that DOES help people relax). Do you like watching movies? Maybe you’d like someone to share the couch with you who won't talk during the good scenes. If u r needy, I'm needy too! I'm looking for a needy home in need of a companion dog. I promise to love you in good, and even in less gooder times.
Furever yours, GIANNA.

UPDATE 10/31/09: Hey ya’ll it’s me Gianna. I’m really doing super well - I’m even jogging a bit on my walks. I love walks! Don't tell anyone, but I figured out a way to get up on foster mom’s bed. It’s too high for me to jump, plus there is a rule "no foster dogs in the bed". But I'd like to be there – wouldn't you? – so one night I jumped into the chair and noticed if I was very quiet and careful I could walk across the nightstand and get to the bed. The only thing blocking me was Miss Butthead, the resident, bed hogging dog, and I had to be careful not to wake her. If I could reach the pillow she wouldn’t feel me getting on the bed so I approached slowly and gently, stepped on the pillow and made it past her. SUCCESS! Wow, was I happy and I let that happiness overcome me and made a mistake. I stuck my big fat wet nose on foster mom’s face and quickly got put down on the floor. Next time I'll try to remember not to do that!

Foster mom: Gianna is such a wonderful companion. I was painting one of the bedrooms and had to close the door to prevent Miss Butthead from stepping in the paint. I was in the room over two hours and when I opened the door Gianna was sleeping by the door waiting for me to come out. She loves her people! Gianna is waiting for her forever home; all she needs are walks, special food and her insulin shots and she will repay you a bucket load of love.

UPDATE 10/15/09: It’s me Gianna I’m back in Florida and I am feeling so much better thanks to my foster family in CA. With my stable diet and my insulin shots twice a day I feel GOOD!

Gianna's first day here was a bit hard on her after saying goodbye to her CA foster mom. After a few days she was fine, and learned her new foster home routine very quickly. Gianna is a wonderful companion. She is well mannered around open doors, so no fear of her bolting out. This is a people dog. She would be fine in a house with another dog, but prefers human companionship. I take her out for walks every day and it is pure joy to walk her. She doesn’t pull and goes at a nice pace. Occasionally she'll will get a bit stubborn and plant her paws to tell me she isn't ready to go home yet. With a quick tug and vocal command she gives in. She didn’t even complain when we got caught in the rain on one of our walks.

Yes, she has diabetes and requires two shots a day. Her treatment is VERY simple. She gets fed twice a day and she gets her shot after she is fed. She also gets eye drops twice a day. Yep, she gets those after her meals too – very simple routine. That’s all there is to it. Because she is diabetic she needs the correct balance of fiber, protein and good carbs. Any kibble that is corn based would not be good for her. Corn is a bad carb!
If you are looking for a companion dog to share your time and take on walks; Gianna is your girl. She will stay by your side and follow you and settle down next to you if you are busy. Come on now - how can you resist this girl?

UPDATE 8/18/09: Here's my story: I was a victim of a hurricane some years ago and ended up in a shelter in Florida. A very nice couple adopted me and I stayed home with the nice lady while she was recuperating from an illness. When she was all better we joined the nice man she's married to on the road in their semi-truck since his job is cross country trucking. They are on the road at least 9 months out of the year and I just wasn't happy riding in that big rig with all the noise and bumpiness. It kind of reminded me of that dreadful hurricane. And yet I loved riding in their pick up truck, it was such fun. So my loving family thought it would be best to surrender me to Col. Potter and they would find me a home that was stationary so I would have a bed that didn't move around all the time. It just so happened that I was diagnosed with diabetes at the time I was sent to my foster home in California. I had a little trouble adjusting to the exuberant dogs that already lived in the foster house, but after 2 years we are all great friends. There's even a little Dachshund boy that has a bit of a crush on me and he begs me to lick his ears (something I'm quite fond of doing).

I do have diabetes which means that I must eat a healthy diet free from mainly sugary foods. I need to have two shots a day, one with my breakfast and one with my dinner. The shots are with a tiny, tiny needle, and I don't mind them at all. I had developed cataracts due to my diabetes but thanks to foster mom and Col Potter, I had surgery and my vision was restored. Yippee! However at my last follow up visit with my eye specialist, foster mom was told that I have ocular melanosis which is a different type of eye disease that Cairn's are prone to. It has nothing to do with my diabetes. I don't know the prognosis yet, but I am a fighter and will not let this get in the way of finding that loving home I so desperately want to call my own. So if you're in the market for a sassy, yet sweet, semi-chunky little Cairn that's really well behaved and just adores people - then I'm your girl! I'll be waiting to hear from you. Fill out that adoption application and take me home with you today! Hugs and kisses, Gianna

UPDATE 01/23/2008: I love walks, riding in the car, playing with squeaky toys, and lots and lots of belly rubs. I love people and get very excited when company stops by.

UPDATE 10/16/2007: I've lost some weight over the past few weeks and look just fabulous. My insulin dosage has finally been regulated and I feel great! I'm always the leader of the pack when foster Mom takes me and my two house mates for a walk. I'm still not very comfortable when we meet unfamiliar dogs, though. I just get kind of anxious and need to tell them to stay away.

UPDATE 09/18: Foster Mom: Every day we have these little chats, and Gianna makes the cutest gestures when we're having them. She makes great eye contact and shows a lot of self-confidence. She'd do best in a home without small children, and she does appear to be more comfortable as an only dog.

09/04/2007: Hi! My name is Gianna and I'm an 8 year old Cairn who is looking for a loving family to call my very own.

UPDATE 8/19/10: YIPPEE - I'm ready to find my new home! It seems this good diet and a daily allergy pill is taking care of all my itchies. I feel so much better that I've quit chewing on myself. I still love getting baths and always get an extra burst of energy afterwards. Zooming is such fun (and the wind in my fur helps me dry more quickly) Watch me zoom around the house after a bath: tinyurl.com/2cabast, and watch me find a toy when I'm done with the zoomin': http://tinyurl.com/2dnlhn3. Are you looking for an easy-going little buddy? Perhaps I could be the perfect little guy for you?

UPDATE 8/9/10: Hamby continues to be a delightful little guest He LOVES his meals, his treats, his bully sticks, his walks and he never misses the opportunity to get his back scratched from a dangling foot. He got an oatmeal aloe bath today and felt so good afterward he zoomed through the house exhibiting sheer joy for about 5 minutes. You'd never guess this boy is almost 10! http://tinyurl.com/26kj524 (sorry for the darkness of the video - a rare overcast day in the Sunshine State). We're still working on his allergy issues, but he seems to be a lot less itchy. He should be ready to find his new home in the next few weeks.

UPDATE 7/24/10: Hamby continues to adjust to his new life, and has started to show aspects of a really cute Cairn personality. Hamby says whoever invented bully sticks for dog chews, gets his vote for 'best invention' in his lifetime. Not only are they a satisfying item to chew while lounging around, but they're also great fun to toss up in the air, chase down and toss again. Click the link to see Hamby in action: tinyurl.com/25ecesv He's not quite ready for a new home yet, but keep checking - as soon as we get his allergy issues resolved, he'll be ready to delight and entertain his new family.

07/19/2010: Hamby is such a cool little Cairn. He's easy-going, quiet, and just likes to hang out in the same room with foster mom. His favorite things are meals, taking walks, chewing on bully sticks and having a good old back scratch. He became a Col. Potter kid when the only family he ever knew could no longer care for him. His first night here was very stressful for him - not knowing where he was, having other dogs in the house, and having to sleep in a crate. But he quickly adapted to all of these changes and actually runs into his crate now and waits for his treat. Whoever said you can't teach an older dog new tricks obviously never met Hamby. He's not quite ready for adoption, but it shouldn't be long. Take a look at Hamby meeting the other Cairns, tail wagging the whole time: tinyurl.com/ 2bdz48a

08/15/2010: Better get your application in ASAP - Tippy is rarin' to go! This little girl is just a delight - smart as a whip and eager to learn, loves people, and gets along great with her Cairn siblings. She loves playing fetch, gives great kisses, and follows me around like a shadow. She ALWAYS has a toy in her mouth and is a squeak-a-holic! Tippy would be best in an active home that will give her lots of attention. I think she would excel at agility or rally, and definitely would benefit from a training class as her manners could use some improvement, but that will come in no time!

UPDATE 8/27/10: Hi Everyone. Flash will be here one week tomorrow and I couldn't ask for a sweeter foster. But she has to be the busiest little foster I have ever had. She acts more like a 1-yr-old than a 4-yr-old. She is full of kisses and so far likes everyone she meets, including small children. While she hasn't played with them, she likes to give them kisses. She could equally be in a home with other dogs or alone, as long as she has a person to love her. Flash can jump like a kangaroo! LOL. And if you have enough furniture in the room her feet would never touch the floor because she will just jump from piece to piece (bounce, bounce, bounce). She takes treats like she is afraid she might hurt you and she sleeps or rests nicely in her crate. When her coat grows back in (which it is doing really well) she is going to be a little tiny beauty. She hasn't had but a couple of accidents in the house and runs like a deer on her leash so get on your running shoes. Flash loves the fenced yard and I think she has a fairly strong prey drive. But all in all she's a great, little love bug, Flash is easy on your eyes and easy to love.

08/24/2010: Well, the cutest little girl ever arrived in GA and her name is Flash! She lives up to her name in every way because in a "Flash" we were smitten with her sweetness, and her beautiful face and eyes. She is at least 99% house trained, rested beautifully in her crate, met the cat and didn't care and so very much, and wants to be in here with the family. But we have a few days before she can do that. Watch this adorable girl in action: tinyurl.com/2urldgp. Flash will give you warm wet kisses and is going to be ready in a Flash for her forever home, so you better get those applications in fast! Otherwise, Flash will be gone.

08/29/2010: Ladder is a darling little boy who is very friendly to both dogs and people but is just a wee bit timid and unsure of himself. He is the survivor of a house fire so his whole world dramatically turned upside down very recently and he is still learning to adjust. Ladder is very fond of toys in general and adores balls - especially tennis balls. He is the most energetic little dog we've ever fostered - just perpetually in motion. He can leap straight into the air and has no problems getting out of an ex-pen. If you are looking for an agility dog or, better yet, looking for one to do Flyball, Ladder may be the boy for you!

08/09/2010: Portree came to foster care as an owner surrender though, as his foster mom, I can't imagine why! He is the happiest, easiest, calmest little couch potato you could ever find. He loves every person or animal he meets, does not bark even when other dogs are barking, loves his walks, riding in the car, and long tummy rubs. Portree especially loves his meals and could easily be renamed "Portly" as he does need to lose a few pounds. His forever family will need to resist fattening treats which is not easy to do as he is soooo cute :-) He will be a great companion for a person with some disabilities, retired senior, or RV travelers. He would also be a fine therapy dog for retirement home or hospital visits. He gets along well with cats and would also be a wonderful playmate for a younger more active female dog as she would encourage him to play and be more active. (Like us, he needs a reason to get off the couch!) If I find any bad habits at all I'll let you know but as of now I think he is just about perfect! All he needs is you, his forever family to love and appreciate him!

08/28/2010: Abie Rose is a sweet, playful, loving little girl who spent the first years of her life in a commercial breeding facility, however you wouldn't know it if you met her. She loves meeting people and other dogs. Her housebreaking is going very well. Abie Rose gets along with my other Cairns, both male and female, and loves to wrestle with them. She doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body and loves to lie down with her kong toys. I took her to an animal shelter to be micro-chipped and there were people in the waiting room who wanted to adopt her on the spot. She really enjoyed all the people petting her. Abie Rose is up to date on all her vaccinations but she isn't quite ready for a forever home yet. I'm in the process of fine tuning her potty training and teaching her how to go up and down my eight back stairs so be sure to check back to see how Abie Rose is progressing.

UPDATE 6/25/10: Foster Mom took me on a trip to a Cairn Terrier Party and I was the best little traveler - ever! I had a lot of fun meeting other dogs and getting to meet lots of friendly, nice, people. It was such a good time! I think I am ready to go to a forever home now, because every day I'm less and less afraid. I love to play ball, and my new thing is to splash in water, but I have to tell you Foster Mom is fussy. She laughs when I do it outside, but says "not in the water bowl!" in the kitchen. If you look at my picture you will see that I have the longest eye lashes and the sweetest smile. I am ready if you are! Tell them Abby sent you.

UPDATE 5/4/10: Hello, it is me, Albuquerque (or Abby as foster mom calls me), here to update you on my progress. I am pleased to say my hairless 'cage nose' is gone and I have a very nice coat coming in. Each day I am a little less fearful, but I am not ready to have you touch me. I like treats and will take one from your hand, but I have to run far away to eat it. I discovered toys. Oh, they are so much fun! I love to bite and kill them. I love to make them squeak. I have a basketball that I love and I will chase it all over the yard. I will let you play ball with me. I drop the ball 2 feet away from you and wait for you to throw to me, then I will get it and run around the yard with it until I drop it at your feet again. I love to run around the yard. Please watch my progress and when I am ready, ask for Albuquerque!

UPDATE 3/30/10: Albuquerque is too big a name for such a small Cairn so foster mom calls me Abby. Everything is very new to me and I have had a hard time adjusting to life in a home. I really am more comfortable with dogs. I am learning that people are OK, and they give me good things called treats.

The other day I had what Foster Mom called a “Big Adventure”. I was hanging out in the yard with my foster posse, when a man came into the yard, left the gate open and we all took off. I was very excited and ran like the wind, but suddenly I was running alone, because the posse went back to the yard to get treats. When I decided that it was time to go home I was lost. I saw a fence that looked like the fence that went around my yard, so I worked really hard to get through it. Well it was not my yard, and I was tired and full of burrs so I sat down to rest. There was a big noisy thing coming down the tracks (yep, train tracks). I was scared so I got really low to hide. The engineer hopped off the train and scooped me up. I was suddenly riding the rails! Well, my disappearance caused quite a commotion and people all over were alerted to my escape. The Col. Potter lost dog network told everyone I took off. My foster Mom came home from work and foster Daddy was really upset and tired from running after me. They got in the car to look for me. I was lucky I had my tag on, because the engineer called the number and spoke to a lady in Ohio who talked to foster Mom. The engineer and foster Mom talked on the phone and figured out how to get me back. I got to be on the train for a 6 mile ride. It was fun but very loud, with yucky smells called diesel and creosote. I was really happy to see foster Daddy who spoke to me about the dangers of life on the lam. I think that I would like to have another big adventure, but I think I will wait for a forever family who can hold the end of my leash and keep me safe.

03/02/2010: Hi, it is me, Albuquerque, or Abby as they call me here at the foster home. Everything is so new to me I am just not sure what is good yet. I am working really hard to learn everything a girl needs to know to become a Cairn Princess. Please check back for my progress reports. I will be looking for my 'fur-ever' home soon.

UPDATE 8/30/10: Well, little Ali still is waiting for her forever home. She gets more loving and friendlier everyday, if that is possible. She loves to take showers, zoom and play with the vacuum cleaner and mop. She just loves everyone and any other dog. Ali will be a wonderful companion for anyone and a great addition to a family with other dogs. She's smart and learns routines very quickly. She has a beautiful thick coat and the most wonderful dark eyes that look right into your soul. So if your looking for someone who'll fit into any family, this is her!

UPDATE 8/12/10: I'm still waiting for my forever home! Foster mom says I'm doing really well. I'm going potty outside and I don't mess my crate at night. I'm quiet too. I love everyone I meet. I really like belly rubs and being held. I get along well with the resident girls and Abbey, the Yorkie, is my favorite friend. Won't you be my new favorite friend?

07/06/2010: Hi, my name is Ali! I'm a girl, but I was named after the famous fighter. I'm a lover though; not a fighter, but I do have lots of energy. I'm quiet in my crate at night, and learning to do stairs and go potty outside. I use puppy pads in between the sleeping, playing and pottying, just in case. I love to be held and given belly rubs. So if you're looking for a puppy with a lot of spirit and love, that's me, Ali!

08/01/2010: Hi everyone! I'm Broderick! My foster momma says I am very smart. In spite of living on the streets for a while, I am housebroken. No accidents in my foster home. I also listen very well. I am foster momma's little shadow and I love sitting in her lap watching TV. I only bark when you leave me. Is your bed big and comfy? Will you share it with me? I love sleeping and cuddling in bed. I do sleep in my crate, but I would rather be with you. I also would prefer to be the only dog. I play sometimes with the resident boys here. I also love playing tennis ball. Do you have some tennis balls I can play with? I am ready and waiting to be your little boy!

08/28/2010: Diva spent the first years of her life in a commercial breeding facility and is slowly getting used to her new life of freedom. Her housebreaking is going very well, and she knows she is supposed to potty in the yard. Yesterday she picked up a toy in my yard for the first time! I'm sure this is the first time in her life she's ever had a toy in her mouth. Diva usually stays close to me in the yard but yesterday she went off and did a little exploring on her own. She has also started to wrestle with one of my other females. She's a very sweet non-aggressive little lady that just needs some time to feel more comfortable in her new life. Diva is up to date on all of her vaccinations and is micro-chipped. She isn't ready for a forever home yet because she needs to gain more confidence. Keep checking in to see how she progresses.

08/29/2010: Heeeeeeere's Sainted Riley! Sainted Riley arrived at our home two weeks ago a very scared boy. The first day I had to take the top off the crate to get him out. Fast forward two weeks and we now have a very happy little guy that is so very sweet and gentle. He is learning how to trust, and that love and kindness will always be in his life now. He loves running outside with the resident Cairns and he is learning how to play tug-of-war and how to chase a ball. Riley isn't quite ready for adoption yet; we are still working on housetraining and how to walk on a leash. Check back here in a couple of weeks to see all the progress he's made!

UPDATE 8/28/10: Taryn is an absolutely fantastic little girl, very loving and playful and loves meeting people. When I'm passing out treats in my kitchen to everyone she sits and calmly waits for hers. She loves to chase toys when I'm throwing them in the yard. She always comes in when I call her and isn't much of a barker except when she's playing with my others and they're all yapping. Everything I've stated in my previous write-ups still stands. She learned very quickly that she is not the boss here, I am, and she has become one of the very best Cairns I've ever fostered.

UPDATE 8/17/10: Taryn is ready for a forever home that will not allow her to be the boss. She is possibly the best dog I've ever had in my home but she has to be shown who is the boss. Her housebreaking is perfect; I've left her loose in my home with five other Cairns for 6 hours and there was no problem. I have complete faith in her. She is not at all destructive and enjoys meeting people, which could be a problem if someone is not holding her leash firmly. She would run across a street to meet someone if she got loose and not look for cars. For this reason I would prefer a home with a yard. If you can be more alpha than a 13 pound Cairn you will have a absolutely perfect little Cairn!

UPDATE 7/30/10: Taryn is a very smart little girl, and now that she knows who is the boss she is becoming an excellent little Cairn. She enjoys running around the yard with my other Cairns and comes in immediately when I call her. I am now feeding her with one of my male Cairns and there are no problems. She is also getting treats in my kitchen with 6 other dogs and there aren't any tiffs with that either. Taryn is an alpha female and isn't afraid of anything. This little girl needs exercise, so a home with a yard and another dog, or a home where she can get plenty of long walks would be great for her. She isn't quite ready for adoption yet, but she will be shortly. Here's a video of Taryn playing with one of my other Cairns. tinyurl.com/286oztj

UPDATE 07/17/10: Taryn is doing great in my home her housebreaking is excellent. She really enjoys meeting everyone when we go out. She spends a lot of time running around my yard and wrestlng with any Cairn that wants to. She tries to play with my American Eskimo but the Eskie is older and doesn't want to be bothered. Taryn should be ready for adoption in a couple weeks, I just want to see how she does in a couple more different situations. Check back for further updates on her here!

07/03/2010: Taryn has a beautiful gray brindled coat with a black face, ears and paws. This little girl's housebreaking is excellent! She's been here for two weeks and there have been no accidents. She walks well on a leash and enjoys chasing balls and will sometimes bring them back to me. Taryn understands when I say "no" or "drop it". I've had her out meeting other people and she just loves it, her tail wagging the whole time. It is apparent that her previous family did not show her any leadership and she became the boss of the house. For this reason, they got rid of her. Now that she's here, she's accepted the fact that I'm the boss and not her, and all is going very well. This little girl is spayed and up to date on all of her shots. Taryn is not ready for adoption yet, but it shouldn't take be long so keep checking back!

UPDATE 7/25/10: Although Akeno (Keen for short) is an active boy, he is enjoying the lazy days of summer by lying on the deck in the warm sunshine along with the other resident dogs. We limit our walks to the cooler hours in the evening now, and when he knows it's time for our walk he gets so excited! He will hop and spin like a bunny! He just loves to walk. And he does well on our walks. We even passed a llama once and there wasn't a peep out of him! We are trying to teach Keen to be a little more courteous. He is learning not to race through the door once it's been opened, in front of all the other dogs and his foster mama. He is doing well at waiting now until everyone else has gone through the door before he is allowed to go. We are also working on him taking treats nicely from my hand. He gets overly anxious, and sometimes catches a finger or two along with the treat. Keen is very food motivated! He gets very excited at mealtime and dances and spins when he knows it's time for supper. This boy is one cute little Cairn!

UPDATE 6/1/10: Little man Akeno, aka Keen, continues to settle into his foster family surroundings. He seems more at ease now. He's more able to relax along with the other dogs, rather than being "on alert" most of the time. He is still the best doorbell around though. Akeno has very keen ears and will announce callers with enthusiasm. He is getting more exercise outdoors now with our walks along the local walking trail. I believe the physical as well as the mental stimulation of being outside, walking past new people and experiencing new smells has a calming effect. I know it must be one of his favorite times of the day; a close second to meal time!

UPDATE 5/2/10: Recently I was reading a profile of the Cairn terrier personality, and I had to smile because Keen fits exactly so many of the character traits. First - always alert and quick to announce guests. Yes, that would be Keen. Also, can be scrappy and bossy with other pets, and is inquisitive. And, is assertive but cheerful along with typical terrier stubbornness. Finally, must be shown that you are in charge but responds well to positive reinforced discipline. Keen is a funny, typical Cairn boy. He is lively, feisty, bossy, scrappy, clever, stubborn, persistent, and intense. He most certainly deserves a forever family who can appreciate all of his wonderful qualities!

UPDATE 4/6/10: I really enjoy just watching Akeno and wonder what must go on in his little brain. He is very attuned to noises, even birds. He responds when he hears geese fly overhead, and even when he hears the crows carry on. But he REALLY goes crazy when he hears the Great Horned Owl hooting in the trees. He was in the house one day when he heard the hooting and he immediately flew outside as fast as he could, tail high, answering the hooting with his barking. I predict he will also be very vocal come the 4th of July. He heard a firecracker the other night and answered with his barks. He is very much a terrier. Akeno is doing much better getting along with his foster brothers. He still doesn't know how to interact and play, but now he is not as protective of his space. He walks well on leash with his Cairn foster brother. We haven't passed too many dogs while walking, but so far, Akeno has been a little gentleman.

UPDATE 2/27/10: At our house little man Akeno is known for his pilphering abilities. He's not particular, it can be a toy or dirty laundry, that is dragged out to the middle of the house so that everyone can admire his treasure. It makes him very happy to pull every single toy out of the toy basket and decorate the entire house. He is letting me groom him now, in fact, he really enjoys the attention. Akeno has the most beautiful coat, it even looks like an expensive fur coat. And he is easy to keep groomed because the hair around his face seems to be naturally spikey giving him that little gremlin look. Akeno, "Keen" is a wonderful boy and deserves a special family to love him and appreciate all the love that he has to give.

UPDATE 2/7/10: Mister Akeno is a muy macho kind of guy. I would go so far as to say he has a bit of swagger in his walk. He is self-confident and seems to have no fears. Akeno is becoming more at ease in his foster home now and will lie quietly along with his foster siblings. He especially loves his foster sister and will lie with his head resting on her side when they nap. Akeno is no longer the whirlwind of constant motion he once was. He's doing very well with an established routine and tries so hard to please.

UPDATE 1/19/10: Akeno is such a happy boy! He has become comfortable with the routine in his foster home and looks forward especially to meal times and any time treats are given. He loves to chew too! He's the only little guy I know of that has destroyed one Kong, two Busy Buddies and countless balls of all sizes! Chewin' sure keeps him busy, but once he's conquered whatever he happened to be chewing on, he will rest quietly in a little spot of sunshine.

UPDATE 1/4/10: Happy New Year all you Cairn lovers! It's me Akeno and I'm starting out the year by trying to learn all I can to become a good Cairn boy. I'm having fun in the snow and I've discovered that the big chunks of ice outside are just as fun as a toy to chew on. And I've come a long way in learning to sit nicely when I take treats. It's too cold to spend much time out in the snow, so I play inside and I love to eat and take naps. I dream about my very own forever family. Could I be the answer to your dreams?

UPDATE 12/28/09: There is lots of snow on the ground here in Indiana and Akeno is taking full advantage of the white stuff to run and root through and generally have a ball. Yes, literally, he takes his ball out into the snow and runs and shakes it. Akeno is becoming more familiar with his surroundings and seems to be settling down a bit. He is still full of energy though and looks forward to our walks on the trail when we can get through the snow!

UPDATE 12/12/09: Do Cairns steal? Well, this little guy was caught red-handed (or pawed), with his head completely in the dog-food container. He figured out very quickly where his kibble came from and just decided he could help himself. That just shows how smart and determined he is. He's continuing to learn his way around a household and all the rules that go along, like not marking in the house! We are still working on that one. He eats like he has four hollow legs which keeps this bundle of energy going and going!

UPDATE 11/20/09: Hi Cairn lovers! It's me, Akeno. My foster mommy just calls me Keen though, 'cause she says I'm really sharp. As you can see from my picture, I LOVE rolling in the leaves, and rolling in the grass, or in the dirt or on the rug or on the couch. You get the idea; I just love to roll. I am one busy boy. When I'm not busy rolling I'm probably busy chasing balls, or chewing on them 'cause that's my idea of a good time too. I am pretty much on the move all the time because there is just so much for me to explore and learn about. Foster Mom says Akeno is a very loving, high-energy boy. He has not mastered the art of always pottying outside yet, so we are still working on housebreaking. He has started going for long walks and has been doing very well on the leash. Akeno would definitely do well to have some obedience training. He could use some manners to tame his terrier tenacity.

11/16/2009: Akeno is this beautiful little boy's name. It means "dawn" in the Japanese language. He was recently rescued from a commercial breeding facility so this is literally the "dawn of a new day" for him. Akeno has been neutered and is heartworm negative. We are working to help Akeno learn some basic manners, like going potty outside and walking nicely on a leash. He is very good natured and gets along well with his foster siblings. Akeno has a wonderfully friendly personality, and is exuberant and full of energy. We've also discovered Akeno's hidden talent - he will howl whenever he hears sirens go by our house. If you'd like a friendly, beautiful boy with lots of energy to brighten your household, then get your application in now. Akeno is not quite ready for adoption, but he soon will be, so stay tuned for updates!

UPDATE 8/6/10: Barnabas is a happy, healthy 3 year old boy. He's not hyper or bouncing off walls like some young Cairns but he does enjoy a good walk, a run or playtime. He gets very excited when he sees a leash. He could use a little more leash etiquette but he's a quick learner. This boy is very smart and has springs in his legs. He might be an agility candidate or rally obedience Cairn if trained in these areas. Although I've labeled him an escape artist because he can get out of a 3 and 4 foot x-pen, he did not try to escape the 3 foot x-pen when he was outside. He enjoyed lazing in the x-pen in the shade watching me do yard work. As long as he could see everything going on, he was fine. This boy really wants to be with people. If you would like a young boy with lots of potential, Barnabas is your boy!

UPDATE 7/15/10: Hi Everyone! I've moved to Indiana and it's just as hot here as Michigan. I like to go for walks and chase a ball in the yard, but I take it easy in the heat. I wanted to tell you more about me! I'm housebroken now but might try to mark a spot if you know what I mean. As soon as I hear "NO!" the leg goes down. I think I'm going to give it up, since I seem to get caught and it's no fun then! I will go into my crate on command. You can say "crate" or "into your house" and I'll do it. If you bribe me, I'll do it even faster. I also know sit, off and come as long as there's no squirrel or rabbit that needs watching. If you clap your hands, I'll come running across the yard. Foster mom has said I could be an escape artist given the right tools. I climbed out of a 4-foot tall exercise pen because I wanted to play with everyone. I figured out how to do that all by myself. The 6-foot wood fence here has me stumped though, so I don't think I'll try to climb it. Even though I'm a young guy, I'm pretty mellow. OH, I can also sing with a ball in my mouth - nothing better than a good ARROOOO and a tennis ball. I'm brushing up on my manners to become the best I can be, and I'm a quick learner. Would you like to be my teacher? Love, Barnabas.

UPDATE 6/7/10: Barnabas is adjusting well here. He gets excited when we go out, wagging his tail and grumbling. He's a very sweet boy who likes to be around people and my dog. Going into the crate is still not his favorite thing to do. He sometimes fusses at first but then quiets down. I continue to feed him in the crate and put treats inside to tempt him in during the day. He goes in on his own. The vet thinks he might have had a bad experience involving a crate. He still loves the squeaky ball and entertains himself. Apply for Barnabas! He's ready for his forever home.

06/01/2010: Barnabas is a friendly happy boy. He has met my resident Cairn, the Cairn next door and my cat. Also, he met my 4 grandsons. He plays nicely with his squeaky ball but is not a hyper dog. He was found at a shelter because the owner could no longer afford him. He has been neutered, brought up to date on his shots and has been micro-chipped. He doesn't like his crate, obviously his previous owner didn't use one. But he does sleep quietly in the crate all night and during some parts of the day. He prefers being around me. He would be an asset to any home because of his friendly and sweet nature.

UPDATE 8/6/10: It's been a long, hot summer and I'm still waiting for my forever home! It doesn't have to have a swimming pool, just a shade tree will do. I love rolling around in the grass then relaxing in the shade. I enjoy air conditioning or a ceiling fan too. If you have these things and good dog food (treats too), then I'm ready to come live with you. I'll bring my own toys!

Jessica continues to be an obedient girl who likes a routine. She can tell time and knows when it's time for breakfast, dinner or anything else on her social calendar. She's not a demanding girl. Jessica has come a long way since the loss of her tail and doesn't even think about it anymore. Even though she's not too fond of getting her nails trimmed, she loves her day at the groomer. Jessica is a great girl looking for her forever home!


UPDATE 6/1/10: Guess what?! Today is my birthday and I'm 11 years old! I'm hoping this is my best year ever and I will get my own forever home. I am an obedient girl, always ready for a nice walk, or a game of chase. Some of my favorite things are neck rubs, treats, ear rubs, treats, rolling in the grass, scratching my back and more treats. I take care of my things. I do not tear up doggie beds or toys. I like things neat and orderly. The only thing missing in my world is my very own forever home. Could you be the one for me?

UPDATE 1/2/10: Jessica had another grooming experience recently. She still isn't fond of her face and tail area being touched too much but she let the groomer complete the job and had a great day at the doggie spa. Jessica met two new boys and loved playing and flirting with both of them. The first new beau was a Bichon boy. The second was a Cocker spaniel who happens to live in the neighborhood, so the romance can continue! Jessica played with all of the dogs at the doggie spa and wore herself out. Jessica also loves the snow! She buries her face in it, rolls on her back to make dog angels, and has all kinds of fun! She recently discovered that voles are still active and dug through the snow and frozen earth to let those pesky critters know she was there to patrol the yard. Jessica is an obedient girl who is low maintenance and ready for her own forever home!

UPDATE 11/15/09: Jessica is looking for a special home. She has some requirements for that 'special' home.
Number 1: No unruly boys. Boys are okay if they are gentlemen;
Number 2: Soft things - blankets, toys and a lap to lay her head on while watching TV;
Number 3: Good food and treats - she's not a picky eater but enjoys the finer things like yogurt, an occasional scrambled egg or other edible surprise!
Number 4 - People who can learn to play her game. Jessica has her own game of chase that she will teach to humans. Jessica is a senior girl that has overcome so much this last year. She's thrilled to be a part of the Col. Potter family but would like a family of her own. She can be an only child or part of a dog family. She gets annoyed at boy dogs who will not respect her request to not sniff her derrierre so much. Not long ago she met another Col. Potter boy, who's a gentleman. Because he was so well mannered, he was granted sniff privileges. He also got a Cairn kiss. Jessica stands on her hind feet, puts her front paws on the knees of every person she meets, looking up at them with her big brown eyes, asking "Are you the one?"

UPDATE 7/19/09: Jessica has met a major challenge head on! As you know, Jessica's saga of the injured tail started with a nick at the groomer way back when. The small nick healed but an infection would resurface and the cycle would start again. You know the saying "Get back on the horse if you fall off"? Well, Jessica got back on the horse! She went to the groomer again and lived to tell about it.

Here's Jessica: My foster mom took me to the groomer, who knew all about my tail and fear of the groomer. I usually act like I'm a tough girl who's not afraid of anything, but I got scared at the groomer and it showed! I whined when foster mom left me there. The groomer was very patient with me and I got the full spa treatment. I didn't like her grooming my tail area but that didn't stop her! At the end of the day I felt SO good. When foster mom came to take me home - I showed off in the lobby. I even went up to two complete strangers and asked them to pet me! I passed a BIG test. I let my guard down and showed I wasn't such a tough girl after all.

UPDATE 4/27/09: Hi there! Jessica here, and I'm really enjoying green grass and spring. I have a new job at my foster home. I'm in charge of mole patrol. I sniff them out and dig trenches following them in hopes of catching one. I stick my face in the hole trying to see the little critters but, alas, I have not caught any! And if foster mom says, "TREAT!" then I forget about mole chasing; I go for the sure thing. Foster mom wants you to know that I am perfectly housetrained - never an accident. I can tell time too. I will let you know when it's time for my meals AND I will let you know when it's time for my thyroid pill too. I like it placed on a small treat with just a tad of peanut butter to hold the pill. I will get in my kennel on command - just tell me, "Go to your room", and away I go! I'm all healed from that tail thing and ready to go to my very own forever home! Please! Foster mom put a new picture of me on the website with dirt on my nose from mole patrol! How embarrassing. I need a home with no cameras, although that can be negotiable. I hope my new home sees my new picture and fills out the application for JESSICA!

UPDATE 1/22/09: Jessica has come a long way and I'm happy to announce that she is ready for her very own forever home! Her little tail is completely healed from the amputation and she's feeling great. She no longer chases her tail but will look at it now and then to make sure it's really true - the pain and infection are gone for good! Jessica recently had a complete CBC and thyroid test done. She received the best news ever from the vet - her tests came back great! She also flirted with the vet to get lots of treats. Jessica will initiate play with people. She loves to chase you if you will chase her. She plays ball with you and will give directions to you if you don't know how to play the game. Jessica loves to have her neck and ears rubbed. She will also show you how to do this just right. This little lady is completely housebroken and will obey commands promptly. She's a special girl and ready to find a home of her own.

11/22/2008: As you may recall, U.S. soldier Jessica Lynch was rescued from Iraq after her humvee came under attack. Broken and battered, she endured months of rehabilitation for physical and emotional trauma, overcoming the adversities that were not of her making. Col. Potter recently welcomed her namesake, Jessica, a 9-year-old reddish-wheaten girl, who is also working to overcome her own adversities. Five years ago Jessica's tail was nicked by a groomer - a small nick. It healed, but Jessica kept digging at her tail, which then became a major source of pain and discomfort. After various treatments at four clinics failed, Jessica kept chewing and eventually severed her own tail. She was turned in to Col. Potter where her tail was tended with surgery to close the tip properly. Jessica came to my home after her surgery and we now have the challenge of healing the emotional problems. She has spells of ferociously trying to reach her stump, and went from the Elizabethan collar to a "donut", with which she seems more comfortable. She's coolly polite with my other dogs and they seem reserved with her as well, but she is falling into pack routines quite well. She loves skritches on the head, has not objected to my touching fairly close to her tail, and also sleeps on my lap for hours. We're trying to bring her weight up a bit and she enthusiastically supports that goal. Jessica loves her wire crate although she has explored the entire house as well. She seems to be fully potty trained, but likes to have a human outside with her if she's outside for very long. She walks at a good speed and definitely likes to lead. Jessica is truly special, and this little girl needs a patient hero to help her focus on recovering.

UPDATE 8/5/10: Myra has made progress in many areas. She loves toys and will chase a tennis ball plus she will play with people as long as they play on her level. Myra still needs better leash manners as she likes to walk behind you for protection from the world. She will bark at anything new in her world and sometimes it can be funny. We put a new grill on the deck. When Myra saw it, she took a step backward and barked at the ALIEN that just landed! I planted a new shrub in the garden so Myra barked at it to make sure it knew all the rules of the yard. Still, her confidence level is growing daily which will help with many of her fears. Myra is a beautiful little Cairn who needs a kind soul to help her learn about the world.

06/27/2010: Hello, I'm Myra. I'm still timid at times but once I know you - it's a different story. I used to make puppies but I've given up that life! Thanks to Col. Potter I will not be a puppy mama again. I'm a little Cairn but don't let that fool you. I'm big at heart. I like toys and have recently discovered that treats are really good. I even take treats from humans now! I'm still learning about that housebreaking thing and why it's not okay to go potty in my kennel. I had to do that where I came from but I'm told it's not okay when you live in a house! So, I'm changing my ways. I'm not quite ready for adoption but it won't be long now. Don't forget, I'm the beautiful girl with the simple name, M-Y-R-A. That's what you'll want to put on your adoption application. Bye for now - I'll check back in a couple weeks!

UPDATE 8/27/10: Birk is a sweetheart. He is still exhibiting some of his residual timidness from his days as a professional breeder dog, but he is definitely improving. Given time, love, and patience, his memories will fade into the mists of forgotten time.

He loves to play and zoom and get scritches. I think Birk would be unhappy as an only dog. He is far too pack oriented to live in a one dog family unless his forever family has a stay-at-home person who can be his companion and playmate. He is not food aggressive or toy aggressive. In fact, his favorite game is tug of war and he will take a tuggy toy and go and stick it in one of the other dog's faces asking for the game to get started.

Birk's only shortcoming is that he is a marker. We were recently away for an extended vacation and Birk went to a different foster home. He was much better there than he is here. And I think he has a pee competition going with our male, Kringle. As long as they both wear their belly bands, both bands are kept clean and dry. The moment we think that maybe Birk has the idea and take his band off -- they are both doing their thing in the house! So I feel that he should maybe be with females, rather than competing with other males.

Birk is a lover in the making. He enjoys cuddles and scritches and wants very much to be with his people. He just needs to find his home and settle in.

UPDATE 6/12/10: Birk boy is a sweetheart. He is a lover, a player, and a puppy at heart. Like so many dogs from commercial breeding situations, he is still reluctant to be picked up and flattens himself to the floor. He still is nervous around strange noises. We ran the ice cream maker the other day and he took off like an arrow straight under my desk. But he is smart and funny and once he gets over each new episode, he is a real lover. If you pick him up he will quickly snuggle into your arms, so foster Mom is sure he'll relax with time. When he's in 'toy' mode, he zooms around, taking all the toys out of the toy box and when he's completed that job, he zonks out for a nap.

Birk is a very social little fellow with the other dogs here, and he will likely adjust more easily if there is a female dog in his forever family to help him master his potty habits in his new home and to play with. His foster sister Tia and Birk, love to wrestle. He's also friendly with my son's dog, Mr Wilson, who is a larger dog. If you open your heart and your home to this little guy, YOU will be Birk's lifetime hero.

UPDATE 5/18/10: Birk is a great little man enjoying his puppy hood - a little late. No one is going to tell him he is almost 3 years old and should be acting more his age. Birk is a player, and a zoomer, and a hoarder of toys. He is a mover of dog beds and a re-arranger of floor rugs. In other words, he is still a puppy. He is also not a loner. Very much a pack animal, he will need a friend to play with. His house training is spasmodic. He wears his belly band and keeps it dry. Then it comes off, and after a day or so he needs it back on again. He knows his name and comes inside when he is called. However I don't think it is because he knows the 'come' command. It is because he knows he will get a 'good boy' cookie when he comes in.

Birk loves, loves, loves to play. He almost always has a toy with him, and if he is alone he will go and find one of the other dogs to play tuggie with. Even though Birk is clearly making progress, he is still quite cautious, and if we reach for him, he still flattens himself to the floor and scuttles away with his ears and tail down. But he does come up to us for rubs and tickles, so being loved on will win out in the end!

04/18/2010: Birk has been with us two weeks today and he has adapted nicely to life in a house. He is doing well with his potty training and is out of his belly band. He has had one or two accidents but they happened after I called everyone in, and he came dashing for his cookie - but forgot to do his business first! He is getting on well with the house dogs and he is especially fond of Uncle Wilson, who is our son Adam's dog. Birk loves to be picked up and loved on and is not at all shy about asking for his share of cuddles and scritches. He looks and acts like a completely different dog from the scared little man who arrived two weeks ago. All Birk really needs in life is a forever home.

UPDATE 08/26/2010: Miss Chicory was lying in her crate just now. I pulled out a kitchen stool, told her it was time for eye drops and, out she came! She came to the base of the stool and waited to be picked up! Extra treats? You bet! Could you have room in your heart for this little sweetie?

UPDATE 8/24/10: Chicory went to visit her Cairn cousins yesterday. Their yard is much smaller than ours, and there is a big deck. Chicory ran out the door with the other 3 Cairns and ran around their yard - happy and unafraid. She continues to be fearful in our yard, but relaxed and showing just a bit more confidence when visiting elsewhere. Take a look at the goofy Chicory still wet after a bath: tinyurl.com/29m4ea9

She rides in the car without a crate now, wagging her tail for the whole ride. She wanted to check out the lobby of the vet's office by herself, not in my lap but on the floor. Chicory is great when it is time to administer her eye drops. She sits up straight on a kitchen stool waiting for the drops. Once administered, she gets a tiny treat. Sometimes I give her the drops on the couch. In between drops she often falls asleep with her head on my chest looking up at my face. Chicory is very sweet, and goofy. She has much to learn and will enthusiastically accept all the love you have to give.

UPDATE 8/6/10: Ta-da! Chicory now runs up the back stairs with her foster sisters! A few days ago, out of the blue, she ran all the way up the stairs on her own. Eight stairs with no backs. I had been trying to get her to go up the stairs one at a time by putting a little treat on each stair. Her foster sisters watched from the top steps. Instead of offering encouragement, Cricket (CP's Chickadee) ran right down the stairs and snatched each treat before Chicory could summon the courage to go for it. Then suddenly Chicory just raced up the stairs! I was going to run right in to the computer to send off an update but thought I would wait to see if she would do it again. The next time came and no way was she going up the stairs. In fact she panicked and flattened before she even got to the stairs. And then the next time we went out she sailed right up and has been doing so ever since. Now we have to work on going DOWN the stairs. And yet another Chicory puzzle has been solved. She has panicked while outside several times. I hadn't been able to understand why. She went flat and tried to run for the house the other day. I could see no reason at all for the panic. Then I heard it buzzzzzzzzz. A bumble bee on the hostas bordering the path. I picked her up and took her back into the yard and sure enough, she looked the the bee and ran for the house. Her Cairn cousins came to visit yesterday. She tried to play with her favorite cousin but only managed to confuse him. I'm afraid rather than doing the play-bow maneuver, she actually hops up and down, up and down. And her come-play-with-me bark comes out more like a squeak. Up-down-Squeak, up-down-Squeak. Chicory continues to do well on her housebreaking. Her eyes are looking good. She is still sweet and beautiful and goofy and waiting for her forever home. Please consider Chicory.

UPDATE 7/30/10: Chicory is making good progress on housebreaking and walking on a leash. She is finally pottying in our backyard and, if taken out regularly, has had only a few accidents the last week. She is learning to walk on a leash but still views the outside world with apprehension. The first time she encounters something new outside she wants to head back indoors. We have vines covering our house and there are lots of birds within the vines. The first time she heard them she wanted to go inside right away. The second time she heard them, she hesitated but kept walking. Now she ignores them. Yesterday she looked like she was going to chase a bee but she lost track of it quickly. But sadly today when she saw a bird fly close overhead, she panicked and ran in a little circle until I got her inside the house. Chicory has been diagnosed with Dry Eye. Her eyes do not produce enough tears for lubrication. The vet says that she has sustained no permanent damage to her sight, however she will probably need eye drops the rest of her life. Now that she is receiving drops she no longer has eye infections. The vet explained that while she was having the infections, the sun hurt her eyes, and the matter present in her eyes with the infections obscured her vision. As her vision has improved, so has her confidence. Finally, Chicory was barking at her foster dad quite a lot. A few days ago I began telling her "Shhh!" and giving her a treat when she stopped barking. It only took one day for her to learn to stop barking when she heard "Shhh!" What a smart girl you are, Chicory!

UPDATE 7/2/10: Hey, everybody! It’s Chicory! I’m here, kinda in the middle, kinda between New York and California. I’m in Iowa, in a foster home. My boy Cairn cousin, he's visitin' my foster home. He looked at me said "va-va-va-voom"! He thinks I am beautiful. And of course, he is right! I am gorgeous and very very sweet. I bark at my foster dad - a lot. He was tellin’ foster mom he didn’t like gettin’ barked at in his own home. Foster mom said, “Now foster dad, little Chicory is greeting you, not tryin’ to scare you away!” Yup! When foster dad comes to see me and gives me scritches, then I don’t have to be barky at him any more. Well, until the next time I see him, or hear him, or think I hear him. Gotta have those scritches. Foster mom seems to think it is a big deal that I potty outside on that awful grass, and on the mulch, and on a little piece of concrete in front of the garage door. That concrete is my favorite place to potty. Foster mom says, “Oh Chicory, not there. “ But then she says it’s alright - it counts as outside because that is where it is! Silly foster mom. I have been playin’ with my TWO Cairn cousins, and that is fun. But mostly I like to stick with my boy cousin. He looks just like me, except he is maybe 3 times bigger. Foster mom is leavin’ me outside in the yard without her. I never stayed out there unless foster mom was with me. But now I can! I do have my boy cousin with me when I wait at the gate for foster mom to come get me. And when my cousins go home, I’ll have my German shepherd foster sister with me to make me feel braver. I’ll tell you a secret. I even went all the way to the very back of the yard and explored just like my cousins and foster sisters. I thought for a minute that my foster momma saw me back there, but she didn't say anything so I think it is still a secret. I don’t want foster mom to know that I am not afraid anymore. I like it when she gives me hugs and tells me not to be afraid. Foster mom says I am ready for my forever home. I hope it has a couch where I can snuggle with my people. I hope it has another dog to help me be brave, or at least some cousin dogs to visit me. And maybe could it have a little piece of concrete? It’s me. Chicory! In Iowa! Somewhere in the middle.

UPDATE 6/18/10: Chicory was all ready to go to her adoptive home this week when a change in the family's work schedule put a stop to her adoption. Fortunately, I had not told her about her forever home so she goes along oblivious to what she's temporarily lost. I know another home will speak up for this beautiful little Cairn girl. Meanwhile, Chicory continues to make progress and produces tiny surprises every day. I've discovered that she doesn't mind the leash if we go wandering down the driveway to the street. She still appears somewhat fearful in our back yard though, and stays right with me if we're back there. Out in front of the house on our street, it's a different story. When she encounters neighbors who she has never seen before, she acts like she's thrilled to see them once again! Back inside the house, she acts like a little mom intent on cleaning her puppies - except there are no puppies. Instead, she cleans me! She runs her teeth up and down my arm like she's picking little bugs off the skin. I'm sure she did this with her many litters, but it is really not a skill that is needed right now in my house, especially when she advances from the arms to whatever shirt I'm wearing. She finds buttons and beads particularly offensive and tries to pull them off! I have one shirt that has a tiny bit of beads and embroidery. Well it has fewer beads now! A few have been dispatched to wherever little bugs on puppies go. Recently, Chicory has started to join our German shepherd, Rookie, in alerting the whole house to danger. Our shepherd will erupt in barking some evenings when everyone else is settled in for a good night's sleep. Now she is quickly joined by Chicory rushing out of her crate to stand next to Rookie and bark too. But poor Chicory is struggling to wake up and always has a serious case of bedhead. There she stands, hardly knowing in which direction to bark. I am back in South Carolina and Chicory is staying with my son and daughter-in- law and their two Cairns. Chicory took a walk (which was to help get her used to yards and other puzzling patches of grass in their neighborhood) and stayed right in between the other two Cairns (Miggi and Griff) the entire time. She was comfortable walking down the road but stayed away from the first grassy area they encountered. Then they came upon another patch of that grassy stuff, but this time Miggi rolled in it! And soon Chicory went over to see what all the excitement was about. Yesterday she finally joined them in their back yard - the grassy part! Chicory is beautiful and sweet and will love her people. Her main challenge seems to be the outside world. She appeared to be perfectly housebroken at her respite foster home, comfortable with a yard full of pebbles. Now she will be working at being comfortable in our front yard, sidewalk, driveway and road. Chicory is ready to settle into her forever home, to discover a new neighborhood and to adore her forever family!

UPDATE 6/8/10: Chicory returned home 3 days ago. She was indeed on her best behavior at her other foster home. She ran in and out to potty with the other furkids without a problem. Back at our house she still has to navigate stairs and patio to get to the backyard gate. So she is struggling with housebreaking here. I am carrying her out, but she is making progress on stair-climbing. She still is very nervous in our backyard. I think she has never been outside, but am guessing she has spent her whole life in a cage inside a building. She continues to be fine around our cats. She also encountered a cat at her temporary foster home. She discovered something else during her visit there. A seven year old girl! Chicory walked on a leash for her new little friend and loved all the attention she got.

Saturday she went for her very first grooming. The shop was closed except for Chicory and the groomer, who gave her lots of TLC. Our little Cairn emerged from her morning at the beauty parlor transformed. She radiated a platinum glow and looked like a movie star, perhaps a very tiny Mae West. But then she walked away from me and I saw just a hint of a duck waddle, reminding more of a Charlie Chaplin. She still has some fears, but would do well with the remaining steps toward being a Cairn Princess (and a bit of a clown) with her forever family. They will treasure every little step. Just today her forever family missed her first ice cube chase! She and the cube went careening around the kitchen, but the ice cube kept escaping. And then - the darn thing disappeared! And tonight she wrestled and ran and barked with our Cairn. For the first time! She is gentle and loving (she slept on my lap for two hours last night while I was at the computer.) She will have so much fun and joy in the next several months; she will have so many firsts. Apply to be Chicory's forever family now so you can experience all this with her!

UPDATE 5/23/10: Chicory continues to hang out at another CP foster home while I am still far away in South Carolina. What I am hearing is that she is only crated at night and has had just one accident in the past 2 weeks. She runs out to the yard with the other kids to potty and is the first one back inside. She gives kisses and more kisses and, yup, even more kisses. Her temporary foster parents are really enjoying having her for a while! She is still working on getting used to a leash, but is ready to be adopted. Poor baby is waiting for me to get back to Iowa so that she can go to the beauty parlor and start waiting for her forever home. Watch for new pictures about the end of the first week in June. You should see the cutest little Cairn princess in this space!

UPDATE 5/13/10: Tiny Chicory now weighs in at 11 pounds 9 ounces. That’s a gain of a little over 2 pounds this past 30 days! Her vet says she can stay at this weight, that it looks good on her. Her vet was also surprised to walk into the exam room and see Chicory coming toward her, tail wagging, no more flinching in fear. In the past week Chicory has mastered going up two stairs and down the same. And she has started to play with our dogs; a Cairn and the other a very big dog. She races around in a tight circle, jumps up as high as she can to touch the big dog’s face. She bows in front of the Cairn and barks.

Because I have to travel for the next two weeks, Chicory is going for an extended sleepover at another Col. Potter foster home. I expect she’ll fit right in and play with the gang there too. I think she’ll like the humans very much and I am hoping she begins to be more at ease outdoors once exposed to being in their yard too. She is very, very close to being ready for adoption. She needs to be more at ease in the outdoors and on a leash. At my house there are many stairs to get out to our yard, and that intimidates her, and has interfered with her housetraining. I’m betting it will all come together when she visits her temporary foster home, and can go right outside without gates or stairs in the way. Today I delivered little Chicory to her temporary foster mom. I worried that she would be scared to be in her travel crate in a car for a long drive, but when I was able to stop to look back at her, there she was lying on her back, sound asleep, not nervous at all.

UPDATE 5/4/10: A few days ago, while out in the yard, Chicory suddenly stiffened. Right in front of her was a hosta. She inched forward, bit by bit, until her nose touched a leaf. Immediately she jumped backwards. Then she repeated the whole process but this time the subject of her investigation was the rock right next to the hosta. And sure enough, the minute her nose touched that old rock she jumped backwards and then ran toward the gate shaking her head back and forth. I was sure that the rock and hosta investigation would be her progress for the week. But she had a surprise in store for me. Yesterday as I sat on the loveseat, she suddenly jumped up and put both front paws on my leg. I lifted her up, and she kept running back and forth across my lap. There were kisses, and scritches, and belly rubs. This is repeated every time I sit down now.

This afternoon our son and daughter-in-law came over. I assumed that Chicory would be fearful and would especially fear my son. As they came through the door Chicory ran to them, tail wagging, welcoming them. As they sat down she went from one to the other collecting scritches. She still has much to learn before going to her forever home, but she is ready to learn. She is very tentative outside, doesn’t do steps or doors yet and hasn’t played at all. She has started stealing toys so that’s a step in the right direction. She is making progress on housebreaking. She keeps her ex-pen clean and dry, but sometimes it is hard to get all the way out the door before pottying. She is tiny, beautiful and full of surprises. She is on her way to becoming the real Cairn princess she is. Do you have room in your kingdom for Chicory?

04/26/2010: Chicory, a commercial breeding Mama only a few weeks ago, is a tiny and very beautiful wheaten girl with dark velvety ear tips. She is a very, very brave girl. She is afraid of almost everything and everyone, but she tries hard to be hopeful. Chicory softly cries for me to come to her ex-pen, and when I do her tail wags wildly even as she trembles in fear. She is very thin and will be gaining weight in the next few weeks. She has been here for exactly 2 weeks, and that included two trips to the vet, which was scary for her. She spent a week separated from our dogs, and much of our family life, but she is now in the middle of things. And she has made progress! We realized a few days ago that we had never seen her sleeping. Chicory was always up and alert (and scared) whenever we were moving around the house. Now we catch her sound asleep anytime, even stretched out on her back, and she doesn’t wake when we come in the room. Her first morning waking up in her bed, she looked around and tried to climb out the side of the bed. She fell flat on her beautiful face. But the next time she handled the maneuver just fine. Her first week with us, she had a wire crate inside an exercise pen. She always kept her crate clean and dry, using the puppy pads in the ex-pen. Now we have taken her crate away, and given her a bed in her exercise pen. It appears she is trying to keep the whole pen clean and dry, even though there is always a puppy pad in it. So today we went outside for the very first time; in fact three times. She had a leash on for the first time, and was carried down the stairs to the backyard. Each time she went potty as soon as she touched the ground. And then she looked around at the yard and the grass and her foster furkid housemates, and she began to shake in fear while wagging her tail furiously. Although she has lived a very different life in the past, she seems determined to conquer this new world.

UPDATE 8/26/10: Besa enjoys being where people are and likes a good scratch, but is not needy for attention. She continues to have daily rough and tumble wrestling matches with my other foster. Those workouts and reduced rations have resulted in weight loss of a couple pounds so she is well on her way to a healthier weight. Her one fault, if you can even call it that, seems to be that she is very camera shy - it is very difficult to obtain a nice picture of her.

07/19/2010: Eight-year-old Besa is a seemingly genteel lady that is a quiet companion with impeccable manners. She is housebroken, walks well on leash and enters her crate when asked. I say seemingly genteel because she does love wrestling matches with a much younger male foster we have here. She might be a good candidate for an apartment dweller because she does not bark very much. When Besa thinks dinner might be a little late or when she needs to go outside she sort of "hums" while placing her feet on my leg.

UPDATE 8/17/10: Carthage just spent a week vacationing in the Ozarks, and she had a FINE time. She is a champion car rider; just snoozes calmly on the seat beside me the entire way. My brother has a creek running through his place and as much as Carthage loves her baby pool at home I just knew she would love this. She did! She splashed and ran up and down, looking for leaves and floating sticks to chase and grab. One experience was a first for her. Since we were in a home with several other dogs she had to stay crated most of the time and do her business on walks. Well, you would think she had walked on a leash all her life. She walked nicely and took care of business immediately. Other firsts for her were jumping into the pond after a frog, being in deep enough water to swim (she likes wading better), meeting a toad nose to nose, killing (and eating) two cicadas, and meeting rabbits and chickens, which she REALLY wanted to chase - but didn't.

UPDATE 5/30/10: It has finally dried out enough that Carthage can get back outside and resume her project of digging to China. She let me know it was time to fill up the doggie pool when I found her curled up cooling off in the water dish! So she is now a muddy mess (the sign of a happy Cairn!) and will need a run through the sink before she comes back in this afternoon. She is a happy girl, very much at ease and laid back. She ambles well on a leash and doesn't get excited about anything but meals and her excavation projects. She is about 95% housebroken but wears her pants "just in case" (although she has figured out that if she wedges herself under the sofa just right, she can scrape them off). This little lady loves belly rubs, treats, and snoozing in the sun - and is just generally a pleasure to have around.

UPDATE 4/19/10: Carthage has discovered the toy basket. She doesn't know how to play with the toys yet so her personally-invented game is to see how many toys she can cram in her mouth at one time and carry around while wagging her tail hard enough to make her wiggle all over. She is indifferent to the resident dogs, except for the one in the mirror. It has the audacity to reach for the VERY SAME toy she is reaching for - at the VERY SAME time! She has had to give it a good scolding several times now. Last weekend marked a social milestone for Carthage. She went for an overnight visit to foster mom's cousin and was the perfect little lady. She watched a movie piled on the sofa with 2 people, 3 other dogs and 1 obnoxious cat. Foster mom was very proud of her!

UPDATE 4/3/10: Spring is finally here, and Carthage got to go out in the yard with the other dogs. So many good smells - her sniffer was working overtime! But the best part apparently, was good soft dirt to dig in. Carthage acted like what she wanted most in the whole wide world was just to dig a hole. The other dogs weren't interested so it must not have been a critter. But she dug and dug, joyously flinging dirt in all directions. "Bark! Bark! Look Mom, look what I found!" When not "exercising" in the yard she has a favorite rug on the deck for snoozing in the sun. She is happy and tail waggy, and plays with sticks out on the deck and carries socks around in the house (she hasn't discovered toys yet). She is beginning to develop a little resource guarding over foster Mom, grumbling to let the others know HER lap time is THE MOST IMPORTANT.

UPDATE 3/20/10: Carthage spent the first day of spring frolicking in over-her-head snow drifts. This was probably the first time in her 8 years of life that she has been able to play in snow. She seemed delighted! She is healing nicely from her surgery but will always sport a wicked scar the whole length of her tummy. Carthage has developed an endearing habit when coming out of her crate. She can't decide what comes first - coming out for pets or rolling over for tummy rubs. Doing both simultaneously produces a slow-motion somersault out of her crate. It's one of the many things she does that makes me smile every day!

03/04/2010: Carthage made it to freedom after spending all eight years of her life in a breeding facility The years at the breeding facility had taken their toll on Carthage. She is heartworm positive, stage 3, which is the highest level of infection. But that's not the worst of it for Carthage. She also had a very large breast mass which our vet was certain was cancerous. Normally, we would not consider doing surgery on a stage 3 heartworm positive dog. However, in Carthage's case, we couldn't wait for her to undergo heartworm treatment. She didn't have much time left if we didn't rid her of the cancer.

She has spent her first days of freedom at our vet's in Missouri enjoying a bath, a soft, warm place to sleep at night on cold winter nights, her own dish of good quality food and plenty of clean water to drink. Carthage has been a model patient, letting the vet staff do whatever is needed without one bit of a fuss. This little girl so deserves her chance at a happily ever after!

Our little girl's ALP blood levels continued to climb into dangerous levels despite every effort to help her liver bring the results down. Carthage's time was short unless we took some of the load off her overburdened little body. So the decision was made to remove the tumor. It's her only chance.

Carthage is one tough little Cairn! Surgery took more than two hours. The mass was huge; more than 4" long and tightly adhered to her muscle walls. She has 4 incisions throughout her abdomen and chest, the longest being more than 9" long to be able to get at the tumor from all angles and detach it from the muscles and other organs. Carthage held her vitals throughout the surgery. Her liver looks very pale and swollen. Hopefully getting the cancerous mass out will allow her liver to heal.

The next 24 hours are critical for Carthage. She is on IV and someone will be watching her most of the night,but, SHE MADE IT!

Her surgery was amazing, but didn't come without cost. If you are would like to help cover the cost of Carthage's surgery and heartworm treatment, please click on the Guardian Angel link at the top to make a donation.

UPDATE 08/16/10: Dandelion wants to know why his forever family hasn't asked for him yet. He wants you to know that just 'cuz he got named after a weed doesn't mean he is inferior in ANY way. He has a delightful personality, just the right balance between mellow and zoomer. He can be quite playful, jumping and throwing his toys around, but he also likes to lie nearby and is always up for a nap with his person! Dandi is quite attuned to his surroundings. A walnut bouncing off the roof, the dryer buzzer in the basement, the dishwasher changing cycles - anything new brings out an inquisitive "Woof" and he looks to me to see if it is something to be afraid of, or to go chase. He doesn't do a lot of barking but he is quite alert. He wants to let you know he will be a very good watch dog for you!

UPDATE 8/2/10: What a sweetheart this boy has become! Dandelion has a wonderful mellow attitude and always has a big grin on his face. He is happy to go out when the other dogs do but then would rather come right back in and be with his people. He loves all the toys but is not destructive. He hasn't de-stuffed or removed a single appendage from one - just races around with the toy in his mouth, hoping someone will chase him for it. He has just a touch of shyness left but mostly has a cock-sure attitude. And he is getting ready for your home by trying to be the best boy ever. Apply for Dandelion now!

UPDATE 6/24/10: What a difference a few weeks of security and consistency makes! This inquisitive scamp is a different dog than the one that arrived. Dandelion is highly energized, zooming around the house with a big, satisfied grin on his face. He is still a bit head shy, but has discovered that ear rubs are just the best thing ever! When getting a good belly rub he does an ecstatic lop-sided lip curl that Clint Eastwood would envy! He has a unique bedtime routine. When the door is shut the crate starts thumping and jumping and rocking. At first I started to admonish him for trying to get out, but he wasn't. He is just rolling and rearranging his bed. Sometimes the crate pad winds up on the side or even on top of Dandelion, but he likes his own housekeeping arrangement. He rolls just as enthusiastically on the carpet where his thrashing is not so confined, all the while making satisfied little grunts. Dandi will be a lively addition to any household. Maybe yours?

UPDATE 5/29/10: This little guy is coming along by leaps and bounds. He still cringes a bit when I reach for him too fast. And though he loves to get skritches, he will dance just out of reach until he makes up his mind that no harm will come. Then he's all wags and love. Dandelion is so smart! After a half dozen times of being put in the crate for the night he figured out the 'crate equals treat' connection and now if we even pass by a crate (any crate!) he dives in and peers out hopefully. He has not only learned to push a door open with his nose but to slip his paw in the crack and PULL a door open. He hasn't escaped but is quite pleased with himself that he is able to thwart my intentions to keep him confined. With his rakish good looks and high spirits he is a Jim Dandy for sure! You better fill out that application now or he will be gone.

05/10/2010: Dandelion is still a frightened little guy. He wants attention so very much, wagging and finger kissing before nervously darting away. But he cowers, rigid with apprehension when he is picked up and doesn't yet relax, even with gentle loving contact. He is making steady improvement though. He willingly comes out of his crate in the morning to be picked up, loved on and taken outside. His interaction with the other dogs is easier than with humans. He zooms, but does it erratically, with lots joyful leaps and dodges. He delights in stealing toys and running away with them. Until his fear subsides, more time is devoted to reassurance and confidence building than training attempts. But make no mistake, this little guy is darling; a mischievous imp ready to burst with Cairnitude. He would enjoy a canine companion in his forever home and will need terrier-savvy parents to teach him how to handle his new found freedom.

UPDATE 8/26/10: Earnhardt is still somewhat of a wild child, but he is learning. He is now quiet when crated for the night and I don't hear a peep until early morning when he begins to let me know that it is definitely time for him to be out and about. He is a very busy boy, playing with toys, zooming in the yard (and house), wrestling with the other foster and looking for belly rubs. Surprisingly I think he may be able to live with cats. Ours hang out on the porch hoping for more dinner and he goes out with them and does not bother them. House training is not yet completed, but he is beginning to get with the program.

UPDATE 07/26/10: Earnhardt is learning to curb his enthusiasm a little bit, but would benefit from obedience training to channel his energy. I have had a chance to take him out on leash and he does really well unless he sees a moving car - he would really like to chase and catch one of those. The complaint session after crating is down to about three minutes now. Earnhardt, aka Earnie, is a high energy guy and also very affectionate! Does he sound like someone who would fit in to your family?

07/04/2010: Earnhardt is a 12 week old puppy - in a 2 year old package. Everything is new and exciting to him but he "don't know nothin". He's a blank slate, ready to learn all he needs to know to be a well behaved family member. Very playful and active, and always on the go, housebreaking is a work in progress. As is crate training. When crated at night he complains mightily for about 10 minutes. However each night he quiets a few seconds sooner so we are making progress, and we will get there on the potty training too! Not quite ready for adoption, Earnhardt's adventures will be reported on a regular basis right here.

08/22/2010: Hello Col. Potter Friends. My name is O'Duffy, and am I ever glad to be out of that cage. I am a one-year-old puppy, but have to say that I am more puppy than your traditional one year old. That is okay, because I love life and share my exuberance with others. What does a kid do who has never been able to zoom, play, zoom, and play? Well, he plays, zooms, plays, and zooms! Don't let that worry you, though, because I am learning manners and really enjoy quiet time in the crate. I sleep quietly all night, and keep my crate dry. I really enjoy the resident dogs, and they seem to like me too. They have taught me a lot of new things already - where the toy box is, where the soft beds are, and where to look for those scampers and fliers. I forget now what they are called, or maybe I just wasn't paying attention. Sometimes kids don't pay attention. I have also learned how to use the doggie door, and my potty habits are coming along great. Now for the really good part - look at my adorable face and my gorgeous brindle coat! The doggie doctor fell in love with me and said that I was one of the cutest dogs he had ever seen. Foster Mom says that O'Duffy is the sweetest natured little guy with a lot of bounce and energy. He gets along great with the resident dogs and everyone he meets. He would be great with children. He is healthy and so willing to learn. O'Duffy will be ready for adoption in a little over a week following his evaluation period.

UPDATE 08/29/10: Papaya is all groomed up and has had new pictures taken to show how handsome he is. Papaya has been playing ball a lot this summer with foster momma and has learned the fetching part well, but needs more practice on his returns. Papaya waits patiently and sits quietly for his share of attention and play time, and is not as demanding as the other foster dogs. He loves to roll on the couch when he is allowed to and usually takes a nap afterwards when he settles down. Papaya is sure to make a great companion for some lucky family. Could you be the lucky one for him?

UPDATE 07/14/10: Papaya has been a very busy little guy this summer! He is improving on his social skills and gaining confidence as he adapts to his position in the pack. He competes for attention with the other male dogs and foster momma cannot resist those light brown eyes when he wants to be held. Papaya lately has been showing off his new ability to dance for treats. He likes to run off to his special corner where he keeps all his toys because the other dogs sometimes steal from each other. Papaya is independent and would be fine being the only dog in his forever home.

UPDATE 4/26/10: Papaya is finally interacting more with the other Cairns, and has been enjoying the spring season after such a long snowy winter. Papaya has finally mastered rolling down the hillside on his back like the other resident dogs do, and then races off around the yard with plenty of energy and he generally outruns the rest of the pack. They all join on the top of the hill and roll down backwards while they wiggle back and forth to scratch their backs. Papaya has been very compatible with everyone who meets him, and shows no aggression towards anyone. Papaya would do well with anyone who likes a Cairn who stays by your side and wants to cuddle with you. He also likes to roam around in the house with his toys and would be happiest with a spacious yard, or someone willing to provide him plenty of exercise. Could you be the special person Papaya waits for?

UPDATE 2/16/10: Papaya has been quite a darling little companion since he arrived at his foster home. When he is not busy with his toys, he likes to cling to foster momma and sit quietly at her feet until she picks him up. He loves to get belly rubs and enjoys being brushed. He interacts with the other Cairns, and follows them around in chase, but hasn't joined them in play. Papaya is learning to go up and down the stairs. While learning at a slower pace right now, a gentle and patient forever home would provide a good atmosphere to help him adapt to his new life of freedom.

UPDATE 1/4/10: Here it is a new year and Papaya is still waiting for his forever home. He continues to do remarkably well with his potty training and learning new commands. Papaya is becoming more secure and loves to get belly rubs. He comes to foster mom for affection and attention now, and likes to cuddle on the couch. Papaya would be a good companion for someone with a loving touch. Could you make Papaya's New Year wish come true?

UPDATE 11/24/09: Papaya has been progressing even more, gaining positive results each week. He has learned some basic commands such as "sit", "drop it" and "leave it". Papaya has been enjoying chasing the pack around the yard when they begin to play and zoom around. He also loves to follow me around when he is not busy with his stuffy toys, and will take all the love and affection you can give him. Papaya has plenty of love and attention to give back too, so get those applications filled out soon so he can go to his forever home for the Holidays!

UPDATE 10/11/09: Papaya has been exploring his new surroundings and learning how to become part of the pack. He follows, and runs behind his foster brother and sister when they are playing, but doesn't know how to interact yet. Papaya prefers to grab a stuffed toy and run around with it, and then pull all the stuffing out. He loves affection and likes to be cuddled after a busy day of running around the house with a stuffy toy. He fares well with his foster siblings, but he does fine all by himself too. He is learning to walk on the leash and is closer to being housebroken. Papaya is ready to pack up his toys and settle into a loving forever home.

09/20/2009: Papaya is one little sweet boy who is enjoying his new found freedom. From the moment he is let out of his crate in the morning, he becomes energized and runs to play with new toys. He has adapted well to his foster brother and sister too. Papaya has been watching the other dogs and learning how to behave the Cairn terrier way. This is a very gentle boy, and likes foster mom to give him plenty of attention. He's still learning the house rules and how to walk on leash, but if this sounds like the kind of sweet Papaya you would pick, fill out that adoption form soon!

08/22/2010: Pappy is very happy to join the Colonel Potter family! This little guy will melt your heart from the moment you meet him, because of his adorable personality. Pappy is so affectionate and loving, and will cling to you until he falls asleep next to you. Pappy also adapted well to the rest of the pack and blended right in with the other foster dogs. Pappy continues to impress foster momma with all his qualities and is ready to live out the rest of his life pleasing someone. Are you the one waiting on that special companion to come your way and be by your side?

09/02/2010: Look at that face! How can anyone possibly resist that?! And his personality matches his looks! Isaac is just a darling boy. He is so gentle and laid back. He is going through all the stages that newly-free breeder dogs go through but in a very mellow way. Instead of grabbing my hand in his mouth to love me, he delicately nibbles my fingernails. Sir Isaac Newton is hesitant about new experiences but hasn't acted afraid of anything. He has been quiet at night from the very first night and I don't think he's barked since he's been here. He watches the other dogs play and seems interested but hasn't figured out how to get in the game yet. The first time I picked him up and put him beside me on the sofa, he didn't move a muscle - like he was afraid if he called attention to himself I would put him back down. Sir Isaac Newton is a real lover and snuggler.

UPDATE 8/22/10: Clooney here again. I want you to know I'm ready for my forever home. Who is ready for me? My foster mom says I'm a wonderful little guy who really wants his own human to snuggle next to on the couch. I've got so much love for just the right forever family. I've been "dry" since the second day I got here. I'm not sure what mom means by that but she sure does act proud of me. I take care of all my business outside with the other furkids in the house. I'm still sleeping in my crate at night but sure would like to sleep on the bed next to my forever mom. I'm here - come and get me!

08/17/2010: Hi everyone, my name is Clooney and Foster Mom says I'm even better looking than that other guy. I'm a 7 year old owner surrender with a beautiful wheaten coat. I'm on the small side - weighing only 15 lbs. I've been here about a week now and I'm getting used to my new home with my new fur friends. I'm not much on playing but I get along with everyone here. I love to walk on a leash when my foster parents take me for neighborhood walks. Foster mom says I need to teach her resident furkids to walk so nicely on a leash, because I don't pull or tug as I check out all the new and interesting sights and sounds. I try to be good in the house and do my business outside, although I was confused the first day I got here and had a couple of accidents. I've been nice and dry every since. Foster Mom is very pleased that I figured it out so quickly. I like to go outside in the backyard even if I'm not as rambunctious as those other kids. I line up for my cookie before I go in my crate at night and I wait patiently to get out of my crate in the mornings; not like those "other kids" who bark for attention. Foster mom smiles at me and I think its because she knows how calm and quiet I am. My favorite thing is stretching out on the couch beside foster mom to watch TV. I love to have my belly scratched and cuddle on the couch too, but I have to be quick before those other furkids get my spot. If you want someone to love you then I might be your guy.

UPDATE 08/27/10: Aunt Bea is a very quiet dog - BUT she loves having other dogs around. Mostly she watches what is going on in the house - except at food time. Or if she's outside and wants in, then she gets quite animated, and it is very cute. We sometimes joke about her being the next best thing to a stuffed animal and she is truly THAT quiet, except during playtime and food time. If you do regular potty times, she is quite good at doing her business outside, but if not, you will have the occasional accidents. She enjoys playing with my younger dogs and is quite maternal about it, gently playing and everyone has a great time. She is still overweight and we are working on that, but she would do better in a home with regular me. Do you have room in your heart for sweet Aunt Bea?

04/03/2010: Aunt Bea reminds me of the grandmother who sits on her chair and watches the world go by. She is pleasant and quiet - and you almost don't notice her - but she does not miss a THING. She was a commercial breeding mama who spent way too many years there to ever be confrontational, and she's a bit nervous about human interaction. She does love the younger dogs though. If you have a young dog who needs a Cairn-minder - Aunt Bea is the dog for you. While Aunt Bea will spend time on your lap, it's not her first choice of places to spend her time.

UPDATE 08/31/10: Bon Jovi is having a great time these days. We go to the dog park often and he plays with people and other dogs well. A few kids came last week and they absolutely loved each other. Bon Jovi loved playing fetch with them and wanted to sit on the bench beside them to rest. Everyone that he meets adores him and thinks he is just the cutest little guy. Don't you agree?

08/09/2010: Bon Jovi, also known as Buddy, is adjusting to our home well. Once he realized that he was going to be fed every day, he was not so aggressive with his food. He might growl a little when I am feeding him but I think it may be out of joy sometimes and not aggression. He plays well with my resident dog, Scout. They are best buds; they play hard together and then pass out right beside each other. Bon Jovi's favorite toys are the squeaky ones. He also loves catching a tennis ball. This activity really wore him out yesterday. After about the 10th throw he was dropping it on command and ready to run again. This little guy loves life! I took him to the vet and he did really well while getting examined and getting his shot. The vet commented that he was very handsome and healthy and she loved his chubby little legs. Check back here soon for future updates on this great guy!

UPDATE 08/13/10: Hi All, I continue to enjoy the outdoors. The squirrels and chipmunks have me running everywhere – what a blast it is to chase and sniff everywhere. “Charm school”, as foster mom refers to it really was worth the trip. I am more social with other dogs in the neighborhood. I just got a great Colonel Potter rope toy Foster Mom plays with me; its great tugging and trying to win. Foster Mom will throw it and I’ll bring it back as often as I can. I’ve learned there are places I can dig and some places that are not allowed. I am the “OFFICIAL BEST DIGGER" in the house, probably the neighborhood! The new fence my foster family put up keeps me safe. Now I just try to climb trees to catch the squirrels. I’m still the wonderful loving guy I was, enjoy walks and exploring new places and fine on the leash.

My health is great health and I continue to be very busy outside in the yard patrolling for varmints. I can entertain myself. Some days, Foster Mom is busy here and I’ve learned too just play with my toys or marrowbones or take a short nap. After a long day, I still entertain myself with my ball or my new rope toy. I like to roll on my back and side to side with a toy in my mouth; I talk to it – Cairn style. Foster Mom thinks I’m so cute. My foster sister got a Forever Home. I deserve one two. I am so very ready to go to mine. If you have the spirit for a spry 10 yr old with muscle power, the I’m your guy!

UPDATE 6/6/10: Hi all! Since I last wrote, I’ve had the best time outdoors. The squirrels and chipmunks are out – what a blast it is to chase and sniff everywhere. I’ve been to a week of overnight “charm school”, as foster Mom refers to it. There I learned to be more social with other dogs got to know some cats too. And I went back to that same place while foster Mom was on vacation and played my favorite game, tug-of-war, with a Rottweiler! He won but I sure had a good time. I’ve learned there are places I can dig, but some places are not allowed. I like to jump and climb, so I need a fence that’s secure. I’m still the wonderful loving guy I was, enjoy walks and exploring new places. I learned to walk on the leash with manners and will “hush” when I’m too loud outdoors. I’m in great health and can outrun my foster sister, another Cairn. Since I’m outside very busy in the yard patrolling for varmints, foster Mom had to increase my food intake so I wouldn’t lose weight. After a long day I enjoy entertaining myself, sometimes with my ball. I growl at it like a lion then run past foster Mom with it. Ha, ha! If she’s ready to play with me, she says "drop", and I let it go. Sometimes I’ll push it to her with my nose. She knows we’re playing because I’m wagging my tail, and running off to catch it where I think its going. Later, I just roll on my back and from side to side with the ball in my mouth and talk to it – more like growl to it. Foster Mom just laughs at me. I sleep with my foster sister, still love to take short snoozes with foster Mom and foster sister. I really like the summer fruits, especially strawberries. Not much I won’t try to eat, given the chance. I’ve learned to be without my foster sister while I was at camp and we both did fine. So I’m ready to go solo. If you’ve got the spirit for a spry 10 yr old with muscle power, I’m your guy.

UPDATE 3/4/10: I’m a wonderful charming boy, very confident in new situations. I have been busy since I last signed in. Do I love snow - the bigger the piles the better! I had to help supervise snow shoveling. Once I was sure that my foster mom could handle it, off to the races I went, climbing, digging, trying to catch the snow from the shovel – what a fun game. Now that the snow has gone, the squirrels are my newest challenge. I still enjoy chasing my sunshine shadows inside the house. Did I mention, I’m completely housebroken, crate trained, sleep with my foster sister in the same crate, have been fixed and have all my shots. I can eat my dinner right next to my foster sister and not try to grab hers too. I make a great couch companion. I have been known to take a nap together with my foster sister and foster mom on the couch. We cuddle together under the blankets and snooze. I follow instructions well and I will even “back up” when told. I love walking. Foster mom has to stop me when we walk because I walk faster than she does, (I think she’s just old). She doesn’t think so – she says I need to slow down. I enjoy playing ball so much! I think my foster mom throws it hard to wear me out but I keep coming back with the ball. When she says “drop it” or “leave it’, I do, whatever it is, even when she’s given me a treat. I know to drop the ball because she will throw it again. I can catch the ball on the first bounce. Foster mom loves to brush me, I can’t say that’s my most favorite thing but I’ll let her do it for awhile, just like I let her do my nails. Of course I get treats after grooming. I haven’t met a people food I didn’t like: green beans, celery, carrots, and apples. I don’t get underfoot and can amuse myself with my toys. I’m a lean, tough muscle man. I play hard and sleep well. Wouldn’t it be sad if you missed the opportunity to adopt me?

12/29/2009: Hi, my name is Bono. I came to Bowie just after the Blizzard of 2009 and had lots of snow to play in with my sister, Larkin, who came with me from our owner. I've adjusted very well to my new home. In one week I had only one accident, I think it was because I was excited. My foster mom is working on a potty schedule that works well. She makes me wear a belly band some of the time. Each day there's less snow and more ground for me to cruise. I have leaves to chase - too cold for squirrels. We walk a lot and I do pretty well on a leash. I still want to go ahead of foster mom but she just stops and won't move until I settle down to her pace. I do talk when I'm unsure of situations. For example, during the day I'm not certain where these marks on the floor come from. When I move around the marks seem to follow me and I chase them in the house. Very puzzling! (Foster Mom here - he's found his shadow and doesn't know what to do with it - its quite comical) Bono here, I'm proud to say that I learned to "drop it and stay" yesterday. What fun! I can drop my toy by Foster Mom - she picks it up and throws it across the room. I catch it and return it to her. Back and forth we go. I will go into my crate when asked - for a break, dinner or bed. I take treats gently and like to play with my sister, Larkin. I'm a lucky guy because I'm really cute, strong and healthy.

UPDATE 1/2/10: Darra has finally gotten to the once every three week maintenance shots for her allergies. Her hair is grown out fully on her back, but she is starting to have a flare up on her front and legs. It may just be the fungus returning - she will be going to the vet soon to figure it out. She is such a good girl at meds time - she loves them in sweet potatoes, and takes her shot very well - as long as it is room temperature. If you live in an area without maple, most grasses and sycamore, she could be a terrific dog for you - especially if you have a man who wants to be adored.

UPDATE 10/25/09: Looking for a companion that's full of life? Live in a city apartment, in the mountains, or in the desert west? Have a man in your family? You could be the perfect family for Darra. Darra has been improving under her medication regimen and will soon be on maintenance shots for her allergies. She is allergic to most grasses, many weeds, and some trees. She is NOT allergic to fleas, pines, willows or walnut trees. She needs baths every few days to keep her skin free of allergens, and she will soon require one shot every three weeks, most probably for the rest of her life. The shots are easy to give, and given sufficient treats, Darra doesn't even notice she is getting a shot. Her once naked back is now covered with a gorgeous dark black coat and she is improving daily. She is still taking Atopica and a yeast medication, and as with all medications, she takes them easily.

Darra has learned to love life without pain, is very well housebroken and has learned the fun of playing with toys. She's fairly quiet (only barks to go outside) and loving, but she is a bit full of herself so we suggest only Cairn-experienced families apply. This is a dog that her foster family would love to adopt - if WE were the right family - which we are not. Darra would be happier as an only dog, and living someplace away from most of her allergens.

UPDATE 8/25/09: Darra has been to the dermatologist and under care since early July. Her itching has changed from almost constant to every now and again, and her hair is growing out. Her back is now completely covered with lovely dark hair. Her personality has improved remarkably - Darra PLAYS WITH TOYS! Who knew this girl could have such a change in her life? It's like a lightbulb coming on. Darra has also attempted to play bow with the other dogs in the home, but they are unsure about playing back with her. Much of the grumpiness has gone away with the skin irritations, not a wonder there.

Allergy testing may start today, she is getting a quick checkup to make sure she is well enough for testing. It's peculiar, and a contradiction of logic that her skin has to be healthy enough to allow the testing to be valid, and not so irritated that it reacts to everything. Today's vet visit will run between $600 and $900 depending on whether she needs one or two vaccines to help her. Won't you become a Guardian Angel to help this girl enjoy her new life?

UPDATE 6/24/09: Well, the attempts to easily improve Darra's skin issues have not been enough to give her comfort. While she is still a bit better than when she arrived in foster care, this little girl needs ongoing relief. She has been on a limited diet, antibiotics and anti-itch medicine, but she still scratches almost constantly (including sometimes in her sleep).
Darra lives in onesies now; the kind not snapped at the back. These help keep the scratching from completely ripping her skin up, as well as protecting her bare skin from the sun when she is outside. Virtually all of the skin on her back under the onesie is hairless or has a rash on it, as does her chest and feet. Some of that area is also 'elephant skin' - hardened skin from scratching.

She wants to be a sweet loving dog, but gets a bit growly when you touch something that hurts. She is learning that her foster family does not mean to hurt her, but will muzzle her to perform grooming and skin cleaning as needed. She still loves her showers because they are such a relief from the pain. Darra loves men, and jumps into their laps for kisses.

Col. Potter is sending her to a specialty vet to determine what is going on - and dermatology vets aren't cheap! Depending on necessary testing, it could potentially cost up to $800 dollars for treatment. Poor Darra is about 9 years old and according to vet records, has been suffering with this on and off since 2002. She is way past due for the chance to learn what it means to be pain-free. You can help with a donation of any size by clicking the Guardian Angel link at the top - Darra thanks you too!

UPDATE 6/8/09: Darra's vet visit got her some antibiotics and anti-itch medicine, and the results have been good so far. Her back is much cooler to the touch but it is still warm. We are really hoping the antibiotics will knock this out, but if not we may need to take her to a specialist. Please keep Darra in your prayers to help her feel better. She is very loving, especially to men, when she gets a chance. She loves when they give her soft scratches and let her kiss them!

UPDATE 5/26/09: Sadly, Darra's skin issues have erupted again. While they aren't as bad as when she first came to Col. Potter, she is certainly uncomfortable and her back is bald. Darra is currently on a wheat/corn free diet, gets weekly baths with Maleseb shampoo, and gets regular doses of Benadryl to help the itching. She will be going back to the vet to see if there is more we can do for her. When she is in this physical state, she gets quite grumpy and snappy. She requires a muzzle for working on her skin and feet.

UPDATE 5/9/09: Darra is still very headstrong and needs to be muzzled for working on her tummy or feet. But once muzzled, she usually lays quietly unless something being done is painful. Her skin is certainly acting up with the spring weather. She has a rash from her collar to the top of her hips. She is being treated, but for now it is not improving. Socially, Darra is improving immensely. She can be in the room with all of the fosters and get along well. And she LOVES to sit with Foster Dad for kisses and skritches!

UPDATE 3/18/09: Sad to say, Darra's skin issues have begun to crop up again. Her meds are gone, and her foster family also had some lapses in her feeding. She is no where nearly the state she was when she arrived - but she is starting to itch and scab up again. We are going back to a strict diet of Wellness Ocean and Wellness biscuits (no more animal crackers) and hoping her skin improves again. Even with her skin issues, Darra is a joy to bathe. She seems to know the maleseb shampoo will help heal her, and she adores the hand held shower massage! She leans into it and almost has a smile on her face as the water gently scratches her back. Darra has learned her "place" in her foster home - it's at foster dad's feet. He will skritch her with little provocation, and laughs at her cute dances for attention. She'll jump into his lap and kiss him until he makes her stop. Darra gets along well with most of the foster dogs but won't miss them when she leaves. After all, a Princess does not need minions. Just a daddy who will love her!

UPDATE 1/30/09: Darra is finally off the meds for her skin issues and so far, they do not seem to be coming back. The skin on her tummy is still a bit dark, but it is no longer the thickened 'elephant skin' it was when she arrived. The oiliness of her skin has improved tremendously. Other than the medications to help the itching and yeast infections, she has been on a strict diet of Wellness Ocean food and an occasional animal cracker. She also is not in contact with any wool - since wheat, corn and wool are common allergies for Cairns. Her improvement has been remarkable.

When Darra arrived she was very short tempered and not the most pleasant dog. Considering the condition of her skin - it was not surprising. As her skin improved, so has her temperament. She is a sweet loving dog who really prefers the attention of people. She does like to mouth hands and is still very stubborn, so she should be adopted by a very terrier experienced home. While she does play a bit with the other dogs at her foster home, she could easily be an only dog for a knowledgeable owner. Darra is very nicely housetrained - she will bark to alert you to her needs - both to go out and when it is time to come in.

12/10/2008: Darra is a sweet girl with a serious skin problem. She came to Col. Potter with a yeast infection on large areas of her body as well as an ear infection. We are working with her to try to heal her skin and overcome the infections. Grooming, with her skin issues, is somewhat painful but is really important for her health. It's no surprise that she doesn't welcome the grooming sessions. Aside from this, Darra is a very loving and well-trained little girl. She lets you know in no uncertain terms when she has to go outside to do her business, but is otherwise quiet around the house. She gets along with the other dogs in her foster home, but she will probably not miss them when she goes to her forever home because she is very people oriented. Nothing is better than a cuddle with a human! Darra is very strong willed and needs a home with terrier experience, so that she knows who is in charge.

UPDATE 8/17/10: Blackberry has made some great gains over the last month or so. He walks up and down the stairs by himself now. He is much more confident around new people, although he is still very, very cautious. Blackberry did really well on a weeklong camping trip last month, although we couldn’t get him to join his foster brother in the lake. Blackberry is a joy to observe when he is playing with his ball. He tosses it, chases it, pounces on it, and bats at it. Blackberry jumps for joy when he sees the people he is attached to – he literally jumps with all four feet off the floor! He is a very sweet and affectionate boy and quite a “talker”. He gets along well with the cats and dogs who live in his foster home, and he has been very gentle around children that he has had occasion to meet. His very favorite playmate is a 70 pound yellow lab, also young like him. We have been unable to housebreak this dear little boy, however, and are currently exploring possible medical reasons for this with the vet. He wears a belly band without objection, so it has not been an issue here at all. He even waits at the door to have it put back on when he comes in from outside!

UPDATE 6/23/10: Blackberry does the most adorable dance when he greets us in the morning, and he repeats it at breakfast and dinner times. He is making slow progress overcoming his fear of people. Our daughter is home from college and we have young people trooping through our house fairly regularly. Blackberry is nervous and sticks close to me when they're around, but he doesn't try to hide from them as he once would have. He is still very frightened of men with gray hair and men wearing hats, but he does okay with children and women who approach him slowly. Next week Blackberry is going camping at a state park with us, and we hope to see some more progress as he spends a week around a lot of people.

UPDATE 5/23/10: Blackberry went shopping yesterday. We took his foster fur-sister with us so she could show him how to be brave. Blackberry exceeded our expectations at the pet store and actually approached a couple of the female employees when they called his name. He even took a treat from one! We visited the outdoor garden department at Lowe's next, but that was a little scarier for him. He did extremely well though, and foster mom only had to carry him through the crowded parts. Blackberry still has work to do on trust issues and housebreaking before he is ready for adoption, but keep an eye on him. He is one sweet little boy!

04/28/2010: This handsome guy arrived with a close shave, but we think he is going to be mostly black when his coat grows in. He is still pretty frightened of the world and everyone in it, but he responds well to foster mom and dad and he loves his canine foster brothers and sisters. He plays well with them all, and will seek out the Lab especially for a playmate. Blackberry is not yet ready for adoption. He has some trust issues to overcome and some work to do in the house-training department.

UPDATE 8/31/10: Hi everybody! Just wanted to let you know that I am doing great in my foster home. I love my walks, and I love my foster family and my foster cousins here. I like to play with the other fur kids here and even play tug-of-war with toys. I sleep all night in my crate very quietly. My favorite job is chasing away dangerous squirrels and birds in the back yard. Tonight I even caught a bird. Boy was that fun - foster mom and I played keep away for a while in the back yard. I met a nice big dog last weekend on a little visit to foster Grandma's house and had fun with her. Overall, I am doing pretty darned good here, but I really want a forever home. Do you have room in your family for a fun loving Cairn boy like me? Foster mom here - Rosso (or Rusty, as we call him) is one happy boy. He is also very entertaining - so if you are looking for a little couch potato Cairn this is not the boy for you. He keeps you hopping and laughing at his antics. He does like shoes though, and if you forget and leave one around he will pick it up (no matter how big) and start walking around with it. It is easily traded for a treat though. He will entertain himself with toys or a bully stick, but really needs to be in a home with another dog. He loves to play and interact with other dogs. This week he started rolling on his back to get belly rubs - he loves all people. If you have space in your heart for this loving little guy please fill out an application!

08/21/2010: Hi everybody! Allow me to introduce myself as one of the newest members of the Col. Potter family. My name is Rosso, although my foster mama likes to call me Rusty-Red or sometimes even Clifford the Big Red Dog. You see, I am a big boy - a solid 29 pounds and I am tall for a Cairn (or as foster mama says “big boned”). Foster mama has me on a bit of a diet to get a couple of pounds off of me so she can feel my ribs a little bit more, and I am doing just fine with that. I am looking for my forever home so let me tell you a bit about myself. I am 3½ years old and my former owners could no longer care for me. I am a very sweet dog – affectionate, curious, and I like to stay busy. I love to take walks and I love to run. I am also a pretty smart dog, if I do say so myself. I like to hang out in the backyard just chilling on the deck, but like to be around my people too. I sleep very quietly in my crate during the night next to foster mama’s bed. I got a little frantic the first night all alone in the other room, so mama moved me and now I do just fine. I really like the other dogs here. I was an only dog before so having some pals to hang with is a lot of fun. I do play bows to get the other dogs to play with me. I heard foster mama say something about a very high prey drive – must have been the times I tried to chase those bunnies in the back yard. I also like to play chase with mama’s slippers and anything else I happen to pick up, though it’s mostly the toys. Foster mama tells people I am an escape artist. I think she might be referring to the time I muscled her out of the way and escaped out the garage. That was a pretty fun run before foster mama finally caught up with me. Well it’s only been a week here and I am still learning lots of things, so please check back for another update. And remember to put your application in for me – Rosso –the big red Cairn!

Foster mama here – Rosso is a pleasure to have with us. He is a loving, good tempered and lively Cairn. He needs to stay busy, as he is a very smart dog. He is also a major escape artist who takes off at a full out run if he gets loose. Our goals this week have been settling into a routine, increasing his activity through walks and lots of interaction with us and the other dogs so he does not get bored. When he is bored he can easily get into mischief. He is housebroken although he has had a few accidents this week as we all get used to each other. He gets along fine with the other two fur-kids and met my former foster who is here on a sleepover and did fine as well. Rosso will need a home that can be in charge and keep two steps ahead of him in keeping him safe. He will absolutely escape through an open door given a split second of letting your guard down. A fenced in yard is ideal only so he can go in and out in a safe environment. He has circled mine looking for ways to get underneath with no success. We are still evaluating him on how he does being alone, as he has cried quite a bit during the day when confined in a crate. Left unconfined he has done just fine while the other dogs are here. He needs a structured exercise plan – good walks a couple of times a day will be needed. He might also do well in agility or earth dog training. He seems to be a good problem solver based on what I have seen this week. Rosso is neutered, heartworm negative and up to date on all needed vaccinations. He is not quite ready for adoption but check back soon for more information on how he is doing. He will make some family a great addition. So get your application in soon!

08/29/2010: Tira is a petite 10.6 pounds of pure energy. She acts more like a puppy than the two-year old Cairn princess that she is. She loves everything and everybody. No one is a stranger. Tira has been running the legs off her foster brother, zooming around and around the backyard in pursuit. She dug a couple of holes in foster mom's backyard in an attempt to get to foster mom, who was on the other side of the chain link fence. However, she doesn't seem to dig just for the sake of digging. Tira will "sit" and "lay down" on command. She is very smart. She enjoys barking, which we have been working on. With a little more leash time, she should be good on walks but is pulling right now. She sleeps quietly in her crate at night. Tira is affectionate and gives the sweetest little kisses ever. She loves to join foster mom and her foster brother and sisters for naps. This wee girl needs a home with at least one other dog. She is very close to being available for adoption, so you better get your application in quickly because she's just not going to be around very long. Don't let this little cutie get away!

UPDATE 08/23/10: Trinket has had her spay, and extra fangs removed, but needs her stitches out on August 30th. She is pretty much ready to go to the welcoming arms of a new home! She is fairly well along on potty training-she keeps her nighttime pee pad dry but has occasional "submission pees" first thing in the morning when foster mom is unlocking the crate, but is getting much better at this, as well as using outdoors most of the time. Her videos pretty much show how active she is, she needs a family home that will excercise her to use up all that energy. It doesn't matter if it's a fenced in yard, just a home that is active. She LOVES to dig so her new family either needs to have a special 'digging spot' and train her to dig there, or not care if she digs anywhere. She is very curious about the resident cat and wants to chase her down. She can be very rough, the cat has been hiding for two weeks now so she probably shouldn't go to a cat home or else have a VERY BIG cat. She plays well by herself or with other dogs but can pester an older dog at times. At other times she is content to play with her bones or toys. She likes lap time, but is not going to stay in a lap for hours on end-she gets busy and has things to explore. Could she be the little girl for you?

07/31/2010: Trinket is the perfect picture of YOUTH. Her prior owners quickly found this out and decided it would be in her best interest to go to a home that had lots of time AND tons of energy to fully give to her. She has typical puppy energy and needs creative direction in ways to use it up - she is definitely not one to be happily crated in a cage all day long with no interaction. Trinket is extremely curious about every new thing that crosses her path and it either goes into her mouth (fleetest of human feet are needed to stay on top of her curiosity) or is bravely barked at. She has the biggest Cairn bark that foster mom has ever heard - she will stand her ground and bark at strangers to stay away, without any fear. She has been trained to use puppy pads in her crate and waits to do her other duties outside, but she still needs work to learn to do both outside. Trinket loves to play with the resident older dogs and will find toys to play with by herself if nobody is up for 'chase me' games. She still needs to have her spay done and a minor dental for puppy fangs that didn't come out on their own, so Trinket isn't quite ready for adoption as yet. But don't let that deter you. Put that application in for this little girl now!
To see more photos of Trinket click on the link: tinyurl.com/2fp6pwy

UPDATE 08/15/10: Marion is still patiently waiting for her forever home. Well, I have to be honest maybe "patiently" is not entirely true. This little girl is true Cairn Terrier thru and thru. She loves to go for walks and gets totally wound up when I get the leashes out. She has a very nice gait, with her head held high and an acute interest in all that is going on around her. Marion quite simply loves life and I suspect she is a busybody in disguise. She does not initiate barking, but if my dogs start barking Marion s all over the place running and barking and trying to take charge. For a little girl who is still afraid of human beings she is showing great courage. Initially Marion would absolutely not accept being in a crate. She barked, cried and screamed to be let out. So for a great part of Marion's night time in my household she was gated in a room. Now, however, she is going into her crate and quietly going to sleep at night. This is huge for this little girl. Marion has finally figured out that, like the other Cairns here, she could rest comfortably in a crate and that in the morning she would be let out for most of the rest of the day. She is learning to trust. Marion spends most of the day loose in the house with my two Cairns and is very well behaved except for chewing stuffed toys. She seems to think this is her job and wants to do it well. So beware, no unsupervised toy playing for this little one. Please consider Marion as you are making plans to adopt from Colonel Potter. She will give you many years of wonderful companionship and you can be part of watching her grow and discover how wonderful life is for her now. Believe me, there is no better feeling in the world.

UPDATE 6/8/10: Marion has been here for a little over a month. She is a beautiful young lady who is in the process of learning her house manners. She is doing very well with her potty habits. She has also made great strides in starting to overcome her fears. Marion loves my resident Cairns and dances around and runs to grab a toy when she sees my Cairns, first thing in the morning. This little girl is full of energy and loves her walks and trips outside. Marion also initiates play with my female Cairn and seems to have a real zest for life when she forgets her fears. It will take time for her to learn to trust people, but with the progress she has made already - that trust will come. Marion will need at least one other dog/Cairn to help show her the way to a wonderful new life. If you want to make this little girl the happiest girl in the world, please consider adopting her. She will be so much fun to watch grow into the best companion you could ever ask for. Marion is waiting for you!

05/19/2010: Marion is a beautiful three year old wheaten Cairn terrier. She is a lovely girl. Being a commercial breeding momma, Marion is still a frightened little girl, but she gets a little better each day. She gets along very well with my two Cairns , and thus far even gets along with my cat (my own Cairns do not get along with the cat!) which is a pleasure. Marion , even though she was terribly frightened, was going up and down stairs within 24 hours of arriving here. She is one tough cookie and will not let her fears rule her. Marion walks well on a leash and totally loves her walks. When she goes for a walk she struts and you can see how happy she is. Marion is also doing very well with her potty training. She will be getting a spa treatment today and her picture will soon be up on the website for all to admire. She has beautiful coloring with shades of brown, blonde and red. If you are looking for a lovely, young Cairn girl well on her way to being a "princess", Marion is the one for you. She will be a wonderful companion and a lifelong friend. Keep watching for updates and her photo!

UPDATE 7/31/10: Swisher continues to adapt to his new surroundings and my three Cairns. Even though he lost his mom and his former pack all in one week, he has adjusted nicely and is feeling comfortable in his new surroundings. This tells me that he is pretty adaptable. He is on the shy and quiet side so someone wanting a super active and energetic Cairn probably wouldn't be the best home for him. Swisher is super sweet and will come to me and put his little paws on my legs when I kneel down so he can give me his puppy kisses. He likes to follow my Cairns out onto our deck and down to our fenced yard to play and sunbathe. He has figured out how to entertain himself by getting a squeaky toy and loves to play tug of war with my husband. Although he is afraid of thunder, lightening, loud rain, and other sudden noises, his thundershirt and attention from foster mom can soothe him. Swisher would benefit from having at least one other fur-sister or fur-brother and he enjoys having the run of our large fenced yard. But what Swisher needs most of all is a kind and loving forever home. Could that be with you?

07/20/2010: Sweet as sugar with eyes that will just melt your heart. Swisher was a Colonel Potter kid once before, having come from a breeding situation. He was adopted by the most loving, nurturing mom and lived with her for over two wonderful years. He has only been surrendered to Colonel Potter again due to her unexpected death. It was her hope to provide him a perfect forever home. Thankfully, her loving family contacted Colonel Potter knowing we would love and care for him until we could find him a new forever home. Could that be your home? He had a canine fursister, canine furbrother and feline fursister - this guy gets along with my two male Cairns and my female Cairns just great. Swisher is just the sweetest dog. It's my honor to care for him until he is adopted.

UPDATE 8/7/10: Hi! This is Cypress. Here is an update of my week. This week my foster sister got me a pretty pink princess bed. She got it for me because I'm a pretty princess (of course!) and pink goes so well with my pretty black coat. I really like my bed because I can gather ALL my toys in my bed with me. I've got a squirrel squeaker mat, a squeaky chicken, a yellow scrubby bone for chewing, and a cow with a crackly bottle inside him. My bed is just my size (I'm a LITTLE girl). It's soft and pink all over. It' s fuzzy on the inside and the underside of it is black. One of the special things about it is that it's REVERSIBLE. (I spent the first day figuring this out.) I got it all inside out and brought all my toys into bed with me so I was settled. My mommy said I was a pretty clever girl and then she put my bed right side out so that I'd have something to do the next morning. Isn't it great how my mommy loves me? I have also discovered how to make snow! Did you know that piddle pads have snow locked inside them? This week I learned how to release ALL the snow trapped inside my piddle pads. It was beautiful! Snow in July all over Ft. Knox (my ex-pen)! I have now met ALL 6 of my foster sisters and brother. They were mostly very nice and Mommy said I was very well behaved. I did try and say hello, but I didn't stick my face in their faces or sniff them too much if it upset them. I even got to run a little with my foster brother. He's a black brindle like me. One of my sisters was afraid of me. Mommy said I moved too quickly and wiggled too much for her. So we mostly ignore each other and that worked fine. When we go outside in the yard, Mommy says, "Go potty," and I go to the grass, piddle, and then ask to go in. Then Mommy says, "You need to poo first," and I go back in the grass and poo and then ask to come in. Then Mommy says, "Don't you want to play with the kids?," so I play with the kids and then ask to go in and Mommy says, "OK," and she takes me back to Ft. Knox to eat my breakfast. We've got a pretty good system here. Mommy says I'm a very smart little girl to understand so soon that I need to piddle and poo before I can come inside! Do you want a pretty Cairn princess to come live in your home? I'm ready to find my forever home!

08/02/2010: Cypress is a darling, enthusiastic puppy who loves people. She is tiny at 9 lbs. 4 oz., but will probably reach 10-11 lbs. Cypress wiggles and squirms in your lap from excitement. In the yard she will walk beside you and stay close until she's ready to do her business. She has so much energy, it's hard for her to stand still for a picture. She's a healthy, happy girl. Cypress is still brand new in our house, but the contact with the other dogs in the house has been good. She is interested in making friends, but doesn't push herself on them. Cypress still has another week before she'll be ready for adoption, but check back soon for updates. Soon she'll be ready to go to her forever home.

UPDATE 8/9/10: Howe would be happiest in a home with another playful dog. He enjoys playing tag and wrestling with the other furkids here. He has even been able to entice fearful Louisville into playing with him. Now that he isn't afraid of Louisville's deep voice, we have nightly games of king of the ottoman, with Howe getting the “zooms” and racing around the family room and kitchen in pure glee. We're still working on housetraining and some fears. He's still not trusting of people and runs away in fear if cornered or if you move too quickly. But these things can all be overcome in time and with patience. Are you looking for a cute boy to help in finding his Cairnitude? Keep an eye on Howe. He just might be your boy!

07/01/2010: Are you looking for a cute young boy to keep you entertained? I may be the boy for you! I’m eight months old and am learning how to be a member of the family here. So far, I’m just figuring out how to play with the other dogs here, and I REALLY like my foster dad - my foster mom keeps calling me his little shadow. I follow him around the back yard, and I’ve already figured out if he sits down on the couch, the place to be is right beside him for skritches and comfort! Watch for more updates as I settle into my new life in freedom as a member of Col. Potter’s family.

UPDATE 7/19/10: Joie has learned to go in and out of the house with the other dogs. When she's out in the yard, if we come out and say, "Dinnertime!" she hurries in the house. She knows it's time to come in and stand in the kitchen, doing a little dance, and then she'll gets her dinner or breakfast. When she's finished eating, she trots into the familyroom to play with the toys or climb into one of the dog beds. At bedtime, when we start putting all the other dogs into their crates for bed, Joie goes quietly over to her crate and waits for her cookie before going to bed. This little girl is SO ready to go to her forever home. She has the sweetest little smile and the cutest little dance to go with it. She's just looking for a family all her own to love!

UPDATE 6/4/10: Joie continues to grow more social. She's comfortable laying with the other dogs in the house or being with them outside in the yard. We have a 6 year old and a 7 year old female at our house. These 3 girls kind of stick together. She still doesn't play with them much, but is no longer afraid of them. And we have heard her bark. However, she only barks very occasionally when she wants to get out of her crate and come join the fun. Joie is a sweet, happy girl. She greets me with a smile and a wagging tail when I come in the door. Her tail is a little long, so she has a double wag to her tail. First the lower part wags and by the time the end of her tail catches up, the other half is wagging the other way. If she wants something, she will put her front paws up on my lap, look up at me, tilt her head, and smile. Joie is looking for a loving home where she can make her family happy. Do you have room for a sweet, quiet girl?

UPDATE 2/6/10: Joie is a very sweet little girl. She is very low key. I haven't heard her bark in the three months she's been here. But she always wags her tail when we come in her room and does a little happy dance with her front feet. She's happy lying beside us on the couch or playing on the floor with toys. She likes to play outside, too.

Joie would be happiest right now as an only dog in a quiet household. She's low key, so a busy household would be stressful on her. She may learn to play with other dogs, but for right now she'd prefer to be the princess of her forever home. Joie doesn't have excess energy or need to run. She walks well on a leash. Although she enjoys exploring my yard, she doesn't necessarily need a yard of her own. Regular walks and time, and loving attention from her forever family would make her happy.

UPDATE 1/3/10: Joie has been busy raising her puppies. She's a wonderful mama. She has nursed her puppies, cleaned up after them, cuddled them, and taught them how to play. When the puppies were first learning how to drink out of a bowl, I would let Joie finish up when their tummies were full. As she lapped it up, the puppies would stand under her chin, her tummy, or her feet. Sometimes they would lick the milk dripping from her chin. She patiently let them drink with her and then would clean their faces gently. The puppies are being weaned, so Joie's concentrating more on their social training these days. The other night, after the puppies had eaten their dinner, Joie began to teach them how to play. First she walked up to Glee and Joc and gently pushed them over with her head. (Her head is bigger than they are.) They just looked at her at first, so she backed up, did a deep play bow with her butt in the air, wagging her tail and smiling at them, and then she pushed them with her head again. At that, they leapt on her and even Mirth joined in. She SO obviously loves her puppies. And yet she is always happy to be with people. She will lie sweetly beside me on the couch relaxing and let me love on her, just happy for the attention. She keeps her expen clean if she's taken out every few hours. She walks and potties on a leash. The next steps for her are to finish raising her puppies to be ready for adoption, and have her spay and dental. Then she will be ready for adoption herself.

11/17/2009: Joie is a 4 year old Cairn who came into Col. Potter pregnant. She had her last litter of puppies just 9 months ago and here she is, delivering another litter. She's a sweet little girl who always has a tail to wag and kisses to give. She's just happy to be here and glad she has good things to eat with a warm place to sleep and have her puppies. Joie is safe now, and her puppies will grow up safe, too.

Joie had her puppies Monday, November 16th. She had 2 boys and 2 girls. They have happy names like their mother: Mirth, Merriment, Glee, and Jocularity. Merriment wasn't strong enough to survive and didn't make it through the birthing process but Mirth, Glee, and Jocularity are growing up strong.

Pregnant moms and puppies cost money. There are tests and x-rays, equipment needed for having puppies, good food and supplements to provide Joie and her puppies as much nourishment and strength as possible, and all the medical expenses that come with having babies. Can you help Joie and her puppies with their many expenses? Think about becoming a Guardian Angel by clicking on the link at the top, and help to give them the good start they deserve.

UPDATE 8/9/10: Louisville has decided it's his responsibility to remove all the toys from the toybox every evening. He does stop and play with a few favorites, and he’ll share the discarded ones with any of the other furkids that are interested. He's now keeping his crate dry at night, but housetraining is still ongoing, with trips outside every couple of hours to help him understand he needs to keep his belly band dry. We’re still working on some fears, but he’s enjoying having another young foster here to play with – Howe – and we’re hoping some of Howe's happy-go-lucky attitude will rub off on shy Louisville.

UPDATE 5/30/10: Louisville is continuing to make progress. He now enjoys taking a nap on the couch in the evenings while we’re watching TV, even without an invitation. He still loves playing with balls and will fetch over and over, bringing it back and giving it a toss at your feet to have it thrown again. We’re still working on housetraining and on a few fears, but we can see his progress. His tail is up, and he is more relaxed. Louisville is pretty good on a leash, but he loves to run free when in our fenced yard. Do you have the time and patience to help this boy acclimate into being your new family member?

UPDATE 4/22/10: BALL? Did I hear the word BALL? I LOVE BALLS! I love the big ball at my foster home that’s out in the yard, and I chase it all around until foster mom says my tongue is about to drag the ground. Here’s a video of me playing with it: tinyurl.com/38o5q4q I also love to have a medium sized Kong ball thrown so that I can run like the wind – faster than that Cairn girl here named Sadie! And I’ll bring it back and drop it at your feet so you can throw it again, over and over. I’m still too scared to play in the house, and I’m still not able to trust humans, but I can really relax when I’m outside. I would do best in a forever home with another young dog to play with that can continue to help me learn what it’s like to be a part of the family. Foster mom says I’m ready to go to that special home where they understand I’m still a work in progress. Are you that special home?

03/10/2010: Louisville is one of a large group of Cairns called the City Slickers who recently came in to Col. Potter from a commercial breeding facility. He’s going to be a beautiful boy, once the hair clipped due to matting grows back in, and he puts on some badly needed weight. He’s very scared of some of the most normal things in daily life, but he’s making great strides overcoming his fears with the help of our pack here. He’s a sweet boy and once he’s able to relax, you can pick him up and he’ll nap in your arms. Because of his tall stature, it’s hard to remember he’s still a young pup at just fifteen months old. Our little eight month old foster girl Jude has helped bring out the playful side of this boy, and he’s also enjoyed romping in the yard playing with our other young foster, Camper. Because Louisville hasn’t been able to walk on a leash yet and still has a number of fears, he’s not quite ready for his Forever home but hopefully will be soon. If you’re interested in one of the larger size Cairns, please go ahead and put your application in. Then when he’s ready - your application process will be complete!

08/26/2010: This sweet little girl has a tail that doesn't stop wagging. Parasol loves everyone she meets. She is housebroken and quiet, and gets along with all non-humans, including cats, dogs, and goats! She does want to chase my chickens, but nobody's perfect. Parasol is very petite, only 11.5 pounds, and will only take up a small space on your couch.

UPDATE 8/29/10: Hi everyone! Let me tell you, my life is sooo much better than it used to be, now that I am at my foster home. I get to run and play, and I get regular meals and a cozy bed to sleep in. I know my foster mom likes me a lot and she gives me lots of cuddles, but I've got a BIG problem. There is another dog who lived here before I came and she just doesn't like me for some reason. I've tried to be nice but she is sure a crab! Other dogs we meet on our walks like me - but not her! She wants me gone, gone. It's really hard living here because I have to stay away from her and be in a separate room. My foster mom says I am a great guy and deserve to be in a better situation. I went over to the neighbor's house the other day just to chill. There are a couple of sweet, older girl dogs over there. They are nice. I like them and they like me. The lady there gives treats, too. She gave me some and said I was a good boy. I'd like to live there or somewhere nice like that. I also have a great time when I get to be alone with my foster mom and she is sure good about snuggles! I really need a home of my own where I can sit on your lap and give kisses. I'll also let you know if someone comes to the door or walks down the street. I also like to do gardening - you know, watering and then fluffing up the mulch. Please let me come live with you. You won't be sorry. I promise!

08/15/2010: Paddington (Paddy) loves people. He is friendly with all, humans and other dogs. Foster Mom loves to take him for walks and everyone wants to give him a pat or allow their dog to introduce themselves. We had a little trouble with walking at first as Paddington wanted to drag Foster Mom but he quickly learned to keep pace with her and the resident dog. He doesn't show any interest in prey drive as yet but the rabbits have been hiding so far. Paddington is going to make someone a great buddy because he stays right with you whether you are walking or just hanging out. He did start out as a growler. This was more of a warning as he never tried to bite. The groomer said he was a gentleman throughout his bath and trim but he did object (growl) when the scissors were used. He wasn't happy with the nail cutting (what dog is?) and did growl - still no bite or attempt. We had been told that he was very sensitive about his paws but have had no problems when handling him. Maybe he is just a bit grumpy but more likely he is still learning to trust as his world has certainly turned upside down lately!

08/01/2010: Hi Everybody! My name is Petron but my foster mama calls me Petie, Sweet Pete, or Petie Pie. It doesn't matter. She doesn't really have to call me at all because I follow her and foster dad around everywhere. I just like the company. I also like walks and riding in the car and playing ball. I'm really good at playing ball, and when no one will play with me, I toss it around by myself! I like people, all kinds - even little ones. I don't really like my foster brother Wally. He gets a lot of attention and I think I should get it all. I like to talk. Foster mama says I have a grumbly voice. Did I tell you I love skootches? I do. I turn myself upside down on the couch to get the best spot. I like to be snuggled on too. Foster mama says I have the softest fur. Did you know that petting a really soft dog reduces stress? I think I saw that on the Today Show. Did you hear that Wally? You can see Petie Pie is ready for his forever home. He doesn't require much, just love and some kibble once in awhile. He would probably be happiest as an only dog. He's potty trained, doesn't chew on anything except his ball, and is pretty quiet for a Cairn. So if you're looking for a sweet, mellow little guy, Sweet Pete is the one for you!

UPDATE 8/27/10: Sedum has started to come out of her shell more each day. This morning, I watched as she and the resident Cairn zoomed around the back yard, chasing each other with total abandon. It was a joy to see! The two of them really get along very well, sharing toys and chew bones with no problems. Sedum enjoys being close to her human too. She plants herself next to me on the couch or by my feet in the kitchen. This little cutie is waiting for her forever family. What are you waiting for?

08/22/2010: Sedum is an adorable 3-year-old that is celebrating her first year of freedom. She has settled into her foster home and really enjoys the company of the resident Cairn sister. Sedum does her business in the yard with some supervision. She has a tendency to run out and back in without doing anything unless someone is there. Sedum loves to snuggle in next to her human on the couch or on the bed. Mealtime is another of her favorites. She is a member of the clean plate club. Although she is listed as weighing 16 lbs., she seems smaller to me. This little girl is still a bit fearful and will need a patient family. Your love and patience will be rewarded with her kisses. Sedum is ready for her forever family!

UPDATE 8/20/10: Hi everyone! It's me again - Byron. I've had 2 more good weeks. I got to go to the vet last week to order some allergy shots! I can't wait to start getting them. I should feel so much better then. Otherwise I’ve taken it pretty easy. It's been too hot for walks or to be outside. I've just been laying behind my foster mom's neck on the couch - my favorite spot. I'm still looking for my forever home. Will you be mine?

UPDATE 8/1/10: Hi, it's Me again. My foster mom thinks I’m sweet enough to write these things myself. I had a good two weeks. I laid around, went for walks and slept good. I'm just not a high strung boy. I like to take it easy if you like to take it easy, give me a chance to take it easy with you.

UPDATE 7/16/10: Hi! My name is Byron and I'm a good boy. My first owner neglected me so I'm working on being more sociable. My foster mom and dad give me lots of hugs and kisses and that's helping me learn to trust people. I love to lay on the couch and take naps. My skin allergies are better and that's such a relief. I was really itchy for awhile. My foster mom says I'm sweet, but sometimes I do get crabby in the evenings. I'm making good progress and all I need is a loving forever home!

UPDATE 7/1/10: Byron is doing well. He needs someone who will give him love and affection. He lays on the back of the couch with his head on my shoulder. He follows me around the house as I clean, but he's an independent kid. Do you have room in your heart for this sweet guy?

UPDATE 6/3/10: Byron is doing so much better! We've found out the cause of his allergies and we are adjusting his food and environment. Byron is coming out of his shell with love and patience. He prefers to lounge around the house during the day, but he does enjoy a walk. He loves to lay behind me on the couch and be a neck pillow. He loves trying to get in the treat bin. He needs someone who can give him the love and attention he deserves. Also, someone willing to help him with his allergies. Will you be that someone?

05/22/2010: Byron is a very sweet Cairn. He is calm and quiet and loves to lay in the recliner and sleep. He's currently being treated for skin allergies and we're waiting on some results from the vet to see how well the treatment is working. Byron isn't much of an outdoor dog yet, but he likes to go on walks and we're working on training him to not pull on the leash. This boy is very food motivated, which makes him a bit easier to train. Byron is housetrained and crate trained already! He would make a great companion, and he gets along well with the other 5 dogs in the house, too. Byron is ready for his forever home and would love to become a member of your family!

UPDATE 8/23/10: Hi! I'm Massy and I'm adorable! That's what my foster mom says about me. She also says I'm cute and playful and full of energy. I sound kind of wonderful. I'm looking for a forever home where I can run and play and give all the love I have to my new family. Could you be the lucky one for me?

UPDATE 07/15/10: Hi! My name is Massy and I'm looking for a forever home. My foster mom thinks I'm a special little boy. She's fun, but not as fun as my foster dad. I help him mow the yard until my legs are all geeen which makes my fostermom laugh. I'm good at making people laugh and smile. I'm a sweet, silly little boy who loves to play and run with my foster sisters and brothers. Every evening I love to lay in my foster mom or dad's lap until its time to go to sleep in my crate. I'm quite a happy boy who needs a good home. Will you give me that home?

UPDATE 7/1/10: This boy is such a sweetie! He's a happy-go-lucky kid who needs a loving home. He loves to run and play, so a home with a fenced in yard would be wonderful. Massy loves to follow me around the house while I clean and follow his foster dad around while he mows. He'd be a great addition to any household!

06/12/2010: Massy is a fun-loving, energetic dog. He loves to run and play. He loves to go on walks. He loves to sit in your lap and take a nap. He loves to play with other dogs. He's just a super sweet, wonderful dog who needs a wonderful home! Could you be the one for him?

UPDATE 8/18/10: Thurber is so ready to go home with someone, especially a someone who will remind him that he is NOT the boss! Thurber is gaining weight, his skin infection is all cleared up and his coat is grown in. This afternoon he spent his time playing with his stuffed penguin toy and wore himself out, and then fell asleep on the couch. I swear he has more energy than my two year-old dog; he races everywhere he goes, and if he sees anything worth chasing he flies across the yard. You would never believe he will be 7 this autumn. The only downside is we can't have him with us as much as we would like because he doesn't get along with our resident dog. Thurber really needs to be the center of attention in his own house. He is completely housebroken, such a relief after six non-housebroken fosters in a row! He is neutered and up to date on all his shots, and ready to go home with the right family.

UPDATE 7/27/10: Good news! Thurber is gaining weight! His skin infection is all cleared up, and his fur is growing in nicely. Thurber is ready for adoption. Quite a change from just a few weeks ago! Thurber is an energetic boy who loves to chase anything that moves in the yard. We've also discovered a new joy of his - he LOVES to play in the hose water. I've really never seen anything like it. He jumps and sails through the air like a ballet dancer, snapping at the water the whole time. He gets so excited and doesn't at all mind getting wet. So - I can't figure out why he doesn't love bath time! He also loves to play with toys, but when he's tired out he is a snuggly friend on the couch. Thurber would be so happy to be an only dog; if you are currently dog-free, and need your yard squirrels chased away, this is the boy for you!

UPDATE 7/12/10: Thurber has been with us for a month, and it's amazing how much better his skin/coat are! His hair is growing back in almost everywhere, and he's all done with his medication! Now we just need to fatten him up a little; he's underweight and we're not quite sure why, hoping to figure that out very soon. Thurber is randomly aggressive with other dogs, so he would do best as an only dog. He is always on the go, he races around and goes tearing outside every chance he gets. He caught a bird last week, which sent me into a bit of a tizzy, but he reminded me that catching little animals is what he was bred to do, and that was his job! And he is good at it, fast as lightning and very focused. Once we get his weight up he will be all ready for his forever home!

06/27/2010: Thurber is an owner-surrender, so he's already housebroken and up to date on all his shots. He even had his teeth cleaned last week! He does have a skin infection, and some hair loss. With the help of some medication from the vet, and some extra vitamins in his food, he should improve soon. He is crate trained, and already learned he needs to sit and wait just a minute before he gets his supper. He is very affectionate and loves attention, at least the human kind. He's aggressive with other dogs, and he loves to chase the squirrels and birds. Lately he likes to stand outside under the trees and watch up in the branches for squirrels; I think it's like TV for him. He can stand out there forever waiting for a squirrel to make a move. Thurber is all terrier; he will need a home with someone willing to be the boss, and he in turn will be your finest companion. Check back on his progress, this feisty boy is coming along fast and it won't be long until he is ready to go home!

03/15/2010: Beaulah is a very sweet and loving girl. She is enjoying all the new things that her new life has opened up for her. She was very timid when she first came to her foster home but each day Beaulah is becoming more confident and less fearful. She loves to be snuggled and talked to softly, and gives many Cairn kisses while being held. Beaulah likes to trot around the house with toys in her mouth, grinning from ear to ear. She is having fun getting used to her foster brothers and sisters and playing with them in the yard. She is also doing very well with her potty training. A quiet environment with no young children and possibly just one other dog would be best. A perfect home for this precious girl would be with someone who is home a lot and would continue to help build her confidence and allow her to blossom into the loving and self-assured Cairn she is meant to be.

UPDATE 6/8/10: Ahem. This is Mari (Marisela). I had an adventure today. I was a little worried, but everything turned out just fine. Foster mom and dad took me to visit Uncle Dave for a Spa Day at 'Doo the Dog'. I got a good bath and then Uncle Dave trimmed me up and made me *toto-ly* beautiful. And that's not all. When foster mom and dad picked me up he just kept on telling them what a really, really nice little girl I am. He said I'm sweet and friendly, and patient, and ummm, I know there was more but I can't remember now. But really, he kept calling me Cupcake. He said I'm such a really great little dog that he can't understand why I don't have my very own home yet. We came home and foster mom, who always says I'm beautiful, kept saying how great I looked, so we grabbed the camera and went out back to get some photos. Oh yes, Uncle Dave says I have the very cutest smile because I don't have any bottom teeth in the front. I had a hard life before I was rescued by Col. Potter but life is good now and could only get better with my very own home. Are you looking for a very sweet, special little girl? Maybe I'm the ONE! Ask your Matchmaker about Marisela. Soon, okay?

UPDATE 5/2/10: I didn't get my hair trimmed yet but Foster Mom gave me a quick once-over with the Mars Grooming Tool. Then we went out to the park for some picture taking. Check out my new pics! Look deeply into my big brown eyes. Are you mesmerized yet? I would love to have my own forever home. I've been a really, really good girl here and have learned a lot. I do not absolutely have to go to a "dog-only" home. I am fine with the other dogs here. They don't bug me so I don't get worried that they're going to hurt me. Foster Mom and Dad took all five of us for a walk in the park Saturday. We were quite a hit. People couldn't believe that we were such pretty girls available for adoption, and soooo nice. I just love to take walks. I like to step out and go at a good pace (it's best for your health that way, you know). That Gilly wants to stop and sniff stuff, but I'm a go-go girl and help everyone to keep heading down the path. If you're looking for a sweet girl to come and live with you and help you take nice walks, then I'm your girl! Please ask your Matchmaker for Marisela!

UPDATE 4/4/10: Hi friends! It's finally getting warm here in Ohio. I really like this nice weather. We've been taking walks in the park and I enjoy that a lot. At home, foster Mom lets me lie in the sun coming in the patio door. I am such a good girl because I watch the squirrels and birds but I don't growl or bark at them. Aren't you impressed? Foster Mom is VERY impressed because no one else in the house is as good as I am. You can see that we are still working on the yeasty business on my back legs and tail. It's getting better all the time though, thanks to foster Papa's help with baths. Watch for new photos soon after I get my hair trimmed, okay? Unless, of course, some lucky person chooses me to go and live with them. I'm looking forward to that day! I have a lot of love to give!

UPDATE 2/10/10: Hello folks, Marisela here! Is it snowing where you live? It's snowing here for sure! I don't particularly mind the snow, it's no big deal to me. Foster Mom says I am 200% house trained because I'm such a good girl. Foster Mom is helping me learn a new trick just for fun. She tells me to sit and stay. Then she puts my food bowl on the floor but she doesn't say "OK" until I look up at her. Before I look at her my tail starts swishing back and forth because I know my "OK" will come soon. Foster Mom thinks I'm very cute. :) My information says "no other dogs" so I want to tell you about that. I'm living with three other Cairns here and getting along with them pretty doggone well. Occasionally I get a little grumbly if one of them gets too bouncy in my face but mostly I just ignore them. I sit on the couch with Foster Dad and Janna sits on his other side and that's okay. I'm mostly okay but I would just rather be the Princess and get all the attention for me, me, ME! Foster Dad does pick me up and cuddle me and I love it. Yes, I love Foster Dad even though he is still giving me baths to help my skin. The vet said I'm doing really well and I don't need baths as often as I did at first. So, if you want to adopt me, and wouldn't mind giving me a bath just once a week for a while yet I would love to come and live with you and be your special Princess. How does that sound to you? I get all your love and you get all MY love! Please ask your Matchmaker to tell you all about me, Marisela and let's see if we're a match!

01/02/2010: Hi, my name is Marisela. My foster mom and dad call me Maris, and Mareee - and all kinds of other silly things. I do love getting attention from my people! I came into rescue with a nasty yeasty skin problem on my back end. Foster papa is really working hard to get all that stuff off of me. I will be very happy when it's gone, but the baths that are part of the treatment? - oh, I could easily do without them! I'm good though, even if I'm not thrilled. I am looking for a family where I can be the only Princess and get all the attention. Foster Mom says I am very cute when I am excitedly waiting for a meal. I "hum" with excitement and I "chew" my humming and Foster Mom laughs but says she can't hurry any faster! If you're looking for a special Princess then please request me: "Marisela the Cutie Pie"

UPDATE 7/31/10: "What Freedom Means to Me" by Mere

1. I was saved from a trip to that little room in the 'shelter' that doggies don't come back from.

2. I got a wonderful bath and my dirty overgrown coat was trimmed up. Then oops! They found out I'm not even a Cairn Terrier.

But they didn't give up on me.

3. I had a 'nap' at the vet's and he pulled out the nasty, rotten teeth in my mouth. Besides the one that fell out in my cage.

4. I started getting goooood food and plenty of it (but not TOO much for a little dog).

5. I finally got enough water to drink to satisfy my voracious thirst.

6. Foster Mama and Papa didn't mind that they had to take me out to pee six gazillian times a day, but -

7. Foster Mama took me to see the vet to find out why I had to pee so many times a day.

8. The vet said I was sick and needed special food and lots and lots of water to drink every day; so that's what I get now.

9. Foster Mama fixes me special water with some baby food chicken in it to make it taste good so I will drink the water I need.

10. Auntie Cheryl babysat me while Foster Mama and Papa went away for a vacation. It was soooo much fun at her house cuz she has about lebenty dozen Cairns at her house to play with and she has a doggie door so I could go potty whenever I wanted to!

11. Good news from the vet; Foster Mama has gotten me to drink the water every day so my kidney function is almost as good as other dogs!

12. I learned to tell Mama that I need to go potty outside even when I only want to go out and lie in the sun.

13. I get to hop over my girl cousins when they are in my way and nobody gets mad at me.

14. I get to have comfy places to lie down and cuddle up. Sometimes the comfy place is with Foster Papa or Mama. Foster Mama has to pick up the comfy beds sometimes, but if she notices that I am standing around wanting a bed she will get up and get one for me. :)

15. I get to take walks with my cousins. Foster Papa and Mama hook us up in harnesses so we can be safe when we walk. I love to take walks.

16. There is a Thundershirt with my name on it so anytime things get scary, somebody puts it on me quickly to make me feel better and relax.

17. Freedom means that sometimes I have to put up with Foster Mama taking pictures. :(

18. Freedom also means that I have to put up with Foster Papa cleaning the crud from the corners of my eyes. :(

My kidneys are much healthier now and I don't need to go outside to potty any more than my Cairn cousins. How's that for a change? And one last thing. I am grateful for trainable foster parents. I am currently training Foster Papa to give me skritches when I paw at him. Isn't he smart? Freedom is wonderful. Since I am so much more healthy now, I may even get my own forever home one day soon! Labor Day is coming soon and I am doing my part! I work hard every day to teach foster mom and dad what they need to know, to make them laugh, to eat all my food and drink all my water. Col. Potter people 'labor' to save Cairns every day of the year. I'm so lucky to be part of the Col. Potter family!

Mere (aka Georgie)

UPDATE 5/3/10: Mere is a precious little treasure. She loves us and she loves just about everything else. She thinks walks are quite a treat. She loves her meals. She loves to bump Foster Papa when he's working on his computer. If she's on the couch with Foster Papa she's almost always touching him. It's amazing that she can curl up in such a tiny ball with those long legs of hers. Do you have room on your couch for this little cutie?

UPDATE 4/10/10: Mere has more than a urinary tract infection - she is in moderate kidney failure, but this is not a death sentence. While we're working to find out what's wrong with her, a number of blood and urine tests need to be performed to find out why she's in kidney failure. Unfortunately, these tests are expensive. Please help with so Mere can go on to have many more years of happiness and love with whomever adopts her, by clicking on the Guardian Angel link above Mere's write ups.

At around 6 years of age, she has lots of life to live yet! In addition to the tests, we also had to adjust what she's eating and she is just thrilled with her new menu! Foster mom is cooking yummy food that will provide the right amounts of the right nutrients. Mere feels better now than she has for years because she's getting the right foods and fluids. She had her first treatment of subcutaneous fluids today, which help keep her hydrated. Foster mom and foster dad learned how to do this at home, and Mere was a perfect little angel throughout. Everywhere she goes people say what a nice little girl she is. She loves to take walks, she loves to ride in the car, she loves to cuddle with foster papa on the couch, and she loves to bump into him when he's working on his computer. Mere is one really nice little girl! Won't you help her get over this hump and on to her forever home?

UPDATE 4/5/10: Hello, do you think I look cute in my Easter bandana from Auntie Marie? Do I look like a Cairn yet? I don't care that I'm not a Cairn but I'm sure glad I got rescued! Life is good here. Foster Mom has some cuddle beds that we take turns relaxing in. I like the one by the patio door in the sun but Marisela and I take turns enjoying it. I'm a nice little girl and hope you enjoy my Easter photo.

03/17/2010: Hi my name is Mere but foster mom and dad call me Georgie or Georgie Girl. If you look at my picture you can tell pretty easily that I'm not a Cairn Terrier. But I was in a nasty shelter and so badly overgrown with filthy hair that I did look like a Cairn other than my legs being too long. It wasn't until after I was rescued from the shelter and at a vet's office that they gave me a bath and shaved down my coat and found out that I'm a white mini Schnauzer. I am very grateful that Col. Potter rescued me because I would not be around to talk to you if it weren't for them. I'm living in a foster home with three Cairns and they are nice to me, so I'm happy here. I had a bad Urinary Tract Infection when I arrived but I'm on meds for that and feeling much better. I'm also underweight, so thank goodness foster mom is giving me great meals so I can put back some of the pounds I lost when I was in the shelter. Foster mom says it's obvious that I was once someone's beloved pet. I am house trained and go to the door when I want out, like to ride in the car, and go up and down the stairs to the second floor. When foster mom tells me to go in the crate so I can be served my meals I jump right in. I do prefer my kibble mixed with cottage cheese and I really like the hard-cooked egg I get all the time. Yummmmy! I love to curl up in a cuddle bed and I also like to snuggle up to foster papa. The big problem is that he's not home often enough. So, I'm looking for a new home where there will be someone I can snuggle with. Foster mom won't work, because even though she's very nice to me, she's always typing on that computer thingy I don't play with toys but I do enjoy lying in the sunshine looking out the patio doors. I get to tell some squirrels that I think they need to move on now and then. But I'm not really a barky kind of girl. I am just good, and nice, and sweet, and cute and - looking for love. Could you be looking for me? I'll be a good girl for you too! Foster mom says I will be available for adoption on March 20th so hurry up and get your application in for me (use Mere on the application, okay?). Foster mom says she can pack me inside my cuddle bed in a crate and put me on an airplane to find my new home, if it's not too long a trip.

UPDATE 8/27/10: Werth has grown quite fond of belly rubs, and cuddling with his foster family. When he greets people at the door he immediately rolls over on his back, impatiently waiting for the tummy rub! He loves to zoom in the fenced yard for long periods of time and wrestle with his foster brother. His foster sister is a little older, with a lower energy level, and does get irritated with him when she is done playing - and he isn’t. He loves his walks and he's getting better with his leash training. A lot of daily exercise and one-on-one time is a must for this big boy, to keep his high energy level in check. He is getting a little better with his potty habits and house manners but still has a lot of work ahead of him.

08/04/2010: Werth is a very active young man that never seems to tire out, with a very lovable personality. He loves to go for walks and car rides and does pretty good with both. He loves to chase a ball when it is thrown but has not totally grasped the idea of returning it back. Werth does love his stuffed animals and chew toys and can occupy himself with them for a long period of time. He is making progress on his potty habits and house manners but still needs some work. Check back here for future updates on Werth!

08/12/2010: He once was lost but now he's found. Let me introduce li'l Matty. I can't say enough about Matty. He is definitely, absolutely, 100% a GEM! He is a laid back, easy going little fella. He gets along with every dog, cat, human, and anything else he meets - except flies! Matty has a wonderful disposition with a very loving personality. He is a lap dog with a huge heart. Matty is kind, sweet, funny, and gentle, loves to be around people, and is totally housebroken. He will sit, shake hands, roll over for scritches and when told to stay will stop immediately. He has never tried to dart out the door, he does not dig in the flower beds, nor does he try to get in the trash cans. He will sleep in his crate but prefers to sleep with me. I'll say, 'Nite-nite time', and he goes right to his crate which is in our room. About one minute later I feel little paws gently pawing the bed. And, of course, I pick him up. He sleeps beside me all night. Matty is not demanding as some Cairns can be. He has such a sweet spirit that it's hard for me to put it into words. His actual name is Mattathias, meaning the gift of the Lord. When I chose that name I had no idea that he would actually be just that - the gift of the Lord. He came to Col. Potter with a slight infection in his eyes and hair loss due to flea allergies. His eyes are almost completely cleared up now. He just needs another day or two of the medication. His eyes are so endearing and his hair is growing back beautifully. Matty is so patient when getting his oatmeal bathes every 3-4 days. He knows a wonderful massage is included in this 'spa time'. Matty has lovingly taken a special place in my heart in such a short time. He is a true trustful companion. Matty is a very, very special li'l boy :)

UPDATE 8/15/10: Goodness – it’s still so hot here in Oklahoma. Foster mom won't let me perfect my agility cause it's too hot. That's my favorite thing to do. But - I have taken up swimming. I still prefer running my agility course. I love to run, jump, sit and stay. Ha, I know a treat is waiting for me! A lil buddy came last week and we are friends. My social skills are getting better. I can't help it if I want to be an only furbaby. I have so much love to give. I just want to be spoiled so I can spoil my people in return. If that is selfish, then I guess I can be. Don't you want to be spoiled, given unconditional love, a companion and friend? We can take walks together. And we will walk side by side. It's beneficial to our health! I will enjoy our special time together. I'm the one you can share all your feelings with. When you're sad, I'll make you smile. When you cry, I know you just need me to be there by your side. You can baby talk to me, I won't tell. :) I'm a good listener. Sometimes that ornery side of me comes out. But hey, I'm a Cairn kid. Love ya'll.

UPDATE 7/21/10: Hi everyone! My goodness! Is it hot in Oklahoma or what? When I walk foster mom, which I'm proud to say, I walk 1/2 step behind her. I have to watch out for her - I know just where I need to be. I never pull her 'cause sometimes she can be slow. What an enjoyable experience our walks are. Can I walk with you? She says I'm the BEST! Foster Mom says it's too hot for us to do our agility course, so we play inside. With my meds, I've learned to listen to foster mom better. I asked her how comes I don't have my furever home. She says,'Honey, you are special. And good things come to those who wait. So be patient, it'll come.

- Foster Mom here: Boy, are you gonna be lucky to get this lil' guy. Miami has a heart of gold. He has become such a great companion. He is the lil' buddy, love, friend that we all want. He knows his commands and his boundaries. He is so receptive to positive influence re-enforcement. He is the best walker I've EVER had. He doesn't dart out the door. That's a no-no. He is funny, cute, and is becoming the lil' guy that we all want. He rolls over for tummy rubs and he LOVES to be brushed and pampered. He barks at the squirrels. His voice is deep when he 'talks'. I sometimes don't understand what he's saying. But his eyes say it all. Miami is a love! Click here to see Miami at play.

UPDATE 6/22/10: Happy Birthday to me! I just turned 3! I had a party with gifts! I've never had a party before. What fun! I could've done without the crazy hat, but I wore it anyway to make foster mom happy. I got to go to a mall where they were having open adoptions. There were so many furkids like me looking for our forever homes. I made some new friends but I didn't care for the 'big dogs'. All in all it was a fun experience. Foster mom praised me and told me I was a very good boy. We've had a lot of overnighters. Some really cute girls :) I don't mind them too much anymore. I've been swimming several times with foster mom. It's refreshing. And when I get out I run around like crazy chasing JoshEE Sandy. Foster mom's friend, Aunt M. gave me this fantastic haircut. I behaved very well. There are lots of furkids at her house too. I got along with all of them but one. We just growled at each other. Nothing major. My social skills keep improving. I just like to be the only one to be spoiled. I spoil back too. Can I spoil you with my kisses? I will walk you, play with you and love you too!

UPDATE 3/27/10: I got a haircut! Sort of. Foster Mom did it. She's not a professional groomer nor does she work for Muddy Paws. But hey, she tried. I sat very patiently while she brushed me, and clipped me here and there. Thinking to myself, am I gonna have any hair left? Oh, what will I look like when she's done? It was kinda scary. But she didn't do too bad. What do you think?

Foster Mom here: Yes, I gave Miami the haircut. He's changing so much. He's becoming so much calmer. He certainly is not the same little fellow who came here. We have had a GREAT week. My little 'wild child' is becoming the 'little luv' that I knew was always there - just hiding. There was no quarreling with Sam, the resident male (his foe), and no arguing over toys. He has finally learned that he must wait patiently for his treat, and that he will get his turn. He hasn't even tried to get out the front door. I tell him 'no' and he'll stand back and let me out without even running towards the door. He doesn't try to struggle at all anymore when I pick him up love on him. His barking at things out the window is getting under control also. He is changing so much that I am amazed myself. What I knew was always there - is emerging. A loving, precious and beautiful little dog. How his life was before he came to Col. Potter, we'll never know. But it could not have been a happy one. His distrust of people, and basically everything else, has been a hurdle that I can say with confidence, he is overcoming. We had friends over and they made the comment, "Boy, he has really calmed down". My husband has even made several comments on how much his demeanor has improved. He's still a work in progress, but the transformation is wonderful. It's like, pinch me - this is great! Miami just needs his furever home now. I am certain that now is the perfect time for him. He will continue to positively respond in a positive manner under the guidance of a caring heart. He can truly be a poster child for how love, patience, guidance and discipline can transform even the most abused, neglected or wayward pet. Miami is very precious and beautiful. His furever family will be very lucky. To all who encountered him before - you ought to see him now!

UPDATE 3/14/10: Over the hurdle, thru the tunnel, and up the ramp I go! I'll 'sit/stay' till you say OK - oh how I love this game - hey! I have been very busy. I haven't had time to give you my update until now. I really wish I had a furever home. I'm getting tired of these other furkids here. I want to be the ONLY one! I don't want to have to share toys, food - or you. I do like the kitty cat though, he minds his own business and doesn't get on my nerves. I love all the attention on me. I want my own Mommy or Daddy that I do not have to share. Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight. Wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight - A Mommy or Daddy of my very own!

Foster Mom here: Miami needs to be the only fur baby. Preferably a home where the primary caretaker is home the majority of the day. When we have our one on one time he is great - very receptive and loving. I wanted to try agility with him to hopefully work off some of the aggression he shows towards the others by utilizing his excess energy. I am VERY impressed with his progress on the course. We did one obstacle at a time. He did the hurdle 3 or 4 times, then I got out the tunnel. He jumped the hurdle and went thru the tunnel the very first time! I introduced him to the ramp this week with no problem. He goes up, sits until I say ok, then he trots down it and sits again, looking up at me with those adoring dark eyes. He loves doing this. And he wants to please me. He's great on walks. I took him to the park yesterday, just he and I. He thrives on the one on one interaction, obeys well, and minds his manners. But when the other dogs come into play he does act out. I was hoping with time he'd be able to live with other dogs, but it's best if he is the only 'child'. He'll need a home that has experience with rescue dogs or the terrier breeds. Patience, continued discipline, and an abundance of love is what this lil' guy needs. I can see he's a great lil' dog, and he has a huge heart for a family that matches his.

UPDATE 1/3/10: Brrrrrrrr we got snow! Ten inches of soft, white, cold, wonderful stuff. And I love it! I'd stay out playing all day if Foster Mom would let me. When we woke Christmas morning to do our duties we all stepped out and froze, thinking what is this stuff? We tiptoed out to investigate this 'stuff'. Us boys love it, the girls like to stay in with Foster Mom where it's warm. I've been busy. Well, Foster Mom has been busy with me. I have been nicer to the others. It's more rewarding.

Since I last wrote I have learned that there is a 'crate monster'. He only comes out when I bark in my crate. So we have come to an understanding that if I am quiet he will not rattle my crate. I'm ahead so far. I don't want to make a peep. I can even outlast him through the night. Plus, my crate has good things in it! Foster Mom has this agility idea. It consists of a hurdle I jump over and a tunnel I run through. She makes likes it's a big deal. It's easy! I'm the only one out of us six that will (and can) do it. It was so much fun. I like new activities. I guess I get bored easy. I wish I had my furever home! A family to have fun with. A family that I can walk proudly with; walking on a leash is what I do best. A family to make this 'our New Year'. I am a special lil' guy. Will you be my special family?

UPDATE 11/06/09: Gosh it's windy here in Oklahoma! It makes me feel just like Toto! Can I blow over to your home, my furever home? Foster mommy says I'm ready. She says, "Mammy, you've made such a complete turnaround. I had my doubts, you lil' stinker. But now you're ready for your furever home." Her eyes leak when she tells me this. We're gonna go out and rake leaves again. I love being outside, there are so many good smells out there. But I'm usually on a mission to find that squirrel.

Hey, I have awesome news! My 'brother' Boo-Boo, and I are playing with each other outside! I always wanted to play but he kinda scared me. He can be bossy. But things are going great! Oh and I love that Sandy dog. She's a resident, she's so fun. We have this little pact. I'll be sitting by foster mom, getting brushed, or scritches (that's a great place to be, by a foster mommy). Anyway, Sandy and I are buddies. I'd like to have a playmate. Preferably a girl doggie, naturally. Mommy says I am just like Don Johnson on 'Miami Vice' - suave, handsome, and cool. Mommy says that anyone who knew me before, in my younger, wilder, days, would not know me today. I was so scared when I came into rescue. I didn't know what was going to happen to me. I knew I didn't want to be left alone, but I didn't trust anyone or anything. I thought life was something to be afraid of - 'protect thyself'. But, oh that is SO not so. I can trust people, I don't have to guard my food. I can share. There may be another dog here that's hungry like me, so I have learned to share. And when I wait my turn, it's worth it.

And do I love to play! I've learned what is proper and polite. I had a lot to learn, but by gosh, I'm getting there. Nobody's perfect, that's why I said 'I'm getting there'. Mommy says I'm perfect though. I would love to come to your house and be your Mammy Moo-Moo. I could help you with the leaves, play ball with you, and sit with you at night. Oh - I do not dig when doing the yard work. Only foster mommy Sandy does that. I'll just let you know when I see a squirrel. Oops, gotta go - I see one now!

Foster Mom here: Miami has made a 180 degree turnaround. He's not the same little fella who arrived here. He is truly becoming a success story. He's a great pup, and he's funny. It's apparent that he's ready for his own great furever home. He wants to please. He is improving each day. I think he still has a little fear of being abandoned, but with reassurance he's let that guard down. He's a bright, happy go lucky, want to play kinda guy. But when he's ready to wind down, he turns into the most lovable baby - truly to be adored.

UPDATE 10/20/09: Hi everyone! It's me Miami (sometimes called Mammy Moo-Moo. I don't know how that happened!) I have been so busy! There are so many things that I didn't know, I'm trying my best to learn them. Every day is an adventure. Foster mommy says there's never a dull moment with me around – hee, hee, hee. But she loves me anyway. Gotta keep her on her toes! I'm learning the house rules, boundaries, discipline, limitations, manners, sharing, getting along with the resident dogs. My fear aggression is subsiding as I become more comfortable with the other Cairns. I like the girls but I forget sometimes and play a little too rough. Foster mommy reminds me of this. I am still having 'issues' with the male here. We both want to be 'the boss'. And he can be very bossy to me too. We both get in trouble for that. But sometimes he does start it. If he'd just mind his own business. He likes to butt in when I'm playing with the others. He can get on my nerves, so I tell him off.

I love our walks. Foster Mommy says I'm the best walker. I don't pull, bark, or go crazy like a couple of the residents (the male shall be nameless). This is one of my best attributes. I like walking right beside Mommy. And she talks to me the whole time. I also love playing with Foster mommy. We have a special game we play. Don't tell her I told ya'll this - she' ll get down on her hands knees chase me around the house. She's so slow she can't catch me and looks totally silly. I finally let her catch me, then I give her tons of kisses while she rubs my bottom. I just love our one on one time. I have learned to be very patient when we get treats. I know I will get mine when I sit patiently. And that everyone has to take a 'turn'. It's less stressful if I'm guaranteed my turn, but only if I sit patiently. So you see, I have been a very busy little guy. Foster mommy is proud of me. She tells me that I don't have to be perfect, but we should continue our progress. And that one day I'll have a family of my own, and I'll want to please them make their lives more enjoyable. She says I won't have to worry about being abandoned again. A "Furever Family" - that must be wonderful! XOXO, Miami

UPDATE 9/10/09: As you can see, Miami is a little cutie pie. When he first came here he didn't get along with the other fosters or the resident Cairns . He was - and I emphasize 'was' - very dominant, definitely trying to be the alpha dog. He is making great progress with his position in our group. He still takes off running with the toys he originally wouldn't let anyone near, but it's only to get the others chasing him in play. That's his favorite game: Catch me if you can! He enjoys playing with the 'girls'. But at times he has to be reminded not so rough. My resident male and he are still competing for position. I'm working with both of them for this.

Miami has a very puppy-like personality. But he does not chew or destroy anything like a puppy might. He is potty trained! He enjoys the out of doors, but does not dig holes or get in my flowerbeds. And he loves to 'talk' to the squirrels outside. His favorite spot in the house is on the recliner looking out the window. He just loves keeping watch. He also loves people. He gives sweet little kisses. I'm always giving the 'kids' love kisses. He is getting much more receptive to being held and cuddled. I don't think he had a lot of this before.

I also don't think he really got the attention that a young fella needs. We're working on his manners, self control, and discipline, and he's making great progress. Miami needs a strong, but positive leader who will give him the guidance, discipline, and love that he needs. He has a strong personality with the charming Cairn quirks. Each day is always new and exciting to him. And that kinda rubs off on whoever is around him. He's fun. He is independent. He will play by himself or go outside via the doggy door whenever he wants. He knows basic commands: Down, No, Sit, and Sit up. He's like a breath of fresh air with his bright, alert little eyes. He just seems to have a smile on his cute face all the time. You can't help but fall in love with his charm.

08/18/2009: Hi! My name is Miami. I'm so excited to be here! I'm healthy and full of energy! I was a stray, wandering the streets, and they can be pretty frightening from down here on my level. It was scary. I was adopted one time, so for a short while I did get to experience what a home is. Unfortunately, my owners got transferred and could not take me with them to their new home. So they made the decision to surrender me to Col. Potter. They knew I would be safe and lovingly cared for, that I would be taught manners and discipline, and that Col. Potter would find me the perfect 'furever' family. My foster family is real nice and all. But I'd really rather be an only child. The other foster kids and the resident Cairns are OK. I'm not used to having friends to play with or having to share my toys. (I'm afraid those other dogs will take my things away, so I guard them and my food very carefully). Foster Mommy is teaching me how to be respectful of others, and that we can all get along and be friends.

Entering a new home with other furkids was kind of overwhelming at first - coming here by myself, not knowing anyone - and I was afraid but I didn't let them know. I wanted to be brave, and of course be the boss. But we don't have a boss here. Only Foster Mommy. There are things I never knew! No one ever told me what was expected of me or how I was to behave. I just thought I could do whatever I wanted. It's much more fun to have someone spend time with me and teach me how to be a young man. HA! I learned what a belly band was for. That, I'm not very fond of. I'm not used to my crate yet, but it's kinda cool. It's like having my own pad. 'My' blankie, 'my' toys. The others don't bother the things in 'my pad'. I like to spend time outside playing fetch, or playing with the toys out there. I enjoy exploring the backyard and watching the birds and squirrels. The squirrels have lived around here for a while and they antagonize us lil' ones on the ground by dropping pecans on our heads! It's funny to watch when the others are the targets! I am curious about the front yard and I'll try to sneak a peak if someone opens the door. I know how to use the doggy door and I use the potty outside, but I don't dig or get into the flower beds. I do not chew on anything or tear anything up in the house. Foster Mommy says I'm very good about that. What do I want more than anything? A family that will enjoy my playful puppy antics.

What is an 'Off button'? Apparently, I don't have one. But I have a HUGE heart, give lots of kisses, and I'm VERY adorable. I'm up to date on all my vaccines and am heartworm negative. I'm a perfect gentleman when it comes to walking on a leash. I am a bit of a show-off because I walk so well and I know I look good! Well, I gotta go now. Gotta go to 'school' and show off. Love, Miami.

UPDATE 7/16/10: Hello, everybody! This is Jefferson. My foster Mom has not been very good about updates, so I decided I just have to do it myself. Mom says I’m affectionate and absolutely adorable, but I’m not the kind of guy you can just scoop up and lavish with kisses. I’m a bit too reserved for that, and prefer that I let you know when I want scritches. Sometimes I am scared, so a sudden move close to me makes me very nervous. I love chasing a ball and destuffing toys and making a big mess (Mom just cleans it up – she says it’s only stuffing). My favorite thing to do is to play tug of war. I’m very well behaved in the house. I don’t get into anything or patrol for a dropped morsel of food like my foster sister does. I’ve had a couple of potty accidents inside, but Mom says it’s because she slept in and I didn’t let her know I needed to go out. That hasn’t happened in a few weeks, though. Mom feeds me good food. I eat the best parts first, and any kibble that gets in the way is taken out of the bowl and put on the floor to eat last. I don’t gobble my food down like my foster brother and sister do, and I take treats very nicely. Mom thought I was underweight when I first came here, but the vet thinks I’m just right! I like it here except for one thing (other than wanting my own forever home). My foster brother is sometimes jealous of me and picks on me. It really scares me when that happens and it takes me a bit of time to get back to being myself afterwards. I like meeting new people and going on walks. Sometimes, I bark at other dogs and pull on the leash when we walk, but Mom is working with me on that. I love the kitties here and try to kiss them, but they won’t let me. Well, that’s about all I can think of to tell you about me. I’m not quite ready for my forever home yet, but Mom says I’m getting closer! I need to get Mom to take some new pictures so you can see how cute I really am!

06/01/2010: Do you like to play? Will you rub my head and ears? Then Jefferson just might be the boy for you! Don't let his age deter you - he is active, friendly, affectionate, and a vigorous round of tug of war is his favorite game; followed by de-stuffing a plush toy after a fierce shaking. He growls ferociously when playing, but as soon as he loses the game, his tail starts wagging and he barks so I'll throw the toy, which he will retrieve and push towards me over and over again. He has very good potty habits, and loves to go outside. He readily comes back in when I call, is oblivious to my cats, and walks well on a leash without pulling. He's underweight, and I'll be working to help him gain some needed pounds.

UPDATE 8/14/10: Although consistency has been the key to his house-training success, Mahaska adapts well to new situations and all the experiences that the dog days of summer have to offer. He is a great traveling buddy and settles down nicely during car trips. He is great to bring to get-togethers as he is quiet and calm, and enjoys meeting new people. Mahaska also likes exploring the great outdoors and has discovered the joys of drinking from a clear mountain stream. So whether your summers are filled with go, go, go, or the peacefulness of simply lying in a hammock, Mahaska may be just the right companion for you!

UPDATE 7/20/10: Hi everybody! Guess what? I got to go to summer camp! There was a really nice lady there who kind of brushed me and stuff, and she got me lookin' pretty good, if I do say so myself. Plus she would give me yummy treats and all I had to do was sit down when she told me to! There were two other boy dogs there and I had to show them I was a boy, too. So I kind of messed up on some of my housetraining, if you know what I mean. But now that I'm back at my regular foster mom's where there are only girl dogs, I have been really good and only mark outside. It is great 'cuz I don't have to wear that belly band thingy any more! I like meeting new people so maybe I could meet and come live with you. What do ya think?

UPDATE 7/4/10: Mahaska (rolls off the tongue as "Mosca") has been staying with another foster home in Portland for the last couple of weeks while his regular foster family is on vacation, and he's adjusted beautifully. He's learned how to use a doggy door, and seems to understand that potty time is through that door. He's very tolerant of the 3 other dogs here, but is more interested in following the resident human around. He's even shown himself to enjoy some lap time! He doesn't ask to come up, but if brought up on a lap, he settles right in. Such a calm and steady demeanor this little man has! Mahaska is a pleasure to have around. Watch him investigate that sprinkler thing: Isn't this thing supposed to do sumthin'?

UPDATE 6/17/10: I think we’ve had a breakthrough with Mahaska’s potty training. He hasn’t had an accident in about a week, and then this morning he was just about to come inside but stopped a moment (I could practically see the wheels turning in his brain!), turned himself around, and went potty on the bushes before he ran back into the house! What a smart boy you are, Mahaska! He continues to be a sweet, gentle buddy, loves going for walks, and is a breeze to take care of. With all of these wonderful qualities, maybe this handsome gentleman will make just the right companion for you!

UPDATE 5/31/10: Hi everyone! Mahaska here. I like my foster mom and everything, BUT - she just doesn’t spend enough time with me! She thinks those other two dogs deserve attention and even that cat of hers! I don’t ask for much. Just someone to be near me to keep me company would be all I’d ask. Oh yeah, and a little lovin’ on me wouldn’t hurt either! Foster mom here. Mahaska continues to be a great houseguest. I must say that I wish my own dogs would take some lessons in manners from him! What a pleasure it is when they start barking up a storm and Mahaska just looks up to me as if to say, “Pardon me, but I think there may be someone at the door.” His housetraining is going fine as long as I keep an eye on him and take him out fairly often. I also have him wear a bellyband and keep him limited to just a couple of rooms rather than having the run of the whole house. He will make someone a wonderful friend and is great company as he quietly follows me wherever I go. He loves to cuddle and stay close to me, but also likes exploring the back yard on his own and loves meeting other dogs and their humans. So if you want a calm, quiet dog and are able to work with him a bit more on housetraining, Mahaska may be the dog for you!

UPDATE 5/17/10: Mahaska is getting braver every day. He is a great guy who is so close to leaving his fears behind. He loves going on walks and will stop to look and listen when we come across a new sound or situation. But once he sees that there is nothing to fear, he is happy to continue along our way. We have met lots of people and dogs on our walks and he has not been aggressive at all. When we were at the dog park yesterday, he wanted to make friends with all the adults, children, and dogs of all sizes. Mahaska is undemanding and eager to bond with someone he can trust. He has given me kisses and his favorite spots are by my feet when I’m working at my desk, or next to me on the couch. Although Mahaska is a quiet and laid-back Cairn, he has started to play and likes to carry around toys with him. He is such a good-natured boy and would be happy in a house with or without other pets. The most important thing for Mahaska is to have someone who he can love and be loved by. Are you the loving, patient, and understanding person that will help Mahaska continue to grow in confidence? If so, you will be richly rewarded with lots of kisses and affection from this sweet, adoring boy. So fill out an application today, as he is now ready to be adopted!

05/12/2010: Our new foster, Mahaska, came to us from a commercial breeding facility one week ago. Despite living his whole life ignored and secluded in a substandard environment, this sweet boy loves people! When Mahaska first arrived, he was somewhat afraid and was a bit scared to come near me. But he wagged his tail a little to show me there was the spirit of a true Cairn in there longing to come out. By the next day, he would come closer to me but would skitter away before I could touch him. But Mahaska has been getting braver every day. He already follows me around and loves to lie next to me on the couch. He has scampered with my other Cairn a little and doesn’t mind our cat at all. Mahaska is a quiet dog and has only barked a few times, and even though he had never been on a leash before, he is already a great walking partner that doesn’t even pull! Mahaska is a handsome boy with beautiful, dark eyes. One of his ears stands up but the other ear is bent over and crumpled. I think this just adds to his charm. He recently had his teeth cleaned, was neutered, checked for heartworm, and had all his shots taken care of, thanks to Col. Potter. So keep your eye on Mahaska. He has made huge strides since he arrived just one week ago so I’m sure it won’t be long before he is ready to become someone’s loyal and loving companion.