Carin' for Cairns
News from Cairn Rescue USA
October 2021
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Welcome, CRUSA Friends, to the October 2021 issue
Howdy everyone! Hoping y'all are having a great fall - BUT - if you're in need of a break from your back-to-work or back-to-school routine you may find the answer in this issue, so read on!
We will be accepting donations for our CRUSA Annual Benefit Auction on Facebook from now until October 31st, and the auction opens on November 4th. The link to our Auction page is HERE! It's great fun to check out our auction page every day, just to see what new items have been added, and to check on any bids that you made the previous day. Just ask to join if you are not yet a member and start donating items to help our CRUSA Cairns. Check out our article below for more information. In other news, we've also been privileged to partner with Broome County Humane Society in NY to rescue 7 Cairn adults and 7 puppies. More on that also follows below, and keep posted on the latest by checking our Facebook page daily.
Next, comes a section on Senior Cairns - where we focus on seniors in all their glory. The article "Seniors are the Best" starts us off, and is followed by the story of 16 year old Captain Rex. He was left on the street to fend for himself, but his new life with foster parents Sue and Ken Alley in Missouri will restore your faith in your fellow humans again. A Happy Ending on 9 year old Jake in Washington is a story about a 9 year old senior whose loving owners make their busy lives work for him. Following Jake's story are two more articles on caring for senior Cairns written by Carin' for Cairns authors who are honored to provide loving forever homes to the CRUSA seniors entrusted to their care. You will love hearing about the September Cairnfest, whether you could attend or not. Thank you to the Lake Family and to all the Cairns and their people who attended the Cairnfest in Lannon, Wisconsin. We then report on our Contest "Why Cairns think they are big dogs", announcing the winner and including all the terrific entries we received.
On behalf of our CRUSA Family and the CRUSA Board of Directors, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support - through 'times of covid' and periods where few Cairns come into rescue and times when they are coming in faster than we can keep up, you continue to support CRUSA and to give us all the encouragement and financial support we need to keep on going and helping this incredible, amazing breed. Keep up the great work, and don't forget to volunteer in any way that you can. (Donations are always welcome, too!) Our Cairns will love you forever!
Love y'all!
Brenda Jo Isaacs (BJ)
President
Cairn Rescue USA
Help a needy Cairn in 2021 by making a tax deductible donation to Cairn Rescue USA. The CRUSA Cairns will be forever grateful to you.
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CURRENT NEWS: Cairns from Broome County (NY) Humane Society
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We want to give a HUGE "THANK YOU" in gratitude to The Broome County Humane Society (BCHS) (NY) for their safekeeping and care of seven beautiful Cairn Terrier adult dogs and seven adorable Cairn Terrier little puppies. We picked up these dogs Friday, September 17 and we are most appreciative of the grace and ease with which they were transferred to CRUSA's care per the breeder/owner's request.
In recognition of the BCHS's support, we ask that you donate to the shelter to continue their work for the future safekeeping of other animals in need. https://www.paypal.com/donate/...
NOTE: Cairn Terriers are always in high demand as they are a fabulous breed. 5 of the 7 puppies will be going to the families that previously had deposits for them because that’s what we agreed with the BCHS in order to have them released to us, and the remaining 2 have been matched. Of the adult Cairns, one of them has been placed and several of the other 6 have been matched and are having meets and greets. Unfortunately all but one of the puppies and 3 of the adults caught kennel cough at the shelter because no matter how clean a shelter is, if a dog is unvaccinated (and these dogs were), it can come into contact with other dogs’ germs and fall ill, so all puppies are being treated in their foster home with liquid Amoxi, and the adults have been taking Amoxicillin too. We are spay/neutering all of them, several need dentals and one needed two bladder stones removed. You can find more information about these Cairns on our Facebook page.
If you would like to help with the vetting of the 13 dogs that CRUSA has taken in, please click HERE to donate.
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IN THE KNOW: Seniors are the BEST!
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Editor's Note: Our author writes about her experiences with her beautiful Cairn, Cali, in Cali's senior years. Kate said “goodbye” to Cali in March of 2021 when she was almost 17 years old. May your memory be a blessing to all of us, Cali.
Let's face it, when you bring a puppy home, you don’t think of them getting old. Everything revolves around training, keeping them out of trouble, and away from your shoes! So it came as a surprise how much I enjoyed my Cairn Terrier, Cali, in her senior years. There was such sweetness and calm about her, and so much unconditional love.
Granted, Cali didn't see or hear the way she used to, and she required lots of medication. There were also more vet visits in the last four years of her life than there were in her entire life. But I wouldn't trade that time together for a minute. If I had the chance to do it again, I would do so in a heartbeat, even for an extra day!
The veterinarians' and my philosophy of taking care of Cali was to keep her happy, healthy, comfortable, and stable. That was our motto.
If you're thinking about bringing a senior pup into your life, be prepared that no matter how much work is required, whether it's medication or vet visits, your senior pup will give you back 100 times what you give and will find a special place in your heart.
Another benefit is that your belongings are safe. Older dogs lose their taste for shoes!
Here are a few suggestions to make life easier with an older dog:
- Develop a good relationship with your veterinarians. They are your partners in keeping your dog happy, healthy, comfortable, and stable.
- Sign up for CareCredit and/or pet insurance, so you aren't faced with uncomfortable financial decisions. And for pet insurance, sign up when your dog is still young, so you won't have conditions excluded from coverage as pre-existing.
- Find a pet support system as some days taking care of an aging dog can be stressful. You'll want a safe place to talk.
- If you're able, consider options such as home cooking, acupuncture, laser, physical therapy, and other supplemental treatments to improve the quality of your dog’s life.
- Listen and learn to trust your intuition for decision-making.
- Take lots of photos and videos and share them on social media.
So, the next time you have an opportunity to bring a senior pup into your life, run, don’t walk. Share the love.
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HAPPY ENDING: Captain Rex - Once was Lost but now he's found
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Sue Alley in Missouri isn’t certain where the 16-year-old Captain’s “title” came from, but he is certainly the captain of his new home, which he shares with foster Mom Sue’s adopted Westies Sally, Ellie and Dolly. Sue and her husband Ken have been fostering for Westie Rescue of Missouri for 10 years. She estimates she has fostered about 150 dogs to date. Sue was a hospice CNA (certified nursing assistant) before she retired, and she currently fosters only “hospice” Westies and now Cairns. About seven years ago she was contacted by CRUSA's Shell Lewis to foster senior Betty, who’d been in a Missouri shelter for over a month. That’s when Sue’s connection to CRUSA began.
Rex came to CRUSA'S attention through one of our Westie rescue partners in Missouri. The little 16-year-old Cairn was at Kansas City Pet Project's shelter, and they were looking for a breed rescue to take him in due to his many medical problems. In addition to being heartworm positive, Rex also had significant skin and eye problems as well as an enlarged heart. Seniors are Sue’s specialty, and she had expressed an interest in fostering a senior for CRUSA, so all the stars were aligned for the Captain that day. Pilot Jim of Pilots N Paws flew "Captain Rex" to Sue on July 14th.
We are certain Sue’s eyes light up when she speaks of Rex. She says, “Rex is fabulous, although health wise he is a ‘train wreck’”. She compassionately cares for Rex, determined to let him know there are humans who will never let him down again.
He still trembles uncontrollably and becomes terrified if something unexpected happens, but he is a delightful and easygoing companion as he becomes used to his foster home. When he arrived, he had no hair, there was a growth on his head, and he couldn’t walk due to his curved spine. A BB was found lodged in his shoulder. Obviously, this severely abused senior Cairn had an incredible desire to find happiness, no matter how long it took him.
Today, Rex is a new dog. He prances and jumps for joy around Sue, following her everywhere. He loves to play. With his sweet and easygoing demeanor, one cannot imagine what he has gone through. The present is what he lives for and his life is now his dream come true.
When asked why she fosters dogs whose lives are in their last phase, Sue says “so I can give them a good life while they still have time. I love the terrier personality and I love seniors.”
Sue’s foster dogs share incredible experiences living the last phases of their lives with this remarkably compassionate foster parent. Thank you, Sue, from CRUSA and from all the dogs to whom you have given the greatest days of their lives.
Click HERE for more pictures of the Captain! |
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HAPPY ENDING: Jake makes a difference for this family!
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"I don't think I could adopt an older dog;
I would be too afraid of losing him"
It's a sentiment we often hear when from prospective adopters and one that anyone who has gone through the emotional turmoil of caring for, and losing, an older dog can appreciate. But Nicole Reed of Bremerton, Washington sees things a bit differently.
In early 2020, Nicole and her wife Jessica adopted an elderly blind and deaf shih tzu mix named Penn. Soon after, Penn developed a huge mass in his abdomen that quickly spread to the rest of his organs. Less than 3 months later, he was gone.
Despite the difficult loss, Nicole and Jessica were intent upon helping another senior dog. Enter Jake! An 11 year old Cairn was surrendered to CRUSA by his owner when he was diagnosed with diabetes. Foster dad Lance LaRowe of Monroe WA took Jake under his wing, administered his twice-daily insulin injections and soon Jake was up for adoption on Petfinder.com where he was discovered by Nicole. She recalls her reaction upon seeing the handsome brindle boy. . .
"One look at his sweet face and I knew we had to know more about him! His description as a loving, sweet boy who is full of kisses sounded like a perfect fit for our family."
Today, Jake is a permanent member of Nicole and Jessica's family which also includes two senior felines. Like most young couples, Nicole and Jessica are busy with careers and activities. Jessica is a nuclear engineer on naval submarines. Nicole works from home managing a Colorado-based mortgage broker company. The couple loves to eat out, hike, boat and enjoy the natural beauty of Washington. But as Nicole explains, Jake is always the priority...
"With Jake's diabetes, he needs an insulin shot every 12 hours, immediately following his breakfast and dinner. While it limits our schedule to some extent, it is easy to plan around. It's also important to keep Jake moving with regular exercise, so we go for a long walk after his morning shot and either a long walk or a trip to the dog park every evening. Special needs dogs are so full of love and light. Knowing that every day I am making a difference in Jake’s life fills my heart. I cannot begin to describe how he has changed my life in the 4 weeks he’s been here. ‘Rewarding’ doesn’t even begin to describe it.”
(For more pictures of Jake and his new family, click HERE)
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The Care and Feeding of a Senior Cairn |
One of the first things to consider when talking about senior dogs is, when is a dog considered a senior? Generally giant breeds become seniors at 4-5 years while toy breeds wouldn’t be considered senior until 10-11. Cairns are generally considered senior at 9-11. (The author's CRUSA Cairn Sadie Grace is pictured. She turned 15 on August 15!)
There are many steps you can take to make your Cairn’s Senior years the best they can be. Older dogs often have arthritis and a new bed can make a big difference. An orthopedic bed is a good choice. They are stiffer and provide more support, while making it easier for your dog to get up. Consider placing the bed in a quiet place where your dog can rest and sleep without being disturbed.
Hard wood floors tend to be slippery and can cause accidents and injuries. Help your dog navigate slick areas by placing small bath mats with non-slip bottoms or yoga mats in strategic places. And, don’t forget your dog’s toenails! The nails should be kept short and rounded so that the pads of the paws fully engage the floor. Your vet can also prescribe medicines that will help reduce your pet’s pain and improve mobility. Glucosamine and chondroitin are supplements that vets often suggest to improve joint function.
Older dogs can develop problems with their eyesight often associated with cataracts. If your Cairn does lose eyesight you can place air fresheners in your rooms, each with a different scent. This can help orient your dog by using their sense of smell to tell them where they are. Seniors also need exercise and activity to remain healthy physically and mentally. Exercise should be tailored to your dog’s abilities. Observe him or her to make sure he is not overdoing it, but getting enough to help keep him from getting obese. Obesity can aggravate arthritis, and make your dog prone to diabetes. So exercise along with attention to diet are very important.
As your beloved pet ages, eating habits and dietary needs are changing. Seniors need lower calories and higher fiber content in their diets. Yogurt mixed into food can help the gut to produce healthy bacteria. Aging dogs have reduced energy requirements, and this can cause obesity. For snacks try vegetables and fruit except for grapes and raisins. Senior foods usually have higher quality protein sources than regular food. This helps maintain muscle mass and weight without putting too much strain on the kidneys.
Our older dogs can also develop Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or dementia. You can help your dog by engaging him mentally with play and puzzle games (see article below for more on this topic). Patience and understanding will go a long way toward making your dog feel loved and appreciated. A yearly or twice yearly checkup with your vet is necessary to make sure that sure any problems can be caught early and treated. Don’t neglect your dogs teeth either. Dental disease can cause inflammation and bacterial infection that can affect not only his mouth, but other systems in his body, including his heart.
So love and celebrate your Senior dog. Make his last years comfortable and full of fun and attention. Watch him closely to make sure you catch any problems early on. Enjoy this precious stage of life with him or her as you enjoyed all the previous ones!
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Due to improved vet care and dietary habits, pets are living longer than ever before. But at about the age of seven, the glucose metabolism in their brains begins to change in ways that can affect their memory, learning, awareness and decision making. And research shows that dogs, like people, can experience excessive boredom, stress, depression and apathy.
Dogs of all ages instinctively love to learn, and it’s especially important to keep older dogs engaged in learning in order to fight boredom and help slow down the aging of their brains. “Brain games” such as interactive toys that require a dog to move a puzzle piece or roll a cube to release a treat are great for older dogs. You can also challenge your dog to learn new tricks or to routinely do tricks that he knows.
Another easy and effective way for you to keep your senior engaged is to expose him to different environments or objects which stimulate his various senses. Take him outside on different routes where he’ll encounter new sights, sounds and smells. Take him for rides in the car. Buy him a new toy or two.
Assuming he’s compatible with other dogs, interaction with and the company of another dog or dogs can be very stimulating for your senior. You can arrange play dates. You can even bring a new dog into your family. Dogs are pack animals who like to play, sniff and sleep near each other, and research has shown that pets with buddies live longer and have fewer medical problems than those without.
Just because your senior is presently a couch potato, don’t assume that he won’t respond favorably if you take the initiative to get him more engaged. And that engagement will prove to be a big plus for both him and you.
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Cairnfest 2021: A Good Time was had by all!!
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It was an incredible day for the 25 Cairns and their human companions who came along to enjoy the festivities, as we celebrated our love for Cairns and enjoyed being together on this beautiful day. The weather was perfect and the company was outstanding.
Sincere thanks to Colleen and Christopher Lake for their outstanding generosity and hospitality. We cannot thank you enough for opening your home to all.
If you could not attend, enjoy the day through the video attached. And next year, Colleen has already set a date!
Mark your calendars for Saturday September 10, 2022.
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CRUSA ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION:
Have fun and help CRUSA Cairns!
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How Do I Join? If you have a Facebook account but are not yet a member of the auction group, you can join by clicking https://www.facebook.com/groups/CRUSACBA or by searching on Facebook for CRUSA Benefit Auction.
Next click the box in the right-hand corner which says "Join." The auction administrators will approve your request. Then, check out the tab called Photos to see some of the great items already donated. If you are already a member of the CRUSA benefit auction group, you can invite others to join by clicking "Invite By Email."
If you do not have a Facebook account, you can set up a temporary account and delete it after the auction is over, once you have received any items won.
What Can I Donate? Many of you ask what items will bring the most bids. Cairn Terrier items, art (such as prints of Cairns or even non-dog related themes), crafts, one-of-a-kind items, and jewelry in general tend to raise the most money.
How Do I Donate? You can post pictures of your donations yourself on the auction site, or send a message to Perla Chiaffitella, our incredible auction administrator (either on Facebook or to Perla's email address HERE) and she will post them for you. Remember to include shipping information in the description (i.e. if you as the donor will pay for shipping or if the winning bidder will).
If you are a WINNER, Perla will notify you with further instructions on making your payment. We take checks or PayPal (using Send Money to Friends and Family). Have a great time helping our CRUSA Cairns. Just in time for the holidays!
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CAIRN BEHAVIOR CONTEST: We have a winner!
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In our latest Cairn contest we asked you:
WHY DO CAIRNS THINK THEY'RE BIG DOGS?
We had some terrific entries, but the winner by split decision of the judges is Kathy Falcone of Olathe, Kansas. Kathy waxed lyrical in the following ode to her CRUSA Cairn Fanny (See Fanny's picture attached):
The Stuff of Giants
Fanny is exceedingly gentle and polite
A blissful creature all day and all night
She waits for ‘okay’ before eating every meal
Though I never once asked for such an appeal
She waits as well for me to settle in bed
Before nestling atop me to rest her sweet head
Before lightning strikes and thunder booms
Her all-consuming fear overtakes the room
Yet she is the stuff of giants, so immense is her soul
She knows just who she is and when to take control
Because beneath her loving and delicate exterior
Lies a fierce, mighty and protective Cairn Terrier
Congratulations Kathy! All of the entries may be found BELOW and our judges will be parleying with their Cairns to come up with an idea for our next contest.
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ALL ENTRIES: Why Do Cairns Think They're Big Dogs?
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Only a wee dog who thinks they are BIG would chase and jump to catch planes flying high, climb trees after pesky squirrels, tell another four times their size ‘that bone is mine’, jump on top of a doghouse but never go inside, fly through the air to catch a ball, chase away big waves at the beach, and always protect their family…. between cuddles. Dulie is my BIG, wonderful CRUSA Cairn baby boy!
Sue Gordon and Cairns Dulie and Lacey
Remsenburg, NY
“Don’t even think about it! I’m not going to let you get even close."
Flora Lucas and Cairn Molly
St. Charles, IL
Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet:
“For there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.”
Cairns understand the text to mean:
"For there is nothing either big or small but thinking makes it so."
Liza Lagunoff and Cairn Sally
New York, NY
Who am I to be concerned about my short legs and small stature? Not I, says the mighty Cairn. I will fiercely take on any battle. Bring it on, and then, move out of my way so I can take on the next foe in my path. My job: to put fear in your heart, so you, big dog or human, go running in fear with your tail between your legs, never to be heard from again.
Anonymous
Cairns have big personalities,
And they know it and flaunt it,
So when it comes to their size,
They’re oh so wise,
That they know they have no limit.
Anonymous
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Adoptions and Fosters for September/October 2021 |
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ADOPTIONS
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Bethany - fostered and then adopted by Maria Bouma in Michigan
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Daisy - adopted by Ann Thorson of Wisconsin, fostered by Flora Lucas in Illinois
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Grover (Now Max) - fostered and then adopted by Charle and Carol Scimone of Michigan
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Hamish - adopted by Marianna Peterson in Illinois, fostered by Ellen Anderson in Wisconsin
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Izzy (formerly Isabel) - adopted by Brenda Tlapa and fostered by Colette Liska and family, all in Illinois
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Karen - fostered and then adopted by Linda and Richard Holder in Kentucky
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Rugger - adopted by Milt and Betsy Diegel in Wisconsin and fostered by Justine Rowland and Christopher Walls in Illinois
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Sugar Pop (Cairn mix) - adopted by Marianna Peterson of Illinois and fostered by Belinda Cheatham of Illinois
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MIDWEST
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Captain Rex in Missouri, fostered by Sue Alley (see story above about Rex's wonderful life with the Alley Family!)
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Jude (Cairn mix) in Illinois, fostered by Belinda Cheatham
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Little Shawn in Illinois (Cairn mix) - fostered by Kristin Duffy
NORTHEAST
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Abby in New Jersey, fostered by Vi Argueta
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Aretha in New Jersey, fostered by Vi Argueta
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Bing in Maryland, fostered by Debbie Hodgens
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Buddy (Toto) in Maryland, fostered by Debbie Hodgens
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Leo in New Jersey, fostered by Vi Argueta
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Ozzie in Maryland, fostered by Debbie Hodgens. Ozzie has recurring bladder stones
SOUTHEAST
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Siri in Kentucky, fostered by Brenda Jo Isaacs
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Tanya (TT) in Kentucky, fostered by Brenda Jo Isaacs
WEST
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Laurel in Arizona, fostered by Sonia Kungli
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Toby in Utah, fostered by Dyane Frig. Very sadly, Toby went to the Bridge in September. "Our sincere thank you to Dyane for her tireless dedication to Toby for almost 2 years"
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Walter in Washington, fostered by Lance LaRowe, previously fostered by Chris Stark in California
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Wiley in Colorado, fostered by Heather Shea
In addition to our dedicated foster homes, we'd like would like to extend an added "thank you" to Midwest volunteers Jenna Miller, Sherri Casterline and Colette Liska for going above and beyond to assist with transport and overnighting our canine charges.
Check our Facebook page for CRUSA dogs. Note there still remains a CRUSA waiting list, so please put in an application (click button below) to go on our list. Petfinder is also a great resource for all available dogs, but you must contact the rescue or shelter directly if you are interested in a dog on Petfinder.
If you have never adopted or fostered with CRUSA before, please click the button below and fill out the application for adoption. If you have adopted or fostered from CRUSA, no need to fill out an application again - just email info@cairnrescueusa.com.
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Daisy adopted by Ann Thorson |
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Tanya available for adoption |
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QUICK LINKS:
WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS to this issue:
Lance LaRowe, Donna Smith, Sandra Kurlovech, Lisa Bernstein, Judy Grimes, Bob Shire, Janet Eaton, Deb Jarc, Delonna Darsow, Shell Lewis, BJ Isaacs, Linda Savage, Marilyn Royle, Vi Argueta
Marilyn Royle, Editor in Chief
Cairn Rescue USA is a national 501(c)(3) Dog Rescue for Cairn Terriers and "mostly Cairn" mixes of all ages and backgrounds. Visit www.CairnRescueUSA.com and our Facebook Page for more information.
Contact Us:
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