Carin' for Cairns

Cairn Rescue USA 

Fourth Rainbow Edition
http://www.CairnRescueUSA.comFebruary-March 2016
In This Issue
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
ABBY (12/15)
BAILEY (2/17/16)
BAILIE (5/30/15)
BONNIE MAE (5/21/15)
CAPPY (2/9/14)
CROCKETT (7/5/15)
DEVIN (8/25/15)
DUNCAN (1/21/16)
GINNY (11/9/15)
JACK (5/6/15)
JUNIPER (5/30/15)
LUUCEEE (4/14/2005) & ROSIEVI (11/4/2015)
LUCY (4/14/15)
MACK (8/10/15)
MAGGIE (11/15)
MOLLY (9/10/15)
OZZIE (8/21/15)
RAGGS (8/30/15)
RILEY (8/27/15)
ROSS BENJAMIN (3/29/15)
RUSTY (8/22/15)
SADIE (11/15)
SCOOTER (11/19/15)
TRICIA (3/22/14)
TUFFY (1/31/16)
TWEED (8/15)
A TRIBUTE TO OUR RAINBOW DOGS IN PICTURES
A DOG'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT
Quick Links
Greetings From Vi:
Welcome to our fourth Rainbow Edition. Here we remember our Cairns and other canine companions who graced our lives with their unconditional love and devotion, but have passed on to the Rainbow Bridge in 2015 or early 2016 (with two from 2014). 
 
This is also the time when we re-confirm why we rescue Cairns. After reading these memorials, one cannot question the life-changing impact that these dogs have had on the people whose lives they touched. Our writers have courageously and selflessly shared the gift of their precious companions with you; their stories describe great love and great loss. There are no regrets or complaints, despite the illnesses, training challenges or other hurdles. Life without them would have been unthinkable.
 
Quotes from just three of the stories sum it up well: "Lucy taught us a lot about strength in the face of adversity and learning to deal with what life throws at you"..."For 10 years there was laughter in my house because of Scooter"..."Mack was our boy, our companion, our clown, our snuggler, and our teacher."
 
You will read the stories of twenty-seven dogs who have gone to the Bridge. In addition to the Cairns, there is a beagle, a Shih-Tsu, two Westies, and a Terrier mix. Our memorials are in alphabetical order by the name of the dog, with the owner's name and location following the story. You can enlarge a picture by clicking on it. The table of contents, to the left on this page, provides links to each story. A link to an album of all the dogs follows the last memorial. Importantly, you may need to read these memorials in more than one sitting.
 
The words in this short verse by Isla Paschal Richardson describe best why these Rainbow dogs will live on in our hearts forever: "Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you. I loved you so...'Twas heaven here with you."
 
Sincerely, 
Violetta Argueta
Cairn Rescue USA
Founder, President & CFO
 
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THE RAINBOW BRIDGE 

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

 

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

 

--Author Unknown  

ABBY (December, 2015)
Abby was a calm, quiet, sweet, pretty and petite CRUSA lady, born on 4/18/2000. She was first adopted in 2007 to an elderly couple who returned her 6 years later, at the age of 13, because she developed incontinence. Under the care of CRUSA foster mom, Deb Hodgens, and her vet, Abby's incontinence was brought under control and she was adopted at age 14 by Susan Shafer. Abby passed over the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 15. We thank Susan for giving this sweet senior girl a forever home. Rest in peace dear Abby.

(Click HERE for more pictures of sweet Abby).

-by Linda Savage on behalf of Susan Shafer, Catonsville, MD
BAILEY (February 17, 2016)
Bailey was born December 5, 2001. Sadly when he turned 12 years old, his owners took him to the vet to be euthanized because he was marking the toys of their new human baby. Fortunately for Bailey, the vet contacted CRUSA and convinced the owners to spare Bailey's life and surrender him to CRUSA instead. Bailey lived the next 2 years with his CRUSA foster dad, Bob McMurray. Although several people applied to adopt him, they all changed their minds for one reason or another, and in the Spring of 2015, while having a routine dental in preparation for yet another potential adoption, the vet found and removed a mass in Bailey's abdomen that turned out to be cancerous. His adoption fell through and 10 months later, as the cancer had spread, Bailey crossed to the Rainbow Bridge. We thank Bob McMurray for fostering this wonderful senior and for giving him the life and love he deserved. Rest in peace, dear Bailey.

-by Linda Savage on behalf of Robert McMurray, Holyoke, Massachusetts
BAILIE, aka Princess Bailie (May 30, 2015)
Bailie was born on August 9, 2001 and came into my life at 8 weeks old. She was a 3 pound ball of fluff! So tiny! I had been looking for a Westie and found her in Kentucky (before I knew about CRUSA). She was my "heart" dog. She made herself at home immediately and learned things quickly. She welcomed all the 75+ fosters
we had over the years, and even decided the two we kept were OK. Bailie would run, run, run after toys with the others, but then would always let them have the toys. She earned her nickname "Princess Bailie" for all the times she demanded to be picked up onto the bed, couch, etc. NO WAY was she using stairs, a ramp, or a bench to jump up. Instead, she would scratch the side of whatever she wanted up on, and make you pick her up. She was the queen of the pack, and would let the others know if she was tired of playing. She knew where her toys were at all times; she knew where "mommy's room" was; and she knew how to get her way! Bailie was by my side when I was happy, sad, or sick. She always seemed to know when I needed her to cuddle with me, and give me kisses. I still miss her so much...she will always be in my heart.
 
- by Tracie Cotton, Mount Juliet, Tennessee
BONNIE MAE (May 21, 2015)
My Bonnie Mae, born October 1, 1998, was my heart and soul. Even though I have other Cairns, my heart felt like it would never heal. As I write this, my tears fall. I was in Nashville at a conference when I received a call asking if I could pick up two Cairns and foster them. The moment I saw Bonnie Mae walk out that door, I knew she was mine! She was spunky and queen of the house. Everyone who met her wanted her. She knew she had me wrapped around her paw and I loved her more than anything in the world. Miss Thang, one of the names I called her, was one of a kind and I miss her more than words can say. I love you Pooh Bear; you will always be my baby girl.
  
-by Brenda J. Isaacs, Lexington, Kentucky
CAPPY (February 9, 2014)
Please remember Cappy. Our hearts break just looking at his picture - strong willed, kind spirit, big heart. His medical conditions were many and overtook him on February 9, 2014. Cappy came to us as a foster. His medication requirements were extensive and I was afraid it would be very difficult for someone to keep up with his treatment. We decided to keep him, love him and do all we could for him; for 1 1/2 years, that is what we did. Actually, we would not let anyone else have him.
 
He was too young to leave us. Cappy loved to chase squirrels, lick bowls, sit with my husband and sleep close to me. He loved the other dogs and they cared for and respected him; they probably knew he was leaving us before we did. Yes I have some scars from Cappy, but every one was worth it. Love you little buddy.
 
(Read about Cappy's beginnings with CRUSA HERE).
 
-by Judy Johnson, Louisville, Kentucky
CROCKETT (July 5, 2015)
A feisty, energetic furball, Crockett joined our family in 2002 and quickly let us know that we shouldn't judge him by his small stature. His outgoing personality came through when he would talk to us - I'm not sure we ever really learned his language, but he definitely understood ours. He took his self-imposed job of guarding our yard from passing trucks very seriously, and he was also vigilant in protecting us from pesky squirrel invaders. He used to chase them down the hill to the far end of our yard so fast that I honestly worried he might injure himself. Thankfully, that never happened.
  
Crockett enjoyed finding treats that we would hide for him. His talent at this made us think he might enjoy the Earthdog games, so we took him to a local competition and entered him into an introductory event. When it was his turn to try out the tunnel, Crockett promptly ran in and found a nice comfortable spot right in the middle to take a rest. I don't think the officials were too happy when they had to dig him out, but they declared him a "true terrier" to the chagrin of everyone watching. 
  
In 2011, a job change moved us to New Zealand. Animal import restrictions and housing complications made it impractical to take a dog along with us. Luckily, a dear friend offered to provide a foster home for Crockett while we were away. When we returned two years later, our little buddy was so happy to see us. I didn't think it was possible, but he had missed us just as much as we missed him.
  
Crockett's favorite activity was taking me for a walk through his neighborhood, so it was sad to watch him walk slower and slower each month during his last year, as the effects of arthritis and other ailments took hold. When the doctors had done all they could and their focus turned from curing to relieving pain, Crockett took one last walk and crossed the Bridge.
  
After 13 years together, there is an empty spot in our home and in my heart. Hardly a day passes that I don't miss my little pal, but I am comforted in knowing that he is no longer in pain. And I know dog heaven is better off with a veteran squirrel chaser added to their ranks.
  
-by Mike McNeill, Atlanta, Georgia
DEVIN (August 25, 2015) 
I would like to pay tribute to my beloved friend Devin who was the best companion I could have ever wished for. Devin was born June 22, 1999 and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in August of 2015. I am deeply despondent over my loss and hope the burden of my loss lessens with time.

I researched breeders in my area after my first Cairn baby, Odie, passed at the age of 15. I felt the urgent need to have another Cairn in my life and found Devin 3 weeks later in New Jersey farm country. The breeder was an old woman who had bred Cairns for 40 years, and lived on a well tended farm. She had two female Cairn puppies, one a very black brindle and the other a wheaten. The wheaten was very affectionate and playful and I almost took her. When I put her down to examine the black brindle, the wheaten stepped on her head. 

When the black one didn't complain at all - I knew that one was mine! I wanted to meet the puppies' parents, so the breeder brought out the mother dog. I thought that the little black Brindle would take off and head for the hills when I put her down, but she ran to her mom and gave her tons of kisses. Boy, did I love this dog.

I am a single woman with no kids, but this did not matter to Devin. She befriended and grew up with neighborhood kids who are now in their 20's. My condo complex has large areas for supervised play, and Devin played ball with everyone. She was so smart. Her best friend was our mailman, whom she would make me follow from unit to unit because she loved him and the treats he would bring for her. In her youth, Devin loved the dog parks, riding in the car, and visiting my late mother. Oh, I can't take any more losses.  

Devin was always calm and quiet. Housebroken immediately. Affectionate always. She got along well with neighborhood dogs - even kissing a few always! When she turned 16 in June, she looked great. I told my friends that I would have her long enough for her to VOTE! But that was not meant to be. She had a quick demise due to kidney failure. I had no choice but to put her down. 
  
It is very hard to be alone. I respect Devin a great deal and will wait a decent amount of time before I contemplate...yes, another Cairn. The picture above is the last one I took of Devin. It was taken in May to frame and give to our mailman who was retiring.
- by Selene Russo, Staten Island, New York
DUNCAN (January 21, 2016)
Duncan came to CRUSA in January 2012. His owner had died and the children had placed him in a shelter.  He was about 13 years old when he joined Deb Hodgens in Maryland as a foster pup. Debbie told us that Duncan was the "sweetest little old guy ever." She further explained, "He is blind and deaf. We call him The Little Prince, because he has to have his special bed just right; the water bowl has to have fresh water and be full; and he likes to be carried everywhere." Duncan also had a heart murmur and pancreatitis, but he remained the same sweet little guy throughout it all. He passed away from seizures on the morning of January 21, 2016. Rest in peace, sweet little Duncan. You are the embodiment of the true Cairn spirit and your gentleness and love is a model for us all. Thank you Deb for giving Duncan love and comfort in his remaining years.
 
(Click HERE to learn more about Duncan's earlier years).
 
-by Linda Savage on behalf of Deb Hodgens, Odenton, Maryland
GINNY (November 9, 2015)
Ginny was born in August 2006 and came to me as a foster, saved from a Missouri puppy mill by CRUSA in November 2010 (part of the "Lucky 13").
 
When I picked Ginny up, I put her inside my coat and she melted right into my heart. I was a 'failed foster' within a month. Ginny, named in memory of my mom, was a social butterfly and a little ball of sunshine. When her tail wagged, her whole body wagged with excitement. Ginny loved everyone she met. She is terribly missed by her sister, Izzy (another CRUSA rescue) and her whole family. Run free baby girl, run free.
 
Love forever, Momma.
 
-by Peg Emond (Muskegon, Michigan)

JACK (May 6, 2015)

Jack was a quiet soul - never one of those bouncy Cairns that barked and jumped around a lot - I don't think he actually barked at all for over a year! But his eyes never left me and he always followed me wherever I went.

Jack traveled back and forth from Florida to New Hampshire and out west as far as California with my friend and me - the perfect traveler. I have to say he was also the hardest dog to walk that I'd ever owned; if he didn't feel like moving it was like a 23 pound cement block on the end of the leash!

In 2013 Jack and I traveled to Arizona and again he was the perfect traveler. I could take him in a motel room, put down his travel bed and he knew it was home. He loved Arizona and particularly enjoyed teasing us; he wanted to come in the house but when you opened the door he would spin around and run away - I swear I could hear him laughing!  We went back for three winters and we loved it out there.

In the summer of 2014 he seemed even more reluctant to walk and I took him to the vet's for a checkup. She found a mass in his abdomen and an ultrasound confirmed a tumor on his spleen. They gave me three options and the only acceptable one to me was to operate and remove it! The operation went well and all the pathology reports came back clean. He seemed to feel better than he had in ages; he would actually run down the road with me, jump up on the porch, bounce to the door. He hadn't done that in a long time.

One night in February 2015 when I patted Jack I found lumps behind his jaw and somehow I just knew. The biopsy confirmed it was lymphoma and his time was limited. All I could think was how unfair it was that after the operation in September he had felt better than ever and now this! He was put on medication and the lumps subsided to an extent and he seemed to feel well. He was frail and had reached the point of not being able to walk in the snow. In that horrible winter of 2014/2015 I would get up around 2 am every night and carry him out. He was so good about it, even the one night I fell on the ice - he just quietly laid there waiting for me to regroup and get on with it.

It's hard to describe that last few months - all I did was shovel snow and take care of Jack. I crocheted a lot of scarves because it kept my hands busy while I kept him company on his journey. I had not expected him to live very long but he actually did very well until May - the house was papered with puppy pee pads because he couldn't reliably make it to the door but otherwise he ate and snoozed and seemed to be free of pain. Then on May 6th when we made our monthly visit it was obvious that it was time. I will be forever grateful to my wonderful vet. She got him a warm soft fuzzy blanket to lie on and brought him soft treats that he could chew. Then she helped him make the transition to the Bridge. He was ready even if I wasn't, and it was the last kindness I could do for him. I still miss his quiet little presence in my house although I will carry him in my heart until we meet at the Rainbow Bridge.

(For more pictures of sweet Jack, click HERE. Read about Jack's beginnings as Tinman with CRUSA HERE). 

-by Betsi Greene, New Hampshire
JUNIPER (May 30, 2015)
This is my Juniper. In May 1998, Mom and I drove to Lincairn Kennel in Knoxville, Tennessee to meet Juniper and bring her home. Juni and I bonded instantly. She was 9 months old (born 9/1/1997), full of vim and vigor and possessed the biggest doggie voice I ever heard. She also possessed the biggest heart and loved everyone around her, and everyone loved her.
  
She loved to take car rides and was the best traveler. She was a jumper! She jumped fences, dug the biggest holes, chewed up more toys to get the squeakers than any of my Cairns. She never just walked; she had a distinctive prance that was all June Bug.  After her cancer diagnosis and treatment, she went to the Rainbow Bridge on May 30, 2015.
 
Miss you every day, my Juni B.
 
-by Jean Buelterman, Cincinnati, Ohio
LUUCEEE (March 24, 2015) AND ROSIEVI (November 4, 2015)
Luuceee You Got Some 'Splainin' to Do
Born 2002
Luuceee
Gotcha Day - February 15, 2009
Her original name was Paris; her story is here - http://alldogssite.com/luvconnection302094.html
 
RosieVi the Shy
Born May 10, 1997
RosieVi
Gotcha Day - November 6, 2006
Her original name was Viola; her story is here - http://alldogssite.com/seniorsquad11061.html

Her last weekend with us, when she won a Howloween Costume Contest, is here - http://alldogssite.com/rosiewinscostumecontest10151.html
  
 
-by Andrea Denninger, Palm Harbor, Florida
LUCY (April 14, 2015)
Lucy
Lucy was a 7 year old owner surrender who came to us from Westie Rescue Missouri in April 2012. A few short months later, she went blind from Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration. We were devastated, but Lucy, full of "westietude", took it in stride and never slowed down. She was an avid squirrel chaser and could sniff them out even when we sighted humans could not find them. Lucy taught us a lot about strength in the face of adversity and learning to deal with what life throws at you, expected or otherwise! In December 2013, she was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease. After a valiant fight, Lucy joined our three other small terriers at the Rainbow Bridge in April 2015, one week shy of her third "gotcha day". We absolutely knew she was our last dog, but we had considering fostering when the pain of her loss had dulled a bit. 
 
Barney - Adopted from CRUSA in Jan 2016!
In October, as a result of a Facebook cross post, we learned about Barney, an 8 year old Cairn, miserably depressed in the Quincy Illinois shelter after an elderly owner was forced to surrender him. His story so touched our hearts that we agreed to foster him - our first foster. Well, one liver shunt and bladder stone surgery later, Barney is a permanent member of our family and we couldn't be happier. Rescue has brought us two wonderful little dogs to fill our home with love, laughter and terrier shenanigans. We are so grateful.
 
 -by Larry and Janet Eaton, Chicago, Illinois
MACK (August 10, 2015)
Mr. Mack, Mackleberry, MacTavish, Bubbie, Cuss (when he was cranky), or simply, Mack, was our sweet Cairn. He joined our family on a cold February night at the Hinsdale (IL) Tollway Oasis as a group of CRUSA rescues made their way up from a Missouri puppy mill in 2007. He was only a few months old at that time. He left us this past August after being diagnosed with an untreatable medical condition. The life lived between those dates touched the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him. Looking into Mack's perfect, brown terrier eyes, many saw an old soul. We had the sense that he had somehow been in our lives once before and that we had been reconnected, for what turned out to be too short a time.

Mackʼs life was filled with things he loved. He adored fleece blankets, and once even snuggled into a shopping bag filled with brand new fleece that we had purchased as gifts. Mack's favorite treat? Bacon, of course. Every Christmas, his aunt gave him a new fleece blanket and a package of precooked bacon -- sending him to Mack heaven! His red sweater was a favorite on cold winter days, and if that wasnʼt enough, heʼd lay on the heat vents. 

Mack adored his family too. He loved his Gracie-girl, our Kerry Blue Terrier, whom heʼd tussle with every morning, nipping at her neck to get her to play. He liked us to pick him up and let him fall asleep against our shoulders. A baby sling would have been perfect for him. 

One of Mack's funniest traits was his absolute love of television and computers. He would sit in front of the TV for hours if you let him, watching intently just like a human would. He loved hockey face-offs, National Geographic programs, and movies. Some of his favorite movies included Firedog, Snowdogs, westerns, war movies, and the Muppets. If a computer was on in the house, Mack wanted to be in your lap or on the desk, especially if YouTube was playing. Our laptops were always covered in nose prints. 
 
Mack was the quintessential terrier - stubborn, loyal, brave, loving, protective, gentle, spirited, and smart. He was a big dog in a little dogʼs body. He was our boy, our companion, our clown, our snuggler, and our teacher. Mack is and always will be, our beloved Scotsman.

-by Jim & Gina Lange, Willowbrook, Illinois
MAGGIE (November, 2015) 
Our "Maggie" was adopted on August 27th of 2006 from CRUSA. Having owned Cairns since I was a kid, I always loved these fun, feisty, independent and often selectively obedient little Toto dogs! She came to us after we lost our Cairn Wendy, who was almost 18. "Mag" was a totally different personality but truly all Cairn, full of energy and fun. We lived in the mountains of Utah, and Maggie, loving the outside, had several walks every day and many all-day outdoor adventures. She went everywhere with us - camping, backpacking, hiking, biking, fishing, and traveling. When taking her to outside dining at nice restaurants,  the manager would often tell us that she was so well mannered that she was always welcome. She was the perfect frequent flyer, taking 7 flights on commercial airlines with me. She rode on public transportation, trains, boats, and even went international to Canada! We joked that she should have had a frequent flyer number and a passport! 
 
At about 2 years old she started having some digestive issues and breathing problems. Maggie's diagnosis came back as Protein Losing Enteropathy and an enlarged heart. Being a professional nurse I knew that with good care she could still have a good life and be a typical Cairn, but her years would be limited. She started on a special diet, and even with her enlarged heart she loved playing ball. She would decide when she needed to rest. A true Cairn!
 
She loved everyone she met on her daily walks and everyone knew her name. She adjusted to our crazy lifestyle, moving with us from Utah to the Philadelphia area for several years, and then packing up our home and driving 4 days from Pennsylvaina to Arizona to our retirement home. What a trouper she was - just content no matter where she was, taking over guard dogging while still loving to curl up on our laps with 'her' blanket and snuggle.
 
In October this year we noticed that she was slowing down on her walks and just wasn't herself, so I took her to the vet for some lab work. It showed kidney disease had developed. With her Protein Losing Enteropathy her diet had to be high protein and low fat, and with the kidney disease she needed a low protein and high fat diet, not a good mixture. Within a couple of days her kidneys and pancreas failed and we lost our little Maggie.
 
We miss her terribly. The holidays were tough but we have so many special memories of her. When the time is right we know that another Cairn will be welcomed and loved.
 
'Thank You CRUSA' for all the work you do.
 
-by Deanna Messer, Prescott, Arizona
MOLLY (September 10, 2015)
Molly came into our lives in the summer of 2005 when she was surrendered to Cairn Rescue USA by a couple in Kansas who could not afford her bladder stone surgery. When I met her transport in Iowa, I was greeted by a sad and overweight little dog that was urinating blood and clearly not feeling well. We fostered her through her surgery and recuperation period and somewhere along the way, we realized that we were destined to flunk "fostering 101". We have many wonderful memories of Molly, most of which center around her obsession for food. Because of her bladder stone issues, she was on a very restricted diet which made her cravings for anything edible--and some things "not so edible"--all the more intense.
 
Within 3 minutes of 5 a.m. each and every morning, pitiful cries would emanate from her downstairs crate, signaling that it was time for breakfast. If her calls were not answered by 5:05, the whimpers would escalate into annoying yaps. Suffice it to say we never overslept when Molly was around!
 
This same scenario was repeated every day at 4:00 p.m. As soon as the Jeopardy theme music played, signaling the close of the show, Molly would race into the living room, throwing her backside from side to side and letting out deep, threatening growls that would subside only when we made our way into the kitchen to prepare her evening meal.  
 
Our "angel"...Our "pain in the butt"..."Skip's big sister and best cheerleader"..."Our Molly". She was all these things and so much more. We miss her every day.  
 
-by Jim and Shell Lewis, Geneva, Illinois
OZZY (August 21, 2015)
We received Ozzy from CRUSA ten years ago. When they called us to foster him, they called him "Monday" because that was the day of the week they found him wandering the streets. Ozzy was the sweetest, kindest little guy we had ever met. Everyone just adored him. Ozzy was with us through many life stages and transitions, just happy to go along for the ride. We lost him unexpectedly and were devastated for many weeks.
  
-by Katherine Lindsay, Culpeper, Virginia
RAGGS (August 30, 2015)
Raggs was rescued in April 2007 when he was about 2 years old. He was such a sweet boy who affected the lives of so many people. He is deeply missed and thought of every day.
 
 
 
-by Emily Cleary, Atlanta, Georgia
RILEY (August 27, 2015)
Riley joined our empty nest family in 2003 when she was 8 weeks old. She was a wild and fun puppy, but as she matured she became a very gentle and loving Cairn. Then one day in 2008, I became very ill, and that is when Riley and I became inseparable. She became my emotional support and with my wife's loving care, I was able to slowly recover. Over the next 7 years, Riley virtually never left my side. We did everything together. She was aging gracefully but then suddenly in July of 2015, her appetite decreased and she lost her energy. The vet told us that Riley developed kidney failure and severe anemia with a very low platelet count. On one of the saddest days of my life, Riley crossed the Bridge on August 27, 2015.
 
After a very lonely and depressing three weeks, I received a call from CRUSA's Shell Lewis, informing me that Sadie was available for adoption. My wife and I immediately accepted since we could not live without a Cairn. Sadie quickly became an absolutely wonderful member of our family, being loved by everyone, especially our grandchildren. It is as if Riley passed the baton to Sadie, who is now Riley's Angel.
 
A special thanks to Shell and Jim Lewis and foster parents Sue and Chris Stoughton for matching us with such an adorable Cairn so soon after we lost our precious Riley.
 
-by J. G. and Linda Kotynek, Union Pier, Michigan
ROSS BENJAMIN (March 29, 2015)
My little boy Ross Benjamin crossed the Rainbow Bridge on March 29, 2015. We adopted Ross from the Humane Society in Tampa and we think he was a 7 or 8 year old terrier mix. He did not survive his battle with cancer but left this world knowing he was loved and cared for. He was my constant companion and I miss him every day.  
  
The silver lining in this dark cloud was our adoption of Sam through Cairn Rescue USA. Sam was dropped off at the local animal control facility for being too old. Sam is 10 but very active and full of life!  Every day for Sam will now be a great day as he is loved and cared for.
 
(Click HERE for more pictures of Ross Benjamin and Sam).
 
-by Scott Greenwood, Florida
RUSTY (August 22, 2015)
Rusty was born on April 14, 2001, and I adopted him from a
Rusty at age 3-how he looks again now at the Bridge!
patient of mine when he was 9 months old. My patient was 80 years old, and since his wife's death, his Dalmatian who had recently passed away at 16 had been his constant companion.

His children thought a new dog would fit the bill, but a beagle puppy was too much. He tried and kept him for 5-6 months; the pup was VERY smart, trained and loved. So I called my hubby from office hours, confirmed I would not need a divorce attorney if I came home with Rusty and that's how he entered our family!
 
Rusty was terribly smart; he actually solved problems. It was amazing. Had we not both worked full time, he could have easily been search and rescue. Rusty was a constant companion, playmate and home protector until a few weeks before his death. He battled sarcoma three times, but the last time he was too old. It went internal and our steadfast buddy let us know it was time.
 
-by Dawn Mutchko, Abescon, New Jersey
SADIE (November 2015)
Sadie (aka Sadie Lady, Sadie-kins, and Girlie-girl) came into our lives and hearts as a puppy in June of 2000 (born in March 2000). We wanted a companion for our then 12 year old cairn, Skooter. Skooter was always an only dog, so his world was turned upside down by our new addition. It took a little time for the old man to get used to his new little sister, but when he did, life was grand. For 6 years, she kept him young and he kept in line! Then at the age of 18, it was Skooter's time to go to the Rainbow Bridge. We were all heartbroken, but Sadie was truly devastated. She would look for him and sit in the yard and cry. We knew we had to get a companion for her, just as she had been for Skooter.  
 
We stumbled upon CRUSA searching for rescue options. In the summer of 2006, we welcomed Baxter into our hearts. Oh my, what a welcoming! Sadie was the mildest mannered, gentle, and loving little girl you could ever meet. Two year old Baxter came into our lives like a wild man. Sadie was probably thinking 'what is this nut doing in my house?'  Baxter had many triggers that set him off - hawks, fireworks, snowflakes, rain, thunder, Natasha Bedingfield's song Unwritten, and more! But as time passed, Sadie and Baxter became best buddies. Although 10 pounds lighter, Sadie was the boss and would put him in his place if he got too rambunctious.  
 
Sadie's favorite toys were floppy Frisbees. She could play for what seemed like hours, while Baxter was enjoying his favorite toys - the moles in the yard. Sadie never once killed a mole, while Baxter to date is approaching 100. Sadie did assist on many a hunt; she would point them out to Baxter and he would do the dirty work. They loved their walks together; Baxter looking for other dogs to play with and Sadie wanting the human attention. We would take them to Small Dog Social night at the local Humane Society. Sadie would spend the whole time greeting people while Baxter tried to steal all the toys from the other dogs, while occasionally peeing on something.
 
Sadie was a very healthy dog although she did have some dental issues, resulting in the removal of her front teeth which earned her the nickname Bumble. She was a favorite of our vet, and our dog sitters just adored our little girl. Words cannot express the sweetness of that 15 pound pup.  
 
In January 2015 we had Sadie in for her yearly exam. Her blood work came back with slightly elevated kidney numbers. By November, she had progressed to end stage kidney failure and turned uremic. We made the heartbreaking decision to put her down before she suffered any further. Our hearts are torn apart by her passing and we still find ourselves calling for her. Baxter is doing his best to cheer us up, but I think his heart is just as broken. Someday in the not so distant future we will find a playmate for him as well. Rest in peace Sadie-kins, you will always be in our hearts.
 
(Click HERE for an album of sweet Sadie and her friends.)
 
-by Laura and Jeff Taschner, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
SCOOTER (November 19, 2015)
Scooter was my first foster Cairn. He came to me in Green Bay, Wisconsin on August 14, 2005 when he was almost 5 years old, a CRUSA owner surrender born on October 16, 2000. It was just the two of us - no other humans or animals. Soon after Scooter came, there was a turnaround in our relationship. I went to work at 4 pm, with Scooter and his necessities locked in the kitchen. At 9 pm, I returned for a break. Scooter was sleeping on the couch in the living room. How the h*ll? He had opened the Pocket Door, but nothing was amiss in the house! Thereafter, every time I left him in the kitchen, he was sleeping on the couch when I returned. So, Scooter had free rein of my home within a week. In 10 years he never messed with my "stuff".

Scooter was my fourth Cairn. I adopted him because "I deserved a break" from the first 3 sassy Cairns that came before him. He was such a good boy! I was very interested in positive training and Cairn handling, so for 10 years Scooter and I were teacher and student. Sometimes, I was the student, sometimes Scooter was the student. We took turns!
  
Oh my, we had so much fun, just the two of us! We traveled to Cairn training seminars, Midwest Cairn festivals, car shows, fireworks shows, boat rides, and even a live butterfly exhibit. We frequented the grocery store, because "when you are a good boy, you can go in the store." Scooter wore Doggles and rode in a basket on the back of my bike - just like Dorothy and Toto. We went to the graveyard to walk amongst the flowers, and watched waves and sundowns from the shore of the bay. Scooter even went to church, sitting under my lawn chair in an outdoor service.
  
In 2010, Scooter and I met Russell, and our world got even larger. Scooter rode on the Harley and the snowmobile, and in the Dodge truck (oh how he loved that truck). Russell always tells friends that "Scooter was the baddest Cairn in 13 counties" - because he was such a good boy! (Later he had to say 'in 12 counties', because of Scooter's attendance at the church service, hehehehe).
  
All this fun AND work, too! Scooter was foster brother to 10 foster Cairns from 2006 to 2011. He taught many of the puppy mill Cairns that life as a pet was great! For 10 years, there was laughter in my home because of Scooter. He loved the sound of laughter; he initiated it daily, even when he was old and tired.
  
Scooter was not a lap Cairn, but I was okay with his independent ways. He suffered pancreatitis and arthritis in the last 4 years of his life. But the vet's office was a happy place for him. He felt the care and love from the health angels. Russ and I released his painful body to be a spirit in the meadow at the Rainbow Bridge on November 19, 2015. We miss him so much...talk about him and say his name every day. Our hearts still hold on to him forever.

(Note: The word "Dog" is not located anywhere in this memorial. In my mind, dogs and Cairns are two different animals. Think about it!)
 
-by Carla Luedeman, Green Bay, Wisconsin
TRICIA (March 22, 2014) 
Tricia was born on 9/12/2002. She was a sweet girl who loved everyone. She would get so excited when we went for a walk. She would wiggle, cry and wag her tail when she saw someone. Her favorite past time was playing with her ball. I would put the ball away for the night, but first thing in the morning she would wait for me to give her the ball so she could play all day.
  
In March of 2014 Trisha became ill; she stopped eating. I took her in for a checkup and found she had Lymphoma. March 22nd was a very sad day for me. Two years prior to that my husband had passed away, and she was another link that was gone between us. She was the last Cairn we had together. Since then I have adopted a CRUSA Cairn Molly, who gives me great joy. She gives me a reason to get up in the morning!
  
-by Pat Stoker, Racine, Wisconsin
TUFFY (January 31, 2016)
Tuffy was a 16 1/2 year-old Shih Tzu who belonged to a neighbor named Louellen. When I walked my Yorkie, Jake, he and Tuffy would pull and jump to be together. Louellen had beginning stages of Alzheimer's; there were evenings I had to help her get inside her home. When Tuffy was 3 he stayed with us for extensive periods while Louellen was hospitalized. With my assistance, Tuffy snuck in the hospital to visit her and helped her rally enough to come home for a bit. Soon Louellen was in a long term care facility and Tuffy was here with us for the next 13 1/2 years. Tuffy visited her twice a week for 27 months until she passed.
 
When this great, little, sweet, adorable baby let me know that he was ready to pass, my vet Elizabeth Bond opened her clinic just for Tuffy, and my daughter met us there. There was peace and love and sadness as Tuffy crossed to see his buddy Jake and his Louellen at age 16 years, 6 months, 24 days. I truly gave him the best life I could. His little bed is so empty.
 
(Click HERE for more pictures of Tuffy).
 
-by Judy Johnson, Louisville, Kentucky
TWEED (August 2015)
Tweed was born in September 2000. She came into our lives in June 2001 as a young pup of nine months. She put up with a very rambunctious boy as he transitioned from the age of three through seventeen. She was with me through hard times and good times. The best companion ever! I'll never find a love like that again. I hope that she knew how much she was loved. She is missed dearly every day.
 
-by Tonya Primeaux, Mobile, Alabama

A TRIBUTE TO OUR RAINBOW DOGS IN PICTURES 

Please click HERE (and then choose Slideshow for best results) for a beautiful album of those dogs we remember and pay tribute to in this issue. Thank you to all who shared their memories and their love through their stories.


THE FINALE!

Email your CRUSA events or fundraisers here.

 

Thanks to our Carin' for Cairns Writers and Contributors: 

Heartfelt thanks to all of the people who shared the love and memories of their Cairns and other Rainbow dogs with our readers. Thank you to newsletter writers Maria Sanders, Catherine Dunkerley, and Jackie Stidham for their work in pulling all the stories and pictures together. Thank you to Bob Shire for writing and sending out our reminders.  


Marilyn Royle, Editor in Chief  

 

Are you a creative or journalistic writer? Join our editing staff! Email us at eNews@CairnRescueUSA.com

 

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 for more information.

 

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