C-Chriscairn

Chris and Garry,

I thought you might be interested in what the Diamonds in the Ruff club president said in a email sent to the members of the club. Here is part of it:

A BIG HUGE thank you to both Jae and Jeannette for bringing 2 retired
Cairns out of retirement so that we all had a chance to run our dogs.
There is NO WAY that we would have been able to race as many dogs or
enjoy any of these successes with out them!! Rascal and Bailey ran
incredibly well and really made the weekend for us! Jae made the comment
that it was just like racing in previous years because the dogs did so
well on points and that was certainly the case. We ALL cannot thank you
enough! And I will say again - ANY time they want a little time in the
racing lanes they will always be welcome.

I thoght you would like to know that Rascal got 551 points this weekend which brings her total points to 11391. She did us all proud. She is such a great girl. Even with her terrible underbite it never was a problem for the ball crazy girl to catch the ball.

Jae

Rascal and Duncan

Hi there;

It has been so busy here with the new addition to our family. I just wanted to let you know that Emma is a dream dog and she has stolen our hearts. She fits perfectly into our family. She has exactly the personality we were hoping she would. She hasn't fully figured out the house breaking stuff yet...but we are all working on it....but we sure don't feel bad when we were speaking with a neighbor who has a one year old purebred Yorkie that isn't housebroken (also named Emma we found out). Emma is very clever, loves everyone and melts your heart. I am sending a couple of pictures. Please register her as Chriscairn's Emerald Isle. I will keep you updated.

Pippin & I have made it safely home. He was such a good boy on the trip. Not a peep out of the little lad. He is such a love. You guys have done such an outstanding job with him.

We really thank-you both for letting us have Pippin. He is a real joy. He is fitting right in!! I am having to keep a close eye on him and my gr. shep she wants to play play play and so does he but she is big big big.

I was really pleased to meet Chris. I know she must just be wonderful with dogs because it really shows with Pippin.

Again thank-you Garry & Chris & Poppit and Charlie. We couldn't be more happy!! XXX & Family

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx arrived in Nova Scotia on November 10th 2000. He was about 12 weeks old at that time.

We have not experienced any health problems with Skye, he is very healthy. Skye is a very happy, intelligent little guy, and I must also say independent---who thinks for himself---a very well known terrier trait. Some, confuse independent thinking with stubbornness---it is not the case with this cairn.

I would get another cairn from Garry in a heart beat! Skye's parents--Sire-CH Uniquecottage Gold Skye {GRB} Dam--CH-Rose Croft Chriscairn Gadget {USA} are two examples of some of the best cairn terrier kennels in the world.

We got our first cairn, in 1983. Holly lived until she was 13 years old. They say once you have a cairn in the house for a year, you will always want a cairn. Our second cairn, Phenix[age 5 next month] is a big brother to Skye.

Skye made his adjustment here, beginning at the wee age of 12 weeks very well. Garry was very helpful in providing suggestions re: Skye's adjustment. For example---he suggested an exercise pen for Skye in our absence----He also, recommended that this x-pen would provide protection for Skye from the older dog in our absence. The two dogs bonded very easily and well. To the point that---I sometimes think of them as figure skaters---in that when one moves the other moves. Yesterday, I was upstairs doing some housework, looked in our daughter's room and the two cairns were sitting on the bed together, looking out the window, side by side. It is in those moments, I wish I had a camera, always ready.

In your research, you may have come across the expression, "The cairn is not for everyone".----I have not been able to figure out what they mean by that expression---because, we have had a cairn for 18 years---Skye is a excellent pet, an excellent representation of the cairn terrier breed and we just love him.

The only negative, if you can call it negative about the breed is a safety one----unless the cairn terrier has a very secure backyard---Garry described his on the cairn list a while back----he/she can never be off leash. His/her sense of adventure would overpower a call from "master" and he/she would be off in a flash--to many dangers in this world.

To recap----Skye will be with us one year, Nov. 10th. he is a very healthy happy little guy---who we just love. And I would certainly get another cairn from Garry, in a heart beat!

I have been working with the boys the past year and as I said, Skye and I will be attending classes starting Nov. 5th. In some ways, I wish I either lived in Sask. or you lived here.!! What I really need is a "mentor" for the conformation plans.

The first book I read by Roger Carcus [may be misspelled] was interesting but not a lot of help. I'm "stripping" Skye but I know I'm not doing a good job.

I have been attending dog shows when able, and did speak to one lady re: her giving me a lesson in show grooming---BUT then she Asked if I planned to BREED---I said that I had NOT---that Skye was purchased on a non-breeding agreement But---to me she may have been looking to improve her kennel----so, that didn't leave me with a very good feeling, so I didn't call her. I do not let Skye out of my sight-----that Florida story about one of your cairns was very frightening--those owners were very fortunate.

I would like to have fun with Skye in working with conformation but I must admit, having an intact very SPECIAL male {cairn] in the house is a responsibility I don't take lightly. My short term goal is small----every September Pictou CO. Nova Scotia has an outdoor dog show---I would like to enter next year, if I get my act together---! If I like doing that then who knows----I know Skye would excel at anything he would do. As I said in the other note, the person I'm taking the obd. classes from is going to give me a lesson or two on conformation---and he said there are some sanction matches going to be held in Jan and Feb. so that's what we will be up to in the next while.

A friend has 2 of her cairns in agility, I have attended some matches to watch----that stuff is hard work! Having turned XX in August---the right knee and hip isn't what it used to be---so, I couldn't do the agility but I would like to play at conformation. When I first wrote to you in January 2000, I said I was looking for a pet cairn and Skye certainly fills that spot---so anything else is gravy as they say.

If we do not do the conformation thing for long, I will be getting Skye neutered and will send you the vet confirmation about that.

I really appreciate that you were kind enough to send Skye to us. I just love the little boy, and two cairns are definitely better than one. But I take the responsibility seriously. classes end Dec. 17th so after that I will rush of the summer and fall collection of Skye and family pictures which will complete, a year in the life of Skye, in Nova Scotia,---

Will write again, at the latest, with the next set of pictures, by Christmas. all the best to you and Chris, and the Chriscairn crew --esp. Gidget and Charlie

I know it's been along time that we have been in contact, and I've had it in my mind to contact you, but only in my thoughts. This dog is the GREATEST !!!!!! Everyone love's Skye and she has been a real asset to our family. Boy are they ever smart. She was the favorite of the trainer in her obedience class, she was called the little munchkin, of course amongst all the big dogs. She thinks she's a big dog and it is hilarious to watch her at the off lease area try to keep up with the working class dogs.

She can really hold her own. She's very outgoing and bold, quite stubborn, and loves attention. The squirrels in my yard tease her all the time and she's determined to catch one. I back onto a ravine and have a lot of very large blue spruce trees and so the squirrel hop from bough to bough above her or sit on the fence and look at her. She's made a dog lover of one of my friends. He never liked dogs only cats and Skye and he have a real love affair going. He must remind her of you. When I first got her, Doug was there and she went to him immediately and if he's in the room now. No one else exits. Its quite cute.

The vet laughs at her and is amazed at how strong she is for a little dog. She's 11 lbs. and in very good shape. I roller blade and she runs with me. She's very powerful. It took 3 vets (to hold her) to cut her nails. She HATES her nails cut ( a tomboy that doesn't want a manicure). She has a big fan club. My friend Doug owns a high end specialty wine store and she hangs out with him 2 days a week and is the mascot of all his uppity clients. She sits on the carpet like queen bee and greets everyone as they come in. His clients always look for her and are disappointed when she's not there. I really am glad that I found you and was able to have one of your dogs. Thanks a lot.

I hope that everything is going well at your home and I will try to get a picture to you some time soon.

Just a note to let you know that Rascal and I have attended two flyball tournaments in April. One was in Lloyminster and the other was in Regina. Regina was last weekend. Rascal had 456 points going into Regina's tournament and because she ran in two division she got about double the points she usually gets. Her total points after Regina are 720. She needed 500 points to get her flyball dog champion designation Fd CH. So she now has CGC, Fd CH behind her name. We get certificates from The North American Flyball Association. She has already received the FD (flyball dog) and FDX (flyball dog excellent) certificates. It takes forever for the certificates to come (usually in the fall). When hers' comes in the fall I will scan it and sent it to you. I have some pics of her in Wizard of Oz. I will scan them and send them in a couple of weeks.

I'm busy getting organized for our flyball tournament May 12, and 13. I'm registrar and have been busy with entries. We will have 22 teams entered on Saturday in reg. division, 22 teams entered on Sunday in regular division and 10 mulit-breed teams as well. Ear plugs are a necessity. Our teams run about 23 seconds. Rascal averages 6.8 to 7 seconds per run. Height dogs are usually about a second or 2 slower than the big dogs but they also are jumping 3/4 of their height and the big dogs are jumping 1/5 to 1/4 of their height (one dog on her team is a great dane lab cross and Rascal is about the size of his head). The little dogs have to work a lot harder. Rascal sets the height for her team a 8" jumps. We are calling our tournament Woof Wars in Warman. It will be held at the Warman arena.

One of our club members has been taking pictures with a digital camera. I hope to have a few pics of Rascal going over some jumps for you soon.

I also started doing obedience classes with Rascal again. I'm hoping to get some obedience titles on her.

Picture this: an 8 hour drive to Lethbridge, Alberta, in a van with 5 dogs, 5 adults and one 18 month old little boy (no room for luggage, it went in a truck). Best thing is all the people and dogs get along like family. This was the start of a weekend trip to a flyball tournament. It was a noisy, fun weekend.

My Rascal ran great. She didn't flub a single run. At the previous meet that we had gone to she was the clown of the event, so it was a thrill to have her run so well. She went over the jumps, popped the box, grabbed the ball and returned to me over the jumps again. Flyball is a relay event with 4 dogs. The dogs have to pass each other as one dog finishes the jumps and one dog begins them. Rascal often runs behind a very huge black dog. She must think that a train is coming at her when she goes to pass by him. Rascal got more than enough points to get her FDX (flyball dog excellence). She needed about 78 points to get her FDX and she got 162 points at the meet.

We have another cairn on our team named Bailey. She ran perfectly as well. Bailey has her FDCH (flyball dog champion). Often Bailey and Rascal would run legs 3 and 4 of the race. They looked so neat running one after the other. Both Bailey and Rascal are 3 year old females and have a similar coloring. As Bailey has been doing flyball longer than Rascal I am fortunate to be able to ask XXXXXXXXXX for advice. This is a great sport for owners and pups.

Was just cleaning out my mail box and reread your letter about one of your new litter going to Pictou. If you ever need any help on this end with us picking up a pup and housing it until the owner can get into town or whatever please don't hesitate to call on us. Would would be happy to help out.

I have a little story to tell you which I'm sure you have heard similar. Estella was walking Tigger and Kelsie when she met a women walking her little dog. The women started off the conversation by asking Estella if the two dogs had Cairns in them. Well yes says Estella. Well they are awful small says the women. Actually say Estella they are perfect in wheight and height for a cairn and they are pure breds. Oh I don't know about that my dog here is a cairn and we have papers on her, her weight is 27 lbs. and she has different features then your two. Really says Estella who decides at this point just to walk on. Estelle's friend who was with her asks, well how come that ladies cairn has a tail that arches over her back and the face is quite pug. Well says Estella if she looks up the bred she will discover her pure bred cairn is part Lapso ( can't spell that one Garry)

Sure half the city know Kelsie and Tigger. Everyone we meet comments that they are the best looking cairns they have ever seen, and well they are. The girls had a great summer. Tigger just got back from two weeks in Waterloo, Ont. XXXXXXXXXXX were up visiting their daughter. This is the first time Kelsie and Tigger missed their weekly romp They came down last night for a visit and sure made up for it. Two cairns flying through the backyard and house were so excited to see one another. Barrie and Estella said that in Waterloo they actually have a "Cairn' parade every year. Glad the SHERPA bag arrived safe and sound.

I am sorry that I have to report that Roxie has become a bit of a thief, she has stolen two hearts and won't give them back, Roxie has become a very special part our lives.

We went to the wedding of one of Margaret's grandsons and she spent the day and night at a Westie breaders kennels, did we ever miss her when we got home and could hardly wait to pick her up in the morning, Shielah thought Roxie was a wonderful puppy and was sorry to see her leave.

Roxie thinks the big paddling pool aka Okanagan Lake is just wonderful, she knows when we get in the car we are going to the dog beach, as soon as we get near the beach Roxie gets very excited and when we get there it is almost imposable to hold her. At the beach she can paddle, attack the wavelets as they come ashore, also she gets to meet so many other dogs at the dog beach. After Roxie seems to tire of that we take her for a walk on the beach path where she meets a few more dogs and people enjoying the evening cool.

Also Roxie is becoming fairly well trained, she sits on command, comes pretty well for Margaret but most of the time if I call she just sort of looks at me as if to say "you mean me?" She is beginning to heel when out walking but she must have her sniffing time. Margaret grooms Roxie every morning and usually feeds her. I quite often give her breakfast and if Margaret is out I give her lunch.

We are beginning to catch Roxies signals that she needs to go out and we haven't had an accident for some time, we found Roxie equates living room carpet to grass so we are very careful of time spent on carpet.

I do not think I could ever have found another anniversary gift that Margaret would have gotten so much pleasure from. We both want to thank you both for letting us have Roxie she has already let us know we will enjoy longer and happier lives. Best Regards XXXXXX and XXXXXXXX

Rascal is now almost three years old. What a dog! I know more people that want to adopt her. No Chance!! She has the best temperament and is soooo smart. I have her in flyball (she is ball crazy and just loves it) and we have done some agility as well (she loves the chutes and tunnels of course).

I am always teaching her new tricks. She needs to be challenged so as not to get bored. My granddaughter is only 2 and already uses a very commanding voice when giving Rascal orders. She sounds just like me when she tells Rascal to come, beg, rollover or shake a paw. I put Rascal on a short lead and she takes Rascal for "walks" around the house.

Cairns are the best dogs with kids. I had Rascal at a home where there were 2 girls (aged 7 and 9). They put mitts on Rascals front feet and tied a scarf around her neck and then put her in a dog stroller and pushed her all over the house in this doll stroller. Rascal just lay in the stroller in her mitts and scarf and looked quite patient and resigned about the whole thing.

Rascal has become quite dark since last summer. I was looking at photos of her when she was one year old and she is significantly darker now.

I have learned to hand strip her coat and when I look at pics of her when she was younger I sure can tell how blown her coat looks. She looks much better now. I think she would rather have a blown coat than me pulling on her but that's life.

I am enclosing some photos as attachments. The one of my granddaughter in Rascal's kennel is neat. Rascal looks totally put out that she has an intruder in her house (this was taken about a year ago). The other two pics are from this spring. I think you can see Rascals coat is looking better groomed in these recent photos. These pics really show what friends my dog and granddaughter have become.

Rascal sleeps on the floor beside my bed now and I feel much safer with her loose and not kenneled at night. As soon as she sees me wash my face at night she just goes and lies on her mat beside the bed. She only will come on the bed if I snap my fingers as a signal that she is allowed up. What a good girl.

What a character! He is the king of all he surveys! He has had an exciting couple of days. Clint and Spirit are fast friends. During play time they make you dizzy with all the running around the house they do. Spirit sleeps outside his crate when he has naps and they snuggle on the couch together. She thinks Clint is all hers!

He has discovered the famous doggie toy box and the "cookie" cupboard. We are amazed at how smart he is! He has learned to push open the lazy Susan cupboard-which is now locked! Who to stand by when he wants to be picked up or has nipped Willow and voices. He teases Ariel relentlessly by taking a cookie and playing with it in front of her and then running as she comes near him to stand between my legs.

He knows who is home and where they are immediately and has a different bark for each! He has also learned about leashes and going outside! He has to put on his coat to go out in the snow and he runs there now. We took him out into the shelter belt area where there is no wind and he quite liked it. So he runs to the door when he want to go to the bathroom. He can't understand why we take so long to dress him and ourselves.

Our routines seem to match and he is quite happy. This morning he heard me get up at 7:00 and howled for me to come get him. It was such a forlorn cry that I ran upstairs figuring something was wrong. All the other dogs started howling so I opened his crate and he just licked me and then turned around and went back into his box. He just wanted to say good morning! So now that everyone was up, I let the girls out and took Clint to the bathroom in the house for him to use. It was way too cold (-51) for him outside and after 10 minutes he caught on that the paper in the walk in shower was for him. I have found the shower to be the best because it is ceramic and messes, if the paper is missed, are cleaned up with a squirt. I have actually used this as a whelping area because it is warm, quiet and clean! Best of all, it is in the bedroom so you can keep and eye and ear out!

Well he is adjusting well and way too cute for his own good. We go to take his files to the vet on Xmas Eve and set up the required appointments for the future. He may be in a match in January for puppies. The XXX XXXXX Terrier Club is thinking of holding it as a practice ground. XXXXX XXXXXXXX and XXXXX XXXXXX are hosting it at XXXXX XXXXXX. My sister-in-law and I will be going regardless so Clint and Charlie will be on a field trip!

Here is news from the East Coast. As you know, Tigger and I recently celebrated our first birthday (nee Nov 6, 1998). Mr. J and Mrs. C (my family) and Mr. B and Mrs. E (Tigger’s family) had a party for us. Balloons, birthday cake, and special treats.

Tigger still has her wonderful brindle coat and my blond hair has remained much the same too. We both had our puppy coats trimmed in late summer and our winter coats are growing in. I think we look quite stunning!

Tigger and I visit twice a week for a terrific romp, as she lives less than 1 km from me. Mr. J has a huge, fenced back yard, and I have to confess that some of Mrs. C’s flower beds took quite a beating in our merry games of tag. When Tigger is not visiting, I patrol the yard against crows, pigeons and squirrels.

You can see us with Tigger’s proud papa Mr. B in one of the attached pictures. The other picture shows us intently listening at the top of Mrs. C’s stairs. We’re a full 13 lbs now, and not too spoiled. We played in snow a few weeks ago. All I could say was “Yahoo, look at this!” Mr. J still thinks there’s a rabbit somewhere in our family tree.

We had a wonderful year with our new families. We both learned to swim and are learning our manners very nicely too. We are both in magnificent shape; lithe and lightening quick. I like to play fetch with a tennis ball, and can catch it in the air now.

Tigger had a tree in her house last week and we had great fun racing around it. There are some pretty colors on the tree, but for some reason, we can’t quite reach them, even when we are on the back of the sofa! Mrs. C says she will also have a tree this week. Tigger and I last saw a tree in January of this year when Mr. J took us to visit a neighbor’s house. Tigger only broke one ornament, and we both forgot ourselves on the floor, but then, we were very tiny.

A friend of Mrs. C’s recently saw our brother Noel. I hear he still has his lovely red coat, and it sounds as though he is happy too. We were hoping to visit him this year but just didn’t make it.

A beautifully written and beautifully felt reply, speaking volumes about the kind of man you are. Never before have I encountered a breeder with your warmth and sensitivity, and only very rarely anyone else with them.

You are a blessing to all who are fortunate enough to know you. I wish I were privy to the secret of your largeness of soul. Religion? Parents? The prairie, with its spacious horizons and high nobility of cloud?

I'm printing out your message for the rest of the family to read and for saving in my files. xxx, the head of her English department, has said of your previous letters that they were the work not of an accountant but of a poet.

It has been another lovely day with Widget. So far as I can see she has no faults of any description save some little errors of judgment belonging to puppy hood. If I were God himself I could not make a more nearly perfect dog. Everyone in the neighborhood is mad about her. The world-renowned jazz clarinetist next door, who as I think I told you plays with the Dave Brubeck group, waits each morning for Widget to come to the fence and cry for him "to come out and play," as he puts it -- and of course he comes out and plays. Students on their way to the University stop to scratch her ears and give her bits of food from their lunches -- a practice I gently discourage. The University archivist across the alley says she's smarter than a good many faculty members he knows. An architect who lives a block away walks up to our house each evening when he gets home from work for his "Widget fix." The professor of law across the street who's planning to run for a position on the State Supreme Court says that if he's elected and has to move to xxxxxxx he's going to try to steal Widget on his way out of xxxxxxx no matter what the consequences to his public career.

Now if I could only persuade her not to bury her chews in the flower beds and then beg piteously for more . . . She is a bit of a con artist, isn't she?

Perhaps it's only the crazy grandson of a crazy New Brunswicker talking again, but when Widget was lying on my lap this afternoon while I explained my travails in deciding on a companion for her, she gave me a long look of what I can only describe as absolute understanding, perfect comprehension and acceptance of what I was saying.

At that moment -- how can I put this? -- she was no longer a puppy but someone infinitely wiser than I, ancient, druidic, the goddess of dimensions not of this earth.

Then she bit my nose, this goddess, and the spell was broken. But that one moment during which all barriers of species seemed to have been surmounted haunts me tonight with its possibilities. Are you familiar with Penelope Smith's two books on interspecies communication, WHEN ANIMALS SPEAK and ANIMAL TALK? Very New Age-ish, sometimes on the brink of absurdity if not past it, sentimental to a fault, but nonetheless provocative. You ought to take a look at them. At the least, Chris the psychologist would go into a feeding frenzy.

Oh, and speaking of books, you really must read (and preferably own) Juliette de Baïracli Levy's THE COMPLETE HERBAL HANDBOOK FOR THE DOG AND CAT. Much advice on diet, both puppy and adult, care of the brood bitch, and a lengthy catalogue of diseases and herbal treatments. I certainly don't follow Levy's recommendations in all respects, but in the way of alternative medicine she seems to me as good as you can find. Most of the Levy remedies I've tried have worked very well, although when I see something in a dog that looks serious we're out the door and on our way to the vet.

All I can say is "Well said" and thanks for caring for Widget the way you do. If you choose a Scottie or a Cairn or a whatever it will be loved and cared for if it wins in the ring or not. Ultimately it wins our hearts and that is all that counts.

This afternoon I carved a truly frightening jack-o'-lantern and set it at the top of the front steps for tonight's Halloween trick-or-treaters to admire when they came to the door, and I took beforehand a number of photographs of the jack with Widgie, who instantly loathed him and growls whenever any thought of him crosses her mind. So I may delay your photo package until the Halloween pictures are back from the finisher.

Yes, I felt a little pang -- as surely you knew I would -- at the news that your puppies are spoken for. Let me tell you where we are with regard to a second dog.

Probably I don't have time for many more dogs in my life, and I've come to the conclusion that my next dog should be a male and should be a really good one. A male, of course, because we don't think we can do justice to more than two dogs at a time and because the female side has already been filled. A good one simply because every time I finish a terrier I have the feeling that I've done a little something for a breed which has done so much for me. Ribbons, crystal, silver mean nothing to me at this late date. Winning in itself means virtually nothing. What is meaningful is the satisfaction of making it possible for a good dog to receive his or her just accolades and to pass himself or herself along to generations yet unborn.

I'm afraid this sounds a little silly. It may indeed be silly. There may be more of ego in it than I think there is. (But ego is only bad, isn't it, when it serves bad causes?) At all events, I want to finish one more dog.

Am I through with Scotties? There's the question. They are part of my inmost self; they touch on my dearest and oldest memories, not only of the dogs but of the people who loved them as I did and who went to their graves loving them. Certainly Scotties are not what they once were. My boyhood Scots were longer in the leg, shorter in the muzzle, and scanter of furnishings than these latter-day Aberdeen's are.

They had better mouths: in prizing a grotesquely long muzzle as much as they do, the breeders have forgotten to leave room for teeth, and I should be very surprised to learn that many Scotties finish, at any rate in this country, without recourse to veterinary orthodontics.

I don't believe that the Scottie is nearly so healthy as he once was. None of my childhood dogs died of cancer or kidney failure or Cushing's disease when scarcely past middle age. My dogs leaped on with great vigor until the end of longish lives, then went peacefully to sleep.

Those dogs had stamina; they had endurance. You could walk them all day without exhausting them. Their coats were better. Today the Scottie's furnishings are longer but exponentially softer; only the back coat is what it used to be. (I'm most impressed with Widget's coat; it's hard all over.)

I could go on, but will spare you. In brief, the Scotties I knew are no more. Instead of a hard little working dog, a dog that would run you into the ground no matter how long the day, a wire-coated, insolent, supercilious terror that would dare hell itself, we have a bizarre caricature with a Pecksniffian nose, a lap-dog who pants heavily if you take him around a city block, a prettified lady's dog -- your pardon, Chris -- who's not fit for much of anything except dog shows, a dog who spends almost more time at the vet's than he does at home.

And yet, and yet . . . the great heart of the Scottie still beats in the Scottie's breast, and I have loved my recent Scots quite as much as those of my boyhood. Am I through with the breed? I just don't know.

I have a chance, or will in the course of time, at one of two really fine 10-month-old males. The breeder, who owns one of the oldest and smallest but finest kennels on the west coast, a foundation kennel for several better known establishments, quite naturally wants to postpone any sale until she decides which is the more likely dog -- which one she wants to keep, that is. (The last time she and I played this game, she lost. My dog went on to become the big winner.)

On the other hand, I am desperately in love with this Widget person. Sometimes when I gaze at the old show photos of my Scotties I don't know why. Why am I in love with a dog who looks at one moment like an owl, at another like a fox, at a third like an otter, at a fourth like a undernourished lion, and in general like a dust mop? Why does she have only to gaze at me and wag her tail to dissolve me into a kind of quivering emotional porridge? Have I lost my taste for elegance? But elegant is just what the Scotties of my boyhood were not. Indeed they were more like Widget than like the gigolos of today's show ring, and maybe that"s what I see in her, the old Highland terrier type I adored in childhood and thought in recent years I had lost forever.

Enough for tonight, and thanks for lending an ear. It's a question I'll have to resolve for myself, and it will take much resolving. I know only that I don't seem to be ready to renounce the Scottish terrier -- but that this little enchantress of yours has me hopelessly in thrall, and that random images of male Cairns keep flashing across my mind.

Go ahead now and have your laugh. You know very well what these little creatures of yours can do to one's feelings, don't you?

It is an honor to receive your posts and I am not offended in any way by anything you have said. I am so glad you enjoy Widget as much as we did. She never has enough love to share with those around her.

I am amazed at your tales and experiences. You have a lot to be proud of. I hope some day I get to see some of your Canadian photo's.

The puppies are all spoken for. One to California, Edmonton, Swift Current, Saskatchewan and we are going to keep one.

Up at two in the morning to let a complaining Widgie out, and checking my e-mail found your message. In truth I was becoming a little anxious lest an account I thought would amuse you had in fact offended you. In anything I may say about your country, now or in the future, there will be no slightest intention to demean or denigrate. Perhaps in great part because of my grandfather, I love and respect Canada too much for that. And in particular, let me add, I love the prairies, and always feel (pace Kevan and Tina) much more comfortable when I'm out of B.C. and going east than I ever feel in the province nearest us. Once I had a Canadian student -- a member of the Snowbirds, he had been, before his retirement -- who explained this preference of mine by speculating that what I was responding to was the pioneer spirit of the plains, generous and openhearted, which had taken form under the necessity for mutual help in a harsh and unforgiving land. (He was from Quebec, as I remember!)

But there's something else, too, in my feeling for Canada, something deeper and more complicated, something that led me many times in my younger years to consider moving there. It's too involved for analysis at this dreadful hour of the morning, but it very likely has a great deal to do with cultural values shared with many of the Canadians I've known. In any case, I always feel tears in my eyes at "The Maple Leaf Forever" and "O Canada" -- to which I must add for Chris's sake "God Save the Queen." Have I established my credentials here? I have in the past unwittingly given offense to a few Canadians, I realize, as a result of feeling a kinship with them that they didn't feel with me, and also as an unfortunate effect, I'm sure, of forgetting how perfectly awful we down here can be when we travel to foreign climes. Again, it's the B.C. people who seem most nervous over unintended implications, most sensitive to perceived slights.

Widget has returned from her nocturnal tour, and I'm for bed. Is she as bright as we think she is, or are our imaginations seeing things that don't exist? This dog reasons things out, I'm sure of it. What a gorgeous coat she has! I spend half an hour on it each week with a stripping knife, and it's taking on a lovely texture and an exquisite red-gold color.

I have delayed sending you photos until I had a chance to get my last roll back from the developer. I'm not terribly proud of the results -- many years ago Kay and I would spend summer weeks on end in Canada taking large-format scenic which we would sell through an agent in New York, but I fear my photographic skills have taken a fall, and of course the equipment I use now isn't of the quality I needed then. I'll comb through the Widget shots, though, and get something posted to you

We have been back for the last 5 days and xxxxx is already off and running again down in Vancouver but I am here this weekend with Carlo and Anna all to myself. They are both asleep at me feet as I write this as I have given them a thoroughly good playtime with a great walk mixed in and I think I have worn them out.

Anna and Carlo say thank you soooooo much for the ball! It is the one thing, (besides walks) that they both agree on is special. I may have to get you to buy a bunch, roll them in the dirt and send them along!!!

We had such a lovely vist and I hope you did too. Thank you so much for allowing us to come into your home and be with the dogs and hear the stories. It was so much fun. xxxxx and I have been on an emotional high ever since. It was just so great.

You guys take care and let us know how Rosie is doing. She is such a sweet little thing. I hope that her owner is able to get her to eat more when she is finished with her puppies. What a little love. Take care, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

It is with a broken heart that I write you today to let you know that my darling Wee Maggie has died.

She was never quite right after the deck coating incident and her poor little body could no longer handle it. She brought us great joy and love in her short time and I was with her when she died. She is with the angels and my good friend Dawn who died a month ago.

I thought that my love would help her live forever, I was wrong. But she will live on in my heart and my tears.

Read about Wee Maggie and her experience with a product called DURA DECK at this address.

Thank you so much for the photo's, they are adorable. Appreciated getting one of Noel, we often think of him and wonder how he is doing. John still thinks two would have been wonderful, but as we watched Kelsie roar through my flower garden yesterday and emerage with a daffodil in her mouth, I'm not so sure about that. She's a delight but a real imp.

We have sectioned off a smaller area of the yard for her until she gets a little older. She loves to grab the flowers off the stems, even the forsythia bush has no blooms on the lower branches.

Kelsie is a real mimick and wants to do what everyone else is doing. Mornings are a real laugh as she sits and waits to get her teeth brushed, up goes the paws when she sees someone putting their deodarent on and we have to pretend she is getting hers also. Next she waits to get brushed. This is a morning ritual and after all this she gets her breakfast and a walk.

She really enjoys the water as well and will come in from a walk with muddy paws and head straight to the tub to get them rinsed. A real pleasant disposition that is evident right away to any one who meets her. I swear that tail of hers never stops wagging. She wags it so hard her whole bum wiggles.

Both girls did fine with their operation's last week. The vet sure gets a kick out of the two. They really adore one another and get so excited to see one another. We now have to spell TIGGER as she hears the word and runs to the door anticipating a romp or walk with her best friend.

Kelsie's coat is growing in very light with mixtures of red in her. Very pretty. Tigger continues to get lighter as well. Her coat has gotten more even with a lot of blond coming in, will be interesting to see if she stays dark.

Kelsie has trained very well. She has learned all her commands although is still selective on the "come" command. She looks to see if there is a treat in your hand first. She fetches very well,and even does my slippers.

Of all the balls here in the house her favorite is a golf ball. She plays with two together and bats them into the putting cup, think she putts better then me, but that doesn't take much.

Another funny habit she has is that she will never eat her treats right away. First they have to be buried in the house somewhere, then she will eat them whenever. She will carry a milk bone or chewy around for a long time finding just that right spot for it. We have found treats behind the shower curtain, in the bottom drawer of a open dresser, in the dirty clothes pile, or in a shoe.

I will drop off the Woodworth's photo to them, they will be thrilled. It was always hard to get a nice photo of Tigger as she was so dark, this one is great. I would like to get one of the three together, an 8 x 10 and like the one with the three in the basket, will have to check on the site again to see which one and will get back to you. Imagine you have your hands full with the new arrivals,looking forward to hearing about them on your site.

Trevor loves it here, seemingly! He loves Cheyenne and the cats and my husband and myself and we all love him back! He loves all his toys, and I mean ALL, (it's a doggie FAO Schwartz around here, I have no will power) and thanks for sending his lion on his journey with him. I can tell he loves to cuddle with him! He loves that, his boodah bones, his dental kongs, his boodah rope bones, his other stuffed animals....EVERYTHING! You were right, no accidents in the crate--and the only times he's gone here are outside when we were all on the lawn playing (I'll send pictures of the playing with our old Cairn) and once inside, on the paper! It was a little bit of diarhea, but I'm writing that off to all the excitement. He's a PERFECT ANGEL!

We'll be sending the other $XXX as soon as mail is running again (US holiday today).

Right now, he's fighting sleep. He's kind of stumbling around wanting to keep playing when I think if there wasn't so much "new" to see, he'd be out like a light!

I need to go through the medical records to see when his next set of shots is due (it's in there, right?). Thursday I'm taking Trevor & Cheyenne to the photographer! I'll get their pictures together and Trevor's separately...I always have their papers & pedigree framed with a baby picture and a semi-adult photo too. (By the way, I guess I get paperwork after the other half payment gets there?)

I won't be showing him--he's just my baby for the sake of baby-ness! He'll be neutered--I'll leave breeding to people who do great jobs like yourself.

In May of 1998 Rascal graduated from her beginner obedience class. She is very smart and likes to please me so she is very easy to train. She got top marks. I have since taught her some other tricks, etc. I actually trained her to bark (actually more like a howl, growl, choke, bark) although she really doesn't like to do it. I have trained her to do all commands with hand signals as well as verbal commands.

Rascal has a boyfriend down the street. His name is Chinook. Chinook is a Siberian Husky/something cross. His is so big that Rascal can walk underneath him. They have a ball playing together. Chinook's owners think Rascal is an energizer bunny. Rascal wears out Chinook. She leaps at his neck, they chase each other (mostly Chinook chasing Rascal, usually he can never catch her), and Chinook occasionally whacks Rascal with his front paw. Rascal loves to go and play and Chinook's owners like her to come and wear Chinook out as it saves them taking him for a walk.

I spend a lot of time on the net looking up Cairn Terriers. There are a ton of Web pages.

My mail carrier loves Rascal. I know when I've been out it the mail has come because there is always a treat for Rascal on my step. Rascal will run out to the mail carrier if I am home and see her coming to the door. Rascal will often get 3 or 4 milk bones from her then.

My neighbors tell me they feel safe with Rascal in the backyard. They know if she barks that they should pay attention because she only barks if something is out of order.

I was lucky enough this summer to be at the birth of my granddaughter Kendra Mae Davidson. Her dad was on crutches and we didn't know how he would do though the labour process. He did fine but it allowed me to be there. What an experience. She was born on July 14, 1998. She and Rascal are starting to become good buddies. Kendra is six months old and is now a little person to Rascal. In the beginning she was just something Rascal saw lying on the floor. Now that Kendra is sitting on the floor and playing with stuff Rascal will bring her ball over to Kendra and drop it in front of her for Kendra to throw it. Of course she's too little but Rascal thinks she is a person now and should throw it. Kendra loves to watch Rascal play catch. When she comes to our house the first thing she looks for is Rascal. I watch Kendra 3 days a week while her mom works so Rascal and Kendra will have lots of time together.

I would never get another dog but a cairn. Garry you are right, they are the worlds best kept secret. Since I have got Rascal a lot of people in my life have learned more than they probably every wanted to know about cairns.

Rascal's coat is now more gray, silver, and wheaten with just a bit of red on her back. I have a package to send to you and if I quite procrastinating and get it off to you the pictures will show you what a fabulous girl she is.

I had her at the vet's for all her shots. Every one at the clinic was impressed by her. Rascal thought the vet's was a great place to be. Lots of people and other dogs. They particularly commented on how silky and shiny her coat is. I try to comb, brush and softly strip bits each day. I am also feeding her only home made food with the addition of a vitamin powder from the vet and cheerios for addition trace elements. She is doing really well on this. I make up a big batch (similar to your recipe) and freeze it in 1 day servings in the freezer. I've read a lot on processed dog food and I think she is better off with this since I am willing to make it for her. The cost for one dog is also not a lot more than buying dog food and I know what's in it. I gave my girlfriend the recipe because her dog has allergies and she showed her vet on Pender Island. Her vet suggested the cheerios for trace elements and minerals. The vet on Pender has given out this recipe to other clients with dog with allergies. One dog gets goat as the protein part. My friend says her dog has never been a good eater and with this recipe he finishes he food right up.

I want to get Rascal into some kind of fly ball. She loves to chase balls or anything you throw (of course being a terrier it's what she picks out for you to throw for her). For a year and half old dog I think she is incredibly sound, calm, fun, quite a character and well trained.

Drop me a line (email) and if you come to Saskatoon drop in for coffee and a visit.

I'm just having a quiet Sunday morning on my new owner's lap. I call him Mr.J. It is foggy outside, and supposed to get to +14 today. That means I get to explore my new back yard. I think Tigger is coming down to explore it with me. It is a big back yard with a fence all around it. I did manage to find a hole in it the other day. Guess what...Mr. J and Mrs C can run faster than me!

I spend lots of time pouncing on maple leaves in the back yard. They crunch and have a nice rustle when I catch them. But they don't squeak the same way as toes do when I pounce on them. I discovered that when I want a chewy bone, all I have to do is find the nearest toe and...!

I really like it here. There is much to explore. I heard a funny squawk from Mr. J yesterday as I was swinging off the shower curtain. I think it is more fun than the drapes. I have mastered stair climbing...well, up anyway. It won't be long before I can climb down also. Then Mrs. C is going to show me how much fun it is to wee-wee outside. The newspaper gets so boring that I don't always hit it. I asked them to get the Post, but they use the Globe. There are now funny spots on the carpet that smell like vinegar. I am getting better though, especially at night.

Mrs. C puts me in my kennel beside her at night. I tell her about 2 am that I have to piddle, and about 4 am for the other. Mr J gets up at 6 for work, so I get breakfast then. My MediCal for Puppies was upsetting my tummy a bit, but lately I get about half a teaspoon of Pedigree Pal for Puppies with some moistened MediCal, and it is heavenly. I have this three times a day..

My teeth popped through a few days after I got here. I guess they are pretty sharp, for I only have to put a teeny bit of pressure on an earlobe to cause much animation. My tail wags all the time, but I haven't managed to catch it yet. I learned what my name is just last week. That's pretty neat! I guess some of the other noises from humans will mean something to me also.

Mrs. C puts my harness on several times a day. I have learned that I get to go outside when this happens, so I get excited and whine at the door.

I see Tigger about twice a week. She lives a short 10 minute walk from me, but Mr J still drives me. Sometimes I chase her and sometimes she chases me. We romp for about 2 hours before collapsing. We are very anxious to get our other needles so we can explore more of our neighborhood together. Tigger is getting patches of red through her. My color hasn't changed very much. I have turned a little redder on my back and behind my ears. My muzzle is dark, and except for that, I look almost like puppy pictures of Mrs. C's other dog, Brandy. Tigger and I are both getting a little fuzzier. I think I am close to 4 pounds now, but slender and supple.

Well Mom, I am getting a little sleepy so I will say bye for now and much love to all.

Glad Rosie's babies are all going to be Maritimers. After making the long trip home and knowing how screwed up the airlines can be if you need any help on this end with the little male in regards to housing it over night before its flight to PEI we would be happy to help out.

Think all flights come in here before going to the island and weather often causes delayed and cancelled flights and if the pup were to miss its flight out as weather causes many problems please call on us to help you.

We feel so grateful for all the care and attention Kelsie and Tigger received they are such a joy. Kelsie slept a great deal today and didn't eat a lot but she is full of it tonight. Think it will take a couple of days to get use to her new surroundings.

Just arrived home about a half hour ago. Flights were delayed. Didn't have a bit of trouble Kelsie and Tigger were great. Slept all night then slept their whole trip home. Everyone is playing with her now.

Xxxxxxx arrived at 11:30pm in Halifax carrying the two dogs which had a very peaceful trip, no upsets or inconveniences. Our families greeted the dogs like they had never been away, very friendly and adjustable.

Having seen them on the net over the past few months, meeting them in person is quite a treat.

We brought Tigger home and she was so lively and excited about meeting Muffin, we didn't think she would ever settle down. It was late by the time I put her into the Create for the night, beside me in the bedroom, she whimpered for a short time and then went to sleep. Awoke once and settled right back down until 8:30.

I do want to thank you for choosing us as Tigger's new family and I know it wasn't an easy thing to have them leave your place to one so far away. We do assure you that your two dogs have a wonderful place to grow up and be treated kindly and lovingly from now and the future. We certainly will keep you updated with pictures and stories over the years.

No we didn't fall off the earth. No excuses just lazy. We hope you had a wonderful holiday and everything is going well for you. Now for the Taz report.

Why did no one tell us how much a Cairn truly cost? As you know we are into show cars and racing. Well this requires us to travel quite a bit, and leaving Taz at the kennels. Taz did not complain, but it was hard on Barb and I. So now we have a motor home so she can go with us. This is not where the story ends. The city does not allow street parking of motor homes so we are buying some land outside of town to build a new home and park Taz's carriage. So If you think show dogs are expensive, try a slightly over weight 'pet' quality Cairn.

Chris, Gary, we promise to be more punctual in our correspondence. Let us know what is going on with youall. We read the list some and enjoy the news.

Annie says "HI MOM! I didn't know you were having more kids! Congratulations to you and my new half brother and sisters. (I kind of wish you'd stick to MY daddy though. it's a little embarrassing.... I don't know how I'll explain it to Jasper...)"

I say, "OH Annie, you're so old fashioned. Besides , just wait 'til you come into heat again, and then tell me what you think of your mother."

Hey, breeders-this is such a nice thing Chriscairn does-when I got Annie from them, I had a photographic record of her from birth even though I didn't see her til she was 15 weeks. I treasure every moment of my dogs' lives. And I love getting beautiful pics to look at on a cold and frosty Monday Morn.

We now understand what you mean by active. It has been a long time since we have had a puppy to care for. How you care for seven I will never know. What a delight! We could not be more pleased. She is the sweetest puppy we have ever seen. Taz has full run of the house and yard which gives her plenty of opportunity to get into trouble. We think she identifies objects by taste. We haven't found anything she won't eat. The biggest challenge she has are the stairs to our bedroom. Up - no - problem - down - requires some assistance.

We cannot tell you how much we appreciate the though ness and care you take with the pups. It really tells when they make a long trip and adapt like she has.
I'll get this on the way and get back to my fatherly duties.

The anticipation of the arrival of Prince has ended and with that happiness and caring for a small puppy has taken the place of anticipation. Prince is everything we wanted in a dog. He immediately showed his personality to our family. He projects a sense of confidence for such a young dog and is not timid at all. The first night after we took him home and I got off the phone from talking with you he was running in circles chasing after the kids.

He has been crying at night a little when we put him in but XXXX talks to him and settles him down for the night.

We have had so many people coming over and calling to see the new baby that XXXX had to set visiting hours because she does not want to make the dog get too hyper. Plus she wants to make sure he gets some quiet time too. You know how it is with newborns!!!!!!

We are going to send you up pictures of us meeting Prince for the first time. We will put the check in with the pictures.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. She arrived safe and sound and was only frightened for about 20 minutes till she had warmed up inside my coat. She was introduced to our staff, the vet and our banker when we transferred the money at 12:30 to your account. They all have fallen in love with her. She has already discovered our dishwasher and so far no accidents! Have already started the housetraining and she is passing beautifully. I can never thank you enough.

P.S. I think the fact that she spent those first twenty minutes licking me all over was the first clue.

Maggie is just fine and has taken over the household in a little over a week. The weather here has been pretty good so she has discovered the great outdoors and boy is she fast on her feet! She had adapted quite well as we have and loves to play and chew. Lots of toys to maul and even an old slipper!

Loves those tummy tickles and has discovered mini milk bones, but only 2 a day. Has found her voice and likes to tell off my feet regularly when there's no slippers on them. Sure has sharp teeth. Yeeouch!

Couldn't find the brand of dog food you guys had so she is on Medi Cal Developmental from our vet and goes for her 3rd set of shots on April 2nd. Couldn't keep that promise on her quiz.

Hi There. Thanks for the e-mail. Maggie is 8.5 lbs of ferocious, snuggly, fast, fast, fast, lovable cairn terrorist!!! She has grown so fast she is now in the large size pet tote so she can stretch out at her will. She is almost housebroken, except for rainy days when nothing will convince her to go on a wet surface, and has had her third set of shots.

She was a little too young to get the rabies shot however, so they are going to do that one on the 30th. She has also started obedience classes with Mom and Dad and has 'sit' and 'come' down pretty well but 'off'; and 'down' are like Japanese to her. Oh well, practice makes perfect.

She travels a little bit in the car but only in her crate. She whined a little the last time so I took her out, big mistake as she got dizzy watching the world go by so fast. I feel she is safer in the crate anyways. She loves to cuddle right after waking up and has some pretty serious play times around her.

Our daughter came home from University on Thursday and even she commented on how calm and relaxed we are now that Maggie is here. Even she has caught Maggie disease and wishes she could take her back with her. She has been a wonderful addition to the family.

The vet even commented that she is one of the healthiest puppies he has ever seen, and so alert, and that says a lot about the breeder's so give yourself a pat on the back as I brag about you guys all the time. Everyone keeps telling me to breed her myself so they can get one too but Maggie's just for us. She has her appointment to be spayed on July 1st. I hope all is well with you guys and that all the other puppies are doing well too. Maggie has a 2ft high gorilla that she tackles everyday. Wish you could see her, it is so funny. Take care and all the best, Happy Easter!

I can't thank you & Chris enough for raising such a wonderful pup. He has adapted so well into our house. He has hit the paper everytime, had 2 good poops, eats quick and best of all, I put him "to bed" at 10:30pm and he made his first peep at 7:15am.

He is sitting beside me on the floor chewing on his stick and being wonderful. He took the phone cord for a run yesterday and I have learned quickly how to puppy proof.

We are so happy! Adam, our 6 yr old isn't too sure about the nibbling that Murphy does. When he starts, we remove the thing he is chewing and give him one of his chewies and tell him "Good Boy".

I think we should change his name to "SPUNKY". So far this morning (Monday) he has spilt his water, scared Adam, chewed on the corner of the cabinet, peed off the paper, pooped in the hall and he has been up for 45 minutes. BUT WE LOVE IT!!!!

He answers to "MURPHY" (after 2 days of training with little treats) and he can "SIT". ONE SMART PUP!

We got some great pictures of him but haven't finished the film. My mum got out puppy pics of their first male in 1965 and we have almost a twin here.

I am having so much fun here at my new house. My people parents keep taking pictures of me and showing everyone. Everyone thinks I'm cute... must be in my genes!

I still use the paper like our breeders showed us. I like to go outside and play in the snow but my "Mum" doesn't let me stay out for long.

We went for a walk the other day and I got to run all over the place with this new leash I have. My people brothers have showed me how to go up and down the stairs so now I can follow everyone. Most of the time I am in the kitchen. I have a blanket to nap on, my food and water and a special corner to use for a bathroom.

My best friend's name is Bear. He's BIG. I think Mum said he was a Bernese Mountain Dog. He's 10 months old and we play all the time. I like it best when we walk my people brothers to school and we meet Bear there and then walk back home with him.

When I have gone out I know that I don't like black dogs. Mum thinks it's because there is no contrast in their color and it's just a big black blob to me. That's what I think too.

I get to go meet my Vet next week. Mum told me that her name is Dr. Murphy...just like mine. I like it when people call me Murph!

I eat everything I am given (in 30 seconds) and I have taught my masters how to make me sit, come, down and call me and have me come when they use my name. These people are easy to train. Mum did sign me up for "Puppy Preschool" where I get to teach them more stuff. When we go out, I always ride in my kennel because I feel safe in there.

That's about all I have to tell you... and my paws are tired from typing all this. Say hi to everyone for me oh, and tell Ben & Rosie that they were right about the dishwasher, ooooh it is really warm.

Hi Garry, Wow, we have had a busy few months around here. Murphy is turning into the Cairn I always wanted. He is 17 weeks old and weighs 8lbs 6 oz.

He is all muscle because of the walking and playing he does everyday. I walk the kids to school and a lot of the kids come to the fence every morning to see Murphy. He is quite the character.

Well, Murphy graduates from Puppy Class this Saturday and he is at the top of the class. He has all the commands down. Sit, Come, Sit/Stay, Come/Sit, Down, Off, Enough, Leave It and of course "FOOD".

All of his shots and boosters are up to date and he gets to come camping with us on the long weekend.

That's about all, thank you again for such a great dog. He is the talk of the neighborhood. He looks alot like the pictures of Ben at this age. Janis

Alyse, Andy and I can't begin to tell you how wild we are about this little fellow. He is a wonderfully nice dog as well as being absolutely gorgeous.

We followed your suggestion of introducing Bennie to our older dog, Oreo in a neutral location and bringing them home together and that seems to have worked wonderfully. Oreo has never wanted to so repeatedly go outside, nor has she run or played like this in years.

His eye looks fine, he seems to be eating well and seems to have thrown off the effects of that long trip way better than I would have.

Alyse says to tell you that she'll give Bennie lots of hugs and kisses for you both.

Well, Why else would I take an eight hour trip to Montreal just a day after a 7 hour drive home from New York state?

It's the least i could do for our little girl. She spent 8 hours on a plane from Saskatchewan just to be here. And here she most certainly is. Little and brindle blond, 15 weeks young, as dear as they come.

Ah, how could this be, you ask. And well you might. "Annie", once known as "Roxy", went on a venture of a dubious nature. Someone adopted her who had recently parted with an old Lab-pal, I think it was. Along came a "frisky terrier pup" and woe! Too much too soon!

Well, lucky for me, "Roxy" went back home to her original mom and dad. I got the story, and to make a long tail short, I got the dog. And a dear, dear thing she is. As Sweet a temperament as you could wish. We are all in love. Jasper has invited her to play with much tailwagging, play bows and short bright barks.

Annie is a holiday treat. She was born on New Year's Day, and here she is for Easter. If you don't believe in the Easter Bunny, give me a ring. I'll convince you otherwise.

Garry and Chris Peters, her breeders, have taken pictures of this litter every week since they were born, up to 8 weeks. What a gift to their future owners. Thanks, Garry and Chris. And thanks for making this special little girl available to me.

Annie's Sire and Dam are there too, with their pedigrees. I would love to hear from anyone who knows these lines, and/or has pictures.

Annie had a nice first day, romping in the yard, digging, walking in the country and posing for pictures. Yes, there will be plenty. Such a good-natured little girl. I couldn't ask for better.

Today at 11 AM in a small house in Vermont, a very small Cairn Terrier puppy performed an act of extreme bravery. Apparently the house was viciously attacked by a roaring, long-snouted monster that seemed determined to devour everything on the floor. As it approached The Dog Toys, it was clear that something needed to be done. Without (much) hesitation, Brave Annie set up a relentless volley of loud, sharp barks, and chased the monster all over the floor, finally cornering it near the door.

At this point, mistress Mom yanked it's tail and heartlessly tore the critter apart, hanging the snout on a hook, and the stashing the body in the back room. Brave Annie heaved a satisfied sigh, inspected the terrorized toys, and curled up for a well-earned nap. She is, however, prepared, in the event this Ever Happens Again.

Cindy, Brave Annie, and Jasper, who used to deal mercilessly with a very similar monster, but who stood by disdainfully, leaving Annie all the fame and glory (this time).

CHRISCAIRN Kennels REG'd

Address: Site 22, Comp 8

RR #5, Station Main

Prince Albert, SK

S6V 5R3

Canada

garry@chriscairn.com

chris@chriscairn.com

Phone: 306-764-2437

Fax: 306-922-0411