|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| #1 is from Michelle, who learned about not letting a Cairn off lead the hard way: |
While enjoying every word of your story, and about peeing my pants laughing, I can relate to every word. Our dog Buddy also loves balls, pulls on his leash and will do a "basic" command of sit (ONLY if I have a treat ready). I've tried taking him outside without his leash and using a treat to keep him close and it worked the first couple of times. The last time I found myself running the neighborhood in my husbands thermal underwear (which I had been lounging around the house in) on a bitter cold night. I had taken him out for a quick "pee" and put on my winter coat which is hip length. I had three successes earlier in the day using treats and no leash so I wasn't worried. WRONG! To my humiliation, he took off. Our local police were driving down the street, they were kind enough to stop and let me cross. I had to follow him, there was no time to put on jeans. I had given him a bath an hour before and hadn't put his collar back on with his name tag so I couldn't let embarrassment hold me back. My husband joined me in the chase. After calling him and chasing him in 6 inches of snow through all the neighbors yards, we finally cornered him. When we got home my husband said I can't believe you were running around the neighborhood in my thermals. I said what's the big deal?? He said "nothing if you had them on right". I didn't realize it but they were on backwards and the gap for male parts was wide open, leaving my butt in full view. OMG! And to think the police stopped and let me run past! Would I do it all again?? He has chewed up three throw rugs, chewed the cord off my curling iron, torn apart two pairs of shoes, and eaten more paper and toilet paper than we probably actually use. Oh yes, let's not forget "potty training". He's peed on my new carpeting at least 100 times before he finally got the outside thing down pat. But yes, through all the learning experiences that we've shared I couldn't love him more. When I walk in I am greeted by Buddy and his step sister Sophie (a 2 yr. old Westie). The excitement on their faces, the kisses they give me, the fun and love that we share, I wouldn't change a thing. Comment: Michelle, that was one of the most amusing renditions I've read.. Thanks for sharing. |
| #2 is from Monica, who is deciding exactly how much spice she really wishes to add to her life: |
| Dan….just wanted to tell you
that we are considering a Cairn and I read your narrative. After I finished wiping the tears from my eyes and laughing hysterically for 20 minutes, I decided that I NEED that kind of craziness….plus, if owning a Cairn allows me to drink more wine…I’m in! Thanks for the best laugh I’ve had in WEEKS! Monica. PS. After having labs (who love everyone too but are literally pieces of furniture) and a Maltese (who hated everyone except me as his mother and whose mission in life was to single-handedly urinate on every dust ruffle and curtain bottom in the house) a Cairn sounds like a piece of cake….did you ever try holding an open pizza box out for the dog and have it run away? Worked like a charm for the Maltese, he never ran out the door when a delivery man came, EVER AGAIN!!! LOL…have a good one. M. Comment: Monica, beware of ancient Chinese saying (or curse,) "May you live in interesting times." |
| #3 is from Caitlynn, who has the worst of both worlds - a Cairn with intelligence (a bit of Jack Russel in the mix) |
| I just read the page on your terrier
Rufus. It made me laugh, partly because I could relate! We have a dog who's partly Cairn, part Jack Russel, and he was a nightmare as well as a puppy. He nearly got eaten by a Great Dane the first time we took him for a walk. He chewed up every toy we ever bought to try and entertain him, and he was the only reason our neighbors knew who we were. We moved three times since we got him while he was still a baby. Every time we got to know our new neighbors by him ducking under the fence and disappearing, and them returning him an hour later. Once we got a phone call from the police station where he was playing football with their Alsatians. Another time he came to school and punctured the football there - Frankie definitely has the ball obsession! Since my dad remarried and we've had a Shetland Sheepdog move in, his blatant disinterest in obedience shows up ever more as we repeatedly yell 'Sit' at him to no avail, and Pepper sits good as gold and does everything he's asked. Personally I'd never have another breed Comment: Caitlynn, my sympathies. I went to a friend's house last summer. They had a Jack Russel and we were having a barbecue. We were in the kitchen having a couple beers and looked out to see the Jack Russel pulling a plastic chair over to the barbecue. We watched in amazement as he actually got the chair up close enough to grab a steak. He hopped up on the chair and couldn't quite get past the heat. I was astonished. I do not need a dog that smart. A Cairn / Jack Russel cross is a proposition I would not have have cajones to consider. |
| #4 is from James, who got Barney from a Cairn Rescue Organization |
| Hi
Dan, I enjoyed your Cairn web page and videos very much. Everything you said about Rufus could apply to our Cairn rescue Barney. He has a preference for soccer balls. I have no idea how such a small dog is able to hold such a large ball in his mouth and walk around with it. Yet he does. In spite of all the "problems" of Cairns - I would never trade Barney or change breeds. Some things in life are just worth the trouble. All the best, James Comment: James, - so appropriate: " Some things in life are just worth the trouble." Still would like to see a photo though........ |
| #5 is from Mike, who sent me this rather odd clip: |
| May
2007 - Kathy Identified the source of the strange cairn clip.: The "odd clip" of which you speak of in letter #5 of page 2 of your site is of Ann Priddy and her Cairn Polly doing Canine Freestyle Dancing. Ann is a self representing artist who has loved Cairns for years: If you want to see the most amazing Canine Freestyle demonstration watch Carolyn Scott and Rookie here: No matter how many times I watch that, I still get an ear to ear smile. Rookie is currently 13 and going strong. Could a Cairn do that? Absolutely. But would a Cairn do that? Absolutely not. There isn't enough motivation in the world to get them to move like that <hahahahahahaha>. Kathie - Long Island, NY |
| #7 is from Spring - "It gets better every day..." |
| June 2007
- " Love Cairns! " What an adorable story about Rufus! And I thought my cairn, Maddie (the Mad Hatter), was alone in her idiosyncrasies! I found your link on Wikipedia (under Cairns)... a REALLY funny and well-written look into the Cairn World. Thought you might like to see my Maddie, now 5 months old (with her "sister," Alice in Wonderland, the Westie). It gets better every day...  Comment: 'It gets better every day' - Just wait until the terrible twos.. Then I imagine it will be 'Oh God, not another day!'. Now that is an awfully familiar looking pup. She's a cutie. Nice graphics. How you make those photos appear raised with shadows has me stumped. Very nice! |
| #8 is from Yvonne, All the way from Surrey, England - who plans an infestation. | |||||||||||
| My
husband and I could not stop laughing when we read your tails of woe
whilst looking at our own Carin who was sitting next to us wondering
what all the fuss was about! In the short time we have had him (he's 12 months old now) he has had 2 pees on the bed, ate enough toilet roll to cover the planet twice over, ran out on to a main road because he didn't want to come back to my husband, ( a very nice man managed to grab him while trying to juggle with a washing machine he was delivering), knocked over a zillion joggers and anyone one on a bike when taken for a walk along the river near where we live (yes...he is off the lead and does come back 90% of the time!). He doesn't fetch toys when you throw them for him, he'll chase it and stand there waiting for you to come and pick it up (the looks I get from other dog owners!). But in saying all that, Mort is a bright and loving dog and we wouldn't change him for the world. Our aim to breed him, so we can infest the whole of England with Carin Terriers! PS with have also brought a Norfolk Terrier which according what we have read up on, are just like Carin's but more stubborn! Wish us luck! Yvonne Surrey England Comment: Yvonne, Please let us know who the infestation goes. Inquiring minds wish to know........
Minor Update: According to Yvonne, the infestation is not going all that well in England. Seems Mort's "It's all about me" attitude is not too popular with the ladies. The little guy on the right is Loken, a Norfolk terrier. |
|||||||||||
| #9 is from Katie from my neck of the woods, Northern Nevada! | |||||||||||
| I
just finished reading your post - I could not stop laughing!
My
husband and I just welcomed a Cairn to our family in May. His name is Jack and is as obnoxious as your Rufus. He comes when he wants, sits when he wants, walks with the lead in his mouth. Your comment about a ferret made me laugh, because my brother-in-law calls him a jumping ferret. His favorite person anyone who comes in the house as he jumps a foot off the ground with excitement. He accidentally got out the front door and took off down the street with me chasing and yelling his name when he saw a group of kids (his second favorite thing) in a front yard. Right when I got to the front porch the father walked out of the front door and Jack ran right under his feet and into the neighbor's front room. Thankfully, the father thought it was hilarious, turned and yelled "we have a visitor." Embarrassed, I asked if I could have me puppy back. You are right we do not see many Cairns in Northern Nevada - it took me two years to find my puppy. I attached a picture of Jack when we first brought him home (8 weeks). I would have attached a new picture, but he chewed the adapter cord... Jack is 4 months old now and we call him our little monster. Have a good one, Katie
Comment: Katie, I wish I could tell you things will get better, but they won't. Not for a couple years anyway. Just wait until he decides he wants to be a lap dog (our current phase). By the way, is that a ball in the photo? Cute little guy. 2009 Follow-Up
........You actually have pictures of my Cairn "Jack" when he was a puppy on your website. He is almost two and starting to calm down a bit - thank goodness! I feel like owning a Cairn has made me part of some unofficial club where everyone asks themselves "Why on Earth did I want to make this dog part of my family?!" I attached two updated pictures of my little monster. He can be so lovable, yet ornery as heck. Is your Cairn as ornery as mine? PS I am amazed your Cairn will take a bath. Wow! Jack turned out to be one beautiful dog. Gorgeous coat. No, Rufus doesn't like baths but he gets them regularly and even more regularly when he chooses to be particularly obnoxious. Great photo ops after bath time. I would not use the word ornery to describe Rufus. 'Totally Obnoxious' seems to more fit the bill, thus my Latin term for the breed - Canis Obnixious. Rufus (Ruf) is about 5 years old now and the obnoxious part has toned down. Still as untrustworthy as ever in the escape artist department but he is nicer to be around. |
|||||||||||
| #10 is from Dawn - Double Trouble! | |||||||||||
| Loved your article on
Wikipedia - the joy of being owned by a cairn. I have two -
double trouble! Thanks for sharing your tale of woe. Dawn
The third photo is of Willie. Looks like he is really getting up there in years. My wife with glass of Merlot in hand stands over my shoulder glowering and says, "You mean they really do get that old?" -Just Kidding |
|||||||||||
|
| #13 is from Bree hailing from Melbourne, AU - A Cat Lover? | |||
| I
thought I would send you over some pictures of my Cairn Terrier Mr
“Rabbit” Lincoln. His official name is Mr Lincoln but due to his rather large ears he now answers to Rabbit. He is not obsessed with balls (surprise, surprise) but he LOVES cats. He thinks they are the best thing in the whole world. His fur is actually silver and gold. Every time I take him for a walk, people wish to pat him or say that he is such a cute dog. The charm of the Cairn! Nice website, you made me laugh at how similar they are. Kind regards, Bree |
|||
|
|||
| Comment:
I wouldn't have believed this if I hadn't seen it myself.
That is an amusing picture. Our dog loves cats too - loves barking at them. Annoying cat bark: "Yap", pause two seconds, "Yap Yap", pause 10 seconds and repeat for several hours. The coat color in the third picture is quite interesting. This was a picture at a different age? Ours looked briefly sort of like that at about 8 months when the outer coat started growing out and bristling through the under coat. Nice photos and thanks for taking the time! |
|||
| #14 is from James - the Journey is just Beginning..... | |||
| I
stumbled onto your page and story about Rufus trying to find training
aides to assist me in Training my Cairn "Grunt" (named that cause he low-crawls under things more than some of my soldiers do). We've had him for a little over 2 months now, and we still cannot potty train him. He understands the concept, buuuuuut if he goes to the door, and you don't see him in 60 seconds or less, he pees right there and walks off. My wife cannot stand him anymore, and I just find it so amusing. He is only 15 weeks old and still has that I got to explore everything puppy phase, but after reading your story, I worry that he'll never get out of that stage. The Obedience problems (nipping, barking, not coming when called) I can deal with, but this potty training needs to happen soon. I have a feeling my wife is going to punt him through the window. I will have to disagree with the loyalty thing though, he has loyalty to my wife...but only at night. I am the disciplinary in the house, so when the dog poops or pee's in the house, I'm the one who shows him what he did wrong, swats him and takes him out and "attempts" to show him the right thing to do. Well at night, we bring him into bed with us (he is royally spoiled I know), but he won't get near me. Instead, he will climb onto my wife's pillow and sleep on that, using the top of her head as a solid object to prop up against. If she even attempts to move or roll over, Grunt paws at her face til she stops moving and goes back to sleep. Thank you for the stories about Rufus, I think that is the funniest thing I've read in a long time. Hope things get easier for you. James
Comment: Well James, I would say hang in there - things will get better....but they won't. At least not for a while anyway. Crate training can work wonders for messing in the house problem. We don't even bother locking the crate door anymore. If Rufus has to go in the middle of the night, he will come up to the door and softly growl until you get up and let him out. Of course the problem then is getting him back in. Charges out the door and leaps off the deck like a man on a mission , and then conveniently doesn't hear you when he's called back inside. The never ending thrill of it all........ |
|||
| #15 is from David - Magic Squirrels! | |||
| Hi,
Dan! I
got a real kick out of reading your stories, exploring your website,
and hearing about other people's experiences with their Cairn Terriers. I retired in 2005 and my wife is still working. Our daughter is grown and has left home now, and my wife decided that we "needed" another dog. Over the years (30+) we have had a German Shepherd and a yellow Lab, as well as several cats. We got Ruby last October when she was 8 weeks old. She is now almost a year-and-a-half and does all the stuff you and the others talk about. I took her to training classes at a local vet's office, only to be told -- "good luck with that". Still -- I thought she did rather well, and I was truly proud of her when she "graduated". We live in the suburbs and have a large fenced back yard, as well as a kennel inside the yard. Ruby won't be confined to the kennel without constant yapping, however. For small dogs they certainly have big mouths! She loves to chase squirrels. It took her an entire year to figure out, however, that they weren't "disappearing". Yes -- an entire year, just to learn to "look up!!". Now she follows them all over the yard, from tree to tree, fussing all the way. She has yet to catch one, however, nor a chipmunk either. My wife thinks we should enter her in one of those obstacle competitions, and she would probably do quite well. I try to walk her often, and we play "fetch" with the ball every day in the back yard. My biggest fear is that she will escape out the front door, or the garage door opening unexpectedly when I am taking her out through there. She has escaped twice in the past year, and we live near very busy roads and she has no knowledge or fear of traffic. Fortunately both times she went towards the rear of our subdivision, as that is the direction we go on walks. Both times she went right into people's open garages -- total strangers -- and new "best friends!!" I work hard to keep a nice home with a green yard. I hope someday Ruby, like Dorothy, will discover there's really no better place to be. Thanks. David |
|||
Comment: Magic Squirrels - that is quite funny. Around the house we have magic balls - and after four years they are still magical. Ruby is a fine looking dog - I wonder what possibly could have inspired her name. Thanks for the nice letter and photos. |
