Breydon, a five-month-old Wheatie, came into Greater NY/NJ Scottie Rescue from a Mennonite puppy mill. Like so many puppy mill dogs, he has a genetic defect in that he has no knee joint in a rear leg. To make matters worse, he was kept in a cage preventing the leg muscles from strengthening. Consequently, he was dragging his leg when he came into rescue.
Edison, a five-year-old Cairn, came into Col Potter Rescue as an owner turn-in. His owner complained that he was bossy and terrorized her; a real handful. Well, after all, he is a terrier.
When we think of breed rescue organizations, we think of dogs being saved from public shelters, unsuitable home situations, or turned in when owners pass away. Col. Potter Cairn Rescue, the largest national breed rescue in the country, like most rescues, does far more.
A senior Cairn girl, Minuet is a true Cairn princess, according to her foster mom, Linda. “She is happy when things go her way,” says Linda. “But, she growls a warning when I disturb her sleep or try to do something she is not on board with.” That’s OK with Linda, an experienced foster mom who is used to terrier-tude. However, she does sometimes call Minuet “Grumpy Granny.”
Poor little Mika, a one and a half year old Wheatie, fell into a bad situation. A well-meaning woman adopted her from Craig’s list as a gift for her brother, who had recently lost his Scottie.
Zack is a senior Westie, approximately twelve years old. He was picked up as a stray by the county shelter. He is blind and deaf but has no skin or health problems. The shelter knew Zack would not be easy to adopt, so they called Elizabeth of Lone Star Westie Rescue.
Merlin was purchased as a young pup from a breeder out West. The family that bought him meant well, but with no prior Scottie or terrier experience, they found the sweet but playful pup to be a bit too much for the busy family.
Valentina, at barely one-year-old, is still very puppy-ish. She is super active, loves toys, and is a very busy girl. Her foster mom says she jumps on the sofa and flies to nearby chairs or tables.
Valentina was purchased by a nice family from a pet shop, but they had no Scottie experience. In addition, the parents were very busy between working full time, their children’s school, and after school activities. Consequently, Valentina spent a lot of time alone in her crate.
Found on the streets and heavily infected with fleas, Crosby was taken to the local shelter. He was not doing well in the noisy, busy shelter. Thinking he was a Cairn or part Cairn, the shelter workers called Col Potter Cairn Terrier Rescue.
