Hi All!

[pindrop]

Hi Dawn I love the picture of your new furbaby and she actually is smiling. I can understand your plight as I too have a young one (5 months yesterday). Insofar as food - we don't feed her anything but puppy food. Once we do start feeding her anything other than her puppy food, we will introduce one item at a time to determine if any allergies arise. Also on her teething, at first she would attack anything that moved (and I think that is normal for a puppy) but as she is getting a little older, she has decided that slippers and pant legs aren't as interesting as they were. She occassionally will attack my boots while we are out walking - but I stop dead in my tracks - say NO - and only once she stops do I continue on our walk. Layla at first did not care for her collar - scratching and itching - so we bought another one and this seems fine now. Perhaps it is the nylon content - who knows. When walking her around our property, she was fussy at first - trying to chew the lead, pulling and twisting trying to get away from the leash but in two months she now walks like a little lady. As long as she is good, I give her the length but if she acts up, I immediately tighten up till there is just enough room for her feet to touch the ground. It seems that we just conquer one item and another one pops up and when that one is over it's back to the first one. Vicious cycle - but eventually they grow out of these puppy stages and then we moan and groan that we want another one. Good luck with your baby and know that eventually all these things work out with time.

Edited February 16, 2011 by pindrop

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

So I figured I would update everyone on Surfer. She is great! She is a super sweetie! I'm continually amazed at how quickly she learns her commands...without having to use treats all the time! Our potty learning is not as far as I would like which is not really Surfer's fault. The kids come home from school and don't let her out like she needs after being cooped up all day so she has to go and goes on the floor. This is an issue, we are working on it. The dog park continues to be a +/-. She loves to go and run, but gets so overwhelmed by the other dogs. Especially dogs that HAVE to smell in her business, she hates that. She snaps at them. I was told by a gajillion people she would get over this after going for a couple months, well we've been going for a couple months and she's not getting any better. She does not play with any of the dogs. I'm trying a new strategy for awhile, crossing fingers!

When I got Surfer the Humane Society said she was Queensland Heeler/Australian Shepherd mix. She's obviously heeler, her markings give that away. And some of her litter mates look 100% Aussie, but I don't think she has any Aussie. So we are trying to figure what her other part(s) is. Because of the brown markings on her face people jump to doberman or rottie. I discount this theory because 1) plenty of cattle dogs (heelers) have the EXACT same markings on the face 2) her body does not have the depth of chest for either of those breeds. By her ears, with the tan inside, and her body (she is super skinny, no heavy chest) what is she? My mom says she thinks Surfer looks just like a GSD at the same age, all ears/legs. Her coat is another mystery. She does not have traditional heeler coat which should be thicker (although she has an undercoat which she has dropped this yr) nor the longer hair of a GSD. It is not short like a doberman. I've attached some pics and would love to hear some theories. I think I would like to get a genetic test done at some point but my checkbook says I have to wait.

Oh, and if you think her ears are big in the picture...well the picture doesnt do them justice, they are truly huge. And she can fold them back completely flat too. Amazing really...

Edited May 17, 2011 by DawnandTuk-tuk

[Hawkeye]

Hi Dawn and thank you for bringing us to date on you and Surfer. Sorry I cannot help on your quest for finding out Surfer’s breed lineage, but I can say she is a cutie. That's as far as my expertise goes. She does have the Doberman coloring but I don’t think that is enough to go on. You still have some time maybe she will grow into those ears…who knows. Have you any idea how tall she will get or if she’s just about full grown, it’s hard to tell in the pics since she’s all curled up into a cuddly ball.

Sorry, but had to laugh a little when you said the kids don’t let her out to relieve herself when they get home. Leave it to kids! They’re the first to say “we’ll take care of her, I promise” but that promise falls apart quick.

I’m so happy to hear you guys are doing well and wanted to just say “hi”.

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

Hi everyone,

I decided to stop trolling and say hello! It feels very strange sometimes as I can relate to so many stories, but posting is hard because it now seems like a long time ago but just yesterday that I lost Tuk. I guess it has been awhile now. I was reading the 'aggressive Cairn' threads and remembered quite vividly a vicious little snarly biting Cairn coming right after me when he was a pup (I was quite surprised the first time it happened, lol). If only all of us who know better could just transport 'newbies' to the future to show them what a wonderful dog they'll have someday, they would stick with it I think. I saw all the beautiful replies to Tuk's birthday thread. Someone asked if I'll ever get another Cairn...citing all that fun training - I've decided to wait until I have more time on my hands. My daughter is getting her drivers permit this week and keeps me busy taking her here, there, everywhere for her choir/performing functions. She made it into a national choir this past spring and we traveled to NYC so she could sing at Carnegie Hall. I am very proud of her. My son is just 10 so he gets dragged along everywhere too. He has taken up golf tho, which he has a passing interest in, but is really good at...we'll see where it goes. I think they need cheaper hobbies. This does not leave any time for me and Surfer to do much but tag along and go for walks where we can get them. Surfer is doing great. She is smart (er rather, trainable ) and has great recall (that took some getting used to, lol). Since a Cairn is not in my cards right now, I'm thinking about adopting another cattle dog in the next few months. Sadly, we lost Batman over the summer. Some of you may remember Batman and Robyn came to live with us as baby kittens Christmas 3 yrs ago and immediately took to Tuk. The vet could only speculate he had a heart disorder, we decided not to try to find out what happened. We were/are devastated. He was beautiful cat, who loved to be held like a baby and would hug onto to you when being petted. He also drooled, alot, when he was happy so we would all have wet shirts after holding him. He passed suddenly at home, I was able to be with him right at the end. He is missed. I try not to think I have some sort of curse, especially since I've had plenty of pets make it to old age, but losing Tuk and Batman so young makes me second guess myself in that weird way we humans do to ourselves. I just tell myself that giving them a good home with a healthy diet, exercise and love is the best I can do. Sigh.

Surfer never grew into her ears. I think it might be a cattle dog thing. And she looks just the same, someone at the store said last weekend he thought she was a puppy...she turns 2 yrs next month. She's a great dog and has made me a fan of the breed. She is still stuck to me all the time tho, its a breed thing, which is still hard sometimes...she must be touching me almost all the time. After having an idependant Cairn its a huge adjustment. I just call her 'baby dog' cause she's more like a baby than any other dog I've ever been around. At night, she cuddles, right up next to me which is really cute. Makes my king bed seem less huge.

Anyway, I just wanted to say 'hi' to everyone. Miss you all!

~Dawn

[shergry]

Love hearing from you and all your stories! (((hugs))) Prayers that you have ALL GREAT memories from all furkids!! Such a busy Mom!! Please keep us updated...as I ALWAYS say...ONCE a CAIRN PARENT.....ALWAYS A CAIRN PARENT! And YOU are ALWAYS welcome to post stories, pictures, videos, etc...kinda get where I am going with this?? May you GET some REST, have GREAT days ahead!!

[TazTalk]

We miss you too!!!! nice to hear from you. Can't believe your daughter will soon be driving. Glad your cuddler has settled in so well.

Taz is still terrorizing Ahwatukee.

[pindrop]

It is great to hear from you again and hear your updates on the kids and your furbaby. Life does get easier when puppy grows up. Seems though we just go through one phase to pass into another. Take care of yourself and keep us posted.

[hheldorfer]

Great to hear from you again, Dawn! It sounds like life is keeping you busy. Stop by any time (and maybe post a pic or two of Surfer if you get a chance).

[Kathryn]

Good hearing from you, Dawn. And still glad to hear that you opened your heart to another dog, though not a cairn this time. Thanks for posting.

[Autumn & Lola]

Hiya Dawn! It is so nice to hear from you again. We all miss you here! I am so glad you and the kids are busy and doing well. I'm sorry to hear about Batman. We take these lovely furballs into our lives, love them and take care of them, and it is always too soon when they leave us.

I am glad though that you sound so happy and that your family is doing so well. Please don't be a stranger. Many hugs.....

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

It's Tuky's birthday. I don't want to post on his page, it makes me sad. And I see all the other great friends who have left us which make me sad too. It feels like forever now and while I can still remember what it feels like to pet him, give him kisses and all the funny things he used to do it all seems far away. Near or far, I don't think I've ever been closer to another creature than I was to Tuk. And I miss him. Happy birthday Tuk.

 

So much for the avoiding sad part... I think Tuk sent Surfer tho. She absolutely is like an angel. She takes care of me, helping me sleep when I can't, putting her head in my lap when I cry and refusing to leave my side. She's a real sweettie.

 

We're going to go have some chips in honor of Tuky.

[hheldorfer]

It's good to know you are well and that Surfer is taking good care of you.  Tuk was your special boy and can never be replaced and I know you'll always miss him.  Happy birthday Tuk.  Hope you are frolicking with your fellow Cairns at the Bridge.  And bless you, Dawn, for keeping in touch.

[Autumn & Lola]

Hiya Dawn,

 

It is so good to hear from you again, despite the circumstances.

 

I still dream of Mandy, so I know exactly how you feel. No matter how many little gals I have after her, Mandy was the one that really touched me. To this day, I cannot listen to the song "Mandy", nor the song "Good Morning Starshine" (which I used to sing to her) without crying. I often look at her dogtag, which I keep in my change purse. In my whole house, I only have six photos on display and two are of her. So truly, I know.

 

But please keep remembering all the wonderful times you had with Tuky. I remember that photo you had of him in a bandanna in your kitchen (I think). So gorgeous. Focus on all the fun times you shared, how he touched your life, and how lucky the both of you were to have each other.  He passed far too young, but the best ones always do.

 

I am so glad Surfer is keeping you happy and busy. I'm sure she knows she has some big shoes to fill. 

 

(On a side note: On Wednesday I am getting a tattoo of three paw prints - pink for Mandy, lavender for Molly and turquoise for Lola.)

 

Please stop in and say "hi" more often. You have a lot of friends here.

 

Happy Birthday, sweet gorgeous Tuk.

[tomatosandwich]

What a cute pup!  I think it honors a dog you've loved and lost to give part of your heart to another dog.  

 

Enjoy your new home, Surfer!  You got a fantastic, loving, committed family!

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

So I'm soon going to have lots of time on my hands and will probably be posting more often.  This is always my favorite site to visit.  All the pics and stories are so much fun.  Next month I have to have liver surgery.  I have some tumors (no cancer) that have to be removed.  I knew I had the one, and we (er, I) had some scans and they found it grew a bunch and got some friends, lol.  The big 'un is in a spot that is not able to be removed laprascopically (sp?) so they have to do it the old fashioned way with a big incision (i'm devastated i wont be wearing my bikini anymore, haha!!!  i have never worn a bikini!).  I have to go down town to have it done cause only a few of the hospitals here do this surgery, and my surgeon is a super specialist...a liver transplant specialist, fancy!!  I'm nervous of course, but my doctor is good and so is the hospital.  The coming home part is concerning...my dogs are used to trampling all over my bed and me whenever they like.  I'm sure they are not going to be able to step on me afterwards so they will be sad.  If my mom kicks them out of my room i'll be sad too.  I'm sure it'll all work out.  I'll be off work for three weeks, i have no idea what i'm going to do for three weeks.  I mean if i could get out and about, do stuff around the house etc I would be ok but I'm not going to be doing anything but being bored or sleeping (sleeping is boring too).  I'm gonna need alot of books to read, and internet to visit Cairn Forum!! 

[bradl]

We've GOT to find a more pleasant way to keep people on the forum

 

(Good luck, swift recovery, and happy posting )

[shergry]

All paws crossed here for a speedy recovery!!  Post away...SO enjoy your stories and knowledge!! 

[Hillscreek]

Hope all goes well. Angus says post stories and pics for us.

[Autumn & Lola]

Hiya Dawn,

 

Great to see your post! Hope all goes well and that you have a speedy recovery.  The dogs will catch on quickly that you have to be 'handled with care' for a while. After I was in an accident, my Mandy was a bit confused for a few days, but then caught on. She was such a great comfort and companion during that time, even though she was ill herself.  She used to transfer her kibble, piece by piece from her bowl in the kitchen to the floor next to my bed. She had her kibble, she had her Mommy, 'nuff said.  

 

Don't worry, three weeks will fly by. I was "in bed"/incapacitated for nearly 6 months. THAT sucked.  Read, watch TV/videos, catch up on your newspapers/favorite magazines, do puzzles, color, draw, listen to music, sew that hem or button you've been meaning to do, rearrange your sock drawer (have someone pull out the entire drawer and put it on the bed next to you), clear out your makeup drawer, paint your fingernails (Try some nail art. That takes time and patience!), call all the people you've been meaning to for the past couple months, write letters (the old-fashioned way), sort out your sewing kit, your craft box, give yourself a peel-off facial mask, braid your hair, glue that handle back on the mug, clip coupons, make lists for future projects, fix broke costume jewelry, write out your holiday cards (if you have any left from last year), update your address book/file, polish your shoes, clean out/reorganize your computer files, look up recipes to make in future.... Okay, I'm done.  If you can think of a dozen or more projects in advance, put all the stuff you'll need in a plastic bucket next to the bed so you'll have things to do.

 

You can tell I've been there before. Heck, I think I got more done when I was bedridden than I normally do. :D

[kieiras mom]

Hope for a good and speedy recovery. 

[DawnandTuk-tuk]

I just hopped on to say hi to everyone when i read about Jock, I'm so sad for terrierlover.

Took me a minute to figure out how to get on the new site, login etc. i go away for a tiny bit and everything changes! it looks good! Surgery is all done and I've been home a couple days now. These experiences are always interesting...i did not realize that i was not fully appreciating my ability to laugh, yawn and lay down in my bed! I will remember to enjoy these things in the future, when i can do them again. they got my tumor out, just s bit bigger than a baseball. Looks like everything should be all good now...they are doing a biopsy on it just to make sure it's not cancer but we don't expect it will be. One of the things i have found interesting are all the holes i have now! With the two arterial lines, an iv line and several drains i look like a porcine got to me, lol. The kids had a hard time at first but are slowly starting to understand I'm ok. The dogs are ok, my baby girl just waits patiently for me to pay attention, rover was very upset at first but now that I'm better able to love him he's feeling better. The hardest part has been all the fussing over me, my family is all being very wonderful...but I'm a single mom and I'm just used to doing it all on my own. Now everyone wants to help me and i just don't know what to do with it. but I'm trying to let ppl help, it's just weird. So now I'm home, bored already, and plan to inject my unwanted opinion all over the forum!

[Hillscreek]

Great that you are back at home and on the road to better times. The new site seems to be working well.

 

Enjoy being looked after and post away!

[hheldorfer]

Great to hear you are home and on the mend!  Now stop that "do it all by myself" attitude and let people help you.  It makes them feel good.  Sometimes a gal has to give herself a rest.

[Autumn & Lola]

Hiya Dawn!  Oh my, let people help you!  When will you get the opportunity again?  Glad the surgery went smoothly and looking forward to seeing you around the forum.

[Sam I Am]

Glad all is well Dawn!