Betsy Update

[parmelbe]

 

Hello, all, 

Realized it's been a while since I shared anything about Betsy and seeing as we've had her for a little over 6 months now I think it's high time to move up to this section. 

Her hair has grown in nicely since the trim she got before we found her and the shave for her surgery. I've been grooming her by hand using rubber gloves and a Furminator. 

She's still a bit of a princess, particularly when it comes to getting attention. When we try to leave the house she'll come and sit on our laps or nose aside hands that are trying to tie shoes. She's gotten very good at picking up on when we're on our way out. When she doesn't get her way she either forces her head under our hands or retreats to her chair and glares across the room very sulkily. 

Breakthrough! She sort of plays now. I've been able to get her to chase me around our little apartment. She'll whine, snort, and yelp, which seem to be the only noises she really makes. When I crawl around with her she jumps around and fakes at me like she's playing with another dog. Not sure if I'm doing it right, but she seems to enjoy it and has even started initiating playtime. She isn't anywhere near as outgoing or headstrong as some of the dogs described here but she's a very happy little girl. 

Some recent glamor shots:

and the blooper reel:

 

 

 

Here's a "before" picture from the day before we signed adoption papers

 

Edited February 9, 2016 by parmelbe

[pkcrossley]

very glad to know the progress of this very pretty (and very lucky) dog. sounds like she is becoming very close to you. 

[hheldorfer]

Wonderful news - thanks for the update!  Betsy looks stunning and happy and healthy, so you are obviously doing everything right.  It's encouraging that she's starting to participate in playtime.  Six months isn't really that long and she'll come out of her shell more and more as time goes on.  By now she is at least feeling comfortable, secure, and loved.

Looking at her pictures I couldn't help but wonder:  If Betsy, Buffy (my Cairn) and Addie (whits' Cairn) were all together we'd have a heck of a time figuring out who was who!

 

[Sam I Am]

She looks amazing! How glad she must be to have a loving home. Even the glaring at you is great progress as its the typical Cairn stink eye if they figure they can't stop you from abiding to their every wish. And some dogs are just more playful than others. No doubt in time that will all change .

[sanford]

1 hour ago, hheldorfer said:

Looking at her pictures I couldn't help but wonder:  If Betsy, Buffy (my Cairn) and Addie (whits' Cairn) were all together we'd have a heck of a time figuring out who was who!

Add Ruffy to the mix and you'd have a fourth look-alike.

(Oops! Just realized... Ruffy is a male, so I guess that would be a dead give-away)!?

P.S. Betsy is gorgeous! She's got a beautiful coat and you've done it justice with your excellent grooming skills! Wishing you continued success with wonderful Betsy. Be sure to keep us posted as she continues to progress!

Edited February 10, 2016 by sanford

[Hillscreek]

What wonderful and happy changes for Betsy and for you. Great photos!

[_whits_]

What a change you can see in the pictures! Her coat and her figure sure make it seem like she's a hearty and healthy dog. I think the last "blooper" picture is my fave. She's precious. 

It appears she hit the rescue jackpot. So happy to see and hear about her progress. Thank you so much for sharing! 

6 months isn't a very long time in the grand scheme of things - it's great that she's comfortable playing with you and protesting your departures. I imagine you'll have an even more confident and happy dog in your life as more months go by. And I hope we get to hear all about it. 

[josie&holly]

Betsy is beautiful!  She landed on her paws with you.

[Idaho Cairns]

Wow what memories you brought back for me!  Our first Cairn, Tootsie, was a rescue that was, at first, and in many ways, always, a reserved soul, especially for a Cairn, tho we didn't know it at the time--it took future Cairns to appreciate that reserve.  She was long of body, short of leg like your Betsy and she also "didn't play", especially with stuffed toys, which, strangely, she came with from the adoption society (those toys, after over two decades, still grace the bottom of the dog toy box!).  Eventually she did learn to play with other dogs to a certain extent.
Looking at those pictures, I envy you.  Adopting an adult Cairn can be such fun and really gratifying because as time goes along, you will watch your Betsy change, adjust to you and your home and it will be subtle but you will see it.  Cairns tend to "rock in" to a situation, almost like they sit back and observe, cogitate on the situation, and then slip into a "go with the flow" kind of behavior that is wonderful.  Toots was the only Cairn we have had that we could take to a golf course, sit in a cart seat, and play a round with absolutely no noise or interference.  What you are telling us about Betsy is familiar, the "act" when you have to leave, the stumbling attempt to find a "play mode" that is mutually satisfying, the getting comfortable in the new digs, adjusting to you and your life--it is so familiar even if our experience was years ago.
Wait until next year and the years after, as she successfully makes the adjustments and then grows from those first agreeable steps to be a wonderful companion.  I would love to relive our experience with Toots so keep us informed about Betsy and that will suffice, reminding me of moments in dusty time that I shared with a rescue Cairn that still bring me such enormous pleasure, even today, well past her leaving us.
Indulge me and let me share a picture of Toots, so you can see the resemblance, sort of like a Cairn spirit blessing for Betsy and you.  I know Toots would say to you, "Good for you taking in that little dog and sharing your life with her--you won't be sorry!"

 

[pkcrossley]

what a beauty was toots, and such depth in her lovely face. 

[Dempsy's Mom]

Wow - very nice.  So glad Betsy is with you.  Love the pics - she looks very happy.

[Autumn & Lola]

Betsy looks fantastic!  You've done so well with her grooming. I'm glad she is settling in nicely.   Thanks for the update and for sharing all the lovely photos. I think the 'one ear' pic is my favorite.