General

[Guest Karin]

This is the first time I've sent anything like this - but, I just have to say that after having had a Cairn Terrier in our home as a child, and that leading to me wanting another as a single adult were the best decisions ever made.

Our Cairn when I was young was a male, named Peppie, who was the most faithful and playful of pets. His only down side was running around the neighborhood like a streaker every time he got off his leash - that and the fake limp if the weather was too cold for his paws (we lived in Nova Scotia).

As an adult I purchased a Cairn, based on my possitive experiences as a child. I named her Peppie, appropriately. She was, and is, everything that a Cairn should be. Sturdy, affectionate, playful and keen. She, like her namesake, sent me on many runs around the neighborhood if not leashed - but, amazingly, after we added two larger breed of dog to the mix (who regularly went for walks off leash) soon realized that if we didn't chase her and continued on with our walk that the thought of being left alone was far less interesting than being with us. She now goes solo (without leash) on walks and never ventures too far from what's going on. The fear of missing out on something keeps her close.

She's now going on to 12 years of age and still acts like a puppy - running around and deeking you all over the house. She still thinks she's the "big dog" of the house, despite sharing it with a 165 pound Malamute. Her best friend is a Birman cat, who gives her constant attention when I'm busy. She will lay patiently while 5 year old children adorn her with Christmas ribbons, and drag her along for a walk(they're learning how to be responsible pet owners, so we make them take her on a leash) eight times a day.

I would never hesitate to recommend a Cairn to anyone, especially those with children. They fill your life with an abundance of love and entertainment.

[tena]

I never knew about Cairns, had no experience with them, and frankly the word terrier was enough to send me dashing the other way. And then I met Sophie. As she recovered her health I discovered this very very cool little dog. She is spunky and brave, smart and stubborn and more than a little bit goofy.She burps, she snorts, she is involved with everything I do, from supervising laundry day to listening to my writing samples. She is the perfect dog for our family...who knew. I know highly recomend this breed highly for people who want a true companion.

[abe's dad]

thanks for sharing your touching stories.

Valerie

[TheScotts]

All I can say is Awww! and Ditto! Cairns are the best

[Guest Darcy's Mom]

They say once a Cairn owns you (not the other way around) you will never own another breed. That's the way it was for me. I got Bonnie 30+ something years ago and never looked back. A Cairn was the only breed of dog for me and I converted my husband over from Alaskan Malamutes (we had 2 at one time) to Cairns and he is of the same opinion now.

[Marmielin]

Our first Cairn lived to be 17. After he died, we got a different breed, Shipoo (Shitzu/Poodle mix) and I loved her very much. Our grandaughter was allergic to her, so we gave her to our very close friends who have been wonderful human parents to her. Plus, we get to see her when we want. Our grandaughter has outgrown her allergies, so we got another Cairn 1 1/2 years ago and she is wonderful. Makes me wonder why we didn't get one after the first died. We loved him so much and he was such a big part of our family that in hindsight I can't figure out why we chose another breed. Anyway, I doubt we will ever be without a Cairn again. Tink is such a sweet dog - like all those on this forum seem to be. She just loves us, and loves to be with us. We went on vacation two weeks ago, and I missed her more than any of the humans in our family! (Don't tell the humans please! )

LindaB

[Lisad]

What a great post. I never had a small dog before but I wanted one that would be happy keeping up like a "big dog" would. I did a lot of research and decided that the cairn was the right choice for us. And WHAT a dog he is too!! He only thinks he's independent but I know he needs me He has to be in on everything that's going on. His time is precious so he doesn't want to waste it just lolling about but yet he doesn't want to be rushed if he's interested in smelling the wind. He has a heart as big as the White Mountains and an appetite to match. He has way more friends than I do and as much as he annoys them - his friends are still loyal. I imagine he has more spunk in his carrot-like tail than your average working dog (as if any dog is "average" anyway ) He is as individual as he is honest. I am as blessed to be part of his life as he is to be part of mine.

[tlwtheq]

I adopted my first Cairn in 1983 and have never looked back. They're my forever babies.

[rileysmum]

Ok I've been up the stairs to long, I have to go down and give Rebel a big hug and kiss,everyone tells me he is the third child I wanted but couldn't have, how true this is

[Eliz222]

i grew up with cairns my whole life.....and you are right....they are the best!. scout and finch are my 5th and 6th cairn....i'd have more but mt dh would kill me!

[kayharley]

Cairns are now in my blood and although I love all dogs, I don't think I would get as much enjoyment from another breed as I do now with my Cairns.

Thank you for sharing that story.

[toomanypaws]

I enjoyed reading about your love for Cairns. Ever since watching "Wizard of Oz" as a little girl, it was always my dream to own a Cairn. Now I'm living my dream w/ a houseful of these incredible little dogs that have a big zest for life.

[mrskti]

like someone else said, the word 'terrier' scared me too, but these two have been so great to have around....sometimes are greater than others, but they are NEVER boring!!!! We cant imagine it w/o them now. They are our baby girls.

[Scully'sMom]

What terrific and heartwarming stories!

I grew up with beagles since my dad and brother hunted. I got Ginger, my first Cairn after seeing a neighbor's Cairn and I was hooked!! I can't imagine my life without a Cairn in it either - my heart is absolutely taken!