The worst day ever I can remember

[mrseggcup]

WOOF! Eli, here. I have always felt a bond with Elliot. He's a good dawg. I wish the Alpha B would let him come here.

I say crate the relatives!

Woof!

Eli

[Scully'sMom]

Eli you da man, you are SO right! Put all the cranky pants two-legged people behind bars.

[tena]

KayHarley

I am so sorry for your pain. I think contacting Elliot's breeder was a very responsible thing to do. The report from the vet shows how quickly this situation could of gone from heartbreak to tragedy.

I hope for a solution that works for all of you.

[Barney's Mom]

Dear Sandy,

I am so saddened to hear the situation you are in. There are so many problems wrapped into one here, and I can imagine your desperate feelings. I am afraid I can't offer advice since Barney is my only dog, but I could not offer anything better than the good advice given already. It's so hard to understand what is going on in an animal's mind when things like this happen. I think sometimes we love our animals to the point that we forget what they really are

[jetersmom]

I too am super sorry to hear about the situation you're in with your pups. I have been looking on the net for articles that address multiple dog households. I had researched those terms before I added male number 2. There are a great number of articles that deal with the issue of having a multiple dog household and dealing with the dynamics.

One such search i did was: in-home multiple dog management. This brought up a pretty good article. I hope that you can find a solution that is in the best interests of both your family and all three of your pups. And I hope it helps in some way knowing you have many cairn friends at this forum who are thinking of you at this time.

[Cairns2]

Kay,

I am so sorry that this happened to you and your family. The excitement of company, the holidays and food can be too much to handle for the dogs, as it does for kids too. I am going to PM you to share my experience in these situations and hope it helps you. Recognizing the potential for a problem is key and separation is the answer. Don't give up on Elliott. You can find a way to all live in harmony.

Cynthia

[toomanypaws]

Hi Sandy,

Just thinking about you. My dh has a suggesstion. Please check your PM!

[Scully'sMom]

Good Morning Sandy,

Just checking in to see if there was any news on how Winnie is doing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers continue for you, Winnie and Elliott.

[Milopup]

No advice to offer, but sending you and your pups a huge hug.

- Mp and Bosco

[tlwtheq]

Wow, this is the first time I've logged in since Wednesday. Sandy, I feel so badly for you

and your family, both erect and four-pawed critters alike. You know I know how tough it is

when one dog has another one in her/his sight...it isn't pretty.

Just keep coming back for support. You know we all care and want the best for you

and will do anything we can to help.

Tara, Mom of Olie, Teddy, and Sweet Pea

[kayharley]

You people are the best!!

Winnie is home and resting comfortably. I do have some choices to make but I just cannot give up on Elliott right now. I know there will be some changes that will take place but it I honestly feel it can be done.

I have 2 dens in my house, 2 crates and a large pen area. Neither Elliott nor Maddy will be allowed near the kitchen or dining area when eating or preparing food. I'm going to become a tough cookie and demand peace and harmony.

When company comes, only one dog at a time will be let out at a time...they will learn to share the spotlight.

I will treat both Maddy and Elliott the same but Winnie holds the special place and will be treated as such. She will never be allowed to mingle with Elliott but will get time to spend with Maddy. And my hubby will have to honor my request to never allow all three to be together no matter how good they seem to be behaving.

I am also looking into seeing a vet who specializes in behavior problems. Elliott may need medication if we find he needs it. Nothing is out of reach right now.

http://www.lindellvetbehavior.org/

Does my post sound different than the others as far as attitude and emotion? It's because I want with all my heart and soul to keep my 3 Cairns and I will do whatever I have to. But being a reasonable adult, if my gut feeling ever tells me that it will never work, then I will be the first one to give Elliott back to his breeder.

Thank you all so much...

[maggie]

My heart goes out to you. I'm glad Winnie is home and confortable, I will continue to pray for you and your clan that everything will work out.

[Will&Grace]

Kayharley, sounds like you got your "second wind"- good for you. I think with your determination you will be able to make this work. I have a friend that has a very similiar issue at her house - 4 dogs and 2 of them hate each other, 2 females. She has managed for nearly a year now of keep the 2 that fight apart and all is well. If you were at their house, it is such a smooth routine now that I doubt you'd even notice. The dogs all even know the routines and it is like it had always been that way. Everyone is happy and noone had to leave. I wish you all the best with this. Glad Winnie is okay too.... Good Luck, Linda

[Barney's Mom]

Just checking in to see how things are going today. I am so glad you feel better today, Sandy. Sometimes a day or two to clear the dust does wonders.

I admire your determination to keep the three dogs happy but separated. I hope with all my heart that this will be a good solution for you. WillandGrace's post I'm sure was very encouraging for you. It obviously can be done, and done successfully.

My prayers are with Winnie, that she would heal quickly and that harmony would be restored in your home and with your family. And also for Elliot. Before you resort to medication for him, please explore some of the natural alternatives. PM toomanypaws for that! Her dh would have lots of good things to suggest.

Take care! And be sure to take some time off for yourself and separate yourself from the situation, at least for a morning. Go shopping, take a long walk by yourself or with a friend. Keeping your own body and mind refreshed is so important when you are going through a stressful time.

(((((More Hugs!)))))

Mary

Barney's Mom

[Scruffys Mom]

I am so proud of you as it seems as though you are looking hard for solutions. Your children are not going to stop loving you because of the dogs. let some time and space pass and it will be forgotten. My concern is for you and the dogs. You must keep Helliott away from Winnie as she can not endure these fights. My step son has a cocker who was aggressive. The cocker is on prozac or the canine equivalent and has been a joy since the meds kicked in. I know how much you love all 3. I am so praying that you can pull this together. Remind your children you did not give them away when they fought....

[jetersmom]

I'd be like you and try to keep all three. It may take more time and work but in the end I am sure you'll be happy you did. I am sure that people that foster dogs are in much similar situations and have to find solutions. You'll make it work! Just stay positive and we're all routing for ya!

[Cairns2]

I am also glad that you got your second wind!

Remember your song from a previous post: "We are family, I got my 3 Cairns with me!" Keep singing it! You are doing a great thing for your dogs. I know it won't always be easy but with Cairns drastic measures are often needed! Best of luck and keep us posted.

[Logansmom]

Just jumped on to check in and saw your post. My heart breaks for you, all. Puppies and people. I can't imagine the pain that you are feeling right now. I think you feel the love that we all have for you as we are all family. I know you must do what is best for all involved but when the kids say it has to be them or the dogs, please remind them that they live elsewhere and have their own lives now so no, it doesn't have to be pups or kids. The situation needs to be handled but not at the expense of your heart, unless that is what Winnie, and only Winnie needs. She is the matriarch and will decide how this is going to end up. Please give all three pups a hug from Logan and Sadie and of course from me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I saw someone (I apologize that I can't remember who) post that the kids need to remember when they hit, bit, scratched, punched, kicked, screamed, threw, etc. you kept them. You may have separated them from the situation but they stayed in the house and didn't go back to the cabbage patch. Life is tough and we need to bend with the challenges that it gives us and you sure will. Your puppies are well loved and you will make the right choice for all involved.

(((((many, many hugs)))))

Ann

[Scully'sMom]

Sandy, first of all I'm glad that Winnie is home with you and my prayers continue for a speedy recovery for her. I'm also SO happy to hear that you "sound" more peaceful and also that you are going to make every attempt possible to keep Elliott with your family. I think you can tell from all the posts how special Elliott/Helliott has become to ALL of us. He and Eli are like the Cairn Talk Forum Poster Boys!

[grillywarren]

Sandy,

Sending you hugs !! I really hope everything

works out. Please know that we are here for you and

your family. Sister Madison tells Elliott to be good or santa

won't bring him any bones! (Hope it is ok to joke)

Be well

and keep us informed!

Ellie, Eric, Grilly and sister - Madison

[toomanypaws]

I too feel positive that you can work this out. I told you this in my email and want others to know that my decision w/ Kato was due to having such a young dd and also having an older gentleman who needed a companion and gave him a good home. Kato also was a rescue, who came to us w/ problems. It still hurt to let him go, and you really had my empathy to even consider facing such a decision.

I'm glad Winnie is healing and doing better. Always know, we are always here for you. I may be the next one coming here to the forum for help, ya never know.

[brin145]

Sandy,

Just wanted you to know that I have been following this thread and saying prayers for your gang. I know that with strict guidelines, you can make this work. I have already discussed with my husband my plan for Christmas holiday with his entire family at our house. Last year, my sister-in-law brought her young dog over and threw him in our fenced back yard with mine as soon as she arrived. Crunch attacked her dog (twice his size), and we are lucky they weren't hurt. I wasn't surprised since Crunch is aggressive and it is his backyard - in his little doggie mind. My two Cairns will be crated or at my parents this year. I don't plan on a repeat this year. I know you can protect Winnie and keep Elliot too! Your plan is one I would have to follow in your shoes.

[mrskti]

gosh Sandy, i'm sorry this has happened. You know when i know i'm having everyone over, I just put the girls in their crates in the bedroom. They're out of the hectic mess, they wont jump up and scratch one of the kids, it's just a piece of mind to crate them. I've had a few nasty fights with these two girls too. I even lost a fingernail trying to break it up.....so you have to be so darn observant, watching for the signs. I'm getting pretty good at it, but hubby sucks!!!! So whenever a crowd is coming over....they get crates. I know some people hate that, but we have to remember....they are dogs!!!!! Doesnt mean we dont love them any less by crating them, we love them more, that's why we crate them.

I'm rambling I know...sorry!!! Bottom line, crate their butts when people are over, you dont need to have one out, let them out to show off to you when everyone else is gone. Feed them in their crates and keep Elliot away from the others!!!

Good luck.

[cairns3]

Kayharley, God bless you for your perserverance. I am glad you are trying everything to make it work for you and your dogs. Prayers to you, Carol

[wheezie23]

Sandy, I haven't been able to get on here for awhile, and I just finished all four pages of this. I'm so sorry that you've had to go through this nightmare. I can't imagine what you've been through with your dogs and family. I agree that your family have been unfair with you. Don't kick yourself in the butt, you are doing what is best for everyone and in no way choosing your dogs over your family. Good luck with Elliott. I hope it works out for all of you.

Thela