SCOTTY MAKES HIMSELF RIGHT AT HOME 19 DECEMBER 2009

Holly writes: I love seeing all the dogs on their way to happily every after . . . . Here is the first shot of Scotty, whom I will be calling Lucas, in our home last night. Since our Huey is a Scottie mix, I call him 'my little Scottie,' so needed to change the name. It looks like he's settling in very well, doesn't he? [Huey, f/k/a Odie, has a particularly terrifying rescue story, which can be read HERE Not for the squeamish.] We have had a very big day today. I spent the morning showing him the stairs. He learned up very quickly, but down scared him a little, but he keeps practicing on his own. He was introduced to the resident cats, too. He also learned where we keep the treats, and has spent the bulk of the day when he isn't snuggled up in one of he many dog beds around our house, staring at the treat jar as if to will one to jump out. Last night, I had to keep him on a leash because he was running from us, but today he is coming up to us freely and I'm happy to report that he is more eager to approach Mazin than me which isn't very typical of the breeder dogs since they tend to be fearful of men. All in all, a very big first day.

[Pictures can be sent directly to me HERE] Sue S writes: I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for your generosity regarding these dogs. As those involved in this weekend's transport saw and are seeing today, the 'babies' were just so fabulous and so needing our help. Thanks to Bob & Gayle for the long trip to Waynesville and back. Thanks so much for giving up two days and many miles for us. Thanks to all the others who drove yesterday and are driving today. You truly make these situations possible for the dogs. They would be lost without all of you and your willingness to drive in the worst of weather to get them to their foster homes. Thanks to all who donated cash for their care. While generally in good shape, they are very obviously undernourished and under-cared-for. They will need not only love but maintenance & care to get them ready for their forever homes. Thanks to all who are taking these dogs into their homes. Three of the dogs spent a tiny bit of time here and in that small time, one had a marking contest with the resident Cairn, Gus; one peed in the water bowl; and one pooped in my husband's shoes. Lisa's dog bit her when she tried to put the leash on a bit too soon after the meal (turns out he may have wanted a little more food). Colleen's dog is, after all, a male and turns out he may be the problem child she was hoping for. I hope the rest of you are equally excited to have the babies in your homes for the holidays. In spite of all that, we love them. The minute they enter our cars or our homes or our email box, they enter our hearts They are in a better place because of all the work all of you did this weekend. This weekend you all made a difference in the lives of these dogs and, for that, I am grateful to all of you. Have a very Merry Christmas and the Best of Everything in the New Year. SHELLY & BOB SIMINSKI: God bless all you wonderful transport people & foster families.Bob says the transport people should be called 'The Cairn Express.' I love CRUSA. PERLA CHIAFFITELLI: They are all so thin, but with food & love from a foster home and then a forever home can fix that! They truly deserve it!

UP NORT' TO MICHIGAN HERE