Kerry Blue Terriers Rescue dogs placed in 2007

Below are stories and updates on some of the Kerries placed by the Foundation during 2007.

Index of 2007 Rescue Kerries

Culley--3-year-old male

Culley was turned over to the Kerry Foundation by his owner who discovered that he was more dog than the family bargained for. Fun-loving, exuberant, friendly, and energetic, Culley exhibits a zest for life and true terrier temperament. He needs a home who understands and appreciates his Kerry-ness!

Culley is a 3-year-old neutered Irish import, purchased by a puppy mill in the States, and sold to an unsuspecting family. He is a very sweet boy, friendly with everyone, and loves to play. He does well with other dogs, and is excited to meet them, enticing them to play. He is good with older children, having lived with children ages 8 and 12. He knows his basic obedience commands, but needs a refresher course to be on his best behavior. Culley is completely house-trained and very reliable.

He is a healthy boy, but recently suffered an injury with his bark collar. It was put on too tight for a week, and the prongs punctured his throat, causing abscessed wounds. Surgery was performed, sutures have since been removed, and he is healing up nicely. Culley wore a bark collar because he barked in his outdoor run when the neighbors or their dog were out, or when he was left alone. He is calm and quiet in the house as long as he is not separated from his family. Proper training and consistent socialization is expected to solve any barking issues or separation anxiety.

We are looking for a home where someone is there most of the time to give Culley the attention and companionship he craves. His energy level requires a fenced back yard and regular daily leash walks for good, solid exercise and mental stimulation. But most of all, Culley needs a family to love!

Cavan, 11months old, Philadelphia, PA

Cavan is an 11 month old male, neutered, housetrained, healthy and up to date on vaccinations. His owner relinquished him to the Foundation knowing there was a more suitable home for him. Cavan was purchased in a pet store -- an impulse purchase that the owners later regretted. He's had some basic obedience training and will do well in a home where he knows his place. Like all Kerries, he will take charge if he doesn't have a firm leader.

Cavan lived with children ages 6 and 7 but was a bit too rambunctious for them, so he will do best in an adult only home or one with children over 12. For a Kerry male, he's a rather large, standing at approx 21 inches tall and 40 lbs.. He's wonderful with other dogs and does his darndest to get the resident Kerry to play, but to no avail. He would enjoy the company of a female dog or could be placed as an only dog.

Cavan is reliably housetrained but needs some work on crate training and learning what is and is not appropriate to chew (the crate training will go a long way toward managing this.) He's an active, alert teenager looking for something to do!

This boy is happy and just a real sweetheart who wants to be with his people at all times, so we are looking for a home where someone is there most of the time to give him the attention, companionship and exercise he needs. And of course, you must appreciate his jolly Kerriness.

From: JJoers@impulse.net
Subject: Cavan update
Date: February 12, 2007 9:55:34 AM PST

From: Kathleen Macfarlane <KMacfarlane@aol.com>
Subject: Cavan update
Date: February 19, 2007 9:55:34 AM PST

It's been a great week with Cavan. He and Maggie are bonding quite well and each one always wants to know where the other is. Maggie had obedience class yesterday and she seemed confused that Cavan didn't come along. Ron was home with Cavan, but that didn't matter because he still howled while Maggie was gone.

Maggie has quite a variety of toys and willingly gives them up when Cavan wants one. He will usually take her toy, she gets another, then Cavan takes that so Maggie takes the original and on and on. Cavan likes to play tug so I found a rope loop. He spent two days trying to entice Maggie to play tug with him. She finally got the idea. However, she holds the loop, rolls over on her back and lets him pull her across the family room!

Both really likes to run. They take turns chasing each other around the yard, but right now Maggie is at a disadvantage. The snow is up to her stomach so she is leaping and jumping while Cavan, with his long legs, just runs through the snow. It will be interesting to see them when the snow is gone because I think she will be able to keep up with him.
As far as we're concerned, Cavan is a love. He is so eager to please, usually comes in when called, sits for his treats, and takes them gently from our hands. He loves to snuggle with Ron on the sofa and takes running leaps onto my lap. I now have a 40 pound lap dog!

CD/Binky Barnes: Rescued from Death Row

Day 1: In February of 2007 Tracey Fulmer, intrepid internet shelter scout, saw a picture of a “schnauzer mix” in a high kill shelter in Merced, CA. This dog was called Binky Barnes and listed as “large” at 20 lbs. He was on death row. There was something about the look of the pictures that whispered Kerry to Tracey, so she went into full alert, sending the pictures to Eileen in California. From there the Kerry rescue battalions went to work.

Linda and Karl Aube were the closest available Kerry people. They dropped everything and drove the 90 miles each direction to check on this little guy. Later that day the phone rang during the hubbub of my hideously busy work day. A masculine voice on the other end said something along these lines: "The Kerry battalions have landed and are assaulting the beachhead, the young Kerry recruit has been located and identified, rescue plan is underway." In the furor of my day complicated by worry about a picture of a little Kerry-like face labeled Schnauzer mix at a high kill shelter in Merced, this call took my breath away, made me laugh, and lifted a cloud of worry from my mind. It was Karl who called to report on the Kerry battalions' progress. With many years of Kerry experience, Linda reports that "Binky Barnes" looks to be a small (16.5"), young, Kerry male with undocked tail - similar to so many we have seen in the last two years from the mills.

Day 2: Neil Hamilton made his second trip to a shelter in one month to spring a prisoner and take him home for a bath and haircut. The shelter had already stripped some of the matts off with a #10 blade, but there was a lot more to do. There is a strong suspicion that Binky has never been groomed and possibly never even brushed. The shelter people sedated him to shave the worst of the body matts off as he was petrified of the clippers and reacted by trying to grab them. Neil spent two hours bathing, stripping off matts from the legs with scissors, and giving this guy a Kerry groom to his head. Using a wicket, Neil confirms that Linda has a very good eye and our little soldier is actually 16.75” at the shoulder, with front dewclaws and an undocked tail.

Day 3: Neil hits the road once again with Binky Barnes at his side. We met at the San Jose Fairgrounds and accomplished a transfer. Binky had been a good passenger, quiet in the crate, no carsickness this time and a history of staying clean overnight in his crate. We exercised him briefly and then headed north to the San Francisco Bay Area. Back at my house I discovered that Binky is dog friendly, cat friendly, people and child friendly-- just plain friendly! He is smart as a whip – figuring out how to use the dog door without any prompting and taking his business outside. He also figured out how to use the cat door (yes he is small enough) into my bedroom where he went nose to nose with my indignant cat and they both survived it gracefully.

I discovered in short order that while Binky wouldn’t jump up on the furniture unless invited, he was very happy to do so and cuddle in close to you when given the opportunity.

That afternoon we had a number of visitors who had previously been planned to meet Kerries as they are prospective puppy buyers that we are screening for a future litter. Binky Barnes met a number of people and several other dogs. At the end of the day he met Dave and Dixie and their large (95 lb) Doberman mix named Huxley. Binky was excited to see Huxley, barked at him, ran in circles and under Huxley’s belly, stole his ball, picked up Huxley’s leash and dragged him around by it. Huxley reacted like an admirable canine citizen, ignoring when he should ignore, correcting gently when he should correct, and finally agreeing to cavort with this small refugee. Dixie and Dave were charmed and readily agreed that this little guy should join their home.

Day 4: A phone call from Dixie confirms that Binky (now provisionally named CD for Charles Darwin) has settled right in. He was clean and quiet in his crate, has had no housebreaking accidents, and is getting on famously with Huxley. As per my instructions to work on acclimating him to grooming, he has had another bath and tolerated it well.
CD is home. But we are still curious where he came from and what his history is. The only clue we have is a microchip – the beginning of our search.

Day 5: Home Again is contacted and we learn that the microchip CD is sporting was sold to Pets In Need in Redwood City, CA, a private rescue organization. A phone call to their number reveals that they are closed for the holiday and won’t be open until Tuesday.

Day 6: Now that the holiday weekend is over I was able to contact Pets In Need and find that they have a rudimentary history on this dog.

History: This is CD’s history as far as we have been able to ascertain. At 8 months old Vinnie was surrendered by his family to Pets In Need in Redwood City, CA. It was December of 2005. The family were moving and couldn’t or wouldn’t take him with them. They mentioned that he was an outdoor dog. On Christmas Eve that year, Pets In Need placed Vinnie with a family in the East Palo Alto area. It was a home with children and they felt that he would do well there. He left Pets In Need neutered, up to date on his immunizations and microchipped, with hopes that he was going to a forever home, where he was renamed Blackie.

In early February 2007 Blackie was surrendered by his family in Gustine, CA – about 100 miles from East Palo Alto: reason unknown. After a short period in the shelter at Gustine, he was transferred to the Merced Shelter which serves as the euthanasia point for all of Merced County Shelters, Gustine among them. Here he was put up for adoption, immunizations updated, and the length of his adoptability determined. By February 14th he was moved to death row, which is where we found him.

We will never know where CD came from originally. We will never be sure if he is a purebred Kerry or not. We do know that his rescue was worth the effort. He has a Kerry coat and color, Kerry conformation, a Kerry look and personality. He is as smart as any other Kerry I have ever known and as loving. He now resides in a home that I am sure is a true forever home, a home that is dedicated to loving rescues, a home that has a familiarity with Kerries and loves them, but would never go out and buy a purebred puppy--a home that is perfect for CD.

There is a lot of discussion over whether a purebred rescue organization should take on a dog of questionable heritage or not. In my opinion, if there is any question of a dog in need being part Kerry or purebred Kerry, we have a responsibility to make sure that they are safe and loved. After seeing so many of the puppy mill Kerries with undocked tails, dewclaws, and on the smaller side – this guy certainly fits the profile. I could not turn him away. To meet him is to love him.

This rescue also brings up the point to solid screening of potential homes. Those of us who talk to the public and ask that they fill out our Adoption Questionnaire have all undoubtedly heard the remark: “Oh my God! What is this? Like adopting a baby?” to which the answer is YES. The Questionnaire is just a beginning, we do home visits and get to know our potential adopters. Many of us also have a policy that no dog is available to be adopted at Christmas – certainly not on Christmas Eve. These guidelines aren’t fool proof but they do give us a greater sense of security that our placements are going to forever homes and won’t end up in a rescue situation again.

Thank you to all the good soldiers who participated in this rescue and God Bless CD and his new home.

Chad, 2-3 year old male

Yesterday our intrepid shelter scout Tracey Fulmer found a terrier mix on PetFinder that she suspected was a Kerry. By early evening we had located an experienced breeder in the area who volunteered to go down and identify the dog. By early this morning we had a foster home identified if the dog turned out to be a Kerry - and guess what!

The following is a note from Neil Hamilton who identified the dog, pulled him from the shelter and took him home to bathe and groom in anticipation of the arrival of his foster mom tomorrow morning:

I picked him up about 11 am this morning. Brought him straight home and bathed him right away. The woman at the shelter said that they were having a bad time with kennel cough. Although he had gotten his shots I wanted to get him clean right away. I did some grooming on him before I bathed him, then I bathed him, dried him and groomed some more. He was so good on the table I couldn't believe it. I had a little bit of a problem bathing him at first. My tub is high so I can stand while I groom and he occasionally started to get out. For a while I thought I would need three hands to bathe him. In the end he was no problem. After he dried I did a little more grooming. Not a great job but he looks more like a Kerry now. He still has a few small matts but I didn't want to stress him too much.

Let me tell you this is the sweetest dog. He has never barked since I have had him home and only slightly whined, mainly because he wanted to be with me. I have put him through a lot and none of it has phased him at all. He is evidently used to being worked with and likes the attention.

I did have an old Norwich in the pen next to him when I took the photos and he is interested but in no way aggressive. Maybe if another dog showed aggression towards him he might be different. (The shelter informed us that he did well with 2-3 other dogs at a time in the same run.) He will make someone a great pet. I will say that when I picked him up the woman that had picked him up in someone's yard said that he was very aggressive towards her when she tried to catch him and she had to use the noose to get him. I am guessing he was freaked at the time. This is no way the same dog since I have had him.

His ears were never set but are very thin and show some arch when he pulls them up so he has some good expression. As you could see from the other photos he has a full length tail and I noticed he still has his dew claws on the front. I don't think he had them on the back.

He is very small, I am getting him about 17.25 inches. A great size for a Kerry. Too bad they don't normally come in that size. My first Kerry back in the late 60's came from England and was 17 inches. His coat is similar to hers and with work and care it will get better. Nice silver color with black coarser guard hairs, same as my English Kerry.

If I didn't have four other dogs I would keep him in a New York Minute. He is such a love.

Another win for Kerries! We're guessing that this was a puppy mill puppy who was sold through a pet store and somehow got lost from his family. When the animal shelter worker picked him up he had been hanging around the neighborhood for about a week. Weight wise he is not in bad shape so he was either a very successful hunter or not on his own for all that long. His age is guessed at about 2-3 years old. The shelter called him Chad, but his new foster mom will be listening to him to find out what he says his name is. After evaluation and neutering this little guy will be available for adoption - if we can pry him out of the hands of his foster mom, after all foster parents always have first call on adopting and from the sounds of Neil's note above it isn't hard all to love this guy.

Bonnie, 1-year-old female

A wonderful 1-year-old spayed Kerry girl named Bonnie is looking for a forever home where she can give all of her love and devotion. Bonnie was 4 months old when she was purchased on a whim from a Northern Colorado pet store. She lived for 8 months with a family with 4 children under 6 years of age, 2 other dogs, and 3 cats. She got along well with all two and four legged members of the family, but as she grew, her Kerry exuberance and desire to play was just too much for such small children. The adults in the home had no time to give her the training and attention that they knew she needed, and surrendered her to the Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation. thus giving her the chance to have the love and attention she deserves.

Bonnie is in foster care with another Kerry girl and has adjusted well. She's eagerly met many new people and dogs in her walks and PetsMart shopping trips, and greets all she meets with tail wags and lots of kisses. At her visit to the veterinarian, she charmed everyone and her check-up showed her to be in excellent health. It won't be long before her coat grows out from a very bad Schnauzer trim, and she can show off her beautiful soft Kerry coat and and lovely color.

This sweet girl would do well in an active household with another dog (preferably a male), children older than 6, and in a family where an adult is home during the day to give her the exercise, training, and attention she never had. She needs a fenced back yard, daily walks for exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization, and someone to love.

Truly--10-month-old female

Truly (named after Truly Scrumptious from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) is truly adorable, truly sweet, and truly in need of a wonderful home. This girl is 10 months old and her life is just beginning. Truly went unsold in a pet store and then was kept in a crate month after month while her greedy sellers tried to recoup their losses. She is located in Ohio.

Her foster mom says Truly loves to give kisses -- on the face, the hands or whatever she can get ahold of. But she doesn't drown you in them. It's obvious Truly was neglected -- both physically and mentally. She had little muscle tone when she came into Rescue, and with daily exercise she's already getting stronger. She'll need to gain some weight and will fill out as she matures, but she will likely remain a petite Kerry, at about 16 inches tall. Poor Truly also had an eye infection, so common with Kerry rescues, which is clearing up on medication. Truly is also working on housebreaking since the only place she eliminated before was in her crate (now how sad is that?). As with everything else, she's making good progress on that front as well.

Truly is soaking up her freedom and her new found human companionship. She follows her foster mom around everywhere, lies down quietly close by when she's working, and definitely doesn't like being left alone. She will cry for hours if left in a crate. Who can blame her? She responds best to quiet, soothing vocals, and to people who get down on the floor with her rather than standing over her in threatening postures. She doesn't like to be on a lap, but she loves to be held in your arms and snuggled with. Based on the progress she's made so far, this girl will come around quickly as she gains confidence in herself and trust in her new owners.

We look for special families for all of our rescues, and Truly is no exception. She needs a home where somebody is there during the day and a fenced in yard to make up for her lost time wasted in a crate. She needs patient, soothing owners who will build her confidence and let her lick to her heart's content.

A home without young children, where Truly can be the center of attention, would be ideal. Perhaps another dog -- a male -- would be nice but not a necessity.

Nexis--4-years-old female Kerry mix

Nexis is a large Kerry Blue Terrier mix, and rather resembles a small Irish Wolfhound at about 55 pounds. The mother is believed to be a lab/shepherd mix, and her father, Corky, was a purebred Kerry out of my parents own girl CaySee with a champion father. Nexis just turned 4 years old on 12/9/06. She is currently intact but spaying is a condition of adoption. She has her shots and her vaccinations will be updated again before she goes to her forever home.

Nexis spent the first year and a half of her life either stuck in her crate or locked out in a back yard alone with very little interaction or socialization. She has been in our household just over 2 years now and is such a lover! We taught her how to play because she didn't have any idea what playing was. She has been around other dogs, male and female, cats, and our grandson (who is almost 3), and is gentle with everyone, though she gets pretty rambunctious with her sister, Scamper.

Nexis is more mellow than most purebred Kerries, but will bounce shoulder high if you ask her if she wants to go outside. (My shoulder is about 4 feet high). She is also one of the brightest dogs I've ever worked with and is as much touch-motivated as she is treat-motivated for training. She knows "Sit", "Off" (as in "Get Off Me") and "Off the Bed", "Down", "Crate", "Do You Wanna Go Outside?", "Potty" or "Poopy", "Let's go for a walk!", "Come", "Where's the Toy?" and is working on "Stay", but she is not very good on lead and pulls still. I have not worked with her much on that yet. She is also incredibly stubborn, but when she looks at you with those big baby eyes, I promise she will melt your heart. She doesn't kiss very much, so don't expect to get your face washed, but she is one of the most affectionate dogs I've ever known and will gladly climb in your lap for belly and back scratches if you will let her.

Nexis will do well in a home where she is the only dog because she wants so much attention, but will live quite happily with others if she has to. She also is used to having companionship almost all the time, and may become bored or even howl if left alone. She travels well and does not have a history of motion sickness. Anyone thinking about breaking in to your home would be well warned: Nexis has a very Big Dog bark when she feels her home may be threatened.

Please note: I would love to keep her if I could. She was my daughter's dog and my daughter has released her to me because she is moving into an apartment that won't accept pets and she can't bear to find a home for her. We are moving from Ohio to Florida very soon and have 2 other dogs (and moving into a home with 2 other adults and 1 other dog) so we absolutely can't take her with us. There just isn't enough to go around, sadly. I hope you will consider this loving girl for your family.

From: kerrybluerescue@CNSTARZKARAOKE.COM
Subject: [KBL] Nexis Update: Grand News!
Date: May 14, 2007 10:28:45 PM PDT

With my many thanks to the Kerry Foundation, I announce the happy adoption of my Nexis to Candi Marzano's son, Rich and his wife, Evalynna and their kids -- who recently lost their beloved Labrador. When they looked at the website and saw Nexis' picture, it was reported to me that they said, "that's our new dog!" And so it is.

Nexis arrived safely in San Francisco on a straight flight from Cincinnati and the first thing she did was to pull Evalynna all over creation investigating this new world of hers.

She will have plenty of dog walkies to learn how to properly behave on leash, weekends at the country to play, children to love and a kitty to chase (gently-which she does quite well.) I understand she will visit Candi during the summers also! I am looking forward to updates and photos of her in her new home, where it promises she will be an only dog -- receiving all the best love of her family.
My daughter and I could not be happier for her, even if we have bittersweet tears saying goodbye, I know this is the very best world for her.
Blessings and love to my old girl and her new, beloved family! Live long, be good, and take care of your family.

Dessie

Fostered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Contact: Rescue Coordinator, Linda Grisley at lgrisley@shaw.ca

#136 from the St. Patrick’s Rescue is Dezi Diva, now named Dessie Lu in her foster home here in Edmonton, Alberta. She’s only been here since March 22nd and she knows her name and will come when called.

Dessie was born on January 2, 2005. She appears to have recently had pups and is being treated with antibiotics for a vaginal infection. Dessie is of small build and weighs 27 lbs.. She is being fed a holistic puppy food and vitamins to nourish her deprived body. As has been common with the puppy mill rescues and the changes in climate, she has been scratching quite regularly. She is being bathed with an anti allergenic shampoo and will be monitored for allergies. She arrived with gunky eyes (now responding to gentle wash and eye drops) and the usual dirty teeth from the puppy mill diet.
Dessie

Dessie is in a foster home with two cockers and two cats, and gets along very well with everyone. Well..... she is more curious with the cats and nudges them to move to play with her. She shows no aggression and is a free with her kisses, whether the cats want one or not. She shares toys well with the dogs and enjoys the squeaky ones best.

Because she has spent the majority of her life in a puppy mill, Dessie Lu requires potty training and needs to learn most of the rules of polite society, like walking on a leash and staying out of traffic. Dessie's personality is already starting to shine through her rough upbringing. She likes to speak to her humans. She's still a puppy at heart and play time is important time.

Dessie

Also common with the rescue dogs is a fear of men. Dessie loves her foster dad, Joe, except when he approached her with a leash. She is quickly learning that Joe and the leash are good things because she loves to explore outside and this fear is rapidly waning. She is, however, still fearful of strange men. Outside means potty time, too, and Dessie has had to learn that outdoors is where the bathroom is located. We can speculate that she was kept in an indoor kennel and could void indiscriminately. She would hold her waste on the walks and want to go in the house. Potty training should be complete before adoption, but may need to be relearned in a new home.

The right home for Dessie would be with adults where someone is home during the day and is willing to train her. She will need a securely fenced yard. She has not yet been exposed to children, but we will update the site on the possibility of a family home, perhaps with older children.

Event: Pets in the Park
Date: Sunday, June 24th, 2007
Place: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Reporting: Dessi-Lu Kapler

I've just returned from an early day visit to Edmonton's Pet's in the Park Expo, and I gotta tell you it was simply exhausting. These humans just don't understand the true priorities in life. However, the greatest moment had to be with the "Luring Course". Those little pretend rabbits were fun to watch, but my human would not let me chase them. Well, truth be told, I was also kinda hoping to catch one of those fluffy white things running around. Maybe its a rabbit... only way to tell is to catch one... dang, stopped again.

Following the Luring Course was the herding exercise. A couple of wise arsed collies showing off with the sheep. I like Bean's advice ... lamb stew. Sounds Great. But no, the humans just wanted to watch the show off's. They would only laugh when we tried to explain the delicacy of Lamb and Rice.

Back to the Expo... There were plenty of new sights and smells. Just this morning I had the opportunity to sniff a great dane. Plenty of new treats and foods, and plenty of fun activities for us doggies, and even educational stands for the humans.

And the main event of the entire Pets in the Park Expo, the moment you have all been waiting for... the Kerry Blue Foundation Rescue get together. I met with some of my sister puppy mill survivor's from the St Patrick's Day Rescue, and even a little puppy kerry straight from the farm. We got together for some pictures and sniffs. We even kept the messes to a minimum too.

So there you have it. A great day for us Kerrys and even some fun for the humans too. And for those of you that do not know us, we have the following attendee's in order, in the photo.

Layla Belisle (Shelbina Rescue) - 3 yr old who was once fostered by my family
Puppy Patrick Walker (new addition from Barb Thompson)
Kristie Carrier - a breeder rescue - Here to show the new guys the ropes.
Dessi-Lu Kapler (St. Patrick's Day Rescue) - your most humble author
Bree Shelley (St. Patrick's Day Rescue) - 4 years older and many years wiser
Kerby Grisley (Pet Therapy boy)

Also in attendance, but not invited into the picture:
Beans Grisley (annoying Hunting Brat (PWD)) - Out to join the party with brother Kerry
Calahan and Emily Belisle joining in for the fun of it too [Layla's adoptive brother and sister Wheatens]

Maybe next year we will have an even larger party with plenty of water, hamburgers, and of course wabbits.

Smell You Next Time

Dessi-Lu Kapler

From: lgrisley@SHAW.CA
Subject: [KBL] Update on St. Patrick's Day - Dessie
Date: June 13, 2007 4:03:07 PM PDT

Following is an email I received from the Kapler’s – Dessie’s adoptive
family.
Linda Grisley

Dessi has been finding that home life is certainly different from that of
Puppy Mill Life.

The New Day in the Life of...
0530 - Up with the break of dawn. Expected to do my "little Girl Business"
out in the cold and damp. uh oh ... that’s not the way it’s done ... no
siree

0600 - After sneaking back into the warm dry house, I'm kicked back out side
being told to go potty. Well maybe a little exercise will warm me up... a
couple of monster trots around the yard, giving those cruel humans the sharp
edge of my tongue for throwing me out here... ahhh relief...

0610 - Time to Eat ... What? No Snaussages? hmmmph....

0611 - Sneak back into Daddy's Bed. Sure glad I got some fresh water from
that nifty white water cooler. Nuzzle Daddy's neck to move him off my warm
pillow. Snuggle under blanket and take first nap of the day...

0615 - Open door of shower and speak around curtain. Why is Mommy screaming
at me?

0630 - Mommy telling me to go and get daddy? Whee Fun Time... Jump on the
bed and jump on daddy.... come on daddy lets play...

0635 - Dodge Holiday ( the cocker) and maul Daddy as he gets up. Jump On
Daddy to show him how much we love him

0640 - Try and trip daddy... maybe he'll drop that plate of goodies.

Dessi is quite happy during the days now. She has accepted and been accepted
by Bebe and Holiday (the cockers). Dessi still needs to learn her place on
the pecking order, but she is learning quickly. When daddy is not
involved... she has the household rules down pat with the other girls. Dessi
is not used to the idea of multiple owners. I'm her daddy. Jennie is good
for scratches and rubs and cookies. She's good people and safe. But I'm her
DADDY!

Afternoons are about the same no matter what, play eat sleep... go outside
and stand looking depressed... come rushing back inside ... eat play sleep
... look for a warm place to potty.... ooopsss.... outside again....

Dessi will still rush the front door if you are not watching. Not because
she wants to run away, but she needs to know what’s on the other side. And
it’s almost always something good (new people, new dogs, food). She still
needs to learn some more manners such as not jumping on people, food plates
are for people, not a handy place for Dessi to sample from (she actually
walked up to someone, tilted her head as she looked at the plate, and gently
chose a piece of porkchop which she promptly ran off to the corner with and
ate it. She didn't comprehend why we yelled no at her, because a moment
later she was back again to choose the next morsel.

Dessi is still upset with me at night. She feels she should have the bed and
Jennie can sleep in the kennel. She jumps into bed at night, pushing Jenn
out of the way so that she can snuggle next to daddy.... of course now daddy
has to catch her outside of bed, and carry her to her kennel (wish I had a
picture of that too ... but dessi would be embarassed).

(Pictures on web site) you can see Dessi and her outdoor play (only
difference on indoor play apparently is not to run out of control as much,
speech optional). She runs at top speed from one end of the yard to the
next.

And soon... we can consider looking at the next rescue foster.

And you can always ask us anytime there is need. I can generally afford to
donate time as well if needed. And of course it goes without saying, if you
are in need of a foster home, we will always have room. Any other services,
just ask, and we will do the best we can...

Until Later

Joe and Jennie Kapler
And Bebe, Holiday, Dessi, and the furballs

Bree

Fostered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Contact: Rescue Coordinator, Linda Grisley at lgrisley@shaw.ca

Bree is #138 from the St. Patrick’s Day rescue and arrived in Edmonton, on March 22nd. Her foster mum and I picked her up from the airport and she shyly came out of her crate, accepted a leash and calmly explored her new domain. Bree is small in stature and very sweet in nature. At only 26 lbs. she has a bit of weight to gain and once she was given the right bowl, she showed a healthy appetite. (The first bowl was too small, said Goldilocks).
At first introduction to the other dogs at her foster home, Bree was curious, but she was shaking and her tail was low. Once the dogs had a chance to calm and sniff through the fence, we allowed the calmest male to come in to greet her. Bree’s tail went straight up and even wagged, and she ran around the yard with glee. She is happiest with the dog companion but will still snuggle with humans, male and female alike. She startles to loud sounds and does not like television at all. However, she has never been exposed to so many things that we take for granted, and her indomitable Kerry spirit will help her to adapt.

Bree quickly acclimated to her foster home and was exploring comfortably the first day. She has a slight dislike for another female in the house, but they are easily managed. Bree’s potty training is going well with only one accident upon arrival. She comes when called and is very quiet. She’s only given a small bark once, and is mostly silent.
Bree has a dozen or so spicules on her body and what looks to be a small scar on her throat. Otherwise, she is in good body condition except for the filthy teeth from the puppy mill diet.

At this early point in her assessment, Bria would do best in a home with a securely fenced yard and someone who can be home during the day to work with her. More information and pictures will be forthcoming

Reily--1.5-year-old male

Reily, born August 22, 2005, is male #140 from the St. Patrick’s Day rescue. Reily is currently in Winnipeg, Canada and has already made lots of friends here! His first temporary foster parents wanted “visiting rights” when he was placed in his longer term foster home!

Reily wagged in his crate when he was first met at the airport on March 21st. He is naturally a friendly little guy who loves to cuddle - and he is little, weighing only 28 lbs. Otherwise, Reily appears to be in good health.
Reily is not afraid of people, always has a wag. Although he is can be little shy and startles a bit at strange noises, he does exhibit Kerry curiosity. He is equally friendly to male and female humans and will let you hold his paws, handle his mouth, and rub his stomach.

Everything is new to Reily, but he is learning quickly. He has learned to walk on a leash, go up and down short flights of stairs, and he is starting to play with toys and respond to his name. Some things, like dog biscuits, he does not recognize as food, although he certainly eats his kibble!

Reily is not aggressive with other dogs. However, it seems as if he has had to fight for food in the past. When something he recognized as food dropped on the floor, he immediately went after a young female Kerry who was in the vicinity. Earlier she had been teaching Reily to play and they had been getting along well, but food was a trigger for Reily. He could likely get along in a home with another dog, but the food situation would have to be tightly controlled.

Reily has also had the opportunity to interact with a two year old child. He was calm and friendly, and soon went back to sleep. Reily is sleeping a lot right now, likely because he has little in the way of energy reserve and is not used to doing many other things. He is happy sleeping in his crate at night and goes into his crate without complaint.

Reily would probably do best in a home where he was the only dog at the moment. Right now he needs lots of hugs, attention, and caring humans to help him learn about the world.

Oliver--1.5-year-old male

Oliver was bred in a puppy mill and turned over to the Foundation by his family, and is now anxiously awaiting his permanent home.

"Ollie" is a happy, playful adolescent who thrives on all the mental stimulation he's getting in foster care--toys, bones, playmates, the great outdoors, and, of course, his Foster Mom and Dad. He does well with most other dogs (especially with another female), but carefully tests his status in the pack. He stole a bone from a growling Wheaten male, yet the two of them joyously play together in the yard, running, jumping, and wrestling. Where food is concerned, Ollie will guard his from other dogs (but not from people). He arrived in our care underweight (31 lbs.), and perhaps he had to compete for food with the other dog in his former family. For that reason, he would do best in a home where he is the only dog, or with a female he respects. He does fine with cats.

Ollie is neutered, in good health, and extremely sweet and loving. He is still showing puppy mouthing behavior with the family's 12-year-old daughter when he wants to initiate play or get attention. This will need to be worked on, as one would with any younger Kerry puppy. He is occasionally startled by men who enter the room--probably due to bad memories of his life in the mill, but he quickly recovers. He does well in his crate at night and during the day after only a little complaining. Overall, this is a typical young male Kerry, affectionate and playful, in need of consistent love, attention, and continued training.

The ideal family for Ollie is one where someone is home most of the time to provide the companionship and training he needs. He would do best in an active household with older children and a fenced yard.

Martha--1-year-old female

Martha lived her entire life in a puppy mill until now, when rescued by the Kerry Foundation. She is currently in a loving foster home where she is learning--and learning quickly!--all the joys of being a companion house dog.

Martha is only a year old, and came to us matted, dirty, and with eye infections. Today she is clean, groomed to the nines by a pro, and her eyes are well healed after treatment, with no ongoing problems. She must feel like a new girl!
This is a very sweet 31-lb. Kerry girl who will stick to you like glue, sitting by your feet or quietly cuddling in your lap. These are joys she's never had before. She's also tearing around the back yard at a dead run, enjoying her newfound freedom. Martha does well with other dogs, and runs freely with her male housepals.

Martha would do best in a family where someone is home most of the time to give her the human companionship she craves and never had. We expect her to do well in training, since she bonds so closely with her people. Described as "VERY nice" by her Foster Mom, we are looking for a very special family for this little one!

Martha, a mill rescue from Ohio, had been in foster care for several months while we waited patiently for a home that would be perfect for her. She now has it, again in Massachusetts, with a very Kerry experienced couple who have an older male Kerry. When I did the home visit prior to finalizing the adoption, I brought along Isobel so these Kerry knowledgeable owners would understand the soft temperament of a mill survivor. They fell in love with Isobel and said that is just the type of Kerry they want. And so the deal was sealed.

Cialey--6 year old female

Fostered near Philly, PA
Rescue Contact: Tracey Fulmer (t_fulmer@yahoo.com)

Cialey (pronounced Kiley) is a 6 year old sweetheart (and they don’t get any sweeter) freed from six long years of puppy mill hell a month ago.

Cialey suffered greatly in the hands of the puppy farmers, coming to us underweight, with no muscle tone and with an enormous growth on her ear. Her teeth were in horrible shape, but after cleaning, we’re delighted to report that she got to keep them all. Cialey is finally starting to put on weight and is recovering from her ear surgery to remove the benign growth. We are waiting to spay her until she gets more strength. Thankfully, Cialey’s spirit was not diminished by her mill experience. Her temperament is delightful and she has no issues greeting strangers. She also adores children. This lovely girl will flourish in a home with companionship and lots of TLC.

Cialey

As with all of our rescues, we want only the best home for Cialey as she needs to make up for her long years of suffering. Her foster home writes that she is smart, already knows sit, comes when you call her name and is making great progress with housetraining. At 6 years old, this girl acts like a puppy experiencing all life has to offer. She really gets excited over the large Wiggly Giggly ball and plays hard with it. Cialey will chew on a stuffed toy for a short time and loves to steal stuff out of the wash basket when her foster mom is doing the laundry. She's beginning to bark, too, and it's a cute little bark. Cialey's house drama/trauma is still the stairs, inside or out. You must be right on the same step to slow her down or she'll take too many going down. Yesterday she took the side steps off the deck too fast, did a forward roll then rolled on her sides three times down the hill into the yard. She was a little surprised when she got up!

Cialey enjoys riding in the car (relaxed enough to take a snooze). So far, she gets along well with other dogs. Cats are an unknown but she could probably do fine with proper introductions and monitoring.

Cialey

This is a lovely Kerry girl who would probably fit into any home. A fenced in yard is required as is somebody who is home during the day to provide Cialey the companionship she needs and deserves. And home with another dog is desired.

24-Apr-07

Cialey is just about the sweetest Kerry ever, in spite of her misfortune of being one of the oldest Kerries the Foundation has sprung from a puppy mill. Now 6 years of age, she suffered for years in the mills producing countless litters. But true to her Kerry spirit, she is a survivor extraordinaire who charmed her way into the heart of foster family Priscilla and David Harvey and formed a unique bond with their grandson. Priscilla and David have fostered so many Kerries for us over the past few years I've lost track. Each time letting them go on was getting harder. But Cialey was that special "keeper" and so she has been home with the Harvey's since her St. Patricks Day rescue.

13-Jun-07

Bailey--6 year old female

Located in MD
Rescue Contact: Tracey Fulmer (t_fulmer@yahoo.com)

Bailey is a much loved and well cared for family pet, but she is too much terrier for her current owner, so the Foundation is looking for a home for this sweet girl.

Bailey is a very playful, energetic 6-year-old who loves her toys (especially plush ones with squeakers!), her walks, and people of all descriptions. She was raised with young children, and adores them all. She will follow toddlers around the house and lick them non-stop! This girl loves the company of people, and would do well in a busy, active household with lots of people to love. She also does very well with other dogs, and would be thrilled to have a canine companion to play with.

Bailey knows her basic commands--come, sit, stay, but can be a bit selective in performing them, and she tends to pull on a lead, so a refresher obedience course would benefit her. She is crate-trained, but prefers not to be crated, and was taught to ring a string of bells on the door to go outside. Bailey is endowed with the legendary Kerry prey drive--for squirrels, birds, cats, and wild critters--so her new owner needs to make allowances for this. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a squirrel haven might keep her busy all day, but any curtains and blinds will be worse for the wear! More constructive outlets for her energy would be daily walks (which she is not getting now), a secure fenced yard of her own (no invisible fences, please) where she can expend energy, and training classes to keep her focussed. Bailey's lively spirit and zest for life are her most endearing qualities.

Bailey is spayed, and apart from hypothyroidism (easily controlled with a daily pill)--a condition common to her breed, she is a very healthy girl.

10-May-07

Bailey, a spirited 6 year old female whose owner threatened to dump her in a shelter (and whose breeder couldn't be bothered to help her), has been placed in Massachusetts. Instead of being scolded for trying to get to the pet rats (she was successful once!), shocked by her electric fence that she easily broke out of and left to tear up the house when her owners didn't have the time to walk her, she will now enjoy the freedom of a securely fenced yard, daily walks and doggie day care a few times a week. She'll also have her own doggie friends and children to romp with. Since I've been volunteering in rescue, I have never seen a more well-adjusted, kid and dog-friendly owner-turn in. She is exactly what a Kerry is all about but just needed an owner who appreciated her charm and her wild prey drive. Needless to say, her new owner, who has 30 years of Kerry experience, is thrilled to get her.

Below are pics of another wonderful new beginning for a Kerry -- Bailey (the owner turn-in whose prey drive was more than her previous owners could handle) is now happily settled in with Bev McEvoy in Rockland, MA.

Bev and Bailey have signed up for agility classes after an initial try out practice where Bailey was the star.

Lincoln--20 month old male

Twenty-month old Lincoln was surrendered to the Foundation by his owner, a truck driver who could no longer keep Lincoln with him on his travels. He is an energetic young man with little self control, but shows a loving, happy temperament.

Lincoln is neutered, and in healthy condition, with a dense black coat. He is not registered but was purchased by his owner as a puppy from the U.S., then brought into Canada to live. He does have a microchip.

Lincoln gets along well with cats, dogs, adults and children and is housebroken. He spent a lot of time travelling in a crate, so is full of bounding energy. He needs a home with a large fenced yard and an owner who is willing to train him. He would love to bond closely with a new human. Lincoln is currently fostered in Edmonton, Alberta.

From: lgrisley@shaw.ca
Subject: Lincoln update
Date: May 25, 2007 3:57:23 PM PDT

Lincoln is settling in very nicely at his foster home. He is not timid or shy, but a typical outgoing mischievous, yet not aggressive, Kerry Blue. His foster mum, Janice, reports that he will walk off leash with the other dogs and can be left unleashed in the yard. He will come when called and even if not called to her, will check in periodically as she works in the garden. Lincoln needs to be kept busy. He is energetic and happy and would do well in Rally-O, agility, fly-ball or other active sport.

He arrived here with a non-Kerry haircut (‘nuff said!) so will be groomed this weekend – and then we can get some pictures to post! This is a handsome boy just waiting for a Kerry-savvy permanent home.

Linda

From: nigel [mailto:snh1@shaw.ca]
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 6:51 PM
Subject: I am 4

Hi Linda

Happy Birthday to Lincoln!. 4 Today and super fit and healthy. He sends his regards but finds typing difficult.

Onyx

Updates

From: Twaterski@aol.com
Date: June 27, 2007 12:49:52 PM PDT
Subject: Fwd: At the beach Tim Cunningham's rescrue Kerry - Onyx

Hi John, I thought you would enjoy this great picture of Onyx, a
rescue Kerry from the Foundation. [...]He is in a much better environment
now. Thanks for all your good work.

From: Twaterski@aol.com
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:34:47 EDT
Subject: Onyx at the Hamptons
To: t_fulmer@yahoo.com

I thought you would enjoy these pictures of Onyx (formerly Taz). He has a great life with us and we love him dearly. Also he is well on his way to being trained, something which he needed very badly, and which probably contributed to the problems at his old house.

From: Twaterski@aol.com
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2009 4:51:54 PM
Subject: Picture of Onyx
To: t_fulmer@yahoo.com

Bo, 1.5 years old , Minneapolis, MN

Bo is a Kerry/Wheaten mix, bred in a puppy mill and purchased as a present for the buyer's sister. Unfortunately, the sister didn't want him (she already had a dog, and was going through a divorce), and he was returned to his current owner. Unfortunately, the current owner doesn't have time for him (she has another dog and a 3-year-old toddler), and the Foundation is trying to find him a qualified home.

Bo is a 1.5 year old male and has a soft, wavy black coat with silver underneath, just like a Kerry, and the coat texture more like a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. He is very playful, with energy to spare, and will need daily walks and exercise in a fenced back yard--two things he doesn't currently have.

Bo is said to be good with children (the 3-year-old pulls his ears and tail and he "doesn't mind"), good with other dogs (he lives with a male), and good with cats (who he also lives with). He's a loving dog, and demanding of attention. When bored and lonely, Bo may chew on things not his, or have accidents in the house, so training is necessary, along with crating when he can't be supervised. Yes, he is crate-trained and does well when confined for short periods. Bo also knows "sit," and comes when called.

Kelsey, 7 year old female

Kelsey Kelsey is a beautiful 7 yr. old Canadian champion Kerry Blue Terrier who has grown from a pup in a family home. Unfortunately, circumstances in that home were very stressful lately and Kelsey certainly felt it. She began to bark which resulted in her placement in a back bedroom which made her bark – you get the picture! The family has returned Kelsey to her breeder who contacted the Foundation for assistance in rehoming her.

In the six weeks she has been back with her breeder, Kelsey has already turned around. A behaviourist has been consulted and Kelsey has accepted the new ‘rules’ with humour and enthusiasm. She absolutely loves lots of exercise (she missed that in her old home) and has fit in well with the other 3 Kerries in the home.
At home, Kelsey is good with all her basic obedience commands. She is definitely smart (what Kerry isn’t!) and learns well. On walks, she wears a body harness which curbs her pulling on the leash. If she sees another dog, or strangers, she is up on her toes and barking, but has not displayed further aggression or biting tendencies.
The worst thing that can be said about Kelsey is that she is rude. She is pushy for attention.

Kelsey obviously needs some work on walks with distractions, and good manners in the home. She would do well in a home with an experienced terrier person or family with older children. She will need an active lifestyle and an owner committed to working with her. Kelsey is fostered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Pictures will be posted as soon as possible.

Kelsey

10-Oct-07

Bridget--6-year-old female

Residing in Norfolk, VA
Rescue Contact: Dianne Ewing dewing1221@charter.net

Bridget was rescued in The Great Ohio Rescue on March 6, 2006. She weighed 19 pounds and came out of the puppy mill terrified of everything. Today she weighs 34 pounds and is happily spoiled, which we think she deserves after being in hell her first 5 years. She is the boss of the house, and lords it over her male Kerry housemate in typical Kerry girl style.

Bridget

Bridget is in need of a new home, because she is uncomfortable around too much attention from young children. She nipped the ear of the family's stepdaughter when the stepdaughter was hugging her too tightly, and while there was no damage and it was an isolated incident, we feel it is in everyone's best interest that Bridget have a home with no young children. We expect her to do well with older children who understand dogs and how to treat them, and would give her her space when she needed it. She is fine with adults. Bridget

Bridget craves affection and is very sweet. She loves to take long walks and run in the back yard. She is still shy around strangers and other dogs she does not know. However, she loves her Kerry housemate, enjoys games of chase around the back yard, and should do fine with another dog.
Bridget is crate trained and feels safe and secure in her crate, though she is never crated for more than a few hours at a time. She does not sleep in her crate at night, but prefers the end of her master's bed or her own bed in the bedroom.

Bridget is in excellent health, spayed, and a beautiful silver blue coat. She has been maintained on a special high fiber diet, which controlled her colitis when she first joined her family, and we would want her to be kept on this diet.

Bridget

We are looking for a home within driving distance of Norfolk, VA, as we do not want to put her through the experience of air-shipping. This little girl has been well loved and cared for since her rescue a year and a half ago, and will make a lucky someone a truly loyal companion.

18-Oct-07

Bridgit was placed on November 12, 2007

Kevin--11-year-old male

Fostered in MA
Rescue Contact: Peggy Turner peggyturner@verizon.net

Kevin is one of the sweetest little Kerries you'd ever want to meet. Weighing only 24 lbs and standing 17 inches tall, he is all gentleman. Sadly, he came into rescue after much neglect and ended up in a pound in need of surgery. A wonderful rescue organization came along and paid for Kevin's surgeries. He had a benign oral tumor preventing him from closing his mouth or being able to eat, and a benign tumor on his rear quarters preventing him from sitting down. He also had to have 20 teeth pulled. (Not to worry, he still has 22 teeth and eats fine!)

Kevin

Kevin has been in a foster home with other Kerries since mid-July, and has healed beautifully. He has put on weight, his coat has come in beautifully, and his stamina has returned. He is a charmer. Kevin loves to be walked on lead with absolutely no pulling, loves to retrieve tennis balls and prance as he returns them to you, runs in circles of pure happiness when his food is prepared, and most of all adores being cuddled. He also enjoys being groomed.

Kevin

Kevin's age is unknown, but we guess he is about 9 years young. Since he lived his whole life with an elderly owner, a quiet home would be best with someone home during the day. He enjoys the company of female dogs who are not too exuberant, but would also love to be someones one and only special guy.

2-Nov-07

An Update by Martha and Carl Hoffmann
January 3, 2008

My husband and I are the fortunate ones who got to adopt Kevin. We were
the beneficiaries of lots of hard work on the part of Peggy and Gary, and the
shelter before them, in getting Kevin needed surgery and back in shape, not
to mention housebroken as well. He is doing wonderfully well and has been
such a great addition to our home. We are new to rescue, coming upon it
because my husband said "no more puppies!" Little did I know, we'd end up
with an 11-yr-old. But what a gem he is! And it is so wonderful to know
that we have given Kevin a good home for the rest of his days.

Kevin is a bundle of love. He is a total lap dog for as much of the day as
we can give him. We lost our beloved 15-yr-old Wheaten terrier Clancy just
about a month before receiving Kevin, and Peggy and I have had numerous
conversations about how similar in temperament Kevin is to Clancy. There
are so many little idiosyncracies that are so similar, it's uncanny. It
really makes our loss that much more bearable. The best of all is that he
comes with me to the nursing home where I work - - he is perfectly suited
for the residents there. He loves to just stand by the different residents
and have them rub his back or scratch his butt. When he tires, he just lays
down next to someone. Everyone loves him, and it does ease his one
problem of separation anxiety.

We have two other dogs in our house, both senior females - - a 13-yr-old
Border terrier and an 11-yr-old Bichon/Westie/Poodle mix. They all get
along fine, though as you can imagine, the mixed breed is a bit fussy about
Kevin getting in her space. Kevin loves his tennis balls, though having
only 1 tooth left (yep, all were extracted due to periodontal disease before
he came here), he has a bit of a time holding onto them. He's a bit clutzy
running around with them, so if the girls are smart, they clear out of the
way for that activity. He doesn't always know his boundaries with the other
dogs, but we're working through that. He walks perfectly on a leash.

We can't imagine any better dog for us right now. He is a love, has been
very easy to adapt to, and really has been pretty much our dream dog. The
only issues we're grappling with are his 'potty' issues - - he's a bit of a
priss and doesn't like much to go out in the yard for that purpose; also
doesn't like wet feet, cold feet, snowy feet - - you get the picture. He
likes to be accompanied and doesn't seem to know how to be focused. On
the other hand, our girls respond to the 'go potty' command. Kevin will soil
his crate, so that's not a deterrent either. Another issue is these
interdigital "cysts" that he gets very frequently. Of all the health issues
we've dealt with with our dogs over the years, we've never had this one.
Peggy suspects allergies, and I'm inclined to agree with her, so we're going
to try changing food and see if that helps.

We wanted to thank all of you who helped with Kevin, esepcially Peggy and
Gary, and you Angels out there who supported him. You have made a great
difference in our lives and in his!!

Martha and Carl Hoffmann

An Update by Martha and Carl Hoffmann
June 8, 2009

I was happy to get some news of older Kerries since we're dealing with one
ourselves, though only 13. We adopted Kevin a year and a half ago through
the KBTF by way of our now dear friend Peggy Turner, who rescued him. He
was in very sad shape when he was taken on threat of arrest from his owner's
home. Evidently his long-time owner suffered severe dementia and just
couldn't care for him. He was very thin (about 23 lb) and had several large
tumors (one in his mouth so he couldn't eat, one on his butt so he couldn't
sit), which were removed by the shelter where he ended up. Peggy fostered
him for 4 months, bringing him back to health and housebreaking him.
Unfortunately, he did have to have all his teeth removed because of the
tumor. He suffered separation anxiety. He had almost continous cysts,
which would break open and bleed, on and between his toes.

Kevin has adjusted marvelously to our home, even with his grumbling little
sister (a 12-yr-old Bichon mix) and through the loss of his other sis, a
13-yr-old Border Terrier. Kevin filled a great void in our lives after the
passing of our first pup, Clancy, a Wheaten, at almost 15 years. He still
has little fits of anxiety when we leave, but so much better than the first
9 months or so when he would often eliminate in the house when we were gone.
Kevin now weighs in at a healthy 28 lb - - he's a small Kerry.

My concerns of late are that he is *losing* his appetite. He also has been
diagnosed with GERD. Carafate and Pepcid seemed to help a bit. We still
have him on Pepcid twice a day. It's just that he always ate at mealtime,
and his treat at bedtime, though he was never food obsessed by any means
(that happened recently to our Bichon mix who had to be put on steroids for
a time, and she has become ravenous). Now, there are whole meals that he
just passes up, or he'll eat a little. This can happen multiple times in a
week. He also sometimes vomits after drinking and just before meal time.
He has had the bowel problem like you describe during walks, though I can
see where he might be prone to that. When we first got him, for many
months, we had to whisk him out the door *immediately* after eating or he'd
poop right there.

Otherwise, his hearing is going, and his eyesight isn't the best. He, like
Heddy, also has dry eye, and like you, I just keep up with cleaning the gunk
out of his eyes and we use artificial tears too (just saline). He's
beginning with elevated kidney levels, but requires a grain-free diet (this
has totally elimated the toe cysts). The problem being that grain-free
diets are high in protein and our vet would like to see his protein intake
lower. Our Wheaten in his old age began having rear leg troubles, dragging
his nails and such. It seemed to clear up somewhat, but we lived with it
until other things took him down.

For the record, our Kevin is the the sweetest dog you'd ever want to meet.
Peggy gave us a great gift with him, even if we'll only have him for several
years.

Martha in NJ, with Piper the Bichon mix and Kevin our KBT.

An Update by Martha and Carl Hoffmann
August 17, 2009

I'll add my testimonial to the others, and feel free to pass it on to
potential adopters. We adopted Kevin through the Foundation when he was 11.
He's now 13.

What a major doll, and like Arrow, he still bounces around
with his rope toy. Surely he sleeps more than the younger Kerries, but that
could be seen as a benefit for those who are not so active themselves. He
is also on a special diet, grain-free to eradicate his toe cysts. Natural
Balance has some great grain-free foods. He also had tumors removed at the
shelter before we got him, and had all but one tooth removed as well.
That's easy, just soak his kibble. Blood work and exams show he's still in
great health. Slight increases in some kidney values, but not so bad. Lots
of warts, but that goes with the breed, I'm told. Yes, it will be very sad
to have to say good-bye to him after only having him for several years. I
don't look forward to that, having had to do the same with 2 of our other
terriers over the last year and a half.

Would I do it all over again? You bet. Kevin's a gem, and very easy to live with.

Martha in NJ with elderly rescue KBT Kevin and (also elderly) Bichon/Westie
mix Piper

Colleen--1-year-old female

Fostered in Tulsa, OK
Rescue Contact: Janet Joers jjoers@impulse.net

Colleen was turned over to Kerry Foundation Rescue because her owner was unable to give her the exercise, attention, training, and playtime she so very much needed.

Colleen

This beautiful girl is petite (under 30 lbs.) with a lovely coat, and as lively as you would expect a 16-month-old "pup" to be. She's very active, loves to bark at squirrels and strange noises, and play is her middle name. Despite early lack of socialization, she interacts well with other dogs (but not cats), especially the male Kerry puppy in her foster home. The two of them bound in and out of rooms and all over the back yard, running and playing nonstop. This is a happy little girl with energy to spare!

Colleen is very, very affectionate and seems to know no stranger, kids and adults alike. She came to us with almost no training, but is learning her commands, and is being tutored by several well behaved Kerries. She will need someone who's ready to train her through the basics, and formal basic obedience class is a must (as it is with all of our Rescues). Initially she exhibited some submissive urination, which is no longer a problem, but training will give her the confidence she needs to overcome this entirely.

Colleen is in excellent health, spayed, house-trained, crate-trained (she will sleep in her crate if asked to, but prefers the bed), eats like a lumberjack, and is very bright and curious. She will make a fabulous companion for the right family.

Colleen's ideal home is one where someone is there most of the time to give her the attention and training she needs. Her energy level requires a fenced back yard and regular daily leash walks for good, solid exercise and mental stimulation. She would appreciate a doggie companion, but most of all, she wants a family to love her

18-Oct-07

Jake--6.5-year-old male

Fostered in Denver, CO
Rescue Contact: Mimi Karsh mkarsh@comcast.net

In mid-October of this year at age 6.5, Jake was surrendered by his owner to a shelter "because she had no time for him." Thankfully, she had the time to drive him 50 miles to a "no kill" shelter to spare him certain death at the shelter in her home town. Jake was purchased as a puppy by his only owner and had she not identified him as a purebred Kerry, the shelter would never have been able to recognize him from his neglected appearance. It was the first and only Kerry they had ever seen.

Initially, Jake appeared very timid and afraid. He was suffering from bladder, eye and ear infections which the shelter promptly began to treat. His fall was so matted to his eyes that it had to be shaved . Within no time, Jake’s indomitable Kerry spirit began to emerge. The shelter workers were immediately captivated by him and determined to make sure he found the right home.

As soon as Jake’s plight, became known, the shelter was contacted and arrangements were underway for his release and transportation to his waiting foster mom, Sarah and Kerry house mate, Ginger in Denver. The distance is about 325 mi or 5.5 hrs one way. On a slim chance for some relay help, an SOS email was sent to members of the Colorado All Breed Rescue Network and within 2 hours the Dalmation rescue group had made arrangements for Jake’s transportation all the way to Denver with overnight stops in Grand Junction and Edwards CO. From shelter to foster home, Jake spent 4 nights in 4 different locations, two nights with Dalmation playmates. His progress was tracked at each stop and each time the story was the same. According to these generous rescue veterans, "this is the sweetest most charming, fun loving dog".

In the time that he has been in foster care, all the glowing reports appear accurate. Jake has received a clean bill of health from his vet check up, met many well socialized dogs, both male and female, without any signs of aggression, has gleefully met numerous humans, literally from age eight to eighty and is enjoying his house mate and, to her annoyance, her toys. He is a beautiful dark silver blue color and has a soft curly coat. As his fall and coat grow, he will be a handsome guy in a good Kerry trim.

This boy is so very ready and so very deserving of a forever home. He would do best in a situation where someone is home most of the time and would love the companionship of another dog. Jake walks nicely on a lead, is a well behaved gentleman on the grooming table, comes immediately when he’s called, knows "sit" and "down" commands and sweetly gives his paw for a shake when he sits. That said, Jake will still need some additional obedience training to help him be the wonderful companion he wants to be. This boy is so gentle and eager to please that he appears to have all the makings of a great "therapy dog".

Mimi Karsh
Rocky Mountain Rescue Coordinator

2-Nov-07

Finnegan--1.5-year-old male

Fostered in OK
Rescue Contact: Janet Joers JJoers@impulse.net

Finnegan, affectionately known as "Finn," was found abandoned on a discarded mattress on the side of the road in rural Oklahoma where he was rescued by a kind resident of the area. Finn has a small scar on his ear from his brief stay with the good Samaritan and her Labrador Retriever. Finn is approximately 18 months old with a silver gray coat and weighs 32 pounds. Finn has been neutered, received all vaccinations, is on heart worm preventative and the veterinarian says he is in good health.

Approximately two weeks after his arrival at the rural farm home, Finn transitioned to a foster home in the suburbs of Oklahoma City. The foster home includes a family of five, each eighteen years old or older. Finn gets along well with everyone, including the grandkids and nieces and nephews when they visit. Finn has made great strides with potty training and will require continued effort by his new family to fully accomplish this task. He is currently living with 3 Kerry Blue Terriers, one cocker spaniel, and one cat. Finn has displayed great social skills with his newfound roommates with the one slight exception being his determination to catch the cat.

Finn loves to play in the back yard and enjoys spending time with his foster family. Finn is a very loyal dog who loves to be around people. Finn can sleep in a crate at night or would be happy to enjoy more comfortable surroundings, such as the owners' bed or in his own bed in the area. Finn has been a model citizen in his foster home, has a lovely temperament, and will be a devoted member of his new family.

16-Nov-07

From: anthonymessmer@att.net
Subject: An Update for the Web-site
Date: May 30, 2008 5:42:38 PM PDT

We wanted to provide the KBT Rescue crew/family with, what we can proudly say, is another Kerry adoption success story. We are speaking, of course, of Finnegan (formerly of Oklahoma City and fostered by Patty Thomas and family).

Having become an official “Big City” Pooch and taking only a few months to learn how life operates in a big city like Chicago -- Finnegan simply loves the constant stimulation and entertainment of people and things on our walks; as well as down below from his balcony. (He loves this extension to the outside world when we are not playing or on walks -- this is where you will find him most often and so we call it his balcony!) He is extremely curious and a very quick study of routines/patterns. He’s a very bright young man.

Finnegan loves his ‘sister’ Emma. Quite often he will lay with his head on her bed when she is in/on it, simply to be near her. They play together well and often – she is very tolerant of his rowdy and “mouthy” nature of play, but on occasions, she certainly has no problem letting him know that ‘enough is enough’. He also enjoys being able to run free in the huge open lawns surrounding Soldier Field, which are two blocks from his house.

Finnegan’s favorite “high value” treat is bacon! But then, what dog doesn’t like bacon? Suffice it to say, we have never made bacon as much, as in the past 4 months! (Now if we can encourage him to stop eating our ferns and burying his treats in the topiaries on the balcony – we would consider him absolutely perfect!)

Finnegan had, at first, exhibited some poor social skills, which were appearing a bit worry-some. However, we are proud to report that he has nearly got this issue licked – no pun intended.

As you can see, his coat is beautiful and he is not only an absolute beauty, but also turning into quite the little athlete in true Kerry fashion.

We are so happy to have him and simply love him to pieces.

Thank you to everyone who has been so helpful and supportive and of thinking of us when this little guy came up for adoption.

With kind regards,
Anthony Messmer + Joseph Pietrzykowski
Chicago, IL

May 30, 2008

From: Anthony Messmer [mailto:anthonymessmer@att.net]
Sent: September-28-08 8:59 AM
Subject: Recent Candid Pics of Finnegan

Hello all. Here are a couple of 'less than professional' looking snap shots of Finnegan. He is so difficult to photograph, as he will not ever sit still long enough -- as some of you well know!

He is up to a 'hefty' 38# as of this past week while visiting the doctor for his vaccine updates.

He is still bounding about and instigating trouble with his big sister Emma. However, these days, Emma has become less playful -- I think he is a bit too rough for her 'delicate' nature.

Suffice it to say, he is loved to pieces and spoiled constantly. Just this past week he received his new winter Gortex boots, because as you may or may not know, he will not go out in the snow for walks without coverings on his little toes.

Take care everyone and all our best from Chicago.

Anthony, JP, Finnegan & Emma

Paddy Murphy

There's a New Man in Town
Terrance, now Paddy Murphy

by Andrew Boyette, March 19, 2008

It all started with a call on December 27th. I was just settling down and getting back to work after Christmas when Eileen Andrade rang. She wanted to know if my girlfriend, Meghan, happened to still be back in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for the holidays. Indeed, she was. Meghan and I had been looking for a Kerry boy for several months to no avail. We had visited breeders, been to shows and made countless calls, but we just hadn't found the right match. Eileen thought that day, so close to the Christmas festivities, she had found our belated Christmas gift. His name was Terrance, but his foster mom, Sue Gastrock, had decided to call him Paddy and there must have been some telepathic connection because we had already decided Terrance would have to be renamed after the gangster Paddy Murphy.

He was 5 1⁄2 months and still a fairly little guy. Eileen knew what we were looking for, and Paddy was all that and more. He was a real live wire, she told us, full of spit and vinegar but a real lover all the same. Meghan was able to visit since Paddy was being fostered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and she hopped in the car and headed over to see him. He was his sweet and loving self, but she told Sue that she just couldn?t take him home. Fortunately for all involved, Meghan didn't make it ten miles down the road before she called me to tell me we had to have him. On New Year's Eve we faxed in the contract and Paddy would be ours in just a few short days.

A massive winter storm front was scheduled to arrive in the Bay Area on Friday, January 4th and so was our puppy, now dubbed Paddy Murphy. The winds were gusting at 35 miles an hour that afternoon, so strong they couldn't open the cargo door to get him off the plane. So we waited a little longer and soon enough he came our way down the terminal. As soon as we could get the crate open he burst out and started licking us furiously.

And he hasn't stopped since. He's got abundant Kerry energy and he likes to direct it towards loving people and exploring new places, but we are containing that enthusiasm with some solid training. He completed his first obedience class in February and is starting his Graduate level class this Thursday. He loves to ride in the car, and we have been all over California in the few short months that he has been with us. We've played in the snow at Tahoe, hiked in the mountains in the East Bay, frozen our tails off in the ocean at Carmel-by-the-Sea and relaxed at Redondo Beach in LA.

It's hard to believe that he started out in a puppy mill in Oklahoma and was almost auctioned off. Before he came to us he was even traded in exchange for another dog's meds. It's been a long strange trip for Paddy, but he never shows any signs of nervousness or skittishness. He loves meeting new people and new dogs and likes to explore. He's really popular with the neighborhood kids and even fetches like a retriever. We can't thank Eileen enough for the joy she has brought us, and we also want to thank Sue Gastrock for fostering this great dog.

Slaínthe,
Paddy Murphy, Meghan and Andrew

From: my3kerries@COMCAST.NET
Subject: [KBL] Paddy Murphy's support team
Date: March 20, 2008 10:47:43 AM PDT
To: KERRYBLUES-L@APPLE.EASE.LSOFT.COM

I need to add to the story of Paddy Murphy and let you all know who his support team were in the crucial months of his rescue. In my haste to forward Andrew's note yesterday I didn't stop to give credit where credit is due - Paddy would not be in the loving home he is in today were it not for the following people:

The Foundation Scanning Team first found the mention of this Kerry boy with a private rescue/adoption organization in Oklahoma. He had been traded to that organization by a broker in order to cover vet fees for another dog in her "care".

In discussion with our rescue team Tracey Fulmer assigned me the honor of dealing with this boy's relocation and adoption. I contacted Tom Sawyer for help in finding someone to pull him out of Oklahoma. Tom started contacting his team in Texas.

Carol Vesey donated $150 to pay the fee that the private rescue organization required for Terrance and armed with this commitment and true Kerry-loving resolution Cindy Hatzfeld drove through snow and ice on Christmas Eve from Texas to Oklahoma and back to bring this boy to a safe and loving Kerry foster home with Sue Gastrock.

Sue and her dogs proceeded to love and care for Terrance, renaming him Paddy. In Sue's care Paddy was groomed and cuddled and played non-stop with her Kerry and her Poodle. Sue informed me that he would need to move on fairly quickly or he never would as she and her husband were fast falling in love!

After a couple of phone calls and emails I was secure that Meghan was actually in Texas and could meet Paddy, and equally important Sue - as she needed to pass muster with Sue for us to even consider Paddy becoming hers and Andrew's. Meghan and her mother drove to meet Paddy at Sue's and from there on in Andrew's story tells the tale.

They say "it takes a village" to educate and care for a child. It also takes a village to rescue a dog. You need the right people in the right place at the right time, or if they aren't there you need someone willing to give up the time to travel and get to the right place at the right time (we know that Cindy was a true Christmas blessing to this rescue). Without the safe haven of Sue Gastrock and her family I don't know what we would have been able to do for this wonderful boy. If you are touched by the tale of Paddy please consider volunteering to foster. We never know when and where we are going to need a foster home - if you let us know that you are willing and able you can never tell how quickly you may be called on. Finally there is the financial wherewithal. Money is important - without funds we can't move these dogs out of bad circumstances, we can't obtain vet care for them, we can't ship them to their forever homes and we can't provide the ongoing support to help t
hem recover. So please consider making a monetary donation to the Foundation which will help to defray these expenses.

So, to recap, team Paddy includes:

We thank you all!

Eileen Andrade
Rescue Coordinator for the Southwest

From: adboyett@gmail.com
Subject: Update: Paddy Murphy (rescued December 2007)
Date: June 25, 2009 1:32:18 PM PDT
To: johnv@kerryblues.info

Update: Paddy Murphy
25 June 2009

Paddy Murphy has risen to every challenge we've given, and we're so proud of him! Back in February he was the first in his class to pass the Canine Good Citizen exam and finished with flying colors.

From there we started to explore the idea of using him as a service dog for Flight Anxiety. After wooing both human and veterinary doctors alike he was certified as an Emotional Support Animal and has proven himself a valuable in-flight asset. His first flight was a short hop from Dallas to Austin, TX. The folks at the DFW American Airlines desk were expecting us, and when we arrived we got the red carpet treatment. Apparently Paddy Murphy carries himself with an air of dignified authority because we strolled right through security and onto the plane where a bulkhead seat awaited us. After greeting the gentleman next to me, he nuzzled against my legs then curled up at my feet. He had no problem with takeoff and showed only fleeting interest in the passing drink cart. He sat up and looked around when we touched down but never showed signs of concern and stayed focused on his handler the entire time.

The second flight, from Austin to San Jose, proved slightly more difficult since the gentleman at the check-in desk was apparently unfamiliar with the process. TSA showed a little more concern in Austin as well, but the supervising officer seemed more interested in his beautiful blue coat than his ESA papers. As you may know, opiates and other drugs are often used to treat patients with flight anxiety, but a service dog is a great alternative to doping yourself, and I highly recommend it!

Among Paddy Murphy's other recent accomplishments...

He proved his terrier toughness during a rigorous hike through the Sierra Nevada on the Tahoe Rim Trail during inclement weather (3 degrees and snowing!). And just the other day he surprised us all by out-swimming a Golden Retriever, paddling smoothly past the others to fetch tennis balls more than 40 yards out. But the biggest surprise of his new waterdog career came when he dove completely underwater to retrieve a stick that sank to the bottom!

We're so proud of this fella and couldn't be happier that his previous owners were dim enough to miss his amazing potential. Once again, many thanks to all of the volunteers and the wonderful people at the Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation for bringing this great dog into our lives.
Best regards,

Meghan McGill
Andrew Boyett
Phi Alpha's Irish Gangster "Paddy Murphy" CGC, ESA

Duffy -- 13-year old male

From: sharonwrites@HOTMAIL.COM
Subject: [KBL] Update on Duffy the Rescue
Date: March 26, 2008 9:17:06 AM PDT
To: KERRYBLUES-L@APPLE.EASE.LSOFT.COM

Just thought I'd send out an update on Duffy, who was rescued by the KBT
Foundation last October. Duffy had been turned in to a shelter by an elderly
owner whose own illness prevented him for continuing to care for his
companion.

Duffy, shortly after his rescue from a NJ shelter.

Duffy is a love bug and boasts an adorable teddy-bear face - so
surely some nice family would adopt this guy? Well, probably not, because
Duffy himself is coming up on 13 years old, and had tentatively been
diagnosed with terminal cancer.

As always, a million billion thanks to the
Foundation for not closing the door on this guy. Through the
miraculous-as-usual chain of Kerry angels in the Northeast, Duffy was pulled
from the NJ shelter by Agatha Hughes, who gave him his first insights into a
world of walks and yummy food. Victoria Kneiring got him up to Mimi Wight,
and we were finally able to collect him and bring him to our chaotic house,
full of young kids, guinea pigs, the stray cat, etc.

From the moment we met him (and he was faced with two shrieking preschoolers), Duffy was only too happy to try to please. He was a bit foggy and stiff-jointed and didn't have alot of muscle, but for an elderly dog with cancer, what would you expect.

Mimi wants me to add that it was a fabulous moment in her kitchen
when this frail and apparently spirit-less "Steiff bear" heard the kids
laughter [they were shrieking, really] and rose from the dead and bounced
across the room to play with the kids. I remember this moment as more of
Duffy thinking, "Good lord; something is so loud that even I can hear it. I
guess I will check it out from my sheer disbelief that anything could be
that loud and hyper," but that's just me.

He was a perfect gentleman on the ride home, settled into our house and was
accepted (grudgingly) by Bits, our 14-year-old kerry, and was plugged into
the oncology program at a major veterinary teaching hospital. The
prognosis, as feared, was that the cancer had entirely filled his sinus
cavity and was on the verge of bursting into his brain or crossing his
septum and making it impossible for him to breathe through his nose. We
flat-out refused chemotherapy (it was unlikely to do anything other than
kill him faster), and considered but rejected radiation.. Duffy was game but
frail, and why put him through something that could blind him, interfere
with his ability to eat, and cost a huge amount of money when it was
unlikely to prolong his life. He was given 2-4 months to live, and we took
him home to "be comfortable."

Okay. That was six months ago. Duffy is still very much alive. Very, very,
very, very, very much alive. The cancer is still growing but the symptoms
are 95% controlled with one small anti-inflammatory drug a day - though we
might need to switch to something more powerful soon. Duffy refuses to eat
dog food - we tried everything, from ambrosia hand-crafted by spiritually
pure Tibetan monks all the way down to supermarket crap -- to the point
where he will get literally weak with hunger, so we gave up. His diet
yesterday was a whole pack of beef hot dogs, several pieces of cheese, half
a pint of cottage cheese, a piece of meatloaf, a few Triscuits, several
carrots, and whatever else he might have found for himself on the floor of
the minivan. His only sign of age is that he is world's deepest sleeper.
He will fall down on the floor between the sections of the couch without
waking up, the idiot. He can barely hear, he can barely see, but he now
gallops along with laugh-out-loud gusto on walks - taking his cues from
whistles, clapping, and Bits' straining herself to be nice enough to bark at
him when he goes off-course. He is a barrel of fun and a true pain in the
bum in the kitchen (he bounces around on his hind legs trying to see what
you're cooking), he play-bows, he incites Her Majesty to gallop around the
back yard (this is unheard of. Madame has NEVER galloped around the back
yard before), and the other day he chased a cat. Though the cancer has
broken through the roof of his mouth and the side of his face, I question
now whether cancer will be the death of him, so to speak. There wasn't
anything particularly wrong with the rest of him, and he's doing so well and
having such a ball. He adores children, and will happily submit to being
draped in dress-up clothes and being enlisted into tea parties, games of
"bear in the den," etc. I used to rescue him from this stuff, but he just
goes right back to hang out with the kids, so fine. He grows three inches
with pride and anticipation when he realizes that the family is walking over
to the playground, where he wags, curls, and beams at all the little kids
who descend on him (this has been very hard on Bits, who does not
particularly care for children. She would rather be left in her ivory
tower, but if she holds back from the kids, Duffy gets all the attention and
she gets ignored. Hmmm. Dilemma. :-) ) . Duff is hugely curious, hugely
affectionate, is just plain thrilled with life and every possible
ramification thereof, is gracious and appropriate with all the dogs and
people we meet on our off-leash walks, and just generally is a big love. He
almost never barks, but when he does - well, you've all probably heard it,
no matter where in the universe you live. Yeah, that noise was Duffy.

Thanks to the Foundation for its commitment to the old ones - they have the souls of puppies but much more dignity (in Duffy's case, it's a sort of dorky idiot dignity, but he has it) than their human caretakers.

Please consider making a monetary donation to the Foundation which will help to defray Duffy's expenses.

Sharon Arkoff
Sudbury, MA

Madison, a 9 year old male

Update

From: Allison Dawson <allisondawson@CAROLINA.RR.COM>
Subject: Farewell Mr. Madison
Date: November 2, 2011 8:30:51 AM PDT

Hello everyone. I have had to wait a few days to do this as I am too emotional still, but I wanted to let the community know that we lost our Madison to cancer Friday morning (10/28/11).

We came by Madison through the foundation in February 2007. He was an older dog in need of a home as a result of his owner no longer being able to care for him. I was really wanting to rescue a puppy through the foundation, but since we had a 13 month old at home at the time (and a female Kerry already), the foundation had its reservations about letting us adopt a puppy mill puppy. In early February, I got the call saying that an 9 year old male was currently living in a GA kennel, and that his owner had to give him up. Of course I was disappointed that he was so old, but I thought, "well, I want another dog and this one needs our help", so we said "yes". We made the trip to Atlanta later that month and picked him up. He didn't look like a Kerry because he had been shaved down, he panted so loudly it alarmed us, his breath was TERRIBLE, and he peed blood at the first rest area we stopped. My husband and I looked at eachother and thought, what have we done. Well, we got him to the vet and found out that he had bladder stones and he immediately had a surgery (which thankfully his former owner footed the majority of the bill), and he was put on a prescription diet that costs $80 a bag. At this point my husband looks at me and it is no longer "what have we done, but what have YOU done".

Fast forward 4 years. Madison is fully a member of our family and even Brady (our female Kerry-8 years old now) accepts him sometimes. We now have 3 children (5.5, 3.5 and 8 months) and Madison allows them to do anything and everything that they want. He lets them put clothes on him, lay on him, and obviously feed him behind Mom's back. Even his TERRIBLE breath is par for the course. We love him with all of our hearts.

Then he stops wanting to go for runs, and stops wanting to eat that $80 food. After many tests at the vet, an ultrasound revealed that he has metastatic cancer that has already made it to his lungs and pelvic bone. We decide to turn our home into doggie hospice and feed him for well over a month (maybe longer--its a blur) boiled chicken and rice sprinkled with parmesean cheese, carry him out to go potty, and shower him with as much love that we can. But last week, he was finished fighting. He was miserable, and it made us miserable to see him that way.

We can't think of that now though. We need to only think of the wonderful memories that were created with our Mr. Madison over these short 4 and a half years. He is already missed dearly (even by Brady Pearl), and will forever be a member of our family.

Thank you to the KBTF for bringing Madison into our lives. The moral of our story is to not be concerned about adopting an older pet--they can still bring you joy for those years they have left, and Mr. Madison--rest in peace, we love you.

Allison, Jody, Kennedy, Reese, Zach and Brady Pearl Dawson Charlotte, NC

2007 Rescue Kerries Placed