2003 Rescue Kerries

Some of the Kerries placed by the Foundation during 2003.

Meet Casey! Placed

Casey Imagine seeing a Kerry featured in your newspaper as the local shelter's "Pet of the Week!" That's what one sharp-eyed Kerry owner saw, and immediately contacted the Kerry Foundation, who rescued him the next day.

Casey is a 6 1/2-year-old neutered male Kerry who was surrendered to the shelter when his family moved without him. His coat was so matted, knotted, and filthy that the shelter had to clipper off his entire coat--fall, whiskers, beard, and all. What they found were eyes so mattered shut, that Casey was essentially blind, and a large tumor on his tail (which we've
since had removed). It was our good fortune to have a longtime Kerry owner, breeder, and groomer as our rescuer. With her knowledge of conformation, she was quickly able to assess what we had: a beautiful Kerry Blue Terrier! Casey, at 20 inches and 42 lbs., is expected to be "awesome" once his coat grows out and he receives proper nutrition and care.

We are told by information the owner provided the shelter that Casey does well with people of all ages, including children, cats, and female dogs. He is assertive with male dogs, but appears under control when he encounters them. He is playful, active, friendly, protective, and extremely affectionate. In fact, he was lovin-up his rescuer so much in the vet's office on the day he was rescued, a client in the waiting room remarked, "My! Your dog really loves YOU!"

We're told that Casey is afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks, chases cars (and should never be let off-lead!), and jumps on people to greet them (training is needed here). Casey is currently being treated for eye infections (his vision is fine) and is otherwise in excellent health.

13-Dec-03

Meet Sprite!

Sprite is a joyous, energetic 18-week-old female mix puppy whose photo (shown here) was spotted on a Midwest shelter web site by Cairn Terrier Rescue. They alerted the Kerry Foundation, and little Sprite was rescued the next day.

Sprite is bursting with energy, and loves a romp inside or out; rain, mud, snow, furniture--nothing stops her! She is fearlessly exploring her world, intently sniffing out mole holes, following scent trails, gazing with fascination at every songbird that flits by, and playfully badgering her very tolerant adult male Kerry housepal. Her even-tempered good nature does not extend to sharing treats, though, as she's been observed diving into her crate with HER biscuit, even emitting a puppy growl to warn off the big boy, or burying it in deep inside the laundry bag for later enjoyment. This little girl is loaded with personality, learns quickly, and is very, very smart.

Sprite is outgoing, adores people, and has a tail that doesn't stop wagging (she's undocked). She's also a "talkative" girl with much to say, making whimpering, whining, throaty sounds to express pleasure or displeasure. She is currently teething, and everything within reach is fair game--including
her pretty new leash (with the ladybugs on it), and her favorite fleece toy bunny, which is now tail-less, ear-less, and missing a bit of stuffing!

This puppy would do well in a home with another dog who is tolerant of puppy antics, and even cats, if properly introduced (we expect her to have a healthy prey drive as she matures). Described by her foster mom as spunky but not pushy, smart as the dickens, and utterly adorable, this little girl will make someone a wonderful companion.

13-Dec-03

Meet Jonah!Placed

Jonah Jonah came to us in need of a haircut, and lots of love!

Jonah is a healthy 1-year-old neutered male who was given up by his owner due to a divorce and changing circumstances. He was originally purchased from a pet store last spring. Now he is looking for a permanent home.

Jonah is one of those delightfully entertaining Kerries, loaded with personality, who has a good time no matter where he is. He is a happy-go-lucky guy who enjoys a wild romp in the yard, a ride in the car, and most of all, the attention of his caregivers. This extends to taking a flying leap into the nearest lap for hugs and cuddles. Jonah plays well with his Kerry housemate, and even the household cat (!), but can equally entertain himself with a toy or chasing a ball.

His foster family reports that he does the "most outrageous things," keeping everybody in stitches. One is his Jonah-cize exercise routine--calmly standing square, he extends the right paw out as far as it will reach, carefully returns it to the floor, then does the same with the left paw. Jonah does everything "differently"!

Our boy is friendly with everyone, interacts well with other dogs (including males) and cats, and has a wonderful sense of humor. He needs training, help overcoming separation anxiety, reminders about housetraining, and someone to love full-time.

26-Nov-03

Meet Cricket! Placed

Cricket Cricket is a delightful 4 1/2-month-old female Kerry puppy who was rescued from a Midwest pet store. There, she sat on the store shelf unloved, alone, and unsold for approximately two months until she was released to the Kerry Foundation.

In foster care, Cricket is living life on fast-forward so that she doesn't miss a single exciting thing. And to Cricket, everything is exciting! People--she adores them all and joyfully meets and greets everyone with sloppy puppy kisses. She loves to be petted, fawns on attention, and craves affection (and returns it). The back yard--she runs huge figure-8s at top speed, just for the thrill of running. Sticks--Forget the puppy-sized sticks in the yard. She wants the 3-foot ones, and bravely drags them around. Toys--they're all hers and they're all interesting . . . and taste good! Children--They run fast, toss toys, and hug her when the game ends. To Cricket, everything is a new adventure--the stairs, traffic, a walk in the dark, the mirror in the vet's office, and even the open dishwasher door (which she jumped on to lick the dinner plates clean--yikes!). In short, this is an exuberant Kerry puppy making up for lost time.

Despite her background, Cricket is a bold, outgoing, confident, inquisitive, intrepid, playful, near-fearless, "in your face" Kerry puppy. As such, she will need firm, fair, and consistent training to teach her proper behavior now, and to keep her under control as she matures. As an adult, she will likely be dominant with other dogs, and will rule her household, taking a mile if given an inch, without proper training and socialization now. In the right home, this little girl will embody all those traits we so admire in our breed, and make a wonderful family companion.

The Foundation would like to thank the incredible number of Kerry people in the Chicagoland area who offered their support, expertise, supplies, advice, and their homes to ensure the well-being of this puppy.

17-Nov-03

Sassy! Placed