2009 Rescue Kerries Placed

Below are stories and updates on some of the Kerries placed by the Foundation during 2009. indicates a recent addition to the dogs story.

Index of 2009 Rescue Kerries

MacGyver

We are looking to place 9 year old MacGyver to a loving home. He will remain in his current home in northern British Columbia, Canada, until an appropriate new home is found.

MacGyver is an active 42 lb. neutered male. He is on a vegetarian kibble diet as he does have tummy issues for a while now. There is also the start of cataracts showing. He is tentative around other dogs so would need proper introductions. MacGyver does walk well both on and off leash. Playing fetch with his ball will tire you out before it tires him out. He really needs his daily walk. He enjoys car rides (never gets motion sickness), and short hikes.

He is showing some aggressive, possessive tendencies lately, and with a baby in the house, we feel it would be best for him to be in a home where he can get more 1 on 1 attention. He needs to be in a quiet home with a strong Alpha leader, so he must be in a 1 dog family, with no kids. Also, a home without cats around would be best. Preference will be given to homes within B.C. to avoid shipping.

[...]

From: lgrisley@SHAW.CA
Subject: [KBL] MacGyver
Date: April 24, 2009 3:00:26 PM PDT

MacGyver has been on our web site for adoption for a couple of months. It was very difficult for his family to acknowledge that his aggressiveness, especially towards their child warranted his rehoming, but they were willing to continue to keep him in their home until a suitable new home could be found.

Today I am very sad to tell you, that his family, has taken the extremely painful path of putting MacGyver to sleep.

MacGyver did not have any adoption applicants come forward, although he would have made a fine addition to an adult home with no children. He was
only 9 years old and still had an active life potential, but people were just not interested in taking on an older dog with problems. I know we have
previously discussed the benefits of adopting older dogs, but here is another case of a sad ending to a beautiful Kerry's life.

Hug your dogs and may MacGyver now be at peace.

Linda Grisley
Rescue Director, Canada

Ralph, now renamed Rocco

Fostered in MA
Rescue Coordinator:  Tracey Fulmer (t_fulmer@yahoo.com)

Update 1/23/09: NEW PICS! Ralph is now fostered in the Boston area with a family with children (ages 5 and 6).  Although he is being fostered in a family with young children, he gets overstimulated and nervous easily and should be placed in an adult only home or possibly one with teenage children.

Ralph is a well-adjusted 7 year old, 35 lb neutered male, on the smaller side of the standard, owner release due to his owner's failing health. He acts like a youngster. We rarely get Kerries into rescue who are as sweet, well mannered and with such delightful temperaments as Ralph. He's exactly what a Kerry should be -- smart, curious, happy go lucky and sensible. His tail never stops wagging (and in fact, because it's docked on the long side, that wagging tail can knock things off the coffee table.) He leaps the last few steps going up stairs and practically skids down them with enthusiasm. When you laugh, his tail wags faster. (He makes me laugh a lot. Can you tell I'm smitten?)

He had spent a lot of time in his crate or a fenced yard prior to being released to the Kerry Foundation and is loving the freedom of the house and fenced yard. He's a handsome, square Kerry, with a bang-on tail set. In good health and fully housebroken. He's seeks out attention but is not overly persistent to the point of being annoying and he will stop when asked. He would probably spend all day in your lap or getting petted if he could. He has been introduced to other dogs and is being fostered with an older female Kerry. Although he generally meets other dogs appropriately, he can be selective with new dogs, so his adopter should not expect Ralph to be a dog park dog.

His first foster home spent time working on basic obedience. Ralph is easily leash walked in the neighborhood (still needs to learn how to heel). If you want a dog to train, he's really bright, soaks up learning and has nice focus. Also very food motivated and very willing to please. He sits to put on his leash and will wait at the door to the house when asked to stay, ever so happy when given the okay to enter. His adopters should continue to work on this training.

We're looking for a home where he has human companionship during the day and with a fenced yard. Terrier experience/appreciation also desired. He could be placed with a female dog or as a single dog. Unless you have experience training a dog not to chase a cat, he shouldn't be placed in a home with cats. (He has met cats and while not over the top with prey drive, he would need to learn not to chase them.) He would be fine with dog-savvy children over five and with firm adults.

Update 3/24/09: Ralph is placed in Wesern NY.

Update From: Tracey  Fulmer <t_fulmer@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: [KBL] Ralph: Home at Last!
Date: March 30, 2009 6:06:37 AM PDT

I'm so pleased to report that Ralph is now in his adoptive home!  At last!  It was worth the wait as his adopters (who I hope will join our list) are very pleased to be the proud new owners of such a fine blue gentleman.

I have no idea why it took several months to find the right home for this lovely Kerry with a delightful, sweet temperament.  He is truly one of the nicest Kerries I've had the pleasure to place.  Perhaps his age, as he was 7 years old?  Or the economy? The Foundation's high standards for placing him did not slip, thanks 100% to his foster homes, first Cathleen Gill and then the Arkoff family (Sharon, Harold, Jillian and Sam), who took care of Ralph like he was their own.   In addition, our intrepid volunteers, Kathie and Ron MacFarlane, didn't hesitate to drive for several hours to ensure his adopters would provide the right home for Ralph.

Both of Ralph's foster families made a world of difference in getting him ready for his new home.  Because his original owner had been terminally ill and unable to care for him, he had been crated for the last few years and only let out a few times during the day.  Thus, he came to us unsure off himself and no longer housebroken. Cathleen spent a lot of time and energy (and cleaning products) fixing the housetraining.  Cathleen and Sharon also worked on obedience training to build his confidence, and in fact the young Arkoffs, Sam and Jillian, essentially bombproofed him in addition to working him on sits and downs. (Note to self:  whipped cream is highly motivating!)  Words can't express the Foundation's thanks to Sharon Arkoff who hired a trainer to help dear Ralph through some issues (he was the perfect student), provided tons of exercise, socialized him to improve his doggie interaction skills, and made sure he was up to date on shots, all the while managing to juggle the youngsters and their social activities with Ralph in tow.  How many mothers of youngsters could take in a dog that they would fall in love with, manage the children's expectations when he went away and take it all in stride with such patience, grace and humor?  

My hat is off to Sharon and the entire Arkoff family as well as Cathleen.  Without you, Ralph wouldn't have landed in such a wonderful home that truly appreciates not only Ralph, but all of the wonderful work of the Foundation.  His new owners are so thrilled with his obedience skills that they're already scoping out obedience classes to continue his education.  Ralph deserved the very best home, and he got it, fulfilling the last wishes of his owner, who entrusted the Foundation with his future.

Tracey  Fulmer
KBTF Rescue Coordinator, Northeast

Update From: Tracey  Fulmer <t_fulmer@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: [KBL] Ralph: Home at Last!
Date: April 6, 2009 6:06:37 AM PDT

Ralph had to get a name change -- his new owner is also named Ralph, so Ralph the Kerry is now Rocco.
Below is an update from his adopters.

Tracey  Fulmer
KBTF Rescue Coordinator, Northeast

Hi Tracey,

Rocco is adjusting better all the time. He still loves Ralph best, but gives me plenty of attention too. I bought him lots of toys and goodies at Pet Smart. He loved the gorilla that made a roar, but soon dismantled the noisemaker in him....then out came his stuffing. I got him a kong toy with peanut butter treats and he loves that. Lots of different kinds of chewies.

Some other stuffed toys he plays with. He is having so much fun. I made him a place where he can sit in the living room window and watch outside. He enjoys watching people more than animals. Did not get excited about the three deer looking into my dining room window the other night. Would love it if we would hold him all day and rub his belly and kiss him. He has gotten kissy in the last few days. We give him our chins. He loves chicken and gets a little in his doggie food. I changed him to Purina and he seems to like it. Would not eat the food he came with. The leashes you gave us are great. He knows what time those walks are and comes and gets us. Dogs do know how to tell time! He still does not like the penned area, When the ground dries up we will go in with him and play in there and show it can be a fun place. We never leave him there more than a few minutes at a time anyway. I call him my little black bear...his eyes look like a baby bears. He is so lovable. We won't be going to obedience school until the end of April. That's when the class starts. Ralph said he was going to be my dog, but Rocco is spending lots of time with him in his study and they take walks together. He takes him out a lot too. He is telling me all the cute things Rocco does. This dog could win anyones heart.

Truth is, we are both smitten. That's it for now....

Muriel

From: Muriel
Subject: Ralph/Rocco update
Date: May 1, 2009 2:01:51 PM PDT

Here are a couple of pictures of our new "boy." He loves his toys. Been here a month and seems very happy. We are thrilled with him. He especially loves Ralph. This morning I was awakened with kisses as I came downstairs early and fell asleep on the sofa.

I was an easy reach and he couldn't resist. Probably wanted his breakfast too. What a cute face to be staring in yours first thing in the morning. He is such a good boy.

Muriel

Dempsey now Diarmuid

From:Linda Grisley <lgrisley@shaw.ca>
Subject: Dempsey
Date: June 15, 2009 1:58:53 PM PDT
To: KERRYBLUES-L@APPLE.EASE.LSOFT.COM

A week ago, in Minneapolis area, a stray (potential) Kerry was posted by a local shelter. Dianne Collins brought it to Linda Lee’s attention, Judy Wick went to check it out. This boy was young, and looked very much like a Kerry. The shelter took many pictures, shaved an ear and a section of his coat so we could see more detail (poor little patchy guy J) and it all added up to Kerry Blue – except that he is only 14 1⁄2 inches high at the shoulder! We still can’t figure out what he may be mixed with, but it’s the Kerry Blue that shines through. Regardless, we had all fallen in love with him. Judy said he was an absolute dear and the shelter staff were all in love with him, so we agreed to get him out of there. The shelter agreed to undertake the vetting and put all his records in order and Judy agreed to pick him up this last Saturday morning.

In the meantime, I had been reviewing an application from Hamilton, Ontario to adopt a rescue Kerry and was awaiting the help of our Kerry friend, Brian Gibson to conduct the last step, the home visit. On Thursday, Brian’s email to me was a glowing recommendation for Danielle & Craig, who didn’t care if Dempsey wasn’t all Kerry.

Now the problem of transport: No airlines would take a live animal on a weekend – not from the US into Canada or even within the US. Since we had to move Dempsey over the weekend, I started the cold calls to Kerry people across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan who could possible take a few hours to transport a Kerry. I know you can foresee the ending to this story! Once again, Kerry people jumped on board to help a dog in need.

Judy and her sister got Dempsey to Madison, Wisconsin. Bill Moyer drove all the way from Hillsdale, MI to Madison, WI to pick him up, then back to his house for overnight, then drove again Sunday morning to meet Danielle & Craig coming down into Michigan from Ontario. More people had come forward to volunteer to drive and overnight Dempsey, but Bill wanted to do it! (He used to be a truck driver, so likes the “open road”)

Last night Dempsey arrived at his new home where the neighbours had a “pupcake” party ready for him and he met his new neighbourhood doggie friends. Dempsey ran and played with his new friends for 2 hours before he decided he was tired enough to sleep. Danielle & Craig are madly in love with this new bundle of tiny happy Kerry resilient spirit.

THANK YOU once again to all the volunteers who made this rescue possible. We will look forward to more stories of Dempsey.

From: Danielle King [mailto:danielleking@excite.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:00 PM
Subject: Dempsey Update

Hello all!

It’s been just over a week now, and things are going great! As we watched Dempsey’s personality unfold it became quite clear that he needed a name change! Our very Irish dog has been given a very Irish name, Diarmuid, which is pronounced “Dermot”. Diarmuid was the name of a great hero in Irish legend, and it was also the name of several ancient Irish Kings…quite fitting for the newest addition to our family!

Diarmuid has been a very busy pup since adopting us! He is fitting in really well and seems to be as smitten with us as we are with him! He is so well adjusted, it’s as if he has always been here with us!
He had his very first visit with the Vet last week and we are happy to report that he is healthy and coccidia free! He is booked back in on July 10th to be neutered (yikes!).

The shaggy little man got his hair cut today! He was badly matted and the groomer had to cut him pretty close but he looks great! There was a totally different dog under all that fur! Diarmuid was very well behaved and seemed to have a good time there playing with the other dogs! The groomers all loved him and said he was one of their best clients! Check out his new "do", pictures attached!

He has been getting his exercise in (as have Craig and I) with hiking and lots of play time with his new friends. He seems to make friends (both human and canine) quite easily and isn’t shy at all. Everywhere he goes he meets new playmates! He is trying his best to get along with Bax Slade (our cat), and although there have been some challenging moments, I think that they are working it out. Diarmuid wants to play…Bax Slade, um, not so much – ha!

Diarmuid "the wonder puppy" as we call him has been exploring Hamilton, hiking the Bruce Trail, checking out waterfalls, and is becoming somewhat of a regular at our local pub! He has discovered that ice cream and pigs ears are just about the best thing ever (not necessarily combined) and he loves to fetch his squeaky toys. He is learning some commands and getting better on his leash with every walk. We will soon be enrolling with McCann’s for some “official” training.

It’s a big puppy world out there and it seems that everything is new to him, thus it’s always an adventure! All in all, we couldn’t be happier to have him! Thank you all again SOOOO much, and consider this "foster" adopted!

Linda, let me know how to proceed from here...

Big hugs to you all,
Danielle, Craig, Bax Slade and Diarmuid

From: Danielle King [mailto:danielleking@excite.com]
Sent: August 11, 2009 1:09:13 PM PDT
Subject: Dempsey Update

Diarmuid had the best time camping...although most of the pictures we have of him are blurry as he is pretty much running in all of them! We now know that he loves sticks, likes to dig holes, is a enemy of chipmunks everywhere and that swimming isn't his thing.

He has a few bad habits, and we are working on them...and very soon he will have some training as well. He is very dominant, and has what I call "Napoleon Syndrome"...the little dog with the big dog attitude. He isn't aggressive dominant, just VERY dominant. We took him to a dog park and he had a go at the biggest dog there (a 150lb Argentine Dogo), and...wait for it, he actually hiked up his leg and peed on 2 other dogs...oh my. Needless to say, I think the neutering has helped, and we are signing him up for training now :)

Hugs,

Danielle

Moira

The Foundation, networking with other terrier rescue organizations, received two female Kerries last winter that were released from a disgusting puppy mill.  They were absolutely filthy, matted and smelled to high heaven when Jerry Perigo and his friends, Ray Hamilton and Eric Johnson, retreived them from the rescue transport.   They had to be shaved down as their coats couldn't be saved.  Cate and Moira were both used as breeding machines by this large mill that deals directly to the public via the internet. The mill's website has the typical lovely pictures of cute puppies playing young children, but behind the scenees and out of the public view, this situation was obviously a nightmare for the dogs. 

Both girls were deeemed horribly dog aggressive by the terrier rescue organizations and for that reason they had been left behind on previous transports.  With some luck of the Irish and with Jerry's assistance, flexibility, and willingness to take on this challenge, we were able to get them out of that hell hole.

Moira turned out to be the less dog aggressive of the two and has been adopted.  Jerry has been working with Cate for the last 4 months and while her dog aggression is under control, she will need a home that will continue to work with her and will keep her safe while also socializing her, since she is still emotionally fragile and lacks confidence from her mill existence.

Blue

Rescue Coordinator – Tom Sawyer (sawyertom@verizon.net)
Presently Fostered in Texas

An urgent request was received from the Foundation regarding a Kerry in trouble in Louisiana. Apparently, Blue’s first home was with 3 Schnauzers. After a year, he was given up to another home with a Scottie, and they got along fine. (The Schnauzers were also re-homed). The Scottie owner gave Blue to another friend who had a Chihuahua; Blue and the Chihuahua went at it, and the owner of the Chihuahua wanted Blue to be put down. Following our intervention she gave Blue back to the Scottie owner. We do not know if the Chihuahua provoked the attack but we suspect that was the case. Unfortunately Blue has been residing in a 10 square foot wire cage in the backyard of a house for the last 6 weeks in Louisiana. Due to the lack of attention, companionship, affection and exercise he developed a tendency to bark at the neighbors’ cats, etc. Hence, the complaints to the current owner required Blue and the Scottie to be re-homed.

Blue is an 18 month old neutered male who wonders just where he belongs. We don’t know all the places he has been, but apparently all over Louisiana. Unfortunately, he has been passed from one owner to another his entire short life.
Immediately after receiving the input of a Kerry in trouble, a foster home was found for Blue in the Texas area. A Rescue team was then formed with Kathleen Sawyer and Patsy Marguet volunteering to drive the 12 hour round trip to pick up Blue and bring him back to the safety of a new environment. BTW - He loves to ride in the car.

Blue was introduced to my two Kerries after his trip from Louisiana; he was very sociable with both of them, with no signs of aggression. Blue is very playful and full of that adolescent energy. He is tall for a Kerry, 22 inches at the withers and weighs 39lbs.
He was very good during his visit at the Vet, and he is now current on all his vaccinations having no previous Vet history to use. His left ear has a mild infection, and he has some skin irritation that should clear up with a good mediated shampoo bath, and a round of antibiotics.

He will be residing with his foster family in Texas pending adoption.

Blue needs a home that will give him the affection and attention that he deserves. He needs somebody that will help him overcome his shyness and exercise him everyday. Blue is going to be a great companion for someone who will treat him with respect. He will reciprocate with that Kerry love we all know.

On August 4, 2009, Carolyn Kerins, Blue's foster mon, decided to adopt him

Cate in OK

Fostered in Oklahoma
Rescue Coordinator: Tracey Fulmer (t_fulmer@yahoo.com)

Cate is approximately 6 yrs old and arrived on a truck loaded with all kinds of dogs released from a horrible puppy mill in Arkansas in February. Cate and another female Kerry, Moira (about the same age), arrived with about a 5-6” coat of hair totally matted in feces, urine and vomit. Cate almost didn’t make it out of the mill because the rescue groups involved were unable to temporarily house this very dog aggressive female. Thankfully, a committed Kerry volunteer gave her a chance and has been fostering Cate for several months, working with her to manage and control her dog aggression and bring her out of her shell, in order to get her ready for placement. Moira has been adopted.

Typical of puppy mill survivors, Cate had resisted a collar and any attempts to leash walk her. She acted terrified of anything and everything her foster dad did for her but she did eat….rather sloppily at first. Initially, she wouldn’t take any treats from the hand. She was completely unhousebroken. She is now reliably housetrained, spayed and fully vaccinated. Cate is tall for a Kerry…about 20-21 inches tall and currently weighs about 47 pounds. Her coat is a mottled gray. Contrary to expectations that she would resist grooming, she did pretty well the first time out, seeming to understand it was something that made her feel better. She has since been groomed four times and her coat is growing out quite nicely. Now she has a start of a fall and beard and she loves to be handled and petted. In fact, she seeks affection.

Although she is no longer in attack mode around other dogs, her history of dog aggression should not be forgotten. She is fed away from the others in the foster home as a precaution to avoid conflict, even though there has never been an issue with food. She runs loose with the other 4 Kerries (under supervision) but doesn’t really play with the other Kerries in the foster home, although she has shown a distinct fondness for a 7 year old neutered male Kerry. They share toys and play keep away from each other in the cool of evenings outside.

Cate requires a special, committed home with loving adult owners who have training experience and a lot of patience and understanding for what she endured. She's had limited exposure to children, so she would do best in a stable, adult-only environment. She will either be placed as a solo dog or with very dog-savvy owners if there’s a resident male dog. (Many skittish mill survivors do best when they have a confident dog to show them the ropes.) She has had limited exposure to other dogs outside her home, but does well when meeting visiting dogs to her home. Her dog aggression should never be taken for granted but she has made huge strides in controlling it and this canine socialization training should continue.

Cate is very strong and quite skittish --.she’ll try to isolate herself and hide until she knows she is loved and safe. When she knows things are safe, she comes openly to people and seeks affection. So she also needs lots of positive interaction with people as well as ongoing exposure to daily life. Her adopter should have training experience and the desire to help her continue to blossom. Based on her progress over the last few months, she will continue to grow emotionally and become increasingly more confident when given positive experiences with new situations and new people.

Cate requires a fully fenced yard and an owner who can provide her with the companionship she needs during the day. She will become your best friend and will follow you around like a piece of velcro. Cate is a good dog who deserves a good life. Her owners will be rewarded with a loving, loyal Kerry girl for years to come.

July 13 video of Cate

Video of Cate getting along with other Kerries.

Cate was adopted. Jerry Perigo, her foster dad, reports:

Rich came with a friend to meet Cate on Saturday, August 15, 2009. He was incredibly sensitive to her and she responded better to him than I have ever seen her do. Then today around 12:30 (August 16) he came to take her....she had run into my bedroom, so with the same level of sensitivity he went into the bedroom alone (without us or the dogs and calmed her. When she came out he had her on his lead. After we signed the contract, we walked her out to his car, put her in it, and off they went. [...]

I truly feel this is a terrific match having met Rich and watching him interact with her as well as the other dogs.

I think this is my ninth placement in three years [...] Makes me feel pretty good about it.

Jerry

Here's the note from her adopter:

Home now , all went well except the contents [of her stomach] came up in first 30 min of travel [...]. Then she was fine as an angel for the entire trip. She was a liitle skittish at the rest stops tail down and acted scared.

Cate chased a rabbit upon entering (tail-up) the new back-yard in lightning speed. She has a keen eye as I never saw the rabbit till it went through the fence.

Cate already claimed the bed in 5 minutes. I'll keep ya posted, via e-mail...thanx again to all.

Jazz

Fostered in Denver
Rescue Coordinator: Mimi Karsh

[In the beginning of August, 2009] a beautiful 4 year old Kerry girl was surrendered to me by her second owner, a woman who does Jack Russell Terrier rescue here in Colorado. "Jazz" and a male Kerry were originally bought for breeding purposes and then their first owners just gave them both away after changing their minds. Jazz and one of the permanent JRT residents of her second home had developed some very serious bad feelings and her owner felt it time for her to be rehomed even though she loved her very much. Jazz's papers show that her sire and dam came from Poland and Russia respectively and no information was to be found on the Texas kennel in which she was born.

I found her to be a sweet and friendly "wild child", desperately in need of training, consistency and ideally a strong but gentle male companion as she was delighted with my gentle sweet Kerry boy. I immediately thought of Aiden, the wonderful boy I sent to his forever home on Christmas Day of 2008. (You can read his story on the 2008 rescue page.) I knew that Aiden's family had just lost their second much loved elderly dog in just 7 months and the health of their 13 yr old Charlotte is failing. Aiden was in need of a lively companion and the "wild child" was in need of an experienced and loving home that preferably had a canine companion for her.

You can see pictures here as she patiently puts up with my attempts to "carve" a Kerry out of six months worth of a beautiful curls.

On September 9th Jazz will be a "pawsenger" in the cabin (with a flight attendant) of the new Pet Airways on a flight from Denver to Los Angeles where she will be met by Aiden and family.

We're looking forward to updates from her new family.

Sam, a 2 1/2 year old male

Linda Lee, linda@proactive.mb.ca
Rescue Coordinator, Mid-West and Central Canada

Sam is a two and a half year old, neutered Kerry. He is currently in a kennel in the Indianapolis area. He is a beautiful Kerry boy, full of personality, who has already been in two different homes as far as we know.

Sam needs a home where he can bond with his humans and find love and security. He is good with children. On the challenging side, we do know of two instances where Sam has bitten other dogs – once when being walked by a young child. The other instance was when another dog entered his home. However, Sam gets positive reviews from everybody at the kennel.  He likes to be in the office visiting with everyone. He loves being brushed and petted. He knows his basic commands, responding well to the sit command, for example. The owner of the kennel says Sam has not been aggressive with the other dogs, most probably because it is neutral territory for him.

It seems Sam has never had consistent love and efforts to make him feel special.  Sam is only two and a half years old and is very much of a puppy in spirit. He is a sweetheart who will require love, training, and patience. Sam is a loving Kerry Blue who wants to bond with his own special human.

Sam will be coming to a foster home in Canada at the end of August with the help of Mid-West Wire Fox Terrier Rescue. (They are true Kerry angels in disguise!) Sam is going to a home where his new Dad, who is recently retired, will be working with Sam on his challenging behaviours and giving him the time, love, and special attention he deserves. Sam will be the only dog in this terrier-experienced household. (Photos of Sam will follow once he is here in Canada.)

If you are interested in adopting a rescue Kerry and are in Manitoba, Saskatchewan or the US Mid-West, consider submitting a completed adoption questionnaire to Linda Lee, Rescue Coordinator, linda@proactive.mb.ca. If you are an appropriate candidate, we will work with you in the hope of finding the right Kerry for your household.

Linda Lee <linda@proactive.mb.ca>
Subject: Sam update
Date: September 2, 2009 4:05:50 PM PDT

Sam has had a great adventure! He left Indianapolis Saturday morning where he had been watched over by a very special person named Herma. In the care of the Mid-West Wire Fox Terrier Rescue network, he began his journey north. (The Wire Fox rescue people are true Kerry angels in disguise!) Sam spent Saturday night in Dumont, Iowa and was back on the road Sunday morning. The Wire Fox people continued the rescue relay until Judy (a Kerry owner) took over in Minneapolis. We met Judy just east of Fargo about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Sam’s new “dad”, Paul, was part of our group. Then we travelled north across the border and on to Sandy Hook, MB where Sam and Paul spent Sunday night with us. Everything worked exactly as planned!

On Monday morning we did some ear cleaning, nail cutting, a bit of grooming, and Sam played with a couple of Kerry girls. (And he loved their toy basket!) On Tuesday, Sam flew on to Vancouver, B.C. with his new dad. Last I heard they were planning a long walk on Vancouver’s sea wall this afternoon. Paul promises to keep us up-to-date on Sam’s new life.

Many people helped to get Sam to his forever home. A VERY special thanks goes out to the Wire Fox Terrier people in the US Mid-West and in Manitoba, as well as to Judy andHerma. Working together makes amazing things happen!

Sam's last transfer.

Kate, a 3 1/2 year old, spayed female

Rescue Coordinator: Tracey Fulmer (t_fulmer@yahoo.com)


GOT TOYS?

I'm Kate. I'm a 3 1/2 year old, spayed female and looking for a home where people will love me and hug me. My previous home wasn't able to give me much attention due to an illness in the family. They struggled with the decision to let me find a new home, but in the end, decided it was the right thing to do for me.

I'm puppy-like and up for lots of playing but I love a snuggle on the couch, too. I can run really fast and roll in the grass so a secure fence is a must. (No electric fences due to a history of breaking out in her previous home.) At my foster home I am completely house-trained and stand by the door when I need to go out. My foster folks say I'm a good eater and not fussy. I know how to sit and walk on a leash.

I'm a big girl (not overweight, but statuesque for a Kerry gal) with beautiful eyes, a tiny tail, sideways ears and have much love to give. You'll appreciate that I get along with other dogs and kids (age 5+) and should go to a home with another dog to play with so I'm not isolated. Also, since I didn't get much attention in my first home, but have blossomed with all of the attention I receive from my foster family, I will need owners who are home during the day.

P.S. Don't forget the toys!!

Kate is fostered near Philadelphia. She will only be placed in a home within driving distance of Philadelphia.

On September 8, 2009, Kate was adopted by her foster parents.

Kelly

Rescue Coordinator: Marian Moses

A little more than three weeks ago (early September 2009), Eileen Andrade alerted me to a female Kerry in Walnut Creek, CA, in need of a home. McKayla, now Kelly, was in need of re-homing due to a home foreclosure and was signed over to KBT Rescue.

As luck would have it, I was holding an approved application from July 26th, 2009. I was very surprised when the application came in, as the address happened to be less than a half mile from me.

After doing a home visit and determining that these folks would provide a loving home for this Kerry, along with their farm-load of cats, an ostrich, guinea fowls, chickens, roosters, turkeys, geese, and 6 parrots, I approved the application and set it aside until a good match came along, which came with Eileen's phone call.

Kelly sees her new mom for the first time.

On Saturday, adoptive mom Chris Kees and I drove from the Reno area to meet Eileen and Kerry Kelly, named for Chris' grandmother, in Auburn California. Chris and I were both so excited, waiting for the arrival of this little girl. The two of us were like little children at Christmas, looking into the crate that held Kelly.

Getting to know each other.

The first walk withKelly's new mom.

When the crate was opened, a tentative Kelly looked out at her new mom. It didn't take long for her to jump from the crate and begin making friends and exploring. One the ride home to Reno Kelly was the perfect passenger.

Upon arrival at her new home she explored her surroundings with gusto and took immediately to her new dad, Mike. She showed a healthy curiosity about all of the other animals, but NO aggression, even toward the chickens, baby chicks, and cats. By the next day, her new mom called me very excited. Kelly had fallen asleep in bed with two cats curled-up with her.

Kelly with her new parents.

Below is the note that Chris Kees wrote to Linda Grisley.

I WAS CONTACTED BY MARIAN AND I HAVE MY NEW BABY AS I TYPE. HER NAME WAS MAKAYLA, BUT I NAMED HER KELLY AFTER MY GRANDMA. SHE IS A TOTAL LOVE! AND SHE GETS ALONG WITH CATS, DOESN'T EVEN NOTICE THE PARROTS, SLEEPS ON THE BED WITH US AND THE CATS AND IS WELCOME TO DO SO. SHE LIKES TO WALK, MINDS VERY WELL, AND I HAVEN'T FOUND FAULT ONE YET. SHE ISN'T SURE ABOUT POTTY CORRECTNESS, HAVING BEEN ALONE FOR SO LONG, BUT SO WHAT. I HAVE BEEN RESCUING ANIMALS FOR SO LONG THERE IS NO CARPETS TO WORRY ABOUT. WE WENT TO HARDWOOD LONG AGO. I AM SO PLEASED TO GET HER SO SOON! I WAS AFRAID IT WOULD TAKE MONTHS! AND IT IS THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY PRESENT! WE CAN'T THANK YOUR GROUP ENOUGH!!
CHRIS AND MIKE KEES.

This little girl has found a forever home with two wonderful people and a menagerie of other beautiful animals. Chris and Mike have a beautiful Kerry girl, and I scored a beautiful ostrich egg from the Kees ostrich.


Marian Moses

Kim, a 7 year old female

Rescue Coordinator: Linda Grisley, lgrisley@shaw.ca
Fostered in Ontario, Canada

In London, Ontario, Kim, a spayed 7 yr. old female, has lost her family in a short time. Her owner died late last year and his wife has recently been placed in a nursing home. Family friends adopted Kim but they are both working parents with a young family and do not have the time to devote to Kim’s care and training.

Kim is quite honestly spoiled. She has lived in a home with anything and everything she may desire, but few boundaries. She is a loving big puppy in nature with lots of energy. She has had a large acre yard to run in but no friends to play with. Although she reacts negatively at first meeting other dogs, with proper introduction she is fine. Formal training classes should help her socialization.

The home where she has been for the past couple of months has young children. Kim loves to run and play with the kids, but she tries to herd them and jumps on them. Older children would be acceptable in her new home.

Kim also has a pancreatic disorder which requires daily medication and diet restrictions. This is not fatal or inhibiting to her in any way; it just means she needs to take her medicine every day. Although the medication is an additional expense to Kim’s care, the doctor left a monthly allowance in trust for her care, so there will not be additional expense to her adopters.

Kim is a typical Kerry Blue! Loving to her family and full of mischief and energy. She is a sweetheart of a dog who would love to have a new family for the rest of her life.

Her adopters should not have small children, a large fenced yard, and the time and energy to provide her with the training she needs to adapt to a new home.

Below is a report from Heather Taylor, Kim's foster mom from July 27, 2009.

Kim is a really great doggy!

Vet report:
- encounter with cat clearing up - no sign of infection
- weight at 32.6 lbs. (This is good and an ideal weight for her height; may have to reduce calorie intake; her records show that she was once a hefty 41lb. girl.)
- perhaps Kim has 'dry eye' in one eye - should be watched
- not concerned, at this time, with the other reported anomalies; felt a longer trial period with the Pancrease V; say two months, then redo CBC, Blood Chemistry and TLI
- observation of BM is the best indicator of her condition [...]

She is eating with gusto and seems not the least concerned with the adjacent kennel dogs. She has found her voice and wants to be the first out for a walk and play time! She loves to play tug and can be vocal about it, but releases the tug on command.

CKC - will transfer recorded ownership of Kim upon receipt of her Certificate of Registration, signed off by the Executrix of the Estate, a copy of the will (the part naming said Executix), a copy of the Death Certificate and the fee, of course.

She has a strange diet combination right now....regular Adult kibble by Natural Balance (normal protein and fat proportions) topped with MediCal Gastro (low Protein and fat, usually prescribed for Pancreatitis patients). If she was staying here, I would get a consult with Monica Segal, T.O. and have her develope a low protein, low fat homemade diet for Kim, however my next choice is the Natural Balance brand with a lower protein/fat ratio and the companion wet food.

Pancrease V is an OTC (over the counter) powder and can be purchased at a pharmacy. The in vitro digestive abilities of the powder is on the container, so the dosage could and probably should be adjusted to the actual protein/fat grams of the kibble consumed. Right now she is on the recommended 'dog' dose which has no correlation to the actual food intake.

[...] She is a pretty colour, isn't she? - must be the Hallsblu Danny Boy parentage.

Heather Taylor

Below is a report from Linda grisley, from August 16, 2009.

Just a note to update the listers on the status of Kim, our 7 yr. old female
up for adoption. Kim is fostered in Ontario and is doing very well. She
has proven to be a sweet girl with fewer problems than originally presented
to us (could be the change in environment?)

On the web site, we talked about exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and
the extra TLC she requires to live a normal life. I want to explain to
listers and potential adopters that, although this is a serious condition,
it is totally manageable. Kim is on a prescription diet supplemented by
Pancreas V powder and she is doing really, really well.. She has even gained
a couple of pounds.

Kim's prognosis is great - she can expect to have a normal lifespan.

I'm afraid Kim is falling into the "too much work and too old" category.
Here is a wonderful happy girl with many more years of love in her and a
totally manageable diet need. She loves to play and go for walks and do all
the things a normal Kerry can do.

Kim needs a home with a large fenced yard, people with the time to devote to
her exercise and play, and older or no children. She should be tested with
another dog in the potential home, but has not shown aggression in foster
care.

Linda Grisley
Rescue Director, Canada

Below is a report from Heather Taylor, Kim's foster mom from August 20, 2009.

Kim after his trim:

Kim was adopted in October 2009.

Update from Ariane, Kim new mom:
Date: October 11, 2009 10:03:42 AM PDT

Hi [...]

Just wanted you to know that we have Kim safely at home after a 3 hr trip home. She was great in the car. As soon as we got home, before we did anything else, we took her for a long, long walk. Both my son Diederik and I wanted to walk her – so Didederik walked her the first half, and I walked her home. She was amazing!!!. She walked right beside us ignoring pretty much every dog walking by – and given the perfect Fall weather we had today, there were many dogs out for a walk. We took her to Wychwood Park which is a former artist’s colony with a private road and pond – a little bit of the English country in the city. An older couple were outside of their house and when they saw us walking by, the woman exclaimed- “is that a Kerry?” and she came running over. Apparently they had a Kerry who just died – so we told them we just got Kim today and we had a nice long chat. Kim was her ever charming self – laid back, tail wagging and quite content to be the centre of attention. We finally got her home and took her inside where she was given the tour. She sniffed around for a while and then just kept an eye on us as we got ourselves organized. We got her dinner ready and she did her very best to sit quietly until I put the bowl down. It took a few tries, but she did her very best. Her food disappeared in a flash. While we ate out dinner, she just laid down and left us alone. She has scoped out a favourite spot to lie down which she finally did about 8 pm (in the dining room where she can see the front door, the living room, the kitchen and the family room). It didn’t take her long to figure out that she could keep everything in site in that one spot. She has one of her huge cushions in the family room and she came to lie down there when we sat down after dinner. She was a pretty tired girl. Took her out once more before bed for a good 40 minutes – and she did her business – all looked good. She is now lying on her bed in my room waiting for me to come to bed which is where I am going to be very shortly.

She is without a doubt, one very special Kerry. She has such a sunny disposition, is very accommodating and is so loving. We had many many Kerry kisses today. I cannot believe how lucky we are that we have her and I know we are going to have such a wonderful time together.

Thank you Linda for entrusting us with this wonderful girl and thank you Heather for working with her to make this transition so seamless. Will have many more stories to tell over the next while. In the meantime, a few photos to share.

Fondly,

Ariane

Update from Ariane, Kim new mom:
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2010 7:34 PM

Kim is doing fantastic. I can’t believe that I have had her for almost 6 months. She is just thriving. We have totally bonded. She is my complete Velcro dog – she is a Kerry after all – following me where ever I go. Greeting me with wild abandon when I come home. I just love it. We are still doing our three walks per day, but I have to admit that they have been a bit shorter in the colder weather. With the warmer weather upon us, we’ll be back in the ravines exploring.

Kim finished a basic obedience class in November – and just aced it. The other dog owners were wondering why their dogs weren’t so well behaved. I of course, was thinking to myself, you have got to be kidding, she is a Kerry – but Kim is very bright, loves food rewards, and loves the “job”. She was able to figure our new concepts so quickly – she would kind of sit there and say – ok what’s next. We then went on to do a rally obedience class – and again she was just loving it. It helps that she loves the trainer Renee de Villiers, and that Renee loves her. She happily jumps into the car when we go off to classes. It is just a great activity to do together. The girls going out together! Kim finished the rally obedience class with flying colours. We had to do a rally course in the last class and Kimmie just pranced right through it, doing a nice finish at the end. She walks so elegantly. Her conformation is quite lovely. The trainer, just got her own space for training and now has two indoor agility courses – so Kim is in the middle of a beginners agility course and is just loving it, although she can be a bit stubborn from time to time. Can you tell that I am a very proud Kerry mom!!

Kim is still not great around other dogs, but manages quite well in the classes. Renee has developed some strategies for us that seem to be working reasonably well and hopefully with time she will get better. She does know now when a dog comes, that if she turns around and focuses on me rather than barking, she will get a treat, so it is quite hilarious watching her turn to me when a dog is coming looking for her treat.

Her health is really good. The EPI seems to be under control and she is full of energy. She is very gradually putting back on some weight. Weighs 30 lbs now. She has settled in really well and is a full member of the family. We just love having her. For me, adopting an older Kerry was just perfect, I can really focus on the finer points with Kim and she is very responsive – as long as I have treats in my pocket.

I have enclosed some pictures of Kim. They were taken in the late Fall just after she came home from the groomers, so she was looking particularly lovely. I will send some more recent pictures soon – still have to download from my camera.

Hope all is well with you these days.

Cheers

Ariane

From: monroy04@msn.com
Subject: Which email is best?
Date: October 4, 2009 6:29:55 PM PDT

The Adventures of Blue: "Leaving Las Vegas"

This is the story of how Blue came to live with his new mother, Judy Murphy. It is also the story of my first complete rescue!! While I have had the extreme pleasure of assisting with other rescues, and fostering, I just recently took on the role of Southern California Rescue Coordinator. My first opportunity came in the form of Blue, a young 1 1/2 year old male who had recently developed a strong dislike for his new roommate (another male terrier). The owner, in Las Vegas, contacted us and made arrangements for us to place this young Kerry. Meanwhile, I had a wonderful application from Judy Murphy, a resident of Woodland Hills, CA who had rescued several other dig breeds in the past. She was currently sans canine companion. When I discovered that her first family dog and true love had been a Kerry Blue named Blue, I couldn't believe it!

First I had to find someone would would drive the first leg of the journey to meet Blue's owner in Baker (home of the world's largest thermometer) half way between Barstow and Las Vegas. Suzanne Stull, a former volunteer, and her friend offered to make the trip [from LA to Barstow] and meet me in L.A. I met them on Sunday, then drove Blue to his new home [in Woodland Hills].

Suzanne Stull & friend, with Danielle Monroy

Blue was greeted by Judy, his new mom, her grown children and family members! He bounded in the door, wagging his tail and asking everyone to pet him. He ran about the yard, "watered" the rose bush and asked everyone for scritch-scratches. What a fantastic, energetic little man! He has already met his "nieces" - the two female dogs owned by Judy's daughter. He is fitting in just fine and I couldn't be happier to have been a part of his new life. I wish to thank Blue's original owner and his breeder for working with us and giving us the opportunity to help place him. I am also grateful to Suzanne, her friend that accompanied her on the road-trip, Marian Moses our Northern california Rescue Coordinator, and Judy for making this such a pleasant first rescue for me!!!

Blue (left) with his new family

Danielle Monroy and family

May 2011 Update

YouTube of Blue and his family.

Elle, 3 year old female

Rescue Coordinator: Linda Lee, linda@proactive.mb.ca
Fostered in Ohio

Elle (pronounced Ellie) is a Kerry girl in Ohio who needs a new home. She is a healthy 3 year old spayed female. She is up-to-date on her vaccinations. Her owners have to find her a new home because Elle fights with her 9 year old mother. Elle and her mom got along for a while after they were both spayed, but recently Elle’s aggression towards her mom has escalated. Recently there was a serious fight. So now Elle and her mom have > to be kept apart or Elle is on a leash at all times. This is not a good situation, so Elle needs to find a new family.

Elle is a loving dog who is good with children including babies. She is a small bouncy girl, 17” tall and weighing about 25 lbs. While she gets along with male dogs, it is probably best if Elle is the only dog in the household. She needs a caring family with a large fenced yard where she can play. She also needs people who are experienced terrier owners and have the time and energy to provide her with the love and training she needs.

Elle was placed on 13-Nov-09

From: linda@proactive.mb.ca
Subject: Update on Elle
Date: November 22, 2009 1:54:02 PM PST

Elle has settled into her forever home! She is always busy, running around the house and following one of her new humans. And she loves being with the children. Her new “mom” also reports that she makes everyone laugh. “Elle is like a little person. She is just a joy to us every day. If I tell her ‘paw’ she knows I am going to clean her paws and just waits patiently while I clean them off. She still barks at all the cats, dogs, and cars that pass by, but she is getting better. Thank you so much from all of us for allowing this special and wonderful little girl into our lives.”

Linda E. Lee
Mobile: (204) 955-4489
Proactive Information Services Inc.
Celebrating 25 years!
Office: (204) 943-2370
www.proactive.mb.ca

Missi (now Kirby) & Muffi, 10 month old females

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

Missi and her sister Muffi are two 10 month old Kerry sisters who did not get along together at all! They get along with male dogs but not other females. On Tuesday, October 20th, their owner surrendered them to us through the Wire Fox Rescue group in Chicago area. They had been living in the same household as a male Kerry and young children, but both girls were not well cared for. On Wednesday they were vetted and groomed (ie, shaved down to remove the mats) Both dogs were in good health except for some scabbing from bite wounds. They had not been spayed.

On Thursday, both girls made their way by car relay (again, many thanks to Barb from Wire Fox Rescue, Bill from Michigan and Brian from Ontario) where they boarded a plane from Toronto. Muffi (now Kate) went directly to a waiting approved adopter in BC. Missi came to Edmonton for foster care.

Missi is good with people, including children, although a shy to begin with. As soon as Missi met her foster mum, Trix, she glued herself to her. Since then she has gained a bit of confidence and will sit at the other end of the couch instead of on Trix’s lap, but will still follow every move Trix makes.

Missi is a slightly smaller Kerry and quite exuberant. She has lots of energy and can be quite vocal when excited! Remember – she is a puppy!

There are no other dogs in Missi’s foster home but we will introduce her to other dogs as she settles in. We know she was beat upon by her bigger sister, but she can certainly hold her own. Right now, she shows fear aggression but she hasn’t had a chance to get confident in this home, so we will be testing her aggressive tendencies as she progresses. She is not possessive of her food or space, but does growl at other dogs on walks. She needs to be the only female dog in the household. She needs an experienced owner who can manage her particular behavioural challenges and give her lots of love and training. She needs a large fenced yard. Missi especially needs to be able to work off some of her youthful energy!

This is a sweet and loving young lady who needs a structured environment in which to blossom.

Update for Missi's bio:

As mentioned before, Missi had a haircut before she travelled to Edmonton. These photos were taken today when Missi met Kerby, my Kerry Blue, and Beans, my PWD. At first she was shy and hid behind her foster mum's legs. The dogs sniffed noses but that was it for first meeting. However, as we walked together, she let the other dogs get ahead of her so she could sneak in a bum sniff. It was quite funny!

We went to a local rink where Missi was jumping around on her leash and doing play bows, so we let the three dogs off leash in the enclosed space to play. Again, Missi hid behind foster mum for a few minutes, but when Kerby found a stick and started prancing around with it, Missi was right in there. I got video of the 3 of them running and playing, but I can't seem to get if off my phone.

The bottom line is - Missi is a typical young Kerry girl. She is outgoing and playful as soon as she gets comfortable. Once she is in a permanent home and has the time to bond with her new family, she will be as confident as any Kerry girl.

Missi was adopted in November 2009 and is now living in Winnipeg. Her name was changed to Kirby.

From: Barbra Pappas [mailto:the25th@hotmail.com]
Sent: November 27, 2009 9:51 AM
To: Linda Grisley
Subject: KIRBY

Good Morning [...],

Well it's been about 10 days since Kirby became part of our family and we absolutely love her.

We have had no issues with visitors, she is cautious but very friendly. She sits when people come and go, I still kneel beside her but don't have to hold her anymore. She does come, and sits in front of me, knows and responds to off, quiet,and enough to the barking. Now we are working on stay and heel, though I think they will take a while.

She follows me everywhere and loves to cuddle, she is very "touch me" needy. Jim is happy he has finally been accepted, but he is still second. She is a very smart and loving girl and becoming a that typical Kerry puppy.

Kirby has decided not to do fetch and thinks it's fun to chase the ball but I should go get it and do it again...she will learn I don't do fetch. All of this learning has been done with treat orientation which is fine for now.

The pictures I've sent are doing her sit, sniffing a stuffed Kerry [not her toy] and my favorite, checking out the neighborhood at the front door.
I'm hoping to start putting up Christmas decorations up this weekend, so it could be very interesting with all her curiosity.

I will keep in touch and if she's still enough for some great pictures I will forward them.

Thank you again for filling that empty space, Kirby is just wonderful.

Barbra

From: lgrisley@shaw.ca
Subject: FW: Kirby update for website
Date: May 31, 2010 9:40:04 AM PDT

Hi,

It's now six months since Kirby became part of our family and she is the perfect Kerry. She is a loving cuddler who has learned her good manners while still being a Kerry.

Kirby has a wide range of friends, some of whom have sleep overs. There is a 1 yr. old male black Lab, a 13 yr. old female Dachshund, a 2 yr.old male Australian sheep dog[ who she herds] and all the dogs and neighbors we meet on our walks.

We no longer crate her when we are out, just confine her in the kitchen and at night she sleeps on the floor right beside me.
She has no issues and is very eager to please. She loves chasing her Frisbee and playing in the yard though she still prefers if I'm out in the yard with her.
Everyone that meets her says "she is so pretty and the sweetest dog ever" and we agree.

Her vet loves her and she sailed through her spay surgery, all the groomers comment on how she is the best behaved. We haven't encountered anyone that doesn't fall in love with her.

The only negative I can think of is she is my only Kerry who picks fresh carrots out of her food and makes a neat pile beside her bowl.
We did have an incident last month when we had our son's 30th birthday party. With so many people coming into the house and not closing the door properly I felt she would be safer confined to part of the kitchen. When most of the guests had left she was allowed to come out to meet and greet. She went around the room to get pats from everyone and retreated back to the kitchen. Moments later she came back to the living room wagging her tail and sat down in the middle of the floor to enjoy a little snack amongst her new friends.

Her snack was the remainder of the roast of beef, about the size of her head. The roast was quickly returned to the kitchen. She had never stolen food before and Jim couldn't understand why. My thoughts are because she is so cute everyone shared a bite of roast as they took the plates to the kitchen. So after tasting how good it was and the fact it was probably too close to the edge of the counter, she just couldn't resist. We didn't tell anyone but Jim and I enjoyed our hot beef sandwiches the next night. Since then there have been no more food robberies in our house.

Again Linda I thank you, and all the others who make happy homes for the Kerries and their human pets.

I have enclosed a picture of Kirby after her last grooming.

Much love,

Kirby's Mom

Katie a 1-year old female

Fostered in British Columbia
Rescue Coordinator: Linda Grisley at lgrisley@shaw.ca

Katie is just turning one year old. She is living in British Columbia and is the sweetest most loving, cuddly girl imaginable. Katie came from a neglected background in that there were no rules of behaviour. She was adopted only a month ago into a multiple dog household where she fit in well – to a point. She played wonderfully with the other dogs and started taking obedience lessons, which she took to very well. She is inconsistent with toilet training, but has been doing well. She knows sit, stay, wait for her meals, and come. Unfortunately, though, she took a dislike to one of the other dogs and would attack him – seemingly unprovoked. There were no evident triggers to her attack, and although her owners have tried a muzzle and crating, she still found opportunity. With the other dogs in the home, Katie cannot receive the individual training attention that she needs to learn acceptable social skills. Therefore, she needs to be placed in a home with no other dogs, with an owner dedicated to her training and an active lifestyle.

Video of Katie on YouTube.

Here’s an 12/12/09 update on Katie from her foster mum, Nancy - for her bio page. She’s doing very well!

I have now had her in my home for seven days and she is doing well. She only had one "attack" and I was easily able to break up Katie & my Kerry girl Keely. No harm done and no blood. When I first had her in my home I had her in a muzzle when she was out of the crate (most of the time) because I didn't trust her to behave. By about Wednesday I let her out of the crate free of the muzzle and watched her intently. The first & only scrap was Friday December 11th and since then nothing and she has been behaving well.

She really craves attention from her "person/people" and loves to run around and play. In the video you will see her running around playing with Keely. She absolutely loves the snow and will drag her snout in it.

She seems to be taken with Quinn (my rescued boy) and taken on some of his characteristics - unfortunately some of them are not the good ones (pulling on the leash, barking at other dogs while they pass by) but has also become more calm and I'm hoping that Quinn's stability (well, his stability most of the time, that is) will keep her from any attacks.

Last night I turned on the television to the Canadian dog show that TSN was televising. When Katie saw the dogs on TV she ran for my 46" flat screen to, one can only presume, "get that dog" much to my surprise. No, the TV is fine and yes, she likes to watch it.
I will keep you updated as I know more.

Nancy

 

From: lgrisley@SHAW.CA
Subject: [KBL] Katie is home...again
Date: December 19, 2009 7:34:56 PM PST


After much consultation and training discussion, Katie will remain with her
original adopters. This is wonderful news for Katie! We were sure this
was the right home for her, but she got snarky with the other dogs because
she hadn't had time and guidance to learn her place. Now she is ready to
return and take her rightful position ....on the floor for now.

Special thanks to Nancy Joyce for her temporary foster and training guidance.

Linda Grisley
Rescue Director, Canada

From: Brenda
Subject: Update on katie - adopted in 2009
Date: May 4, 2010 11:54:34 AM PDT

Hi Linda!

I hope this finds you well and enjoying Spring, which we, in fact, have not yet had.....at least not the warm West Coast kind of Spring to which we are accustomed. I just wanted to update you on the Kerry girls, and Katie in particular, who is THE most darling little dog I have ever met (and I've met lots of them!). There are absolutely no issues whatsoever with Kelsey and we have had absolute harmony for weeks and months now. Kelsey continues to bark her head off at everything, but Katie, thankfully, only barks when she is happy and playing. I have puppy parties every Saturday at the indoor riding arena where dogs can come and play and socialize, (Powell River does not have an off-leash park) and often have 25 or so dogs....Katie is a dream, shows no aggression to anyone and just rips around happily barking her little head off. She loves the cat, although their interaction is supervised at all times! At the end of the day, she is on the couch cuddling with me or Gord, as limp as a noodle with just her tail wagging furiously when you say her name or give her a stroke. She is just a wonderful little dog and I am SO happy that we were able to work things out with her and Kelsey. Agility classes start next Saturday and both Katie and Kelsey will be participating, Kelsey is an awesome agility dog, and I hope that Katie loves it as much as she does.

So, once again, thanks to you and Nancy for your guidance and support! If they were all like Katie, we would have many, many Kerries!

Brenda

From: Brenda Clarke [mailto:bjchardonnay@shaw.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 7:39 PM
Subject: the Kerries and the cat

These are pics of Katie who used to be such a little bitch and now here she is settled in with her pack.
Love these success stories!!

Brenda

From: brendajclarke@shaw.ca [mailto:brendajclarke@shaw.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 10:12 AM
Subject: Update on Katie

Katie was first home from the groomer's....here she is in her new haircut.....

Waiting for a treat.

Brenda

Paddy, a 5-year old male

Rescue Coordinator: Marian Moses marianm6290@yahoo.com
Fostered in Northern California

Paddy is a 5-year-old neutered male Kerry who recently lost his human dad and needs to be re-homed. Paddy is located in South Lake Tahoe, Ca. He is very friendly, loves to romp, play, and chase squirrels, does well with children and other dogs, (currently lives with two Airedales) and has never met a stranger (unless they have a camera).

Paddy takes a daily dose of Prednisone to keep food and water down. He tends to gulp his food and water too fast and occasionally will regurgitate, mostly the water. He is not registered and is current on all shots.

From: Marian Moses marianm6290@yahoo.com
Subject: Paddy Has A Home!
Date: December 22, 2009 7:34:56 AM PST

Paddy Has A Home!

After fostering Paddy in my home for two weeks, Saturday I drove him from Reno to Sacramento where he was introduced to his new mom, Jen Simms, and both his two-legged sister and four-legged sister Nuala, of the April Surprise Rescue. After a VERY enthusiastic greeting, and squeals of joy from his two-legged sister, and uneventful heinie sniff to and from his four-legged sister, the family continued on to their home in Vallejo, Ca.

I called Jenn on Sunday morning to see how Paddy faired on his first night with his new family. The family had been to the dog park where Paddy appeared to have played up a storm! His first night and morning in his new home was all I could have hoped for. He was doing very well with the child, the other Kerry, and the cat! His new mom was very pleased with the new addition to her family.

Paddy is a sweet little boy who gave me so much pleasure the two short weeks that I was privileged to have him in my home, it was hard to say goodbye, but man-oh-Manishevitz does it ever feel good to know that he has gone to a wonderful home!

Couch Potato Paddy in foster home.

Paddy during snow storm in Reno, NV

Paddy (right) at dog park in Reno, NV with foster brother, Ciaran
November 2009

Woohoo, breakfast in bed!

First meeting with new family in Sacramento, CA.

Paddy’s four-legged sister Nuala (right) is “Hope” from the
April Surprise Rescue of 2006

Jack

Rescue Coordinator: Linda Lee, linda@proactive.mb.ca

We got this Jack as a re-home in September 2009. He was fostered by the Campanella's briefly in 2009 and went to his foster-to-adopt home in November 2009. He was officially adopted in 2010 by Bea Sonnenshein.

October 2010 Update:

Little did I know when we received Jack last year that he would become the love of my doggy heart.  He arrived at LaGuardia airport, in the middle of a snowstorm, at midnight, at the end of a long day after a protracted trip from Kentucky, to Texas, to New York, after many hours on planes and tarmac, only to be greeted by two unsuspecting members of the Kerry fan club who really had no idea he would be so BIG.  At that point he was close to 50 lbs.

His carrying case was so large that I had to remove him from the case, and dismantle it  to place it in the trunk of the car.  When we got home, we decided to attempt to walk Jack with his new housemate Rosie which turned out to be a disaster.  She escaped from the house, and went for him, and he fled as this banshee made a beeline for his throat. 

I rounded him up at a neighbor’s house, and then understood what Linda Lee meant when she said that he was a runner.  Fortunately, he did not run too far. 

Jack and Rosie spent the next few weeks in different areas of the house, and due to my mother’s illness and subsequent death, had little opportunity to mingle together.  We did manage to spend evenings around the television with both dogs on leashes and that seemed to work out. 

While I was away in Florida taking care of my mother’s affairs, my son came home to help my husband and decided that the dogs needed to be walked together.  As he said, “Enough is enough!”  By the time I returned I could walk them together, and gradually over the next few months they began to learn to live together. 

What made this work was that Jack loves Rosie.  He follows her everywhere, steals her toys in an effort to inspire play, and chases her constantly in the backyard.  It is now at the one year mark that I see she has accepted him as well, and is insanely jealous of other females – even those she would play with before his entry into the home.  Jack is just a guy and is interested in any other female; to Rosie, he is HER guy. 

Jack is a hunter, and I suspect that he spent a good deal of time honing this skill in the past.  He started with the bunnies last spring.  Within 24 hours he found three nests in the vegetable patch and we had to dispose of 9 bodies.  Then I have seen him kill birds, chipmunks and squirrels without a second glance.  He is quick and smart with keen eyesight.   And when I walk the dogs late at night when there are deer around, I need to keep a good hold of his leash.  He has awakened this skill in Rosie as well.  I see them take off in the backyard, and I have to keep watch to make sure they are not going to be fighting over a kill. 

Jack was so well trained by his original owner, and for that we owe the gentleman a debt of gratitude.  When he has killed an animal, all I need to say is “Drop it!” and he does.  He sits and lies down on command, although stay is still tough for him.  Jack rarely climbs upon the furniture –unless we are sitting there.  He is now about 45 lbs. (upon the recommendation of my veterinarian) but still believes he is a lap dog.  When he sees us on the sofa, he lays his body on our laps and places his head on our shoulder, and moans rather loudly as you pet him.

 But he does love to chew anything with padding.  Poor Rosie cannot have a stuffed toy for more than a few days before it is shredded into bits around the house.  And any protracted amount of time I am away from the house, past what is normal for a working woman; I begin to worry about the status of my sofa cushions. 

Even with these few insignificant demerits, he has become an integral and beloved member of the family and the community.  Neighbors have come to love and respect Jack and he loves people as well.  Both of my sons have honestly said they would take him in an instant; he is so sweet and good natured.   He is BIG, but how else can you contain that enormous Kerry heart.  I wish to thank the Kerry Blue Foundation and Linda Lee for bringing Jack into our home.
   
Beatrice and Larry Sonnenshein

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