I have to give you a quick update on Gator! He is officially a desert dog now and adjusting to the climate. We’ve been taking some puppy classes together, though if I’m being completely honest, he doesn’t even need them because he’s just perfect.

Here is our update on Dudley (formerly Ace) — I have also attached several photos and hope they are okay for the update and possibly the 2027 calendar!

Dudley has been an absolutely wonderful addition to our family. From the moment he arrived, he made himself right at home and has brought so much joy and personality into our lives. He has truly blossomed into a happy, confident, and very animated little guy — he makes it very clear when he wants to play, eat, cuddle, or go for a walk, and we love every bit of it!

Here are a few of his favorite things:

🎾 Fetch & Catch — He loves a good game of fetch and catch and will happily go for round after round.
🐾 Walks — Daily walks are a highlight of his day. He trots along with great enthusiasm and purpose.
🐿️ Chasing Squirrels — His terrier instincts are fully intact! Squirrels beware.
🐾 Car Rides — He is an excellent co-pilot and loves an adventure.
🍦 Pup Cups — A trip to the drive-through is basically his idea of a perfect outing.
🐾 Tummy Rubs & Cuddles — As energetic as he is, he also loves to wind down with a good tummy rub and will cuddle for hours.
🪟 Window Watch Duty — He takes his role as household guardian very seriously, keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood from his favorite window perch.

Dudley is communicative, loving, playful, and endlessly entertaining. We are so grateful to CCTR for bringing him into our lives — he has been the perfect fit for our family.

Thank you again for everything CCTR does. We are so happy to be part of the Dog Tails of Summer celebration!

Warm regards, Sharon

When we first saw the email about fosters urgently needed for Westies in March, we weren’t sure about participating. We have 3 dogs currently that take a great deal of time, energy and funds. Yet something nudged us to investigate further. As we conversed and inquired with Julie in Intakes, it became clear we would be fostering one of these dogs! As soon as I picked her up from her local transport, I had a feeling Beryl, now Mildred, would be a foster failure!!!

Initially Mildred was very timid, confused and downcast yet very sweet. The pictures from the first few days of her pen segregation, show this. After the first week, Mildred started to tentatively explore the room, the house and other dogs. Since then, she has continued to show steady progress in positive interactions with her siblings, other dogs and people.

She had her first grooming a few weeks ago and did wonderfully. Mildred’s sweet, energetic and inquisitive personality has emerged and she is a wonderful addition to the household. She has an endearing, daily ritual of gathering many Lambchop toys of different sizes and mothering them. So sweet!

Mildred spends a lot of time running around a big backyard with her sister, Hazel, playing, exploring, hunting squirrels and birds. We are so grateful Mildred chose us!!

Thank you
Regards, Bruce

Hello!

Fiona is doing so well! She has adapted quickly to the family routine and overcome so many fears. We have two 14-year-old dogs and they helped her assimilate but haven’t offered much by way of companionship and play.

So just a few weeks ago, we added a buddy for Fiona. He is a Cairn “cousin” (perhaps twice removed) from a local rescue. Paco is more Fiona’s size and brings a lively enthusiasm to our group.

They have become pals and Fiona has become braver and more playful with her bestie Paco. We have had Fiona just over three months and a BIG milestone just yesterday: She got the ZOOMIES! It was delightful to see.

I am so grateful to Cairns and Cousins, Beth our wonderful foster and everyone who has made it possible for Fiona and all those “cousins” to find a loving home.

Dianne

In February, I received an email seeking an urgent foster home for a little boy coming out of New Jersey. I volunteered to foster the little guy although I haven’t had past successes in fostering. Except for one foster, I always flunk. We met the transport in Virginia and brought him home.

Lewie adjusted very quickly to our home and his new brothers, Toby (8 years) and Timmie (2 years). He and Timmie play constantly. He’s a good little boy, a real cuddle bug, and loves his new home and the food he’s being served. He loves his walks. He has a barking problem which we’re working on. If he sees a person or another dog coming down the street, he gets everyone barking.

So, I’ve flunked again with a sweet little Schnauzer, but he’s a good addition to our home and the dogs we have.

Roberta

I adopted Lily (formerly Moonstone) 3 months ago and she is such a cutie. She’s about 4 years old was shy and skittish when she came home with me (yes, she’s a Michigander now) and has slowly been adjusting to “Westie” life. There have been so many “firsts” for her and It’s so touching to see her overcome her fear and to grow. I cried at her first tail wag, her first squeak of a toy, her first tug-of-war with her five-year-old fur-brother Cooper (also a Westie). She studies him carefully and then gradually mimics him. She never made a sound for over a month and it was funny to see her react to her own squeaks, growls then full out barks. She’s not naturally curious but big brother has taught her how to prowl and hunt whenever our neighbor’s black cat enters the yard.

Lily (left) and Cooper (right)