Col. Potter Buf Memorial Park


Donovan March 14, 2005 Donovan weighs 9.1 lbs. He is as cute as a dickens! He has a wonderful smile and a little hole in his right ear where his mill tag was all his life. He is a good eater and needs to put weight on slowly. He is not house trained but wears his bellyband really well. He can climb down stairs but is still afraid of going up them. He went to the tennis courts yesterday and had a very good time. He started staying close, but soon decided to explore. He had a ball roaming around, smelling dead leaves, dog smells and such. He was good and tired out when we got home. Donovan won't be here long! He is reliving a puppyhood he never had. He will pick up a bone or toy and run with it. He jumps on the gate for treats, and he is quick. He has beautiful soft black ears and loves to snuggle. At first he didn't like the couch, never having had an opportunity to relax on one. Now you have to drag him off. He is just a lovable guy with a heart that is so forgiving to those who abused him and the human race in general. He has the true Cairn spirit!

March 20, 2005 One week ago today we were given the charge of Donovan. From the start, he had been protected by angels. A woman from another rescue group was picking up a dog from her breed. She had noticed two dogs in a corner and asked about their future and was told they had none! She asked if she could have them and was told, yes! This is how this special little man with black socks on came into CPCRN. His transport started the 10th of March and he arrived on Sunday the 13th. Donovan was in rough shape having been a mill dog for nine years. He had never been inside a home. He came to us weighing 9.1 pounds. His teeth are so bad that during his layover before transport, he had a couple removed without anesthesia. His heart is enlarged; it is twice the size of a normal Cairn's heart. This was seen on the X-ray from this past week. The output functioning of the heart is good but a clot is forming. This was seen on the ultra sound. The Vet has put him on anaerobic antibiotics. The Vet, who has been very good with this guy, has a theory that if the clot will dissolve with the antibiotics, Donovan could then have a dental and be neutered. He is now on heart medicine and 1/2 of a baby aspirin per day along with the antibiotic. He is eating canned dog food with yogurt and herbal supplements. He also loves a piece of cheese and popcorn along with other dog treats. Donvan has the spunk of a much younger Cairn. Friday he had been watching the others run up the stairs and he managed three out of five stairs all by himself. This was of his own volition. He gets to the third stair and freezes so, we pick him up and bring him in. He does have the drive and desire to please, that "can do" attitude that Cairns possess. Earlier this week, he picked up a small T-bone nylabone and started gnawing on it. Last night I heard a soft squeek, squeek and it was him discovering toys. Now that he is in the Colonels' care he will improve. This little guy could use a Special Guardian Angel and some prayers. With Spring now here it will be a pleasure to watch this guy blossom into the Cairn Terrier he was meant to be. I will be keeping you updated with his progress.

March 31, 2005 It is with a very heavy heart that I let you know that today, the man with little black socks went to The Bridge. He was doing so well. He had just been to the Vets' this past Monday for an ear infection. The Vet gave him a good look over and he changed his heart grade from a five to a four. His temperature was good and there was no congestion. The Vet suggested that he could start getting the dental extractions done by the middle of April. We were all full of hope and Springtime renewal. I was off today and went down to feed him and let the group out. Everyone was out of their crates except the little man. I opened his crate and he just lay there, I went back for him and that ever wagging tale was going. He then rolled on his side and let me give him a belly scritch. Not a full belly rub but it was a start. I couldn't wait to tell John. At that point everything was normal. We got up at 9 am. It was a beautiful day and we decided to take the kids to the tennis courts. Got all in the car. He jumped from the car himself and we walked about 50 feet. Then Donovan had a seizure, looked around and died. Brandy had gone over to him during the seizure and sniffed at him, to let him know that she will see him again. We had him a very short time and he touched our hearts. That in itself is a gift. So please when the sun is sinking low tonight, light a candle for this little man that came shuffling into our lives. Good bye, little man! Lori and John Lee
Please be comforted in the secure knowledge that Donovan knew he was loved and that once he knew he was safe, and learned that humans were to be trusted and that they gave love unconditionally...then, and only then, was he ready to go to the Bridge. Where he now feels the warming sun on his face and feels the healing breezes blow gently through his fur. Where all the other CP Kids were there to greet him and to listen to him tell them how much you and your family had taught him. How you reassured him and calmed him and gave him peace.

CATCH THE WIND Donovan In the chilly hours and minutes of uncertainty I long to be in the warm hold of your mind To feel you all around me and to take your hand across the sand Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind When sundown pales the sky I want to hide a while behind your smile And everywhere I'd look your eyes I'd find For me to love you now would be the sweetest thing, 'twould make me sing Ah but I might as well try and catch the wind When rain has covered leaves with tears I want you near to kill my fears To help me leave all my blues behind While standing in your heart is where I wanna be and long to be Ah but I might as well try and catch the wind Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind