Puppy Breath, Aww what a feeling ...

Congratulations on Alfie! He just hit the puppy jackpot, that's for sure -- he couldn't be going to a more loving, perfect home!!

How exciting for you! Congratulations on the new pup!

Congrats on the new puppy, nothing more fun! Post a pic if you can/want to.

Congrats to the whole family, including sweet Anika! Mmm... puppy breath.

How 'bout a robust Scottish name, since the breed originated there? Just like you did with "Anika" and her breed.

Is the wee dude a 'Gray Brindle' like the famous Toto?

Congratulations on your new puppy! Ahhhh.... puppy breath, I am jealous!

Alfie is home! He arrived home yesterday mid-afternoon. His coloring is similar to the photos, especially that of post #5, with a handsome face. His breeder says he will get darker as he grows and will probably end up a dark gray or black brindle. He was not leash trained but is catching on very quickly. He has a lot of toys to play with and especially loves his red ball; he talks to it. He also has a giraffe and mouse in a boot and two talking animals (lion and man) that he likes. He really gives the mouse a workover; well after all he is a cairn.

Alfie and Anika are learning to know each other. We had them meet on neutral ground at the kennel where Anika stayed. Neither one is "bugging" each other but have touched noses a few times. Alfie has not jumped on Anika and that's good. There has been no growling at all from either dog. Alfie has been crate trained and we will continue that for him. Will write more later as time permits.

Alfie is learning new things so quickly at his forever home. Just a few examples ... He walks nicely on a leash although he had no experience with this before. He goes potty outside and immediately heads for the patio door. He sleeps in a crate at night and only the first night did he bark, but just a little. He plays nicely with all his new toys, but prefers a soft rubber red ball. He's learning to play fetch and is pretty good at it. He and Anika are becoming best friends, albeit we allow them to do it at their own rate.

We've started the process of socializing him with other dogs and people. We've been to four pet stores so far, and he's met many dogs (some big, some little) and people at all these locations. We're surprised that he doesn't bark at new situations. People ooh and aah when they see him and ask to pet/talk to him and he's a real gentleman. However, he does provide some real quick kisses.

Sunday afternoon we visited our brother-in-law who is in rehab at a nursing home following a lengthy hospital stay. He was just what the doctor ordered, not only for BIL, but so many other residents on the wing. We can already see that he will make a terrific therapy dog. He's calm and appears to enjoy making people smile. We saw so many smiles today.

We've also started the process of trying to find a groomer for him. I was surprised that many groomers know nothing about stripping a cairn (twice a year). Of course, he's not ready for that yet but we're laying the groundwork. Several groomers told us they clip a cairn, and that is a big no no. Clipping ruins their harsh coat. So, we keep looking. Our former groomer has had some serious health issues so she is not taking any new and/or former clients. What a shame!

So, bottom line, we are enjoying this special bundle of fur that came into our lives on 9-11. He not only provides much joy and love, he also receives it. Oh, and we think his coat is getting darker every day as the breeder said it would. It appears there's a lot more dark gray and black coming in.

His registered name will probably be (Kennel Name) What's it all about Alfie. Anyone remember the song? The breeder called him Alfie from the time he was born.