Sparky is a Cairne Terrier puppy who has beaten the odds and overcome some extreme challenges. She was adopted by Carrie and Rich from a “breeder” in Lancaster County, who was probably going to put her down. Sparky was 2 1/2 pounds, and needed eye surgery. She had been attacked by another dog, and her eye had been damaged so badly that the vet said she would likely lose her vision, and probably the eye itself.
When we met to start training, Tiny Sparky had just undergone eye surgery, weighed about 3 pounds, and was wearing a post-surgery cone the size of a paper cup. But she was a ball of positive energy – and threw herself into training with so much enthusiasm! Learning new behaviors and skills was an adventure she seemed to love. She quickly learned sit, down, “watch” (for eye contact) and “touch” (hand targeting).
The next session I found out that Sparky was not only going to be able to keep her eye, she was able to see with it! We were all so happy that this sweet little ball of energy was going to be okay. She learned stay, “leave it,” “roll over,” and learned to stay calm when her collar was being put on or taken off.
The third session, we worked on some pattern games, and also sitting/waiting until food was ready and the bowl put on the floor. Sparky’s human mom, Carrie, said, “Wait ’til you see what we’ve been practicing!” and said, "Sparky, BED!” Sparky raced across the living room floor and dove into her doggie bed.
At one point, Sparky walked to the back door and rang the bell that was hanging from the door handle. Carrie said, “She must need to go out.” (Oh my gosh – this dog is only 3 1/2 months old!) So Carrie picked Sparky up and walked down the steps to the deck and the yard.
“Doesn’t she do the steps?” I asked.
“No, she’s afraid of them,” Carrie explained. “Can you imagine how steep and tall they look to a dog that small?"
“Yeah, it’s like a double black diamond run out West. Let’s get her a helmet and goggles… or let’s make them fun!” I exclaimed.
Within 30 seconds we had Sparky running up and down the 5 steps like it was the greatest game in the world. She actually looked like she had a giant smile on her face.
Sparky the pocket-sized Cairne Terrier now weighs 5 pounds, but has the enthusiasm of a Malanois and and the intelligence of a Border Collie. I looked at her before I left the session today and asked her, “How does a giant brain like yours fit into such a tiny head?”
Sparky has beaten the odds, and now has a new life, full of adventure, family, and love!
