Tillie Cairn Terrier Cropseyville, NY

Can someone PUHLEEEEZ tell me what’s a Toto? My name’s Tillie. I’m a little 10 year old purebred Cairn Terrier. But everyone who meets me looks down at me and says, “Hey, it’s Toto!” So what the heck are they trying to say, anyway? I keep trying to tell them, “No, the name’s Tillie. Tillie! TILLIE, DAMMIT!” But no matter how hard I try to clear up the misunderstanding, they just smile and tickle my chin and say, “Good little Toto!” I’ve gotta tell you, it gets pretty frustrating. I mean, I know humans don’t speak dog and dogs don’t speak human. But I was under the impression that with some clever eye contact and use of well-structured body language, any weak minded human should be able to understand my messages, at least on a primitive level.

Not long ago, I had just about given up. I’d been dumped in a shelter and was attempting to sort out the whole series of events, planning my strategy for future survival and wishing it was all just a bad dream. Then a really cool lady named Alice came along and pulled me out of that place. She brought me to her home where she cleaned me up, got me some much-needed vet care and introduced me to the benefits of good dietary management. I have to say, Alice saved my life. I feel great and I look great and I get along fine with the other little female Cairn who already lives there. Aside from this Toto thing, I really don’t have a complaint. So you’d think everything’s fine, eh?

Well….. things at Alice’s house are changing and soon she and her family will have no time for pets. The other Cairn here is very old and is contemplating her transition to heaven. She sleeps most of the time and she’s not interested in the things that she used to be very enthusiastic about. And the rest of the family has new responsibilities that will require me to be left alone for very long periods of time. So, regrettably, Alice is wondering if it might be better for me to network for a new home where the folks will be more available to love me. I can see her point. I really dig people and sharing and playing outdoors and you know, relationships. So I agree it will be great if someone else wants to take over the fine job Alice initiated.

Like many Cairns, I tested slightly positive for Pituitary Dependent Cushings. But I don’t need meds and I don’t need anything more than a good diet plan. I do have a tendency to happy-tinkle now and then, so when I’m in the carpeted parlor, a little diaper lets me maintain my dignity and the carpet’s freshness. I’m ok with this, are you?

So if you know of someone who’s looking for a sweet little scruffy-faced, spayed, microchipped, vaccinated little companion, would you mind passing this flyer to them? I’ll stick near the phone in case you want to call and ask about me. Here’s the number: 518-727-8591. Just don’t ask for Toto, ok? It’s TILLIE, DAMMIT!