Cairn Rescue USA

In late June of 2005 Debby Sodders became interested in helping Lisa Stine with the CRUSA newsletter after adopting her wonderful Bo(Mr. Bojangles) on June 13th. She feels she needs to give back in some capacity as this organization has saved the beautiful and precious puppy she and her husband, Dick, love so dearly. "We owe such gratitude to Brenda and Jim Kelley," says Debby. "They are Bo's Godparents!" Debbie often writes stories for the newsletter as well as doing research. Her contribution is valued as it enables CRUSA to bring you this newsletter on a regular basis.

Dick and Debby have Bo and two cats, Toby and Tommy, all adopted from rescue organizations. Debby also adopted a black Chow-Chow for her parents who prefer a larger breed.

A retired second grade teacher, Debby enjoys singing with the Melody Line, a semi-professional group of ladies. The group sings at nursing homes, mother/daughter banquets, festivals, churches, etc. She is a member of the City of Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission and says this is as close to politics as she cares to be.

Debby and Dick live in Greenville, Ohio which is a small rural community of approximately 14,000 in west-central Ohio. Darke County, Ohio is the home of Annie Oakley, Lowell Thomas, and the Great Darke County Fair known as the largest county fair in Ohio and maybe the world! This year's attraction was the Beach Boys.

Recently Debby entered a "Tour my Town!" contest with the CBS News Early Show. As a result, she became a bit of a local celebrity. Visit the article in the local paper - the Daily Advocate.

2005 Cairnfest

The 2005 Cairnfest was a lot of fun for everyone who attended. This year it was held in Princeton Junction, NJ. We had people who traveled from all over to get there. Some flew but most came by car. It was a beautiful day with warm dry weather. Unlike last year, we were able to spend the entire day outside.

This year we had a pet communicator who spent the day doing readings. Almost everyone at the event had at least one reading. The profit from the readings was divided between CRUSA and the pet communicator. It was interesting to hear everyone's comments after the reading. One person said that the communicator told her that her dog said "I have a lot to say but not to you." Everyone had a good chuckle about this. In the end, believer or not, we all had a good time getting our readings.

As in years past, Liberty, Violetta's Mother made some wonderful foods. Others brought some great goodies. The list included homemade brownies, a wonderful spinach dip and a pot of baked beans. Between the side dishes and the burgers, chicken and hot dogs, we had plenty of food even if we had to give bites to the many dogs in attendance. We finished the day with a big slice of cake sent by Shell. It featured pictures of Skippy and Molly in some of their favorite outfits as well as the CRUSA logo.

The day also included a live auction. We had donations from many people including an artist known by many - Suzanne Renaud. She sent a tapestry pillow, tiles, numerous greeting cards and other goodies, all featuring her beautiful paintings of cairns. Lisa also brought many other items donated by generous Freecycle members in her community. The folks who make Greenies also donated several bags of their flavorful treat. There were many other items offered for auction. Thank you to everyone who brought items for the auction and to those who bought them!

As people began to leave, a more informal group retired to Violetta's family room. There we chatted, discussed a little rescue business and relaxed before the drive home. In the end, goodbyes were said and hugs all around. Another successful Cairnfest was concluded.


	In her absence, Shell sent a lovely cake. The only thing sweeter would have been seeing her.		Liberty's little girl shows off her belly.


	Debbie and Peter watch the dogs play in the yard.		Laurie's Dad minds the grill.


	Laurie feeds some hungry cairns.		Linda, Violetta and Laurie say goodbye.