Registered Charity No 803599

About Us

The Cairn Terrier Relief Fund aims to relieve the suffering of any Cairn Terrier in need of care and attention, to rescue any

Cairn Terriers in distress and make arrangements for their adoption in such conditions and to promote and encourage the better care of Cairn Terriers. Being Totally voluntary we rely on your donations and bequests. Please help us to continue our work

The Inaugural Meeting for the Cairn Terrier Relief Fund was held during the Cairn Terrier Association Championship Show held at Dursley, Gloucestershire on 29 March 1969.

Before the judging took place Mrs Bessie Shea assisted by Mrs Phyl. Hayward and Mrs Bessie Dewhurst organised the first official stall selling homemade jam etc.

Fundraising had been going on prior to this event for approximately 18 months as concern had been expressed by a number of Cairn Terrier breeders that with the increase of dealers in the northwest and the presence of some dubious breeders after-sales welfare could be lacking.

Bessie decided that action should be taken and with the assistance of a few Cairn breeders she set up the Cairn Terrier Relief Fund.

A draft objective and constitution was formulated and discussed. The proposals were in two sections: -

* Section One expressed a desire that all Cairn Clubs would take an active part in the running of the Fund

* Section Two covered the possibility of the Cairn Terrier Association being the only club to participate.

Trustees were elected and the first report submitted by Bessie Dewhurst's father, Mr Dean and printed in the 1972 Cairn Terrier Association Yearbook.

Shea was a wonderful artist who specialised in painting Cairn heads on wine glasses and headscarves, these were sold and the proceeds were given to the Fund.

The current status of the Cairn Terrier Relief Fund is a fitting and a lasting memorial to Mrs Bessie Shea's concern, dedication and hard work for the Cairn Terrier.

Click here for details of the current trustees