About CTRF

What Is the CTRF?

The Cairn Terrier Relief Fund is a charity registered in the UK which rescues Cairn Terriers that have been abandoned, ill treated or neglected, or assists Cairns whose owners have become unable to look after them due to misfortune or disability. Being totally voluntary we rely on your donations and bequests. Please help us to continue our work.

Established in 1969 by a dedicated group of breed exhibiters, the Cairn Terrier Relief Fund aims to assist Cairn Terriers that have been abandoned, maltreated or are in any other state of distress. CTRF also takes care of dogs whose owners can no longer care for their pet due to illness or misfortune.

The Trustees make arrangements for their adoption in such conditions and to promote and encourage the better care of Cairn Terriers. Being totally voluntary the charity relies on donations and bequests and appeals for any help to continue our work.

The Main Objectives of the Fund

  • To relieve the suffering and distress of Cairn Terriers in need of care and attention
  • To organise the rescue of any Cairn Terrier in distress and where necessary to provide boarding facilities and veterinary attention
  • To make arrangements for the adoption and future responsibility for rescued Cairns
  • To promote and encourage the better care of Cairn Terriers

Our Founder Bessie Shea.

Our History

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.

Cairn Terrier Rescue Today

Today the Trustees of the CTRF all work as volunteers together with members and Friends who kindly foster Cairn Terriers in need until they can be re-homed. Rescue Cairns are given care and any needed medical treatment. Foster carers are vetted for suitability, as are potential new owners to ensure the rescue Cairns get the best possible care. After adoption, the CTRF keeps a tab on dogs to ensure all is well, and ensures Cairns may not to be re-homed again without consent of the Fund.

To find out how to help the CTRF, or to become a member, please visit our Friends page here or alternatively you can make a donation to the charity

Our Patron

Patron Paul O’Grady’s dog ‘Olga’ had been successfully treated for kidney cancer in 2014. The operation proved successful but left Olga with one kidney. Unfortunately Olga passed away in April 2018 of kidney failure.

Cairn Agility

Cairns can be hypnotised in to thinking they are showjumping horses.

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