March 2003:
Last November I lost my twelve-year-old male Westie, Brady, to cancer. It was a devastating loss, and my other dog, a shih tzu mix (a pound adoption) really regressed without his buddy. After a three month grieving period, my two teens and I began looking around for another dog. We checked the Humane Society, the SPCA, the Animal care council, and various shelters on line. There were many cute faces, but none called to me. It was then that I realized in my heart that nothing would do but another Westie.
A friend of mine had done a few Golden Retriever rescues, so I went online to see if there was such a thing as a Westie rescue organization. I found one in New York State and dropped them an email asking for information. A mere three days later, I received an email from Suzie Nowak, from the Westie Rescue group. She had word that there may be a middle-aged female Westie rescued from a puppy mill near Ithaca (along with many other dogs in pretty bad shape). The little gal was at Cornell University Animal Hosp getting spayed, and a thorough workup to see what her prognosis was. She was malnourished, had worms and many of her teeth had rotted out. She may need some extensive work, which I was concerned about being able to afford.
That’s when Suzie told me about Westiemed.com, a group that was able to help with initial rescue medical costs. I was told that when she returned to the Tompkins Co SPCA, I could arrange a visit. Suzie was as excited as I was about this visit. She did give me a lot of information about the early personalities of rescue dogs, as well, so I would be prepared.
I arranged the visit, and on Saturday, Feb 22, my kids and I drove an hour to Ithaca to visit. The staff put us in a little room and brought the Westie in. I had expected her to be scared and not really friendly because of the misery she had lived through. To my surprise, however, when I squatted down, she came over to me, climbed up onto my knee and kissed me on the nose! Well, I knew it was love at first sight, and no matter what her ailments were, she was going to be part of our family.
We took her home that day and named her Amica, which is Latin for a beloved friend. She traveled well but had such a sad look in her eyes for days. And she needed to be housetrained after all these years. I thought she may be deaf, but my vet confirmed that she was not used to human voices and would learn to respond. She didn’t wag her tail, didn’t bark, and sat mainly in one spot, staring ahead. It was apparent that everything was so new to her, perhaps overwhelming and frightening. She was a blank slate on which to begin to open a new life.
As of this date, we have had her for three weeks, and I can’t begin to put into words what it is like to see a dog like this blossom. She has the sweetest personality, wags her tail freely, has learned how to play and run, eats like a vulture, knows where the treats are kept, loves my other dog, barks when we get home from work, loves to cuddle and gives unending kisses. She has quickly carved herself a permanent place in our family, and is learning that life is about being warm, fed, happy and loved. My children get so excited when Amica does anything for the first time. This has truly been as wonderful an experience for myself and my children as it has been for Amica. We tell her each day that she has hit the “doggie lotto” and that she will live out her life as part of a warm, loving family….just as all pets should. Although the work and learning continue, this rescue has been a wonderful, life-altering experience, and I would encourage anyone who truly loves animals to consider this option. After only twenty-one days, my family cannot even imagine life without Amica.
I just wanted to thank WestieMed for your help and support. I really appreciate the financial help. This has been a wonderful first experience for me. I will not hesitate to encourage others to consider the “rescue” route when looking for a pet. Amica is such a gem and has completed our family in a special way.
Thanks, again, Rebecca Lupo