Cleo and my story.
Have you ever heard the song “What are you doing the rest of your life” by Michel Legrand? Since I am retired with almost no family, I felt alone and miserable without my first Westie that passed two years ago.
So I was drawn to looking online at the different Westie websites. Someone had suggested I take a look at the Indiana Westie Rescue website. Doing so I came across their application process and completed the form. I was contacted about a possibility Cleo that they were trying to place with my arrangements since she just didn’t fit in anywhere with a larger family.
A meeting was set up in an area where we could observe each other at ease. From the van out popped a precious beautiful three years old, ready to take in the world. I have a feeling my “soul dog Wes” had something to do with this arrangement since I was crying inside with happiness. She was ready to be in my life jumping into my car as if saying “Come on Mom let’s go home”.
I soon found out, due to the possible abuse of former owners she had a severe case of Separation Anxiety. After going home she wouldn’t let me out of sight, no matter what time of the day or night or what she had to do destructively to get to me. Right away Indiana Westie Rescue started helping me with suggestions. They provided phone sessions with Deb Duncan, Canine Behavioralist, which helped me A LOT.
Off we went to the Vet for a checkup and medications which cost more than I have ever thought about.
After a month of retraining of the crate, plenty of exercise and lots of love, status changed slowly. After two months and an increase of meds, I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with a pile of Vets and medication bills.
This is where WestieMed came to our rescue and is making it possible with funds for the medications bills and knowledgeable information that Cleo and I definitely know “What we are going to be doing the rest of our lives”.
Marian Allen
Update July 13, 2015
Cleo is doing well. I am still working with her to combat the S.A. She is requiring fewer meds and she has taught herself to nap under my bed when I need to go away from my apartment. She has never been happy in her crate with the door closed, so she has taught herself to get herself ready when I brush my teeth doing little damage to my furniture being left free in the apt. She enjoys the Kong chewy.
Of course, being a Westie she has her itchiness so she has to take meds for. That and I am trying grain-free food.
She just had her yearly check and immunizations.
Basically we are enjoying each other.
Thank you, Marian Allen