Misty

by westiemed in Stories

I would like to start by thanking you for the opportunity in being considered and the gift you now have offered to help in Misty’s care.  She is very special to us and truly she is more than our service dog she is our family.  Any time we are in an anxious way she is right there laying on our chest or lap trying to comfort.  She is incredible in her way of loving us.  And now she needs our help.  I write this to explain how our Misty came into our lives. But I have to say this little dog changed our lives much more than we changed hers. She is our little miracle.

Misty is a small {25 lbs.} terrier mix that we recused. When we got her she was a physical and emotional mess. It was obvious she had been sorely abused and was covered in mud, gum and stickers. She was so  afraid of any human contact, mainly men. If we reached to gently pet her she would automatically crouch down hard against the ground and pee, frightened to death. It has taken time for her to trust again, even now she can still act timid when some people approach her.  

Our oldest daughter, Lisi, was the first one in our family that saw Misty. Lisi is much like my wife who can not stand seeing animals that are suffering.  One day while visiting her in-laws she saw Misty running the streets near her in-laws home.  Lisi asked her mother-in-law who that little dog’s owner was.  She responded “no one”  and that Misty had been running the streets for months with two other dogs, one a little Chihuahua.  But this day Lisi saw her alone, filthy and scared, and tried to make contact.  After a while, talking to her and offering food, Misty finally took that step toward her new life, and came to Lisi.

Lisi brought Misty to our house. This little dog was the most traumatized little girl I’ve ever seen. Our hearts were broken for her.  But Misty is a survivor.  We put up flyers around that neighborhood, just to see if there was an owner that lost her and had been looking for her all these months. However we were also worried about all this trauma this little dog had already suffered and who was the one that mistreated her.  But no one responded.  Seeing the shape Misty was in my wife and I decided to take on this beautiful little dog.

She has taken to my wife in a special way and is now a happy member of our family. Misty had been running the streets for months with a couple other small dogs scared of life and now she is laying on her back exposing her belly while my wife loves on her. I call that a miracle.

On a vet visit we were exploring her dental needs and had an x-ray taken.  That x-ray showed us she has a wire on her mandible. That wire was an old broken jaw repair that must have happened before she came to us. Then later she had an exploratory x-ray for a hacking cough and serious pain that had no obvious explanation.  We discovered she had a piece of wire logged in her neck near her larynx.  We were told by the her primary Veterinarian about this metal wire and it was assumed it broke from her mandible repair and has migrated through her neck and logged in her larynx and is now causing her pain and a choke/hack each time she barks.  The Vet also said this wire needs to come out.  It is in a bad area near large blood supplies.

So we began our search to find a surgeon. That led us to UC Davis small animal hospital. Their exam reached the same conclusion.  UC Davis has taken on Misty and the surgery that is so badly needed.  They put together a cost breakdown and we found out it was more than we could ever afford.  UC Davis took a close look at our situation and Misty’s needs and put together a care fund  for our Misty. This pending surgery is set up as we tried to raise the additional funds that would allow us to help her medically. We are considered very low income.  I am 70 years old and we live on SS.  And it now seems the help Misty needs to get this surgery, to remove this migrating wire in her neck is getting close. We are afraid this wire could hit a major blood supply and it could have a grave outcome.

Even after the UC Davis gift we still had a long way from being able to get this badly needed procedure until now.  Until you all from WestieMed accepted Misty under your wing.  We are so thankful to you for what you do to help these beautiful little family members.  Because of your help surgery has been scheduled for mid-January.

Thank you,

Robert and Lissette Ausmus  

Charlie

by westiemed in Stories

Hello friends, my name is Charlie. I know that you’re my friends, because I love everyone I meet. Here is my story.…..

I lived my whole life in the same home. In August 2024 without warning, I was dropped off at a shelter in Easton, CT. The Animal Control officer realized that I was older — and likely needing special care — he thoughtfully reached out to Westie Rescue of New England who immediately went into action.  The next day my foster mom Darlene arrived at the shelter to take me home.

I was confused with all of the changes but I knew I was in a good place. I received the first of many medicated baths to help heal my skin along with lots of good food and cuddle time. Two days later, I went to see the vet. They checked me from top to bottom, taking lots of blood tests.

I had two badly infected ears, skin problems, very bad teeth and they were most concerned about a large, painful mass I had on my foot.

They scheduled me for surgery and I came through it like a champ!  My bad teeth were removed, my ears have been treated and are so much better and best of all the scary tumor on my foot was benign!  My future is bright now and at 11 years young I am feeling great!

My foster moms, Darlene and Hester, could not resist my charm and are now “Failed Fosters”. I personally think that is the best kind of foster. Today, I live with my two, loving moms and my adorable and very busy one-year-old Westie sister, Agnes. I have already been on two, fun-filled family vacations. I love to travel, and I am living my best life — a life I could have only dreamed of!

Thank you, WestieMed, for all your support and for helping Westie Rescue of New England to help me. My golden years will surely be the best ever!

Ozzie

by westiemed in Stories

On October 5, 2024, Rico Pet Recovery was alerted about a West Highland Terrier (Westie) who had been seen running loose in a neighborhood for over a year, according to posts on Facebook. A Good Samaritan, concerned for his safety, took him in and kept him in her garage, though she couldn’t provide further care. The poor dog was covered in fleas, suffering from significant hair loss, skin infections, and had badly matted fur. She administered a Capstar to address the fleas, then she reached out to the rescue community for additional help.

On October 7, 2024, the Westie was brought to Rico Pet Recovery. Unclaimed and without a microchip, he immediately captured hearts with his gentle and loving demeanor. Our veterinarian diagnosed him with a range of conditions, including severe skin and ear infections, gum disease with several problematic teeth, dry eye, and thickened, hardened skin, often referred to as “elephant skin”. He was estimated to be around 5 to 7 years old.

Now named Ozzie, this little fighter was sent home with multiple medications. After just two weeks, Ozzie has made tremendous progress and is starting to look like a brand-new dog. He’s proven to be incredibly sweet, enjoying the company of kids, cats, soft blankets, and—most of all—snuggling!

Ozzie’s road to recovery isn’t over yet. His upcoming treatments will include completing his vaccinations, a dental procedure and a neuter that will involve an ablation due to the poor condition of his scrotum. Thanks to the compassion of the community, WestieMed and the dedicated care from Rico Pet Recovery, Ozzie’s future is looking bright.

Marci

 

Dixon

by westiemed in Stories

Just about a year ago, I adopted Dixon. He came to me as a rescue.

Dixon started life in an abusive puppy farm and was used as a stud for about three years. He was kept in a cage in unsanitary conditions to put it mildly.

He was finally adopted by a family that treated him like a stuffed animal by keeping him in the basement and not socializing him. Dixon had very little contact with people. His teeth were rotten and mouth filled with periodontal disease. He started getting aggressive so they gave him up for adoption.

I had recently lost my Westie and had reached out to North Atlantic Westie Rescue. Soon after, Dixon was turned in. Since I’ve had Westies since 1990; and have adopted 2 times before, the rescue was comfortable having him come to me. So, I welcomed the opportunity to bring Dixon into my life.

The rescue coordinated Dixon’s move with great precision. He was picked up in New Jersey, traveled through New York with a few hand offs and connected with me in Connecticut. It was love at first sight…well, for me at least! The first few months were tentative, Dixon had a hard time adjusting and aggressively lashed out at me several times. He was so scared and confused and his trust in people was gone. He didn’t want to be picked up or held, or even patted at first – just wanted to be left alone. I played according to his rules and started earning his trust.

The periodontal disease was so severe that it was necessary to extract all but 4 canine teeth. He must have been in severe pain, poor little guy. I made adjustments to his food and it took a few months to settle in.

We became best friends. But, he didn’t know how to play. The other dogs would try and he would just pop at them like he was egging them on, but that was it. Throw him a ball…? He had no idea what to do with it. He doesn’t go up or down stairs on his own – likely because he was taught to stay within the confines of his area, not sure. No zoomies or running around like Westies love to do. He never barked! Seriously, I found a Westie that didn’t bark!

Over a few months, Dixon grew into being a loving, lap dog, making surprise visits to family members and blessing us with his presence. Oh, and he did start barking.

Unfortunately the gum disease has taken its toll and he’s developed congestive heart failure and a mild tracheal collapse. He’s a very sick boy. It seems so unfair this little man has suffered so much in his lifetime and finally has a loving home with a family that adores him – then this happens.

I am praying to have him a lot longer and thank you to WestieMed for assisting me with the cost of his care. You are a God send!

Say a little prayer for my guy please.

Lynne

Eva and ZsaZsa

by westiemed in Stories

Our two new shelter girls had their first vet appointment and we received some good news and not so good news. The good news is that they are generally healthy and with very good bloodwork results. The bad news is that both girls have mammary tumors, one with no tear production and the other with very minimal tear production, bacterial ear infections and eye infections. Because of the mammary tumors, we did chest X-rays and they are clear! The tumors were not a surprise because I could feel them while bathing the girls. Poor little Zsa Zsa came in with debris stuck to both corneas that was hardened and resembled what dry cracked desert landscape looks like. How painful!!!! She let me irrigate the heck out of her eyes, lots and lots of flushing until it broke away on its own. Her corneas are ulcerated so we are treating both girls aggressively to bring them much needed relief.   We gave the girls a week to settle in and they had their surgeries and dentals yesterday.  Eva had a few minor complications. We discovered a hernia but left it alone because it would have been too much for her with the mammary tumors and dental. We will keep an eye on it and address at a later time. She lost 8 teeth and had root tips that could be seen on X-ray but we had to leave it alone also because they didn’t want to budge and that would risk injury. We sent out mammary removal for biopsy and are hopeful they come back clear. We will retest their tear production in two weeks and if there is no improvement, we will visit the ophthalmologist.

People often ask us why we spend so much on these dogs. It’s simple. They’ve spent a lifetime of neglect. By the time they make their way to us, we are their last chance, so we will make it their best chance.

It takes a village to rescue these dogs and it takes a lot of funding.   We are so grateful to WestieMed for providing much needed funding!

Karen Simondet

Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC)

Gideon

by westiemed in Stories

I rescued Gideon when we lost my Mom to cancer. He is 12 years young and still very energetic and full of spunk. He has Westie-tude to spare. 
His little body doesn’t process calcium properly resulting in calcium oxalate crystals or bladder stones. He has been on a special diet but the bladder stones come back. Unfortunately, he will soon be having his third procedure to remove the stones.
I cannot thank WestieMed enough for helping us with this. This pup is my entire world and I would be lost without him. Thank you all so much!
Rikki

 

Update October 11, 2024:

Gideon had surgery the first part of September, surgery went well. They removed 72 stones from his little bladder. Stitches came out 2 weeks later and he is doing great!

Thank you so much and thank WestieMed for the funds to help my little man get well!

Rikki and Gideon

 

Ivy

by westiemed in Stories

Ivy came to us possibly bred from a commercial breeder.  The initial exam and ultrasound did not detect any fetus so a spay surgery was scheduled.  During that spay surgery two fetus were discovered so the procedure was stopped.  When she gave birth to the puppies, one male and one female, the female developed an infection around the umbilical cord and despite being treated as soon as the problem was discovered by the foster mom, the female puppy died at the vet clinic.

Once the male puppy was weaned, Ivy was once again scheduled for her spay surgery which at that time, it was discovered that her abdomen was filled with blood from a ruptured spleen.  Our vet is not sure how or when this injury occurred but performed a splenectomy.

Ivy was kept overnight for fluids and observation and is now comfortably recovering in her foster home.

Respectfully,

Janeal Dominico, President

Wendy Tremaine, Secretary

Wag N Train Terrier Rescue  “Tender Loving Care for Terriers in Need”

Buddy

by westiemed in Stories

I lost the last of my Westies in July. I swore I would not get another dog but my house was so empty with no pets. Then I saw a picture of some Westies that were up for adoption. One in particular looked just like my previous Westies.

Buddy and seven other Westies were relinquished by a breeder who was supposedly retiring. The dogs were being kept in deplorable conditions, living in a shed behind the house. I contacted the rescue group and said I was interested in adopting one in particular. They normally do not adopt out of state but if they could make arrangements, I could adopt him. A rescue transport group was found and the adoption could go forward.

Initially, Buddy tested negative for heart worms. I was told I should have him retested in six months as the first test might have been done too early.

At the six-month juncture he was tested again. This time he was positive for heart worms.

Buddy will be finishing the first segment of his treatment then he will go to the next phase of three injections of Diroban to kill the adult worms. He will need to be confined for an extended period of time. No easy task for a Westie.

Update June 25, 2024:

My Buddy, who WestieMed funded for heart worm treatment, got his all clear report today. He came through it with no ill effects. It was a tough 3 months keeping him quiet, but we survived.
Update September 4, 2024:
Buddy has completed his heart worm treatment and has tested negative. All restrictions have been lifted and he is back to being a happy, healthy Westie, thanks to WestieMed for funding his treatment.

Jenny

by westiemed in Stories

Jenny came to WRSE (Westie Rescue Southeast) as the owner was asking to have her euthanized. As an 8 year old dog, the vet would not do so. One of our volunteers, (Also Jenny) picked her up, made a vet appointment for her and agreed to foster her. The vet visit resulted in finding she was in Ketoacidosis due to untreated Diabetes. She was immediately hospitalized to try and get her blood sugar normalized.

During the time she was in the hospital, WRSE was able to place her in a Westie-wise home with people who had experience with a diabetic dog. They lovingly took her in when she was stable enough to go home. She enjoyed her time with the family, but her illness returned and she had several visits to the ER in a short period of time. She needed an ultra-sound and was moved to a facility where they could accomplish this and care for her other needs. She had 2 nodules on her bladder. They were sent for tests and are yet to be determined.

Over the course of a few days she wasn’t eating, and had serious gastro-intestinal issues, along with complications of Diabetes and possible Cushing’s Syndrome. The hospital stayed in contact with us and kept us looped in at all times. On Friday, February 23, she took a turn for the worse. The Vets feared there really wasn’t much more that they could do for her. Her body was tired and worn out, which made recovery very difficult. She had been left untreated too long.

Despite the efforts of WRSE, many volunteers and supporters, we had to say goodbye and she is now healthy again at Rainbow Bridge. She knew she was loved, even if only for 6 days with her foster family.

Run free, sweet Jenny!

Penny

by westiemed in Stories

Penny is a 5 year old West Highland Terrier who was surrendered to our rescue, The Original Westies Rescued UK (TOWRUK) by her owner of 1 year, in September 2023. The reason he gave us was that Penny was too strong for him on walks and ‘pulled’ him over several times! Our transporter collected Penny and transported her to our lovely fosters, Kevin and Susan situated in North East England, who had not long ago lost their Westie Daisy.

Penny quickly settled in with Kevin and Susan and after a few days in foster care they noticed Penny was limping from her rear right knee so we booked her into our vets for a full health check. The vet on duty suggested Penny has x-rays to determine the cause of her limping and advised us, after her health check, that Penny was also suffering from Grade 4 dental disease and would require some tooth extractions. Penny’s previous owners vet confirmed that Penny’s leg and tooth conditions were previously diagnosed and recorded but not acted upon. To date Penny has settled in really well with our fosters and during our visits to see Penny she seems really happy. She has been spayed, had 9 teeth extracted plus a diseased bone removed as part of her dental procedure.

Penny’s completed x-rays have shown that Penny requires cruciate ligament surgery to her right back leg and possibly her left back leg in the future and was diagnosed with chronic arthritis in both of her back legs for which she will be put on recommended medication ‘Librela’ permanently.

We would like to very sincerely thank WestieMed for very kindly approving a grant to help with the costs of her veterinary surgery/treatment which she so desperately requires to help her to improve her quality of life. Her surgical procedure is planned for later this month.

Carol and Terry Riches

The Original Westies Rescued UK

Update March 3, 2024:

Penny has had her cruciate surgery to her back right leg and is recovering well, on the long road to full recovery. We will keep you updated on her progress. Her veterinary consultant is unfortunately confident her other back leg will require the same/similar surgery and will confirm after next x-rays after her recovery.

Kind regards,

Terry and Carol Riches, TOWRUK Officials

Update March 23, 2024:

Penny is recovering well from her cruciate surgery. The vets are very pleased with her healing. We will advise you when the consultant feels she is ready for the next x-rays to check internal healing and if her other leg requires any treatment/surgery.

Kind regards,

Terry Riches, TOWRUK Official

Update April 23, 2024:

Penny’s rear right leg cruciate ligament surgery went very well and following reviews of her recovery at her Vet Practice (Vets4Pets) and post op x-rays of both of her back legs the Orthopaedic Surgeon reports that the surgery was successful but unfortunately Penny will require Cruciate Ligament Surgery of her back left leg also. Penny seems happy in herself with improved mobility. There was evidence of wound infection so Penny was prescribed antibiotics and we agreed for the vet to take and send culture samples away for investigation. We have booked Penny in for surgery on the 7th May and will provide regular updates on her progress.

Very kind regards,

Terry and Carol Riches

Officials, The Original Westies Rescued UK (TOWRUK)

Update May 24, 2024:

Penny’s cruciate surgery went well and she is recovering well and her vets are happy with her progress to date.

Her mobility is improving and after the all clear from her consultant, we are planning treadmill/hydrotherapy to rebuild strength/muscle in her hind legs and will continue to update you on her progress.

Kind regards,

Terry Riches, Official TOWRUK

Update July 19, 2024:

Penny’s consultant is very pleased with Penny’s recovery. Recent x-rays have indicated surgery had a successful outcome and the next stage is for Penny to have rehabilitation therapy to strengthen muscle of both her rear legs via treadmill and hydrotherapy. Many thanks once again from us all at the Original Westies Rescued UK for your generous donation to help improve Penny’s health and well being.

Terry Riches, Official TOWRUK

Update September 3, 2024:

Penny’s mobility has improved immensely since her TPL surgery and rehabilitation.

Carol and I and our admin team at the Original Westies Rescued UK cannot thank you all at WestieMed for your very kind help and support towards giving Penny a much better quality of life than she would have had.

Very kind regards,

Terry and Carol Riches, Founders

The Original Westies Rescued UK