Luzi was a dream rescue Westie girl for the San Francisco Bay West Highland White Terrier Club’s non-profit Westie Rescue of Northern California. In addition to being the most popular request we get (female, one is two years old) she came already spayed, all shots up to date and no health issues. The family that came to mind for her new forever home, Teresa Carle and David Martinez, had served me well with fostering a six-year-old male who was one of five puppy mill Westies we had on hand all at once. This fairly feral foster (whose name has morphed from Seamus to Shamus to Tory to “The Great Ollie”) proved to be too stressful for their males, Romeo and Rufus, and they called and suggested their son as a suitable foster home. It was a terrific solution to a real need and Teresa continued to provide for his vet care (removal of neutering stitches). They also offered to foster any female to preclude gender rivalry. And then this little twelve-pound wonder Luzi was surrendered so her family could travel. Little did they know she was a traveler! And the author of Luzi’s story switches from Mary Young, SFBWHWTC Rescue Chair, to Teresa Carle and Dave Martinez:
Luzi came to us at the end of June of this year. Luzi is our fifth Westie, our second rescue, and our very first little girl. The moment Luzi arrived, she was instant friends with Romeo. They tore through the yard at top speed and leaped in and out of the wading pool until they were completely exhausted. For Romeo, also a two-year-old, it was love at first sight. Rufus, our nine-year-old, who has bladder cancer, took a bit longer to accept that she was actually going to stay, but they too are now best friends. Luzi can get Rufus to play even when he does not feel well.
When we walk the three of them in our Sacramento neighborhood, in downtown Calistoga, or through various campgrounds (we take the three in our RV), people always stop and talk to us and want to know all about the dogs. The boys are handsome for sure, but it is always Luzi, that receives the most compliments about how cute she is. Luzi only weighs twelve pounds, so she still looks like a puppy. She has such beautiful eyes and she is very charming.
Luzi’s most favorite thing in the entire world is to take walks. Her leash hangs in the laundry room and if she wants to go out, she will sit in her bed and stare at her leash and bark. She is a good little walker for such a tiny girl. She keeps up with Romeo who is near twice her size. Today, I put a raincoat on her for the first time, because we had to get out despite the constant drizzle. Boy was that fun, trying to get that raincoat on her! We have a bit of training to do. Luzi is a key part of our family and we know that she will comfort us all once our Rufus passes on. Today I bumped my head really hard and was in tears. Luzi was the first one to run over with a concerned look on her face and offers of kisses. We are very blessed to have this loving little girl in our lives.
And now back to Mary of SFBWHWTC Rescue. Luzi’s urinary tract infection proved to be non-responsive to antibiotic treatments so it was necessary for her to have surgery to remove crystals that were lodged in her urethra. A very complicated and expensive process made manageable by WestieMed’s generous contribution to this deserving Rescue and her family. We are both very grateful to WestieMed for fulfilling your mission to help needy rescues overcome unexpected and expensive medical costs. This little Westie will be back in the pool soon thanks to WestieMed. And also back “on the road again” charming all of Northern California with her sweet, engaging personality as she serves as an excellent “SpokesWestie for our breed, for our Rescue organizations and for WestieMed.
THANK YOU!
Mary Young, SFBWHWTC Rescue Chair Teresa Carle and Dave Martinez
Update June 21, 2013:
Luzi is doing fantastic! She is so darn cute and getting better each time I groom her. She is much calmer and trusting. It just takes time. I have to remember that she was taken from her mommy. She loves to curl up right by my chest when I lay on the couch. Also, far fewer accidents with medication Proin and after her bladder stone surgery had time to heal. She gets rewards and praise. She is such a wonderful dog. She does have to wear a bark collar while we are gone because of the neighbor’s complaints. She is yappy without it but seems calm and happy with the collar on.
Josie was surrendered by her owner on August 25, 2009, due to loss of job and eventual loss of their home. At the time Josie was ten years old, was reportedly a “borderline” diabetic, and was on a special diet. Our rescue vet, Montrose Animal Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, quickly discovered that she had full-blown diabetes and immediately started her on an insulin regimen. Josie has received insulin injections twice a day since then. Over the years that Josie has been in foster care, she has had several crises that required hospitalizations and regulation of her insulin. She now has a thyroid condition and last year was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease, both of which require medications. She has also become profoundly deaf. However, all of these setbacks combined cannot stop her from being a very active, loving, and happy little girl.
Josie had what was considered a cyst on her left shoulder. The vet, staff, and foster family all kept an eye on it. However, it became badly infected in September of this year. Our vet decided it would be best to remove the cyst. However, during surgery, he said that the margins started swelling, which to him was indicative of a mast cell tumor. He took very wide margins and stapled her back together. Her insulin was also regulated once again, and she stayed with the vet for several days. The invoice for this hospitalization was $1,880.40. With our vet’s courtesy discount of 20%, the invoice still came to $1,504.32, which put a definite strain on our rescue funds.
Josie – WestieMed Grant Recipient
The outcome, however, is astounding as you can see from this photograph taken October 20, 2012. Josie is healing very well and has returned to her bubbly, curious self once again. Our appeal to WestieMed for assistance in paying this invoice is due to the fact that our rescue funds have been dangerously depleted. The Westies surrendered or rescued from shelters for the past couple of years are either seniors with health issues or young Westies requiring some type of surgery. (We currently have Josie with diabetes, Cushing’s, and thyroid disease, Sparky with Addison’s Disease, and Charlie in renal failure, all requiring constant attention, in addition to two young females requiring knee surgeries.) Thankfully, all of these rescues are with dedicated foster families who are doting on their needs and have been giving their financial assistance when possible. However generous our members and partners have been, we are not able to keep up with the need.
The assistance that we receive from WestieMed will assist us in moving forward with the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned, neglected, and abused Westies.We are certainly very grateful to the Board of Directors of WestieMed for their love of the Westie breed and for their willingness to help.
Cynthia Levine, Chair
Atlanta Westie Rescue Committee
Westie Club of the South, Inc.
a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation
Update March 23, 2013
Josie – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Josie recently was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Of course, she hid it for so long that nothing could be done. She was finally in so much pain that the decision was made to humanely euthanize Josie. Following is the foster dad’s note and a recent photograph attached.
“Josie wants everyone to know that she’s waiting at the Rainbow Bridge not only for us but for each and every one of you who gave such boundless love and dignity and support over the last four years. She maintained her zest for life to the end peacefully cradled in Jeannie’s arms. We, too, are grateful and thank you for allowing us the joy of knowing and caring for Josie. She was a very, very special little girl who will always have a big place in our hearts. Thank you.”
Charlie came to us with two other Westies and two Scotties after a commercial breeder dumped them in a rural shelter in Kentucky in late August 2012. This particular shelter works in tandem with our shelter partner in Bowling Green, KY, and when the dogs were dumped, we immediately got a plea for help to pull from our contact in Bowling Green. We drove up the next day and pulled all six dogs and took them straight to our vet in Franklin for exams, vetting, and dental. Tennessee Scottish Terrier Rescue ended up taking the two Scotties, and our little band of Charlie, Chip, Maggie, and Hailey were vetted and boarded for a week so we could be sure they didn’t bring with them any Kennel Cough or parasites. Needless to say, our vetting bills for these dogs was pretty steep just for basic vetting and dentals. Everyone did well and traveled on to their four separate foster homes.
Charlie instantly began meshing in his foster home with five other Terriers, so much so that he took it upon himself to take a flying leap off his foster mom’s bed in the middle of the night about two weeks into his fostering, trying to follow one of the other Westies who decided she needed to go out for a potty break. His foster mom knew instantly he had hurt himself badly. She got him in later that morning to the vet who confirmed the ACL rupture. Charlie was in a lot of pain, but the vet got him on the proper meds to give him some relief and we scheduled the ACL repair surgery for a few days later. Fortunately, our vet works with Dr. Paul Newman, a wonderful orthopedic travel surgeon, and he took excellent care of Charlie. Two days later, Charlie was settling back into his foster home, and thankfully his foster mom is a nurse, so she can really help with the ins & outs of his rehab. Charlie will have to be kept quiet and rehab his leg for the next six weeks, which isn’t easy because he acts like he’s had nothing done. He wants to run and play with the others! His foster mom has nicknamed him “Sir Bulldozer Charles” because while in the “cone of shame” he must wear for a few days, he doesn’t let it keep him from getting to things he either wants to smell or carry in his mouth. He just scoops it up in his cone! Charlie is a very loveable little fella that will make someone a superior forever family member in a few weeks. We cannot thank WestieMed for the kindness and generosity once again shown to Westie Rescue of Tennessee, Inc.! Thank you again for helping us with Sir Charles!
Carol Whitmer Officer/Director of Communications
Update January 9, 2013
Charlie – WestMed Grant Recipient September
Charlie had ACL surgery but we sadly learned that he had an aggressive tumor in his leg that had spread into his back causing a lot of pain.
We regret to tell you, but Charlie went to Rainbow Bridge on January 8, 2013 and now rests peacefully.
We are all very sad, but also very thankful for WestieMed’s assistance with him.
I thought you would enjoy seeing this photo of a once puppymill stud dog, turned loved and treasured foster pup.
My name is Lucy. I’m thirteen years old and for most of my life, things were great. I was the pampered and cherished baby of an elderly man and was treated like a Queen. But one day, everything changed. My beloved man died and his wife wasn’t able to cope. People took me away from the plush indoor city life I had been living and drove me to rural Arkansas. I was tied to a stake outside in the heat. My beautiful fur disappeared as fleas and mites attacked my delicate skin, and I got a sunburn, too. A neighbor saw me and told the people to take me inside or she would call animal control. They put me on a porch and fussed when I pottied there. I ended up back outside most of the time. Although things looked bleak, I tried to remember my human, Papa. I waited for him to come and save me, but he never did. Instead, he sent some angels from far away to help me!
Meanwhile, my sad story had been relayed to some people in Knoxville, Tennessee, who started a campaign to save me! Brian and Debra Douglas told a friend named David Bolton who told another friend named Patsy Stair, who set things in motion. Soon, a miracle would happen—I would be rescued! On June 17, 2012, the Arkansas people loaded me in their car and drove for a long time. The car stopped, and they gave me to two sweet ladies. Their names were Diane Vann and Patsy Holt. They were from Alabama and they had driven all the way to Arkansas to save me! Once I was in their loving care, I knew things were going to be okay, and I never looked back.
Diane and Patsy H. drove to Nashville, Tennessee, and handed me to Patsy and David Stair. I said goodbye to the Alabama ladies and laid down on my new blanket in the front seat between David and Patsy. I love men so much that I scooted as close to David as I could.
When we got to Knoxville, Patsy cleaned up my face. My eyes had lots of hard stuff under them and I held still while she soaked it off. She talked softly to me and I noticed she was crying. I wanted to say, “yes, I look bad right now, but I trust that you will take care of me.” She brushed my teeth and used a warm cloth on my poor raw skin. The next day, she took me to a sweet groomer named Tania, who made me feel great. Then she took me to a pet store, where she bought me some fancy food, some treats, a toy and a pair of pink pajamas to cover my sunburned skin. At last, I was being treated like royalty again!
Then Brian and Debra Douglas met us, and once again, I was whisked away to another adventure. Because my skin was so bad, they took me to a dogtor where I lived for a few weeks. It was okay, but I wanted to be part of a family. Little did I know what was in store for me next!
Brian and Debra had been searching for a home for me, and one day, their friend, animal advocate Carmen Trammell, found the perfect place! Another car ride took me to a pretty house with a fenced back yard in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A nice lady named Kaye Wimberly answered the door accompanied by her two rescued Yorkies and Westie girl. I could tell right away that this was a castle fit for the Queen I was, so I plopped in the middle of her bed and refused to move! I was home!
Luckily, Kaye knew all about Westies and their skin issues, and she took charge right away. Her other dogs wisely realized that I was special, so they let me be the boss.
Lucy – WestieMed Grant Recipient
By the time I got to Mama Kaye’s house, my skin was black, crusty, and oozing puss and blood—not a good situation for a Queen! I cried when I moved because it hurt so much. Kaye took me to Jackson Square Animal Clinic, and they diagnosed me with demodectic mange, cellulitis and bacterial pyoderma. They started me on antibiotics and shampoo therapy. Then, they found out that I had chronic renal insufficiency, low-grade anemia, and proteinuria. They put me on a Hills K/D Canine food, enalapril, and oral vitamins. Whew! Lots of big words for such a little dog to remember, but I was just glad they were taking care of my skin and my kidneys!
To help my skin get back to Diva condition, I am shampooed three times each week. Mama Kaye isn’t physically able to do it, so she takes me to the dogtor’s office and they give me the spa treatment. My skin is improving and I’m even growing back some of my gorgeous fur. I love playing with my toys and my fur siblings. Mama Kaye says I always will have a loving home with her!
Lucy – WestieMed Grant Recipient
While I was being pampered and doctored, Diane, Patsy, Brian, and Debra were busy raising money to pay my dogtor bills. I became a FaceBook celebrity! Lots of donations were received, but it wasn’t enough to pay for my baths and medicine. I’m pretty high-maintenance, you know! Diane contacted WestieMed, and Mama Kaye sent them my information. They even talked to the dogtor to be sure they understood what I am going through and what my future needs would be. Not surprisingly, the wonderful people at WestieMed thought I was worth saving, too! Because of WestieMed, I can be healthy and happy for the rest of my life! If I could, I would send kisses, licks, and sniffs to everyone who has helped me. I can’t help thinking my human Papa sent all the angels disguised as strangers to take care of me.
Update February 8, 2013
Just to let you know that Lucy is doing well. She has a little eye infection but it is clearing up fine. She also has problems with skin lesions occasionally, so she is on antibiotics off and on. I’ll send a picture later.
Kaye
Update July 11, 2013
Lucy is doing pretty good. She hasn’t had any skin lesions lately but is still licking her feet. She went to the groomers today, so I’ll try to get a picture of her in the next day or two to send to you. She is still on her special diet and medicine but seems to be doing good.
She is definitely a little diva. In fact, if she decides she wants some water in the middle of the night she starts barking until she wakes me and the other furry animals. She has me trained already. She is really a sweet girl.
I’ll send some pictures later. I really appreciate all you have done for her. It was such a shame what happened to her, but I’ll make sure she has a good life from now on.
Kaye
Update February 10, 2014
Lucy is not doing very good right now so she and I could use your prayers.
Lucy was doing pretty good until and a few weeks ago. At that point she started sleeping more, not playing with her toys, and not eating as much. Then she started losing weight. I took her to the vet last week and we did so more blood work which had several items for the kidneys in the red line (i.e., not doing as well). She has also lost about three lbs. from her last visit and her teeth were really bad. We had put off doing a cleaning because of her other problems but decided that it may be part of the losing weight problem. So, Lucy had a dental last Wednesday and the vet had to remove nine teeth. I felt so bad that I had not done her dental earlier. Anyway, she has not eaten much since then and I have had a real problem getting her to take her medicine. So I took her back to the vet today. She had lost an additional 4 oz., so the vet kept her overnight and probably for a few days to give her iv’s, antibiotics, and check her blood work again to see if any change in the kidneys. I am making her some chicken and rice to take t her tomorrow. I know she really loves the people’s food and the vet agreed that we needed to get her eating again and then go back to the kidney diet. The chicken and rice should help her some.
So, please keep Lucy in your prayers. She is such a special baby and I think she will come out of this. The kidney blood work was not extreme last week so hopefully, we can get it back under control again.
I don’t know what I would have done without WestieMed and everyone’s help. She is a special little girl and I want to give her the best I can — she deserves it.
Thanks for everything. I’ll keep you posted. Kaye
Update February 15, 2014
I got a good Valentine’s Day gift last night. I got to take Lucy home from the Vet. She has had a pretty rough week but was beginning to perk up a little. Thursday I was really worried because her blood work was elevated (in the red for the kidney functions) higher than earlier and she would not eat. We decided to give her something for an upset stomach and that has helped. She is now eating (hand-fed by the vets, the vet staff and me). She has been a real Diva on giving her pills at the vet and at home. I could use a stiff drink after giving her medicine and sure Lucy would love one too, but no luck for either of us. Friday evening she was feeling a lot better and even standing up in the crate. She definitely was ready to go home, so she got her and my wish.
The vet has added another medicine to help the kidneys. She now is on Azodyl (which eliminate toxicants and helps the kidneys), Enalapril (heart and kidney), Clindamycin (antibiotic), something for upset stomach, Pet-Tinic (vitamins) and Recovery RS Dog food. I have been hand feeding her chicken and scrambled eggs, but the little Diva has to be tricked. I have to get her up the bed with the other dogs, give each dog a bite or two before she will eat her bites. Then I give her more bites, as well as the others. DOES SHE HAVE ME TRAINED. It doesn’t matter I’ll do whatever it takes to get her feeling better. Once she gets back to eating well, I’ll put her back on the kidney food.
I’ll keep you informed on Lucy’s progress. Kaye
Update February 18, 2014
I’m sorry to say that Lucy passed over the Rainbow Bridge last night. I really appreciate all WestieMed did for little Lucy. You really made her life extend a little longer. She was in the Vet hospital all last week and I brought her home Friday when she seemed to be doing better. She quit eating on Sunday but her kidneys were still functioning. Monday she took a real turn for the worst and passed away that night.
Thanks again for giving me time with my sweet little Lucy. Kaye Wimberly
Update February 27, 2014
Lucy – WestieMed Grant Recipient
I will continue to donate to WestieMed as long as I can. You do such wonderful work for Westies. I was so blessed to have Lucy and grateful for your help.
I thought you might like to have a picture of Lucy.
Lucy really loved her babies (toys) and would carry them from room to room particularly when it was time for bed. Her favorites were Lamb Chop, baby Lamb Chop and Santa. I don’t know how she did it, but she could get al three in her mouth.
Casper and Diamond came to us in April of 2012 from a man who stated his daughter had originally purchased the pair for breeding, had moved over a year prior and was unable to take the dogs. She left them in his care and for that year the dogs had lived outside in a pen. When the man and his wife traveled south for the winter, the dogs were cared for by neighbors who gave them food and water. The man told our volunteer that they let the dogs out of the pen occasionally but were too “wild” in the house so they could not keep them indoors.
Upon intake into our rescue the pair was groomed and seen by our veterinarian, Dr. Martin Ramm of Rockbrook Animal Clinic for spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and fecal and heartworm tests. At that time there appeared to be no medical conditions with either Casper or Diamond and they were deemed happy and healthy. Upon settling into their foster homes it was observed that both dogs drank unusually large amounts of water and urinated frequently. We also came to believe that these two lovely, engaging dogs were at one time very well-loved and well trained. Both walk beautifully on leash and are kennel trained, they know what furniture is and that sitting on the sofa is much preferred overlaying on the floor. They adore people, young and old alike and can’t seem to get enough attention!
Casper and Diamond – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Dr. Ramm performed blood and urine tests on both dogs and tentatively diagnosed both had kidney problems and suspected Fanconi’s Syndrome. They were referred to the Midwest Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Omaha and were examined by Dr. Christopher Byers. The initial visit, which included specialized blood and urine testing, for both dogs combined, was $1450.00. Dr. Byers is recommending further testing for Diamond estimated at $550-700 as he believes she is suffering from Stage 1 renal failure. The results on Casper’s testing will not be available for 2 more weeks as the specimen was sent to Penn State for review. If Casper does indeed have Fanconi’s Syndrome, management in the form of medication, supplements, and prescription diet will be implemented.
These expenses have severely strained our limited budget and we are struggling to remain solvent in an attempt to assist other terriers in our community that need our help. Casper and Diamond have shown us their true terrier spirit as through all the testing, poking and examinations, they remain happy and loving little dogs. We at Wag N Train have made a commitment to them for continued care for the remainder of their lives if they are not adoptable, whether that be 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years, or hopefully much longer!
Janeal Dominico, CPDT-KA Wag N Train Terrier Rescue
Update January 7, 2013
Diamond is still in foster care in my home. She attends adoption events and many have inquired about adopting her by shy away when informed of her diagnosis, even though she is a happy, lively and spunky terrier girl. She is showing no other symptoms of renal failure except the excessive thirst and frequent urination.
Diamond is a true joy to be around and daily reinforces that we humans can all take lessons from our dogs…play the hand that life deals you making the best of each and every day! We continue to be optimistic that she will one day find a forever home to love and adore her until the end.
Casper was adopted on Dec. 7, 2012, by Molly Tamayo. Molly works as a technician for Dr. Christopher Byers DVM who is Casper’s specialist at Midwest Veterinary Hospital in Omaha NE.
WestieMed had been a valuable partner in our organization, providing the necessary funding to help us treat our rescue dogs with special medical needs, such as Casper and Diamond.
Janeal Dominico, CPDT-KA Wag N Train Terrier Rescue
Update June 10, 2013
Casper and Diamond – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Diamond is still in foster care with me and is doing well. She recently had her annual vaccinations at which time Dr. Ramm drew blood and took urine. They found some blood in her urine so prescribed Amoxicillin for 10 days, after which we will repeat the urine test. Dr. Ramm did suggest we take her back to Dr. Byers at Midwest Veterinary Specialty Clinic for another check-up too.
Diamond remains an active and happy girl. She attends all the adoption events with me and gets so excited when she sees me packing the car because she knows she gets to go for a ride and gets a lot of attention at the events. She loves people of all ages! The only symptoms she continues to exhibit are excessive thirst and urination.
We recently received an email from a potential adopter who lives in MN and is very interested in Diamond. This lady always adopts older or special needs dogs and her sixteen-year-old Westie is failing. We are cautiously optimistic that Diamond may have found a forever home! I have also attached the most recent photo taken last week after her visit to the groomer.
Respectfully, Janeal Dominico, CPDT-KA Wag N Train Terrier Rescue
Barney first came to the attention of Westie Rescue for the San Francisco Bay West Highland White Terrier club on October 8, 2011. His owner’s son emailed me about Barney after being referred to me from the Orange County California Rescue organization. He said that his Dad was not feeling well and his Mom was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and they needed a place for Barney, a five-year-old male with Addison’s disease. When I told him we would be happy to find a new home for Barney, he indicated that his Dad was not ready yet but wanted a place to be found so he would know he could surrender him when he could no longer care for him
Two and half months passed and Barney’s owner’s health suddenly deteriorated and we were told that Barney was boarded in a veterinary hospital in Napa, California. I started the process of finding a home for him and decided on the application submitted by Nancy Hacker. Nancy is a single woman living in Hayward, CA who had lost her male Westie Max at age seventeen and was seeking a new playmate for her girl Meghan, a nine-year-old Westie. Like many Westie owners, Nancy thinks two is better than one and Meghan was lonely.
I spoke to Nancy about Barney and she did not know anything about Addison’s disease so I sent some links to her with information. I also provided the care instructions given by Barney’s owner. She was concerned about the cost but thought his photo was adorable and his age was perfect. I learned that Barney was at the Napa vet on December 22nd through a call from the owner’s son who told me that his Dad wanted Barney to be in his new home by Christmas Day. Nancy was eager to celebrate the holiday with her new boy so I picked him up on the 23rd and took him to her home. She has a lovely cul-de-sac home with appropriate fencing including a second fence around her pool. I was walking Barney when she pulled up and jumped out of her car and said: “Is that my Barney?” We took him inside to meet his new sister Meghan and off they went as they joined in a merry round of Westie play chases. Meghan showed Barney around the house and the yard and he decided this would be a great forever home.
Later on, when Meghan and Barney joined Nancy’s son and his dog on walks they noticed a limp in Barney’s back left leg. She took him to the vet at Rescue expense and was told he might have to have surgery soon. Last month, he stopped putting down the leg to walk and was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. She was very concerned with the financial implications so we applied to WestieMed for assistance with his surgery. We were delighted to hear that funding was approved by the WestieMed Board!
Barney had his surgery June 14th and indeed the ligament was found to be completely torn. The orthopedic surgeon at VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Courtney Ikuta, performed his surgery and the hospital gave us a courtesy discount. Nancy and Barney and I are forever grateful to WestieMed for helping our Rescue in need!
Mary Young Rescue Chair, SFBWHWTC
Update January 29, 2013
Barney – WestieMed Grant Recipient
We are so appreciative of your assistance with Barney’s ACL surgery.
He is doing really well and I have a great photo for you. I knew immediately what to send you.
He and his new sister Meghan were in our Parade of Rescues held by the club on November 3, 2012 and I have a photo of him and owner and his sis for you.
He is walking absolutely normally. He is also an Addison’s dog (I had one of those too) and the meds are so expensive so WestieMed really came to our Rescue in a big way.
Below is the story Barney’s new Mom wrote for the Parade which is really sweet. She is a fabulous Westie Mom!
“I walk proudly with my wonderful boy Barney. My Westie girl Meghan and I lost my Max at seventeen years old. Our lives felt empty and lonely. Then Barney came into our lives last Christmas-I rediscovered what real love is! Here is his story: his owner was 87 years old and went to a nursing home. Barney was not allowed to accompany him there, and their hearts were broken. Mary called me and said–his Dad wants him to have a home for Christmas. That was a yes from me! When I arrived home on December 2nd, I saw Mary walking with three Westies and their wagging tails–one was Barney! He came home for the Holidays to a family of love. I immediately had him pose with Meghan in Santa and reindeer outfits for my annual Christmas card! We played and hugged each other for hours! Since that day, his existing Addison’s disease has stayed under control and he had ACL surgery on his leg. Barney is back to catching toys in midair and doing all his tricks again. We share a bond of love! He has been a perfect gift since I first saw his caring eyes and felt his wonderful heart. He and Meghan are the loves of my life. Barney-I love you so much! Love, MOM”
Thanks again for your most generous contribution to this sweet boy’s future health.
Mary Young Rescue Chair SFBWHWTC
Update June 11, 2013
Barney – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Barney is doing very well after his ACL surgery eleven months ago. We had our 2013 Parade of Rescues on April 27th and he marched again with his sister Meghan. No evidence of any lasting effect of the ACL tear and his owner was very diligent with his rehab. I will cut and paste his story here from the Parade and include a photo of him from the collection taken at the event.
His owner is forever grateful to WestieMed for covering his surgery as is our Rescue for the SF Bay Westie Club. Here is Nancy Hacker’s story:
Barney and Meghan – my Westies! What can I say that explains how I love them and just how wonderful they are? Barney is my adopted boy from Mary at Westie Rescue on Christmas, 2011. We have visited Barney’s previous Dad at the nursing home. They have been such wonderful visits for Gene and Barney. Barney catches his toy in mid-air 10-15 times and everyone applauds him! His Addison’s shots continue to be keeping him healthy. We love him, and he says he loves us!
I hope this does the update for you! I usually do not allow adopters and surrenderers to meet up but made an exception for Barney since his owner was unable to keep him in the home he was in. He actually changed nursing homes to be closer to Barney so they could visit. Guess you could say Barney is a therapy dog!
I had registered with Rescue Me and got a notification about a Westie that needed a home. I had written back immediately with my phone number and said that I had had Westies with skin problems before, my beloved Jake and Carli. Carli had passed last September at 16 years old and Jake several years ago at twelve years old with a spleen and liver problem. Both of them had skin issues but nothing like I have seen on WestieMed.
I was told that the mother had Alzheimer’s, rules the home and wanted Jessie put to sleep so the two adult daughters put him on Rescue Me. I went over to their home that night and I could see that he had terrible skin problems but I was really looking at his personality which was very sweet.
When I picked Jessie up to put him into the car he growled at me, and the suspicions started that I might have an abused dog beside a severely neglected dog. I have since discovered that he is quite territorial and in true Westie nature doesn’t back down and needs to be distracted. I’m learning too. I think this posed problems in his previous home and lead to abuse because they couldn’t handle him. I’m trying to understand.
I had asked what kind of food they had fed him and was told “dog food” but they gave a bag of pig ears to me as food. There was quite a lot of dancing around answers to direct questions but I was given a vet record and certificate of ownership. Jessie had been purchased from a “breeder” in Missouri.
I got online in the morning to check skin problems in Westies and the WestieMed site came up with pictures of Malassezia Dermatitis and it looked just like his skin problem. I’m so grateful to have found that information. I scrambled around to find a vet that could take him on a Saturday. I had just moved to Oregon from Virginia and I didn’t have a vet here. I feel fortunate to have happened along with a vet that has experience with skin issues.
Jessie is four years old, weighs thirty pounds, and he is neutered. He’s very large for a Westie but not overweight. He’s friendly, good with children and likes other dogs. All good. We are working on the skin problem with the vet; he’s on antibiotics and medicated baths twice a week. He’s responding well but may need antifungal treatment. I have him on a limited ingredient lamb and rice meal at this time but we may go to home-cooked through the Balanced In program that my vet told me about on the internet. I’m being challenged to write this and playing fetch the squeaking chicken this very minute.
Theresa
Update October 1, 2012: (now Jesse)
Jessie – WestieMed Grant Recipient
I have changed Jessie’s name to Jesse without the “i”.
He is doing so well.
It’s been a slow process but he’s coming along very nicely as you can see in the photo.
Theresa Medina
Update January 7, 2013
Jessie – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Thank you again for all that WestieMed does for Westies in need.
As you can see, Jesse is doing very well.
He is healthy and happy.
There are places on his neck and chest that the fur is still growing in, I was thinking that maybe his skin was so damaged from the yeast that it might not grow but it is
Little Miss Millie was as sick as she was tiny and feisty when Westie Rescue Indiana (WRI) managed to get her out of a Kentucky shelter in February. It wasn’t easy…
Although she had a wracking cough and was obviously unwell when her owner brought to the shelter on February 1st, the shelter refused to release her to rescue, preferring to try to adopt her themselves. So Millie languished in the shelter for two weeks as her condition deteriorated. Finally, the shelter sent her to one of their foster homes where she could get be better cared for, but at this point, Millie was listless and running a high fever. Still, two more days passed before a call was made to a WRI volunteer, asking if we would now take Millie.
Once in WRI’s care, Millie was rushed to the vet, where she was kept in isolation for nine days. A battery of tests revealed that she suffered from the effects of pneumonia, a chronic cough and an extremely high white blood count stemming from an infection that had been left untreated for too long. The vet did not expect her to make it, but by the end of February Millie was well enough to go “home” with her foster mom, who had visited her daily at the vet.
The month of March was spent in a series of return visits to the vet for more tests to monitor her white blood count and constant adjustments to her medications, and Millie continued to improve. She started eating well and gained two pounds in short order, bulking all the way up to twelve pounds by early April.
Because her lungs had been scarred from pneumonia that had been too-long left untreated, Millie would always have a cough, but she was healthy now and ready to find a home of her own. But this wasn’t easy either…
As Millie began to feel better, her feistiness emerged in tandem, and she proved to be one conflicted girl — begging to be picked up and then snarling, growling and snapping when anyone tried. Clearly, it would take someone experienced with terriers to handle this seven-year-old diva.
After one failed placement, where Millie didn’t mesh with an older male Westie already in residence, she finally found her forever home in late May. It took almost four long months of care and patience to save this little girl, but to look at Millie now in the arms of her new mom, no one can doubt that it was all worth it.
My husband and I are both animal lovers and have owned many dogs over the years. We have had dogs of all sizes, various breeds, and two rescue dogs prior to Cody.
I first saw a Westie while visiting in England many years ago, long before they became popular in the USA. Right away I was enamored by the breed and knew I wanted to own one someday. In time we got a little female who is now thirteen years old as well as a little male who died this February just short of his tenth birthday. Of all the dogs we have owned these two were by far our favorites. I decided to wait a while before replacing the little guy we lost but I missed him so much I began looking online at some of the rescue groups and when I found Cody (then called Chaucer) my husband was really taken by him. The next thing I knew we were being interviewed and I made the trip to Tulsa to adopt him.
We do not know Cody’s entire story. He has been estimated as being between three to five years of age and he was one of eight dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri where he was used for breeding purposes. It was apparent he had lived in filthy conditions as his lower body and legs were stained where he had to lay in it. He was also badly abused, withdrawn and obviously frightened by people but quickly bonded with me and does not willingly want me to be out of his sight. He is responding well to TLC and we see improvements in him almost daily.
The rescue group’s vet had checked Cody out when they first got him and found him positive for hookworms and Cody was treated for them. They also checked for heartworms but found him heartworm-free. Immediately after adopting Cody I found him to be lethargic to the extreme, his eating was sporadic and he was throwing up a lot. At first, I thought it was just stress-related but while vacationing in Colorado determined he needed to see a vet. I took him to the vet we had used when we lived there and she diagnosed him as still having hookworms as well as heartworms.
We treated the hookworms again and he is now free of them. The rescue group we adopted Cody from has provided us with Doxycyclene which he is now taking. They also offered to give him the injections back to back and let me bring him home immediately but the cost of buying gas for the trip, motel costs and food becomes quite significant. I have talked to our vet here in Fort Worth and feel it would be better for Cody to be treated locally and his treatment here would be more focused on Cody’s treatment and comfort and would give me a local contact in case of any problems.
I went online and read about some of the Westies that WestieMed had already helped and I was very impressed by the progress some of them have been able to make with WestieMed’s assistance. Cody has allergy issues that we are addressing but they do not seem to be nearly as bad as some of these poor babies have had to endure.
I want to thank WestieMed for considering our request for financial assistance. It is definitely our desire to get Cody well. He has already made a lot of progress socially and we look forward to watching him evolve into a happy and more confident little guy as he learns to trust his surroundings.
Thank you for all of us Westie lovers for your commitment to giving so many a second chance for a good life!
Janet
Update January 7, 2013
Cody is doing very well!
You may recall he was rescued from a puppy mill and had been terribly abused. He has become my baby but continues to be afraid of men. He is making progress in his socialization though and loves playing with my son’s two dogs.
Healthwise Cody is in a very good place. He is heartworm free, eating well, getting plenty of exercise, his weight is at a good place and he seems to be a happy little boy.
Thank you so much for helping us with him and for giving him this second chance for a better life. If you have any specific questions let me know but meanwhile, everything seems to be going well for us at this time.
Robbie was found walking the streets of Baton Rouge, Louisiana by Animal Control and was taken to a high kill shelter. No one knows how he got on the streets or how long he had been roaming them. YELP BR pulled him from the high kill shelter and took him to a vet to get him checked out. They gave Robbie all of his vaccinations and made sure he was healthy. While in their care he weighed a healthy seventeen pounds. On 4/2/12, Jennifer of YELP BR called me to say she had a Westie in their care as I had called a couple of months and introduced myself saying that whenever their shelter got in a Westie, I would be interested in making the drive to bring him to Alabama to adopt to some wonderful family. Jennifer told me about this wonderful little boy and I raced to Louisiana to pick him up. This was a good eight-hour drive one way. I met Robbie that day around 3:30 pm and he was the best-mannered Westie I have seen in a long time. For two weeks, Robbie was doing well as he was adjusting to his new surroundings, eating, playing with the other rescued Westies and was just being a Westie. Then Robbie took a turn for the worse. I had just gotten him groomed and when he came back, he started shivering and shaking and would not stop. For a week I did not think anything of it but watched him with a wary eye as he would just take a couple of bites of food and then get sick. The second week, he stopped eating entirely and I became alarmed. He would vomit and the two spoonfuls of food would either come up by vomit or come out of his backside. He went from 17 pounds. to 12.8 pounds and became very lethargic. That Thursday, I took him up to my vet whereby he was diagnosed with Giardia and was given pills for his vomiting and diarrhea. Robbie seemed to get better for two days and then he would slump right back into the same situation as before.
Robbie was dying right before my eyes and I was helpless in trying to figure out what was wrong with him. I had spent close to $150 in food just to try to get him to eat as I thought he was just being picky. The following Tuesday, I knew something was extremely wrong with Robbie so I rushed him to a vet that was close to my house. They took one look at him and said that he was very dehydrated and he needed surgery immediately as there was something lodged in his stomach. The vet bill would run me $845.00 and I did not have that type of money. I am the President of Westie Rescue Alabama but I am so small that I don’t qualify for the donations that most rescue organizations get and I was petrified that I could not save him. Then WestieMed, the guardian angel that they are, swooped in and saved Robbie. As I was calling them and leaving them a message, I began to cry and I could not stop. Lucy, head of WestieMed, called the vet’s office within ten minutes and authorized all the procedures that Robbie would need without blinking an eye. She immediately authorized payment (WestieMed has board members and procedures they have to go through before authorizing the payment) and when I talked with her, she told me that there would still be two board members that needed to approve this but she did not see where there would be a problem. She stayed on top of this and if it was not for her and her board members, Robbie would NOT be alive right now. She called me every day and allayed my fears that Robbie was not going to pull through this. She took her time answering my questions and just being a good friend to me while my rescue Robbie was at the vet. He was hospitalized for five days and this past Saturday, May 12th, he came back to his foster home with a spring in his step, eating everything in sight, growling playfully at the other pups and just a very happy little boy. I want to take this time and although I am not good with words, I cannot thank WestieMed enough for stepping in and saving Robbie. WestieMed and the caring individuals who make up this organization are angels on this earth who step in to help Westie rescues that need medical attention. My words are not good enough of how I actually feel about this organization and they will have my undying gratitude and praise because, without them, little boys and girls just like Robbie don’t have a fighting chance.
Forever grateful, Phyllis Hovey President Westie Rescue Alabama
Update June 2, 2012
It was found that Robbie did not have an obstruction in his abdomen, but had a very badly infected gallbladder which was adhered to the liver. He also had a very clogged bile duct which made it impossible to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder was drained, freed from the liver and the bile duct was opened as much as possible. Robbie was put on antibiotics and medication to help clear the “sludge” in the bile duct. He responded very well to the procedure and is recuperating and gaining weight.
Update November 27, 2012
Robbie – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Robbie was adopted a month after WestieMed saved his life. Robbie is a wonderful little boy! He is so sweet and winsome and loving.
He is very fond of his toys and his quiet time with us. Every day he takes a little walk but doesn’t like to get too far from home. The ladies next door love for him to visit.
He is no longer the tentative, spindly little fellow who arrived here. His coat is beautiful and we Baby Wipe him between groomings. Vet says he should not gain any more weight. Sometimes he doesn’t eat, or delays eating and appear to feel under par. Then he just rests in his bed and we pet him and eventually, he dines. He is not throwing up at these times. He has thrown up maybe three times since he arrived. He has a normal bathroom pattern and has adapted perfectly to the schedule of outings. He’s a real gentleman! He has also adapted to sleeping in his own bed in the sunroom.
For a while, he seemed to have little panic attacks of accelerated breathing, but with time these have decreased. What has increased is the time he sits in our laps! He has one quirk, though: He gets up and down from our laps rather than staying on our laps. Sometimes he also licks compulsively. He is losing his fear of men and particularly loves my brother Bryan. Although Robbie’s tail does not stand straight up, it wags a lot. When I come home from work he is at the door insisting upon an official greeting and barks if he does not get it! He is a good watchdog but does not bother barking at unimportant noises, thank God.
In short, this little boy has recovered his Westiehood!
Thank you for saving the life of this wonderful little boy.
