On the morning of April 2, 2002, I was walking through our local animal control, as I routinely do, looking for Chihuahuas or other similar dogs in need of rescue. Due to lack of space, time, and money unfortunately this shelter has to put many dogs down, for the slightest ailments. On this particular morning, we came across a little West Highland White Terrier (two-year-old Cody), who was signed off (to be euthanized), and we looked at her, played with her, and couldn’t figure out what the problem was, that would cause her to be put down. When we looked at her kennel card, we saw that she was owner surrendered for being pregnant. Pregnant dogs are not put up for adoption at this particular shelter. So, we went to the kennel manager’s office and told him we were going to pull this little lady from the shelter… and we did. She went to our Veterinarian, who confirmed her pregnancy, and said that she was otherwise healthy. Approximately two weeks later, on April 17,2002, she went into labor. After a short while of her in labor, and not producing puppies, we rushed her to our Veterinarian who did x-rays and said that she needed an emergency cesarean section, in order for her to deliver successfully.
The Buns – WestieMed Recipient
Thanks to WestieMed who so kindly donated funds to pay for this C-Section, Cody was able to successfully deliver five sweet Westie buns. Unfortunately, one passed away several hours later. The other four proved to be completely healthy, and were recently spayed & neutered, and have loving adoptive homes waiting. Cody, the pups mother was surprisingly the first to be adopted, by a wonderful home, which owns another rescued Westie.
Thanks to the kind contribution from WestieMed, five lives have been saved.
Thank you WestieMed!
Nick De Pompa Founder Chihuahua-Toy Breed Rescue
We asked how the “Buns” were named:
Response: Well, we are a bit nuts down her in Florida (maybe the heat). While Cody (the mother) was pregnant, we kept asking her “how many Buns have you got in there”, “how are the Buns today” etc., etc. When we would bring her in to the vet for her check ups (before birth), we would say to the vet “how are the buns” etc. When she went in for her C-Section, the vet came out of the surgery room and said “The buns are here!!”….And it kind of stuck from then on…
Update February 2003:
All four of the Buns and their momma Cody are doing just fine. We check up with our adopters at least monthly, and to date all reports have been of progress. Two of the puppies owners have acquired personal/in-home trainers to help modify behavior, but all are doing great with potty training etc. All of them are still completely healthy, except the smallest puppy Elma (re-named Isabella) had come down with a mild allergy to grass, but is doing well now that her folks know the route of the problem. The mother (Cody) is doing well also; she and her husband (adopted male/neutered Westie) are best of buddies and keep each-other entertained while their Mom works.
Take care & thanks for asking, Nick Chihuahua & Toy Breed Rescue
Shannon’s story is an excellent example of what can happen when everyone puts the welfare of a dog before all other issues. This is a story of a number of volunteers and groups working together to contribute to the rescue and treatment of a truly wonderful Westie.
The first part of her story is told by Dianne Luistro of Northeast Westie Rescue. Dianne received the referral call about Shannon and coordinated her surrender and placement in an emergency foster home.
Part one: Dianne Coordinates the Rescue.
Shannon is a very sweet, four-year-old Westie girl with a gentle soul. Her former owners bought her as a puppy from a pet shop. She was well until October 2001 when she began scratching and losing hair. For more than a year, the family took her to the vet and tried to keep up the rigorous schedule of bathing, giving antibiotics, cleaning her ears, and taking her for walks. But, as they told us, other family demands caused Shannon’s care to come in last, and they felt she deserved better than that.
They contacted the MSPCA in Methuen, Massachusetts. The MSPCA staff could not guarantee she would be adopted and/or cured in her current condition. Nor, could they guarantee she would not be euthanized if a home wasn’t found. The MSPCA did give the family a phone number for Northeast Westie Rescue. It took another six weeks to gather the courage to call us. They were not sure what our reaction would be to her condition.
Of course, we were ready to take her in with open arms. But, we had a house full of puppies and needed an alternate foster home. We called Penny & Ed Cherubino, a Boston couple, who work with Westie Rescue of Missouri. They accepted the surrender and provided emergency fostered for Shannon on behalf of North East Westie Rescue.
Part two: From Penny – Shannon’s weeks in Boston
By the time I picked her up on June 6, 2002, Shannon had lost two-thirds of her hair. The only parts of her that were not bare were the top of her head, her rump, and tail. The exposed skin felt like an elephant’s hide and was black and crusty. Because she had fungal infections of the skin and ears, she smelled awful. She was a very sad, uncomfortable girl.
Fortunately, I had seen cases as severe as Shannon’s cured by Westie Rescue of Missouri volunteers. I also live within walking distance of the Back Bay Veterinary Clinic where Veterinarians with very big hearts were ready and willing to see an emergency rescue pup the moment she arrived in Boston. It also helped that Shannon’s family had supplied us with copies of her veterinary records.
The Back Bay Vets repeated the skin scrapings to be sure it was not a contagious disease that would transmit to our Westie, Maggie Mae, or the dozens of new doggie friends Shannon would make in our neighborhood. They diagnosed Malassezia Dermatitis, and we agreed upon a routine of care.
They prescribed:
A new antibiotic (in case she had become resistant to the one that had been used over the past year);
Ear cleaning and ointment twice a day;
Fifteen-minute baths with medicated shampoo every three days followed by a hydrocortisone lotion rubbed onto her damp skin after each bath;
Benadryl twice a day to relieve the itching
We decided to hold off on the potent, anti-fungal drugs to see if, with strict adherence to the routine, we could make some real progress without them.
Just to be sure of the treatment, I sent an email to the real experts–other rescuers! Members of the Westie Express Transport Group supplied ideas and successful programs for dealing with a skin problem of this magnitude. Within a day I had lots of solid information and a list of folks to contact for specific advice as I needed it.
I consider Angie Gittles of Capital Paws and WestieMed as my mentor on this rescue. The program the Vets and I agreed upon was one she has used with great success.
My one addition to the program was to put a size two toddler T-shirt on Shannon to make her more presentable to the outside world. It hid most of her bare skin. When we walked her, she got lots of pats and cooing as she won hearts in the Back Bay. The shirt also minimized the damage she was doing to her skin when she scratched. The downside of using a shirt is that it could hold in moisture which is not good for a fungal infection, so we used this with great care.
Once we all agreed to a few ground rules, Shannon became one of the most cooperative patients any rescuer could ask for.
Her first bath was a disaster. Shannon screamed like a banshee and struggled like we were trying to murder her. We quickly discovered that while she was terrified of being put into water, she didn’t mind if we poured water over her. We finished that bath with her standing on the kitchen counter for her fifteen-minute massage and rinsed her with buckets of water poured gently over her from behind.
Long walks in the city called for another agreement. Shannon had lost four pounds in the past 8 months. A lack of exercise has left her with very little muscle mass – she was not a strong pup. We were used to taking long walks with Maggie Mae and her pals. By day three, Shannon was sore and limping. So we agreed that she would walk a little and be carried a little. This proved to be easier than expected.
We have a group of doggie families who meet at a local cafe on a weekend morning to have breakfast together and then head out on a nice long walk with many puppy play breaks along the way. Miss Shannon came to love these outings. She would move from lap to lap at the cafe. Once on the road, we seldom carried her as one friend after another scooped her up and gave her a little rest and a big cuddle.
She settled right in to our home and seemed to improve every day. Soon we felt she was well enough to move on to her long-term foster home. Our continuing contribution to Shannon’s rescue will be to raise money for WestieMed to refill their coffers, so they are ready to help the next dog in need. Members of the Internet Group “The Great Westie Gathering” have already donated money for Shannon’s care and more donations are on the way. We are also keeping our eyes and ears open to find the perfect home for this special girl.
Part Three: Back to Dianne for long term foster care.
By the time my husband Frank and I took over her foster care, Shannon was free of all her scabs and smelled lovely for two to three days at a time. We could see the first signs of peach fuzz poking through. Shannon was still showing black skin, but she was gaining weight and eating well.
At our house, she was in the country. Shannon loved running through the doggy door out into the back yard. She mastered that doggy door the first day. Smart girl!!!!! She followed my two Westies: Rooney an eleven-year-old rescue and Annie an eight-year-old brat. (You know the type!!!)
A very important part of her treatment is a Malaseb shampoo bath every three days. Shannon is an angel when she has to stand in the sink for fifteen minutes while it gets absorbed.
She was on 25 mg of Benadryl to control the itching and inflammation. We were told to slowly wean her off it. By July 11, 2002, she was completely off Benadryl, had stopped all scratching, and was much more alert and active. We also began giving her one teaspoon of flaxseed oil. (a tip was given to us by North East Westie Rescue’s Jennifer Caffrey)
Angie of WestieMed also gave us some fabulous suggestions. One of the most effective was changing her diet to Science Diet Z/D — a low-allergen, synthetic-based protein food.
Shannon’s progress is amazing. Her skin and fur become softer every day. By July 16, 2002 she had put on two pounds and regained all of her muscle mass. She has hair growing on every part of her body except her eyes and nose!!!!!!!
She is not up for adoption yet. We want her fur to grow in a little more and want to continue to monitor her progress. Any potential owner must have the time to provide ongoing care. Shannon will need a weekly maintenance shampoo. Her ears need to be cleaned often, and she must get the proper food. But, this little girl is well on her way to becoming a little princess!!!!!
WestieMed has generously paid for her vet visits, supplies, shots and medication. They will also supply her with lots of Malaseb shampoo to pass on to her new owners.
Thank you WestieMed for approving the finances to enable North East Westie Rescue to carry through with Shannon’s Cinderella story.
Dianne Luistro & Penny Cherubino
Maggie – WestieMed Recipient
Update August 2002:
Shannon was adopted on August 11, 2002, by a wonderful family who has all the time in the world to devote to Shannon’s continuing care. Shannon also has a big brother dog named ” Spencer.” They both go to the beach on the weekends with their parents. Thank-you Westiemed and especially Angie who gave us the directions and formula to get Shannon well.
Dianne
Update December 2002:
My husband & I adopted Shannon (who we now call Maggie) in August from Dianne Luistro. She has brought so much happiness into our home & has flourished. At her last vet appointment she weighed 18 lbs., loves to eat, play & cuddle. She is still having her weekly baths & this week she went for her first grooming. She now looks like a show dog! The groomer said her fur was very full & healthy. She has won our hearts & has become best friends with Spenser (our Chessie). She gives him a run around the yard & he still hasn’t caught her! Just want to say thank you to all of you at Westie rescue for all the wonderful work you do.
Happy Holidays, Joan
Update January 2003: New Photos of Maggie
Maggie – WestieMed Recipient
Update June 2003:
Maggie is doing just great – she’s gotten fat and sassy! She is very comfortable in our home & has become quite affectionate. It seems as if she has always been here. I still have two unopened bottles of Malasab shampoo & if there is someone that needs it I would be happy to send them. The groomer uses her own shampoo & Maggie’s fur is beautiful. (when I can keep her clean, she loves to roll around outside!) I haven’t taken any new pictures, but when I do I’ll send some.
I received a call from a man in southern LA who said he had adopted a Westie from a local shelter. He went on to explain that after taking her to the vet and learning of her health problems he could not keep her and wanted to turn her over to rescue. Dave and Mary Shipman went to pick her up at the vet’s office and brought her along on a rescue transport to me. I was told that she had a bladder stone but had no idea how severe her condition was until Mary and Dave filled me in. The poor baby was completely incontinent and had to wear a diaper when indoors. She arrived on Sunday and we were at my vet’s door Monday morning. Surgery was done that afternoon and a two-inch stone was removed from her bladder. She had also been diagnosed as having a level three heart murmur, my vet could not find anything that serious and felt like it was a level one at most. No surgery required! She came home with me and the change was amazing, what a little sweetheart she is!
But Lilly’s troubles were not over, she is heartworm positive and began her treatment on 7-22-02. She is doing great so far and I expect a complete recovery!
I have no idea what circumstances led Lilly to that shelter… I can not see any behavior problems at all, she gets along well with my other Westies and loves to play. Now she has a family in her future that truly loves her, I am looking for that family now. 🙂
I have to say that without this help I would not have been able to continue with rescue until I raised additional funds somehow. Once again Westie Med has kept me afloat and I can not thank you all enough!!!
Laura Louisiana Westie Rescue
Update September 2, 2002:
Lilly was declared all clear of those nasty heartworms last week and was adopted this weekend. They are previous Westie owners, it was love at first sight!
Lilly – WestieMed Recipient
Update February 2003:
Lilly is doing great. She has fit in very well with our family, except for the cats of course. She has had no further medical problems except she favors her left rear leg. She loves to be the center of attention and doesn’t eat unless she is in the room with us. She sleeps at the end of our bed and has proven to be a good watchdog, although we haven’t found what she is barking at. She is also a skilled hunter with a heart. One day my wife let her in from the backyard with what looked like leaves in her mouth. It turned out to be a small bird that appeared to have no physical trauma though it was in shock.
We love Lilly and are very thankful for your assistance.
Sincerely, Bob and Gayla
Update June 2003:
Miss Lilly is doing great and has been a wonderful part of our family. She remains heartworm free. Gayla has really spoiled her. She loves to drink her water with ice in it and she thinks it is a real treat to drink out of a handheld cup. She eats special food supplied by our vet so that bladder infections can be avoided. She loves the attention that we give her. She does tend to be obsessive-compulsive especially where our cats are concerned. We keep them separated, not knowing who would be the winner in a confrontation. She has been such a blessing to us and we thank you so much for helping us find her.
Jake is a two-year-old male Westie with Juvenile Cataracts. He was bred by a backyard breeder and purchased as a puppy by a single woman. However, the owner’s health made it impossible for her to care him properly. She surrendered him to the Westie Rescue program of the West Highland White Terrier Club of California.
The rescue volunteer stated that Jake was the sweetest Westie she had ever seen. She took Jake to a veterinary ophthalmologist to determine if anything could be done for his complete blindness. Jake contentedly sat on her lap at the doctor’s office, he was friendly with other dogs and cats and he let the doctor and staff do the evaluation exam without a squirm or a cry. The ophthalmologist stated Jacob’s vision could be restored by removing the cataracts. Jake has no other health problems and his prognosis for a long and wonderful life was excellent.
Soon foster care was arranged for Jake. He was fostered by a retired schoolteacher who was committed to take care of him before, during, and after the surgery to restore his vision. The surgery was scheduled for July 30, 2002.
After Jake’s surgery we received the following message: “Jake’s surgery went well. They were able to do both eyes. He is being treated with oral medication and several different eye drops. The day after surgery they tested Jake on the obstacle course and he did extremely well, both in bright and dim light. Everyone at the doctor’s office thinks he’s a wonderful dog. He’s so patient when they examine him. He never whimpers, growls or tries to squirm off the table. When I take him out to the yard he seems quite amazed by the world he’s able to see.”
WestieMed is pleased to help defray the medical costs to restore Jake’s vision.
August 2002:
We took Jake to Spokane yesterday for his three week check and he’s doing GREAT!! The doctor is very pleased with his progress and he’s the best patient they’ve ever had. Everyone in the office loves him. His eyes are clear, bright and shiny now and he can run around the yard and play and doesn’t run into things. I’m so happy for him. He’s such a wonderful companion. I want to thank you (WHWTCC Westie Rescue) so much for placing him with me and a HUGE THANK YOU to WestieMed for financing his surgery.
Meghan was left at a shelter in Florida. She was first rescued by an Airedale rescue representative who turned her over to Westie Rescue. While in foster care, she started sneezing and having nose bleeds. Westie Rescue in Florida had her medically examined and the vet conducted extensive testing to determine the cause of the problem. It was determined that Meghan has an inoperable nasal cavity tumor. Meghan is in a long-term foster home and is doing great. WestieMed is happy to have been able to financially help with Meghan’s diagnostic costs.
TISSUE ALERT
November 2002:
It is with a great deal of sadness that we share with you the news that Meghan has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. The cancer was overtaking her little body and it was just too much for her.
Over the summer, Meghan’s vet attempted to debulk the tumor and get an idea of how invasive it had become. The tumor was then starting to cause damage to her dental structures, skull structures, and even the roof of her mouth. The vet and Meghan’s wonderful foster mom Dana tried to keep it at bay with antibiotics – both injections and pills. They also tried some dexamethasone injections. That all seemed to help.
Meghan started to refuse food about three weeks ago, she completely refused the dog food. They began cooking for her…she liked pasta, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, tuna fish, she began refusing human food. We tried one more heavy dose of dex and antibiotics, but she wouldn’t start eating. She had dropped from twenty to fourteen and a half pounds. The only humane thing for me to do was put her to sleep.
Dana writes, “I miss her very much, I had her cremated and had her ashes returned to me. She was a wonderful dog. My father misses her terribly as well. Megan will always have a special place in my heart, she fought cancer the best she could, she gave it her all. Thank You so much for all you have done for Megan.”
Emma came into my life on June 15th. Emma is a rescue as her owners felt they could not deal with her skin allergies any longer. When Emma joined my brood (my two westies Kelsey is ten and Mollie is six) she was just a bundle of energy and fun!. I took Emma to my Vet to review her allergies, and schedule her for spaying. I put her on the ARF diet and she loved it! Within a week her skin was looking good and she was recuperating from her surgery. I did notice at this time though that Emma was walking much slower than she had. One night she just kept falling over, so I took her to the emergency Vet. They did a blood panel (good) and x-rays. The x-rays showed her left hip sock was basically gone. The Vet said she must have been in a lot of pain for quite some time. It just broke my heart to know this little one had been suffering for so long.
The next day, I took Emma’s diagnosis to our Rescue board, to ask for their approval for her surgery. A week later Emma was home, resting soundly. I did notice though after about a week she was still having a lot of difficultly walking, and when she was sitting her head would sway back and forth. I had to start to hand feed her, as she just had no energy/strength to do it on her own. Everyone I spoke to said this was not unusual given what she had just been through (with the hip surgery) and it would take her a few weeks to recover.
The next week I called my Vet and asked to bring her in for another follow up (she had had two since her surgery) as I just felt something was wrong. Later that night Emma started having seizures. I rushed her back to the Emergency Vet and they put her on Valium and Phenobarbital. . They asked to keep her overnight and to review her progress in the am, while they ran some tests.
I got home and just cried. I had never felt so helpless. I got on the Internet and started emailing breeders; Westie Club of America and Westie Med. Angie emailed me right back! She was just the shot in the arm I needed not to let any negative thoughts get the best of me!
The next day, I went in to see Emma, it was a heartbreaking sight. She was on Phenobarbital and was completely out of it. She was having involuntary muscle spasms. If I touched her the spasms increased. The Vet said so far all of her tests were normal, which ruled out epilepsy. The Vet said I should think about an MRI, as they believed at this point Emma’s condition was neurological.
I followed up with Westie Med and submitted Emma’s request for help. Westie Med moved so quickly, letting me know Emma was approved for her MRI within twenty-four hours! I can’t tell you how great it is to know so many cared about Emma and were there cheering her on!
Emma had her MRI and I came to see her later that day. The E-Vet said Emma had come thru just great and was actually sitting up, taking in water and food (which was a surprise to us all given where she had been twenty-four hours earlier).
MRI did show a lesion on her brain (in the back where her motor functions are, which did help to explain why she was having trouble walking). Also, there was a high level of white cells in her spinal fluid, which indicated she may have one of three possible infections: Distemper, GME, or Cancer (which was a distant third).
The E-Vet then shared that we could have sent her fluids out to be tested (to narrow down the cause) but they had missed the Fed-X delivery person and the fluids wouldn’t hold for another twenty-four hours. It was then I stepped in and took over. I said I would get the vials to Fed-X (even though the office manager insisted it was too late). I started calling around and found a Fed-X open until 8:00 pm, which gave me forty-five minutes to get there. Twenty-five minutes later (and still no packages) I headed back to the E-Vet area and said I would pack the vials myself as I had only twenty minutes to make it to the location. I started putting the Fed-X boxes together, while I “watched” the technicians put everything else together.
I arrived at the Fed-X location with five minutes to spare. When I got to the counter the agent asked me what I had. When I shared what it was she insisted on opening the boxes to see how they were packed. To make a long story short, they informed me they were not packed correctly and they wouldn’t go out. I explained the urgency, but unfortunately they said they could not let the boxes go out. I turned to the people in line behind me and asked them for help- Emma was truly blessed that night! Two people in line were medical supplies sales people and had everything I needed. We went out to the parking lot and re-packed the vials! The Fed-X team kept the office open for me!
The next day Emma was sitting up and off of all her IVs. The E-Vet started her on prednisolone (to help with the inflammation). They said if all went well she could come home. I brought Emma home last Saturday (6/29) and it was just great to have her home! I immediately started Emma on vitamins and minerals to pump up her immune system. I know how hard prednisolone is on the body, and the only way she was going to be able to fight this was with some help!
The first three days were very hard, as Emma needed to take her meds every couple of hours and needed to be carried to the grass to do her duty. I called on my neighbors and my critter sitter for help. I came home every day at lunch as well. By the fourth day, Emma had control of her bowel movements and was really trying to walk.
I took her to a holistic Vet and we started her on an acupuncture program. The next day (7/4) I was taking my dogs for a walk and Emma started barking up a storm, tail wagging all excited! Well, I couldn’t leave her home. So I called my neighbor and asked her if she could help me walk my dogs. I put Emma on the lawn with Cindy (my neighbor) and I went in to get my girls. Cindy called out that Emma was walking! I ran out to see, and she sure was! Now, I am not going to say the acupuncture was the cure, as she was definitely trying on her own before, but I can’t help but believe it did help her! Emma made it two blocks before she pooped out! During this time Emma’s test results (two of the three) have come back negative. The remaining one is the distemper test. The E-Vet said she believes it is GME (which is so rare no one knows much about it). All I know is that Emma is making great progress, I know I have to take one day at a time with her as I may only have her with me for a few months (if it is GME the prognosis is not good). But my little girl is walking, eating, playing, and in all ways a truly stubborn Westie!
I just want all of you to know HOW GREAT WESTIEMED IS! if it wasn’t for them, Emma would not be here right now – that I know for sure!
Lisa
Update January 2003:
Hello! Miss Emma is doing fantastic! All of her hair has grown back in, she is running, jumping and is all and all a normal, happy go lucky Westie!. She is a dedicated BARF eater, and (in my opinion) it has kept her healthy. As you know, many thought she had GME (which is fatal)…after six months she has beaten the odds (if she has it) and is very strong!
Update June 2003:
Emma is doing just great! She is big and healthy!. You can barely tell she could not walk, she runs and plays like all westies who are loved and incredibly spoiled!
It was perfect timing when Cathy Rubin of Rover Rescue stepped into the Carson Shelter. Poor Maxie was turned in by her owners for unknown reasons. She had a severe skin condition and was likely to be euthanized. It was difficult to tell that she was even a Westie with so much hair missing! She had such a loving personality that Cathy did not hesitate to rescue her. At the vet’s mange could not be ruled out. She was given the proper treatment for the possibility of mange while attempts were made to contact Westie rescue. Westie rescue was well versed in the skin problems of westies and was more than willing to take over her care. So, little Maxie is now under the wonderful care of Westie rescue where her condition will be cared for and a wonderful new home will be found.
June 2002:
I wanted to thank you again for your financial help with Maxie’s bill. As you know, rescue can be very expensive. With the reimbursement for her medical expenses, I can now save another dog in need!!
Very Truly Yours, Cathy Rubin, Founder of Rover Rescue
Update December 2002:
Missy is doing GREAT. We love her and so do the neighbors. My next-door neighbor lost their dog just about the same time our family lost our Abby. Since they have decided to add on to their house, they are going to wait until it is safe to get another family member. In the meantime, they have a lot of fun with Missy. I don’t know if you remember, but when I got Missy (Maxie) she had a skin problem and some of her hair was gone. Well, I’m happy to report that not only is she back to her normal weight, but she will have her second cut next week. The doctor said she is in perfect health and happy as could be. I don’t know how to do pictures through email but I will try. I would love to show you how happy she is and happy we are to have her.
Peter is a six-month-old Westie puppy who had been left outside tied to a car and was ultimately dragged by this car some distance before the driver realized what was happening.
Peter was rushed to the nearest vet to stabilize his wounds, and he was then transferred to a specialty vet hospital and put in ICU on IVs. Peter stayed in ICU for three days, then went to regular care, with wound dressings being changed every other day. Peter was surrendered to Westie Rescue of Austin, where he is getting continued care. His prognosis for recovery is excellent, with continued bandage changes for the next month. His skin will heal, although he may not re-grow much hair.
Peter has that wonderful Westie attitude of spunk, curiosity, and patience. He lets the vet do his changes, under anesthesia, and eagerly waits to go home again with his foster mom. He loves being with the other Westies in the foster home, although he has to be penned nearby so they don’t get too rough. He is anxious to join them as soon as he can with playtime.
Peter gets his own one-on-one playtime with his foster mom and can explore the backyard by himself. He shows no fear or aggression and should be a wonderful pet for a new family once he is released from the vet’s care and his wound sites have healed. Many thanks to the wonderful people at Westie Med for making sure his recovery is possible.
Update March 25, 2002:
All bandages are now off, and he is healing beautifully. He looks funny because he had been shaved where the injuries are, but nowhere else. He is getting better and better every day, and I let him play with the others for an hour or so at a time now. Throughout all this ordeal, he has not had but one potty accident in the house in the three weeks I have had him!! He is so well trained!!
Update April 12, 2002:
Great News! Peter has been discharged from vet care and is healing beautifully on his own now. With the help of WestieMed, we were able to expedite Peter’s care and he didn’t need surgery after all. And the total of the bills came in at less than expected/authorized by the WestieMed Board. Thank you so very much for that much-needed and critical financial assistance.
Peter’s hair is growing back in over the scarred areas and the hairless parts will be hardly noticeable at all. The only problems he has now are the toes that were broken, which are now sticking out at odd angles. My vet says there is scar tissue between the toes that is causing that. He felt as additional healing takes place the toes might realign themselves in a more natural position.
Again, thank you for your wonderful help in making Peter’s recovery possible!
Update May 4, 2002:
I am happy to tell you that Peter has been adopted by a family that recently lost their older Westie due to cancer and they are all elated to have Peter in their family now. It was love at first sight, and Peter took to them immediately. He went trotting off with his new Dad and never even looked back over his shoulder!!
I loved caring for Peter these past three months, and it was difficult to let him go. I had so many qualified families ask about him, and the decision process was hard. Peter’s wound sites had healed very nicely, although he will always have the scars and minimal hair there. In time, he will have enough hair to cover all the bare spots and with good grooming, one will never know what he has been through.
Peter was a real trooper. He endured the many dressing changes with minimal complaints, and loved getting the petting and holding everyone gave him. He seems to not have had any residual traumatizing, and even was eager to go for car rides! I will miss that little fellow.
Barb Ott Westie Rescue/Austin
Willie – WestieMed Recipient
Update July 11, 2002:
My name is David K. and I am the one who adopted “Peter” that you so graciously helped stay in this world. I thought I would drop you a short note to let you know how “Peter” (his new name is Willie) is doing.
I adopted Willie on May 4th of this year after quite a bit of correspondence with Barbara Ott of Austin Westie Rescue. Since his first few minutes with me, I could tell that he is one lucky and special pup. I would have thought that with all the trauma he had gone through that he would be leery of just about everything. I’m glad I was wrong. True to Westie form, he loves going in the car and being my shadow. Chasing squirrels and stray cats is also a love of his. He is a very normal and loving Westie and I thank everyone who participated in his recovery. I will cherish him until the day we go our separate ways.
Thanks again, David K.
Willie – WestieMed Recipient
Update December 4, 2002:
Just a short note to let you know that Willie celebrated his first birthday with a few friends. We all had fun and Willie really enjoys playing ball and tug-o-war with us and his best friend Sampson (my girlfriend’s Golden Retriever). He is doing so well that he is now starting to run the household as my last Westie did. He is an absolutely loving dog and I really think he knows just how lucky he is to have friends like you.
Thanks again, David K.
Update March 30, 2010:
It is with deep sadness that I have to tell you that Willie (AKA Peter) has gone to the rainbow bridge.
He developed an inoperable tumor in his colon area and that led to total renal failure.
Your organization made a great decision to help with his previous injuries. He couldn’t have been a better dog.
His two brothers and sister will miss him as much as Lisa and I.
He always showed us great courage and love. He will be beside my other Westie (Kip) at the rainbow bridge.
Regards, David
Peter’s early photos are graphic and could be very upsetting to some. Please do not view the photos if you are easily upset.
Kati was a stray Westie not wearing a collar or any identification when she was hit by a car. She was taken to a veterinary hospital for emergency treatment of her fractured pelvis and badly lacerated leg.
At that point a Guardian Angel stepped into Kati’s life. A man was at the same hospital visiting his dog who was recuperating from surgery when he saw Kati being treated. When the hospital staff told him Kati was a stray, he immediately offered to adopt Kati despite knowing she would need orthopedic surgery for her injuries. During the requisite waiting period for strays, Kati’s previous owner did not claim her and the man was able to adopt her.
Kati did not appear mistreated or undernourished and is not frightened by strangers or other dogs. She seems to love people and gets along with her new owner’s dogs
After adoption, Kati’s new owner took her back to the clinic for a wellness exam, basic shots and heartworm check. The attending vet discovered that her tail was infected and it needed to be surgically “truncated.” While Kati was under anesthesia for the procedure, the vet also checked her teeth and found several badly abscessed molars. Six teeth were removed and the abscesses were treated.
Kati is recovering and healing nicely. The stitches will be removed from her leg and tail over the next two weeks. However, healing of her pelvis and hip is expected to take longer. Orthopedic surgery is anticipated in the future to repair the damage to her hip and pelvis when the wounds are healed.
Kati – WestieMed Recipient
Update September 2002:
Kati is doing wonderfully, thank you, and has established herself as the alpha-dog-in-waiting among our pack. She has totally subjugated our latest, a black lab puppy named Jack who now outweighs her by forty plus pounds, and is the undisputed head of the doggie fun patrol (if any dog is having fun without her, she breaks it up!). She has had no subsequent problems with the injuries that brought us together (Kismet?) and does not appear to need any additional orthopedic treatment, according to the docs at Pender Veterinary Clinic. Her amputated tail has healed completely and she has no trouble “communicating” with the stub, I can attest. She is, without a doubt, the yappiest dog I have ever heard, which is one of the reasons I like terrier breeds so much, and which drives my wife up the wall (an added benefit, from my perspective!…just kidding). She has a favorite spot at night, the pillow just above my head, from which she monitors and cows all the other dogs. She is also an avid squirrel hunter, along with our yellow lab, Sophie, and can spot one of those critters all the way across our 1-acre side yard. And, strangely, the first time I took her to the groomer she seemed to know where she was and what was going to happen…and was, from the groomer’s report, a little angel. I want to thank you again for making this “fit” possible, along with the local Westie Rescue League.
Keep up the good work…your program and related efforts are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, Ed, Sue and Kati (and, grudgingly, Sophie (lab), Toby (lab), Jack (lab), Pogo (Cairn Terrier), Donner (Shepherd-X), Barkely (Yorkie), Millie (Beagle) and Kila (Blue Front Amazon parrot).
Update February 4, 2003:
Kati is doing quite well, thanks to you and some wonderful vets at Pender Vet Clinic, although at times she seems a bit suicidal! By that, I mean that she thinks she’s the alpha dog…even though four of the other seven dogs outweigh her by forty pounds or more, and the other three are in her weight class! She is definitely an “in your face” kinda dog. The new black lab puppy, Jack, is ten months old and now weighs about eighty pounds…and he is her personal chew toy. I can’t believe how he puts up with the abuse, but he seems to enjoy it, and it keeps her from attacking the other dogs. At night, her spot is on the pillow above my head, which is the only place where I can be assured that she won’t sneak up on the other dogs while they’re sleeping. Except for the missing tail, there is no evidence of her past physical trauma…and she wags the stub like there’s no tomorrow! Rest assured, she has definitely come to the right house/paradise, and has provided endless hours of entertainment by way of earning her keep. Now, if I could just keep her from attacking Barkley, the Yorkie, things would be just fine. We don’t have a digital camera, but I’ll “snail-mail” a couple of photos to you, she’s a wonderful-looking Westie, even with the horns! Take care, and keep up the good work!
Ed & Sue Duclos (and, of course, Sophie, Toby, Jack, Pogo, Millie, Donner, Barkely…and Kati…oops, and Kila, the parrot, too)
Kati – WestieMed Recipient
Update February 2003:
As promised, here is a photo of “Kati” in all her glory. At the top of her list of “loves” are: the beach, Jack (the 80# black lab puppy(?)), visits to the groomer, snapping at the other dogs, and snoozing on the pillow above my head…and the list goes on and on. She combines the scrappiness of my sorely missed Schnauzers, the protectiveness of my chocolate lab, and the no-holds-barred “rub my belly and I’m yours” affection of my beagle. In short, a great dog and very welcome addition to our “pack”. Thanks to all the folks at WestieMed, the local Westie Rescue folks, and even the idiot prior owners of Kati for NOT coming to look for her after her accident. Take care and keep up the good work.
Dudley was found in an alley. He was deaf and blind and obviously in pain. Despite his condition, he was completely docile and was taken directly to the Emergency Vet.
Dudley’s eyes were covered with blackened, stiff, infection-caked fur. At first, we thought his eyes had been gouged out. His ears were entirely filled with something that had hardened; it felt as if he had a big thick cigar in each ear. The emergency vet said that apparently, he had been standing in his urine in a cage for some time because his paws were stained yellow. His coat and skin smelled awful and his skin was full of scabs. After about two hours at the vet, they washed him and shaved and cleaned his face and ears, and dispensed one mg of Azium and 100 mg Polyflux, Clavamox 125 mg. for fourteen days, Panalog ointment fifteen ml, Triple antibiotic OO. We were told that one of the technicians was so disheartened at seeing his condition, she cried.
A couple of days later, we took him to our vet where they kept him for observation for the day. He has cataracts and his eyes still discharge gunk. Our vet told us he has a heart murmur and that we need to take him to a cardiologist. She said he also needs an ophthalmologic workup and a dermatological consult. A few days later, we brought him in for a follow-up check-up and he seemed to be progressing. A few days following that, he started limping, refusing to step on his left front paw. The vet dispensed Synotic w/Linc/Banamin and Baytril 68 mg. He’s now walking better, but his paw is still swollen.
Dudley’s recommended course of treatment is a cardiac workup due to heart murmur; ophthalmic workup due to eye discharge, cornea problems, and blindness; and dermatology consult due to pododermatitis, seborrheaoleosa, alopecia. allergies.
Update – May 2002:
Please accept and extend to the board of WestieMed, our heartfelt gratitude for the financial aid that made Dudley’s medical rehabilitation possible. I honestly don’t know what we would have done with this little stray Westie, had you not been there for him and us.
Each day Dudley gets better and better… and feistier. This past Sunday, he made his debut at a neighborhood sixty-family garage sale. He was quite the celebrity as he amazed neighbors who had seen him on that fateful day when he landed in our alley. They were astounded at how much healthier he appeared. When garage sale customers inquired if Dudley was available, they were told in no uncertain terms that they could take husband Tom, but never Dudley!
While Dudley continues to need work on his ears, eyes, paws, allergies, and teeth, we’re thrilled with the progress he has made. His Westie spirit and determination are inspirational.
We cannot thank you enough for your generosity and compassion.
Gratefully, Dudley, Tom and Linda Leahy
Dudley – WestieMed Recipient
Update – June 2002:
Just wanted to send a new “after” picture of Dudley to show the improvement from his “before” picture taken in March. Again, thank you and WestieMed for all your amazing help.
Linda
Update – October 2002:
Dudley has definitely settled in with us and has managed to successfully train both Tom and me.
We cannot thank all of you enough at WestieMed for your financial and emotional support in helping Dudley move forward. I don’t know what we would have done had you not been there for him.
On the health front, Dudley’s eyes are coming along. We administer three meds three times a day. His ears are not faring as well in that the cartilage continues to harden. We’re hoping that he won’t need to undergo surgery, but it looks likely. We’ll learn the verdict this Saturday from his dermatologist Dr. Karen Kuhl.
On the behavioral front, we went through a period when if Dudley was sitting on the bed or sofa with Linda, and Tom would enter the room he would snarl and lunge at Tom. This protective (or so we guessed) behavior made us think he might have spent time in bed with a sick or dying person prior to his abandonment. When we realize how little he can see and hear, it’s amazing he doesn’t snarl more to changes in his environment. The good news is that he no longer snarls at Tom.
Our only challenge is his bladder control. He can’t seem to go for any length of time without urinating. During the day, we manage to get him out frequently. At night it’s a different story. We would really appreciate any advice you might be able too offer. We take him out between 11.00 and 11:30 p.m. and then he happily saunters into his crate next to our bed. He awakens at 4:00 a.m. and howls non-stop to go out. This incites our other dog Baka who is crated on the other side of our bed. They then make it a ceaseless doggy duet. If we don’t crate Dudley at night, we have several accidents. Any suggestions?
Please know how much we treasure all that you’ve done to help us.
Gratefully, Tom and Linda Leahy Dudley’s Devoted Humans
Update – March 2003:
It is approaching a year since Dudley came into our lives. We will celebrate his arrival–aka birthday–on March 17. Thanks to WestieMed, he is healthy and thriving.
Although his eyes and ears still operate at about 50%, he has learned to sit and stay. His vocabulary includes “dinner,” “go get Daddy,” “let’s go out,” “it’s time for bed,” and “do you want to go for a walk?”
Once again, we can’t thank you enough at WestieMed for helping Dudley and us.
