IN MEMORY OF CONNER 9/26/00 – 5/31/01
Conner was a three-month-old pet store reject when he was given to Westie Rescue of Missouri in December 2000.
Conner was consigned by his breeder to a pet store in Gladstone, Missouri. While Conner was at the pet store in November 2000, he developed a bladder control problem and was returned to the breeder.
The breeder couldn’t isolate the source of Conner’s problem, so she turned him over to Westie Rescue, thinking that Conner might require surgery which she couldn’t afford.
The vet examined Conner and advised that (1) he had a bladder infection; or (2) he was having control problems because he was so young; or (3) he had neurological damage and was not a good candidate for surgery.
Hoping for the best, Conner was started on a course of antibiodics and there was improvement. Although Conner still had some control problems, it was believed that the problems were associated with a bladder infection and his young age. He was not showing any signs of neurological damage.
With his rapid improvement, Westie Rescue felt comfortable placing Conner for adoption. Conner found a wonderful home with Bonnie and Doug in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bonnie and Doug head the Scottie rescue efforts in Oklahoma and wanted to adopt a Westie rescue puppy.
Conner’s problems did not improve with age. Although he worked very hard at his housebreaking routines, he had only limited control and dribbled constantly. Bonnie had a specialist examine Conner and it was determined that he had an entopic ureter — a genetic problem in Westies. However, there was a possibility that his condition could be corrected with surgery. Initial estimates were that there was an 80% chance that surgery for Conner would be successful. Bonnie made arrangements to send Conner to California for this highly specialized surgery. The cost of the surgery was close to $2,000. WestieMed graciously offered their help. In the meantime, Conner was confined to wearing a diaper or a belly band to prevent his constant dribbling.
On May 28, 2001, Vicky, a rescue foster mom, flew with Conner out to the Cal-Davis Medical School in California. On Tuesday, May 29th, the reports began coming back and they were not good: Conner’s sphincter was below half strength; his kidneys could be involved; his bladder was grossly mishaped; he had a very unusual urinary tract; and the vets could find no evidence of a prostate. Additional tests and consultations were made on Wednesday, May 30th.
On Thursday, May 31st, the decision was made that there was no surgery that could help Conner. His condition could only deteriorate further. The doctors asked Bonnie and Doug to donate little Conner to the vet school in the hope that his passing would provide them with greater knowledge so that they might be able to help other dogs in the future.
Conner left us May 31st for his place on the Rainbow Bridge. All of us who knew and loved this wee little dog have lost a part of ourselves with his passing.
Conner was a puppy mill dog. Like his parents who are still in the mills, Conner was a victim of the greed that possesses millers to breed dogs without any consideration of the consequences. Every year puppy millers create hundreds of other babies who carry genetic defects. And rescue groups and loving families give their hearts and souls to these beautiful babies. . .fighting to keep them alive.
Until we stamp out the puppy mills — and the pet stores that keep them in business — we will continue to see more little Conners, more fights for survival, and more hearts broken.
Conner
May 2001:
IN MEMORY OF CONNER 9/26/00 – 5/31/01
Conner was a three-month-old pet store reject when he was given to Westie Rescue of Missouri in December 2000.
Conner was consigned by his breeder to a pet store in Gladstone, Missouri. While Conner was at the pet store in November 2000, he developed a bladder control problem and was returned to the breeder.
The breeder couldn’t isolate the source of Conner’s problem, so she turned him over to Westie Rescue, thinking that Conner might require surgery which she couldn’t afford.
The vet examined Conner and advised that (1) he had a bladder infection; or (2) he was having control problems because he was so young; or (3) he had neurological damage and was not a good candidate for surgery.
Hoping for the best, Conner was started on a course of antibiodics and there was improvement. Although Conner still had some control problems, it was believed that the problems were associated with a bladder infection and his young age. He was not showing any signs of neurological damage.
With his rapid improvement, Westie Rescue felt comfortable placing Conner for adoption. Conner found a wonderful home with Bonnie and Doug in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bonnie and Doug head the Scottie rescue efforts in Oklahoma and wanted to adopt a Westie rescue puppy.
Conner’s problems did not improve with age. Although he worked very hard at his housebreaking routines, he had only limited control and dribbled constantly. Bonnie had a specialist examine Conner and it was determined that he had an entopic ureter — a genetic problem in Westies. However, there was a possibility that his condition could be corrected with surgery. Initial estimates were that there was an 80% chance that surgery for Conner wouold be successful. Bonnie made arrangements to send Conner to California for this highly specialized surgery. The cost of the surgery was close to $2,000. WestieMed graciously offered their help. In the meantime, Conner was confined to wearing a diaper or a belly band to prevent his constant dribbling.
On May 28, 2001, Vicky, a rescue foster mom, flew with Conner out to the Cal-Davis Medical School in California. On Tuesday, May 29th, the reports began coming back and they were not good: Conner’s sphincter was below half strength; his kidneys could be involved; his bladder was grossly mishaped; he had a very unusual urinary tract; and the vets could find no evidence of a prostate. Additional tests and consultations were made on Wednesday, May 30th.
On Thursday, May 31st, the decision was made that there was no surgery that could help Conner. His condition could only deteriorate further. The doctors asked Bonnie and Doug to donate little Conner to the vet school in the hope that his passing would provide them with greater knowledge so that they might be able to help other dogs in the future.
Conner left us May 31st for his place on the Rainbow Bridge. All of us who knew and loved this wee little dog have lost a part of ourselves with his passing.
Conner was a puppy mill dog. Like his parents who are still in the mills, Conner was a victim of the greed that possesses millers to breed dogs without any consideration of the consequences. Every year puppy millers create hundreds of other babies who carry genetic defects. And rescue groups and loving families give their hearts and souls to these beautiful babies. . .fighting to keep them alive.
Until we stamp out the puppy mills — and the pet stores that keep them in business — we will continue to see more little Conners, more fights for survival, and more hearts are broken.
Brodia (Formely Sebastian)
Sebastian is a beautiful, sweet, funny, little five-year-old Westie who was turned over to rescue by his previous owners who divorced and neither one wanted him. He had not been kept current on his shots, heartworm medication, nor was he neutered. Westie Rescue promptly took care of those matters.
On the evening of July 18, 2001, while in foster care, Sebastian went out in the yard to potty, came back in ten minutes later and collapsed. He was vomiting, defecating and was unresponsive. He was immediately taken to the Emergency Room. It was thought that he had been poisoned and was in shock.
The ER vet sent me home with instructions to call back for bloodwork. I called later that night and was told he had high levels of calcium in his blood which could only be caused by two things. Rat poison or cancer. The ER vet was not sure he would make it through the night, I was devastated. But he did, and I picked him up at 7 a.m. the next morning and went straight to my vet. With tests, they were able to rule out the rat poisoning (which was a huge relief in itself, I thought someone had intentionally poisoned him, we do not have poisons in our home). X-rays showed a mass in the liver area but because Sebastian had another episode that afternoon, surgery had to be delayed. Again the vet did not think he would pull through, but he did! On July 24, 2001, he had a transfusion and exploratory surgery. No cancer was found, what appeared to be a mass was actually scar tissue – the colon has adhered to the abdomen wall. My vet feels like Sebastian suffered some kind of traumatic injury during his life. (I have since contacted one of the previous owners and, of course, they deny this…) Sebastian was able to come home a few days later and has had no further incidents. My vet feels like we may never know what caused Sebastian to go in to shock as he did.
Sebastian has since been adopted and has a wonderful new Mom and Westie sister!
Thank you WestieMed! Without your help with this major expense, my ability to help other rescue Westies would have been much more difficult.
Laura Ardoin Louisiana Westie Rescue
Update July 2002
Well, it has almost been a year since my adoption of Brodie (Sebastian). We have moved into our house and finally, Brodie and Celtie have a backyard. Many times I have thought of how lucky I am to have adopted a dog with such a wonderful temperament. He is a wonderful dog and I can’t thank you (WHWTCC Westie Rescue) enough for giving us this opportunity.
I hope things are going well with you, Amanda H. Celtie and Brodie too.
Romie
February 2001:
Romie, now eight months old, was rescued from a woman in Washington state who claimed she was going to put her two-month-old puppy to sleep because she could not find him a home. When rescued, it was apparent that Romie was very sick.
The vet ultimately diagnosed giardia, then it was treated, and cured. Things were going great until six months later, or this January, he lost his appetite greatly. He was very tired, lethargic, he constantly vomited, and had the shakes. Anything he tried to eat or drink was thrown up. Even if he did not eat or drink, he would throw up bile and acid. He would hide under the bed or in the corner. He was also dehydrated and depressed. Due to his constant nausea, he eventually refused to eat or drink anymore.
He was taken back to the vet with the thought that maybe he swallowed a foreign object. Blood work and x-rays were taken. There were no indications of any foreign objects. He was also hospitalized overnight a couple of times, given antispasmotic injections and such. Nothing was working. Then an exploratory laparotomy was done. They found an enlarged fatty tissue located slightly behind the stomach and near the entrance of the small intestine. It was still unknown if that was what the problem was. He was hospitalized for one week and was on fluid therapy. He came out and seemed fine for about a week and was given special canned food. He was still very lethargic. Then he started to throw up constantly once again. He also refused to eat. Once again, he was given injections that did nothing. A second doctor looked at him and recommended him getting tested for Addison’s Disease.
The results came in and sure enough, Romie was suffering from hypoadrenocortism (Addison’s Disease).
Meanwhile, Romie lost six pounds from an original twenty-one.
Romie’s vet bills, along with the required monthly medication, are very costly. WestieMed is glad to have been able to help defray some of those costs.
Romie
Romie, now eight months old, was rescued from a woman in Washington state who claimed she was going to put her two-month-old puppy to sleep because she could not find him a home. When rescued, it was apparent that Romie was very sick.
The vet ultimately diagnosed giardia, then it was treated, and cured. Things were going great until six months later, or this January, he lost his appetite greatly. He was very tired, lethargic, he constantly vomited, and had the shakes. Anything he tried to eat or drink was thrown up. Even if he did not eat or drink, he would throw up bile and acid. He would hide under the bed or in the corner. He was also dehydrated and depressed. Due to his constant nausea, he eventually refused to eat or drink anymore.
He was taken back to the vet with the thought that maybe he swallowed a foreign object. Blood work and x-rays were taken. There were no indications of any foreign objects. He was also hospitalized overnight a couple of times, given antispasmotic injections and such. Nothing was working. Then an exploratory laparotomy was done. They found an enlarged fatty tissue located slightly behind the stomach and near the entrance of the small intestine. It was still unknown if that was what the problem was. He was hospitalized for one week and was on fluid therapy. He came out and seemed fine for about a week and was given special canned food. He was still very lethargic. Then he started to throw up constantly once again. He also refused to eat. Once again, he was given injections that did nothing. A second doctor looked at him and recommended him getting tested for Addison’s Disease.
The results came in and sure enough, Romie was suffering from hypoadrenocortism (Addison’s Disease).
Meanwhile, Romie lost six pounds from an original twenty-one.
Romie’s vet bills, along with the required monthly medication, are very costly. WestieMed is glad to have been able to help defray some of those costs.
DACHARY Rainbow Bridge 2/27/06
December 2000:
Dachary was one of four Westies that were given up to Westie Rescue. They ranged in age from the youngest at four years old to Dachary at nine years young! The rescue was told that the dogs were all “healthy” – this proved not to be the case.
Dachary was in the worst physical condition of the four. Her problems were many. A visit to the veterinarian revealed the following:
- Severe long-standing ear infections – ear canals totally closed – hearing loss
- Dry eye with permanent scarring on the cornea
- Terrible gum infection – missing, rotten, and broken teeth
- Skin problems
- Tumors on or near mammary glands – possibly precancerous
In the hands of the rescue group of the West Highland White Terrier Club of California (WHWTCC), and with financial assistance from WestieMed, Dachary’s treatment began. While under anesthesia the tumors were biopsied, the ears were treated, and she was spayed. Westie Angels were looking out for Dachary as all the biopsies came back benign!! Her caring veterinarian did the teeth cleaning and extractions at no charge to the California club.
The WHWTCC rescue group thought they would have a difficult time placing Dachary due to her age and special needs involving her ears and eyes but they had TWO families interested in adopting this special Westie. They made their decision and Dachary’s new owners think she is the sweetest dog in the world – even if she is “high maintenance”!
Dachary’s medical bills were quite large. WestieMed was a significant factor in getting Dachary the treatment she needed to be healthy enough to be adopted. The West Highland White Terrier Club of California along with Dachary’s new family would like to extend their gratitude to WestieMed for their generosity.
Update September 2002
Here is a photo of Dachary and her family at “Westie Festie.” As you can see, we are all very happy.
Sincerely Susan S.
Update March 2006
Dear Westiemed:
I sent the message below to Westie Rescue earlier tonight:
I am sorry to report to you that Dachary, who you brought to us in 2000, died Monday from pneumonia at nearly 16 years of age.
Although she was ill for the last few days, she was spunky and Westie-like up to that point. Her passing was peaceful and she was in the company of those who loved her when it happened.
On behalf of my wife, my son, and myself, I want to express our profound thanks and appreciation to Elaine Delgado and everyone at Westie Rescue for allowing us the opportunity to have this wonderful companion for five-plus years.
We loved Dachary very much. There is no way to express fully how much joy, warmth, laughter, and relief from the heartache she brought to us. We are grief-stricken at her loss but will cherish for years to come to the many wonderful memories she provided.
Again, thank you for bringing Dachary to us. A check-in her memory is on its way to you to support your worthy efforts. We hope that the contribution will help others to experience the pleasurable insanity of having a Westie in one’s life.
We are equally grateful to your fine organization. If not for your hard work in restoring Dach to health, we would not have been able to adopt her and have this wonderful experience. A check-in Dach’s memory is on its way to you also. It is nice to see that she is still on your website, and we hope she will stay there a while longer.
Many thanks,
The Simon Family
In Memory of GOOBER 6/21/00 – 7/19/01
November 2000:
Goober was born on June 21, 2000, was brought to a vet’s office on August 4th and stayed there until being released to me (his foster Mom) on November 15th, where he is in long-term foster care and being given lots of love and proper medical care.
Goober was born to a breeder in New Jersey who realized he had a medical problem at six weeks of age. The breeder asked his friend, a vet, to do a complete physical. At first, it was thought that he had bloat, irritable bowel syndrome, and/or hypoglycemia. From the middle of August until the beginning of November, Goober was treated for irritable bowels (not knowing his problems had nothing to do with his bowels). Frustrated because Goober’s condition was not improving, the breeder turned Goober over to the vet’s office as he could no longer physically care – or afford to care – for Goober. The staff at the vet’s office convinced the vet not to put Goober down, but rather to continue to treat him in an effort to save his life.
When he was four months old, the vet decided to have a small animal surgeon take a look at him, and it was determined that he has hemivertebrae, a condition that results from the failure of a vertebral body to develop fully. Some dogs with this condition become totally paralyzed and are usually accompanied by compensatory changes in the shape of adjacent vertebrae. Disc spaces are preserved, although they may be misshapen and some ribs often appear crowded. If it is severe enough to cause clinical neurologic signs, surgery may be necessary.
Ultimately, the folks at WestieMed learned of Goober’s medical needs and his need for a “special” foster home to tend to his needs. WestieMed has kindly agreed to sponsor Goober and has made it possible for him to receive the best medical care for his condition. In order to determine the severity of his disorder, a myelogram or MRI must be performed, but the current specialist doesn’t want to perform the tests until Goober reaches at least ten months of age; it’s just too much of a risk at his young age.
Goober is now five months old and since being removed from the cage at the vet’s office, he has thrived in a loving home with two westie sisters and one brother (Maggie, Phoebe, and Finnegan). Goober is not able to fully enjoy all fun puppy antics, but he does manage to fill his life with toys, shoelaces, and lots of TLC. Goober’s rear section doesn’t seem to work too well, but he doesn’t really know that. He is taking prednisone to help alleviate the pain associated with his condition.
When I picked up Goober, I was told he might have one day, one week or one month to live, no one could tell. I was told his condition is inoperable and nothing can be done for him, just bring him home and give him lots of love until it’s time for him to cross the Bridge.
Now we believe that Goober has a good chance of making it without a life of severe pain and total paralysis. We believe he will be one of the lucky ones to live with this condition and have a long and happy life. One look in his smiling eyes and we know we’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe and happy.
Kathy McNulty, Easton, Pennsylvania
UPDATE: February 15, 2001
Goober had an emergency myelogram and surgery today due to his condition worsening in the past several days. The compression in his spine turned out to be much worse than originally thought; however, it was operable! Goober’s prognosis is not known at this point, but it may be at least six months before he regains the use of his rear legs. In the meantime, he will need physical therapy and lots of medical care and attention.
DON’T CRY, MOMMY Don’t cry, Mommy, I’m okay! The Angels came, I couldn’t stay. God brought me home, He loves me, too! He said that I can Watch over you. I know you love me, I love you, too. That’s why I’ll do My best for you. That’s my new job, To wait for you Until you come, Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll run and romp, And play with glee! (I’ll lift my leg, When I have to pee!) But most of all, I’ll guard you well. I’m up here watching, Can’t you tell? Think of me, I’ll hear your voice. And know you made The perfect choice. You saved me once, I’ll not forget! You took care of me, But better yet: You loved me.
Jill P. Schlarb July 19, 2001
UPDATE: Tuesday, July 17, 2001
To let you know Goober made it through another surgery fine. His knee cap is now located on his knee and held in place with two pins. He is now also neutered. I’ll call in the morning to see how he’s doing and might be able to bring him home tomorrow afternoon. Goober’s never been able to lift his head to look up while standing, lift a leg to “wet a bush” or even go up or down steps or stairs. One of these days I envision him looking up at me and running out and in the door with his brother and sisters and not have to wait to be picked up and placed in the yard. One day he’ll run with the “big guys” and love every second of it. And, if wishes come true – one day he’ll even be able to wet that bush, too!
UPDATE: Thursday, July 19, 2001
It is with deep sadness that I write that Goober went to the Rainbow Bridge early this morning. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and had to go to the Emergency Room. It seems he developed a quick infection and it got the best of him. His little body just couldn’t take it anymore.
Deepest thanks go out to everyone who gave Goober a second chance at life. He had a great 13 months, considering all of his problems. He touched and inspired so many people with his courage and will to live. He will live forever within our hearts.
On August 3, 2001, WestieMed established the Goober Memorial Fund. This Fund was established for the purpose of helping other rescued Westies with congenital orthopedic conditions. Donations in Goober’s memory can be directed to the Goober Memorial Fund.
Wesley
October 2000:
We received our lovable Westie, Wesley, on July 8, 2000. The Westie Rescue service said Wesley came from an abusive/neglectful home. He was suffering from severe lung problems and was never properly treated for a broken leg. Arthritis had set in to the legs and hip area. Most importantly, Wesley was hospitalized for pneumonia in February, but these effects were still plaguing him. He was put on antibiotics to help the lung infection but all efforts were failing.
Wesley was sent to a internal medicine specialist where it was determined that he was suffering from chronic bronchitis. The course of treatment included a trachael wash which would swipe his lungs and determine exactly what treatment needed to take place to stop the “crackling” and coughing from his chest. In October, Wesley was finally medically stable enough to have the trachael wash done, and was also neutered at the same time. The rescue service believes Wesley is around 10 years old but we know that he has many happy years ahead of him!
The tracheal wash determined his lungs were still severely infected and inflamed and he has been put on more aggressive antibiotics to rid him of this problem once and for all. Wesley has also been put on medication for his arthritis which couldn’t be done until they determined what was wrong with his lungs. We know Wesley feels like a new dog since he’s been with us these last three months but we hope this will help him feel even happier and healthier.
Wesley has fit right in with our family. He loves his sister, another Westie we bought before Wesley. Madison is three years old and they love to wrestle and chase each other around the house. He also takes a daily walk with her around our neighborhood. They’re best friends.
Wesley seemed very hesitant of people when he first came to us, especially of men. He often hid behind furniture so he could feel safe when he feel asleep but as the weeks went by he came out of his shell and made his presence known. His Westie personality is shining through! He loves to spend time outside just looking around the neighborhood and barking at squirrels and rabbits. He loves to give kisses (he didn’t know what they were when he first came to us). He may be an older dog but we have taught him new tricks! He watches Madison and imitates her tricks, after all he knows if he does it he gets one of his favorite treats.
Wesley is a joy to have. He is absolutely spoiled rotten and loving it! Thanks to WestieMed and Westie Rescue of Greater Washington, MD, his medical costs have been covered – and they have been pretty expensive.
Second hand dogs do make first rate pets!
C.O., Hagerstown, Maryland
Lexus
September 2000:
Lexus, a product of a pet shop supplied by a puppy mill, is a ten-month-old pup who came into rescue with a twisted and fused jaw, unable to open her mouth more than an inch. Despite her circumstances, Lexus is full of life, has a wonderful Westie attitude, and loves to give kisses out of the side of her mouth as best she can.
Lexus’s condition is an inherited disease known as Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO) or osteoarthropathy, noncancerous growth of bone on the lower jaw bone or over the angle of the mandible and tympanic bulla. The disease is painful to the puppy and is usually first recognized when a puppy shows discomfort while chewing or when his mouth is being examined. The disease is most often recognized between the ages of four and seven months, but can occur as early as three to four weeks, and rarely as late as nine to ten months. Experienced breeders and veterinarians usually recognize it earlier than four months of age by clinical signs or by palpation.
WestieMed believes Lexus deserves a chance to live a full, normal life, and has approved the funding of her medical costs including emergency surgery to correct this deformity if appropriate.
Update: Dr. Padgett, the Radiology Department and two different surgeons from Michigan State University, (as well as surgeons from a number of other renowned hospitals) all looked at the CAT scans and they agree that surgery cannot be done. The musclature from the whole right side of the face would have to be removed to get to the hinge and then that also might have to be removed. This would leave the jaw hanging so there would be no real jaw function or jaw control.
Lexus will continue on prednisone treatment in the hopes that the boney growth will receed on its own. All of us at WestieMed are pulling for Lexus, and we are pleased to be able to help defray her medical costs associated with her medical care.
Lexus is adopted!
Update October 28, 2000: Well, it seems that we have been blessed again. Our new little girl has blended in beautifully with nary a hitch or harsh word. A seamless integration would be another way of saying it. She is a joy! What an inquisitive soul with boundless energy. Within a half hour of arrival she had explored every square foot of the house, both upstairs and down, that was not closed off by a gate or door. Today, I opened the dish washer and took out the lower basket to do some repairs on it. She jumped right into the washer to look around. She also inspects the refgrigerator whenever we open it.
She began adopting us on the way home, and completed the process within one day. Chowder and she found a playmate in each other immediately. Already she snuggles and snoozes on the couch with either Fay or me. The rest of the pack has accepted her without any problem. She guards the house against those pesky squirrels and chipmunks with keen eyesight and nose (a real hunter). We found out today that she has a very loud bark when she sees anything amiss. Last night she fussed a little when put her into the crate in the family room, so we covered the crate and said goodnight. She settled down immediately and didn’t stir until this morning. Amazing.
Today, she had two walks up and down our dead end street and several around the yard on the lead, with praise when she attended to her piddling. This evening, she went to the family room door and barked to go out so she could piddle! I fell asleep on the couch at about 10:30 with her on my lap. I woke up after about a half hour and found her at the other end of the couch, asleep and snuggled up to a blanket. Right above her on top of a rear cushion, also asleep, was Chowder with one leg draped over her. I grabbed the camera and took a picture. It should be priceless.
She certainly has a mind of her own. We were out on the deck this morning with all of the dogs, and her on a lead. I told her it was time to go back into the house and started to take her in. She strongly objected until we also went in. I think she is a tomboy, very strong and eager to roughhouse if we let her. She really enjoys playing peekaboo.
She had done very well with her eating. This morning, we gave her some softened food while the rest of the pack had its usual breakfast snack fruit from my cereal and toast with jelly). She finished her own and joined the rest of us looking for more. I tried her on a small piece of banana, and she inhaled it. She also made a lightning-fast pass at Barney and grabbed a piece of toast out of his mouth, somewhat to his displeasure. She had it broken up and swallowed in no time.
That’s about it. Will keep you posted.
A Message from Lexus’s rescuer…
This has sure made my week! Only possible because WestieMed was willing to give this little girl a chance at life! I must tell you.. if my hands weren’t so full right now, I almost wanted to keep her myself.. She is soo full of herself. She doesn’t have a clue that she has a handicap. I swore she was chewing on my hand. she was digging her teeth into my hand. She “chewed” on a toy the same way. Its amazing how she has adapted. She found a piece of kibble and was flipping it into the air and playing with it until she decided she should eat it.
As Sandy (a WestieMed Board member) once said.. she’s proud to be part of this group. So am I. Without it, Lexus wouldn’t have had a chance. How ever long her life may be, at least she will be happy, loved and well cared for.
Update August 2002
Background: My wife, Fay, and I first heard of Lexus through Nancy Schoch and Lucy Ryley in the summer of 2000. I logged on to the WestieMed web site and downloaded her photos and history. It was obvious that she needed some tender, loving care if she were to have a meaningful life. We decided that we would help if given the opportunity. Word came that Lexus was to be introduced at the Montgomery County, PA Westie show in early October, and that we would be able to adopt her after she returned to Massachusetts. Fay, Lucy and I drove to Nancy’s home on Cape Cod to meet our new little lady and bring her back to Connecticut. Lexus had a few scratches about the face and head, apparently arising from some disagreements with Nancy’s dogs. Nancy advised us that Lexus had aspirations of being an alpha dog, and that we would need to keep a tight rein in order to maintain peace in our pack. It was sage advice indeed!
We were not new to helping dogs in need. Twenty years ago, we adopted a young female Cairn terrier from the Groton, CT animal pound the day before she was to be put down. At about the same time, we adopted a female Westie from a private shelter in Granby, CT. They joined our existing pack consisting of a male Scottish terrier that we had purchased from a well-known breeder on Long Island, NY, and a male Westie that we had purchased at a local pet shop (before we became aware of the evils of the puppy mill trade). Soon after, we adopted a young female Westie that was given up by a Rhode Island family due to their unfounded fear that she was a danger to their toddler son (their unnecessary loss, our wonderful gain), and a young male Westie whose owner had retired from the U.S. Navy in Groton, CT and was moving to Florida. Whenever possible, we have retained an adopted dog’s original name.
At present, our pack consists of the following in addition to Lexus:
Barney – a twenty-two-pound male Cairn terrier mixed breed; not overweight, just large frame. He was abandoned at a veterinarian’s office in Rhode Island in 1994. A friend and former Westie breeder in Rhode Island took him home to her pack of fourteen Westies, rather than see him put down, then presented him to us. We know neither his lineage nor true age (the best guess is approximately fourteen years). Cataracts in both eyes have left him almost blind, but he is still an avid hunter of things that crawl (usually earthworms that surface when we do the gardening). He can make it upstairs but needs to be carried down. He always wears pants in the house due to some incontinence and his habit of leg lifting.
Katharine – a sixteen-pound, ten-year-old female Westie. She came to us in 1995 when our friend in Rhode Island, the one who brought Barney to us, had to give up her breeding activity. Katharine suffers from cataracts, and recently had a new lens implanted in one eye. It has made a remarkable improvement in her quality of life. She was named after Katharine Hayward, the legendary New England Westie breeder, and mentor.
Chowder – a twenty-five-pound, five-year-old male Westie. With a large frame and muscular build, he can easily clear a twenty-four-inch high hurdle. He came to us in 2000 when his owner in East Haddam, CT could no longer give him adequate time and affection. She provided his unusual name.
On with the Update…
Lexus can best be described as a lovable character, a scamp with a sense of humor. She is very independent and opinionated. There is rarely a dull moment when she is up and about. She continues to be very inquisitive, knows everything that goes on both indoors and out, and is extremely vocal on every subject that comes up. In other words, she is a busybody. Although she cannot use her teeth in the usual way, she is fearless in defending that which she considers hers. She craves the company of both dogs and people. Like any respectable Westie, Lexus likes to snuggle on pillows, especially if there is another pack member or pack leader with whom to share them. She sleeps on the bed with Mom and Katharine, and is usually the first up to greet the new day. Our vet, who viewed her year 2000 CAT scans while on a trip to Boston, tells us that she has no hearing capability on the right side, but she does very well with what exists on the left. What we have is a well-adjusted Westie bitch in excellent health that ignores her disability and enjoys life to the fullest. What a loss it would have been if the “experts” had succeeded in putting her down. Although she tries our patience at times, we feel fortunate in being able to offer her our affection and a chance to live up to her potential.
She loves to play in water. Above the waterfall at the garden pond are two shallow pools through which the recirculated water flows. She thinks they were made just for her to bathe in. We also keep a small plastic wading pool by the upper terrace garden with a few inches of water for her use on hot days. She is in and out of it constantly. Recently, she discovered that when we put on our swimsuits it means some fun in the swimming pool. Just try to get to the pool without including her!
She loves to smell and roll in flowers, and the gardens often show the result. She stands up, wraps her front legs around the stalks, and pulls the plants to the ground. Raccoons and woodchucks do this, but who ever heard of a dog following the same procedure.
She loves games, whether wrestling with soul mate Chowder as they play keep-away or with me as I play with Chowder and his tug toy. Since she cannot grip anything with her teeth, she has developed the procedure of wrapping her front legs around the target and holding on with surprising strength. If I happen to have a drink in my hand when she decides to arm wrestle me, the result can sometimes be very wet clothing. In the absence of a biting and chewing capability, she mashes things with her very sharp teeth: food, my hand when she wrestles, or toes that are not protected by shoes. Shoelaces can be untied very quickly when she intentionally snags them with her canine teeth. She and Chowder have a racetrack of sorts in the back yard: up and down the ledge, through the mountain laurel, and around the garden pond and lower terrace garden as they play tag. Naturally, they have to stop and bark when the swans come up the bank from the brook looking for a handout. Chasing squirrels and chipmunks and digging up voles are also considered exciting games.
She loves food of any kind, including some that smell very bad. Yes, she is a connoisseur of fine, fresh dung, her only major vice. This necessitates a constant watch for any tempting morsels and their prompt removal from temptation. She has not yet agreed with us that functions involving body waste should occur only in the grass. Consequently, the deck across the back of the house is not so affectionately referred to as the poop deck. Our only concessions to her disability occur at mealtime. To minimize the chance of choking, her dry food is small kibble only (softened) and we check for bones as we mince whatever meat augments her diet. Choking is a constant worry, as we would be unable to clear her airway due to her disability. Her dish is placed in a crate in the family room and the door is locked behind her to prevent the other dogs from harassing her during the approximately 30 minutes required to mash and lick up her food. During that time, she lets others know that they should not even approach the crate. When Lexus came to live with us, she weighed 14 pounds and had a very sparse coat. Slipping through the four-inch-wide space between the bars in the fence around the swimming pool was a problem that required installation of a temporary barricade. She has thrived on beef, chicken and venison, now has a thick coat, and weighs sixteen very firm, muscular pounds. As a result of her growth and weight gain, she can no longer slip through the swimming pool fence.
Our most heartfelt thanks to WestieMed for helping Lexus become a cherished member of our pack.
Ralph E. Slater Old Lyme, CT