I received a call from a “concerned person” who told me about some westies that were in a backyard breeding facility in upstate New York. The lady said the owner had contacted her about giving the westies up to rescue because the facility was being closed. Their owner described JoJo as a small breeding westie in good health.
I drove several hours and met the lady who contacted me. She had JoJo and another westie. JoJo was indeed a tiny westie weighing in at just over eleven pounds. She said the “owner” told her JoJo might possibly be pregnant. JoJo was current on her rabies shot and needed updating on all other inoculations.
The following day I took JoJo to my vet and he confirmed the fact that she indeed was pregnant. He could see three maybe four shapes. He was not concerned about her being in distress as she was running around and playing with westies. She seemed in good health. He gave her an antibiotic and also a vitamin.
JoJo went to her foster home shortly after that. As the weeks went by JoJo got bigger and seemed to be fine. One day she began throwing up and was taken to her new vet. The foster Mom worked for this vet. She ate a piece of rawhide and a chunk got stuck in her throat. The vet tried several things and finally removed the rawhide.
However, he had to do an emergency C-section due to JoJo’s delicate condition. She and the puppies would die without the surgery. The surgery was a success and five puppies were born prematurely. Unfortunately, all the puppies died within a week. They were simply too early.
On March 3, 2012, JoJo went to her forever home. She had a vet checkup today. She has gained some weight and is doing well.
Sincerely,
Bob Murphy Rescue Westies WPA
Update February 9, 2013
I adopted JoJo from Westie Rescue in Pittsburgh, PA.
JoJo is doing wonderful! Other than allergies she has no health problems. It’s just her and me and believes me she is quite spoiled, to say the least. She gets groomed every 8 weeks and has a wardrobe as large as mine! Her Steelers coat cost more than mine. LOL.
Thank you for helping JoJo, without WestieMed we would not be as happy as we are.
If not for a concerned human being, Jake might not have been with our rescue today. The woman who contacted us cared enough about him to talk his owner into surrendering him to her. She, in turn, took him to her vet for immediate care and then contacted us and took the steps to place him into our rescue program. This kind soul shared that the owner did not care about this little guy and she warned us he was in bad shape but nothing could prepare any of us involved in rescue for what was in store when we saw him at Montrose Animal Hospital, our rescue vets. He was two years old, weighed a minuscule ten pounds and the lesions on his body were indescribable.
Our veterinary clinic allows us to have rescues surrendered to them so Jake, as he is now known, was taken there. He was in such bad shape that it was necessary to shave him, but it was so painful that he had to be lightly sedated to reduce the trauma to him. Fur was trimmed away and it revealed inflamed and bleeding skin lesions. After all, was said and done, Jake had severe demodectic mange and secondary infections. He went into foster care with a litany of medications from ear drops, eye ointments, antibiotics to antifungals, and a de-wormer. Needless to say, neuter surgery was the least of the worries at this point and the goal was to get him stronger and back to the Westie “attitude” we Westie owners all love and know.
Jake’s foster mom was amazing. The amount of love and attention Jake received was over the top and went a long way in his healing process. He has never been left alone at home – he travels to work with foster mom or dad every day dressed in his sweaters to keep him warm until his coat grows back. Daily medicated baths have progressed to weekly baths to help his skin. Walks have been slow in evolving because his paw pads were so inflamed that it took time to get him to where he could comfortably take leash walks.
Jake – WestieMed Grant Recipient
We all thought this little guy was on the way to his new “forever” home because he was recovering from the mange – his fur coat was coming on strong and he was finally was able to be neutered. Unfortunately, Jake’s journey to health was not over by a long shot.
Jake started limping toward the end of February, and examination by the vet showed a luxating patella. The initial medical intervention included pain medication and crate rest but was ineffective, and surgery was required. Surgery was performed on March 16, 2012, and Jake’s prognosis is great. The vet indicated that all looks good and this should be the last of Jake’s issues. He is now ready to find that “forever” family.
Jake’s story and the journey is confirmation for why the members of our club do what we do. Westie Club of the South is an independent 501 (c)(3) club dedicated to helping our Westie companions. Funding to rescue and treat needy Westies is raised through our efforts alone. While we try to absorb the costs without assistance, Jake’s situation has been a challenge to us; hence, our request for assistance from WestieMed.
Cynthia Levine Chair Atlanta Westie Rescue Committee Westie Club of the South, Inc.
Update October 2, 2012
Jake – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Right after Jake was adopted, his little boy had to have corrective surgery on both legs. The photo of them in bed is right after the surgery. The doctors had to actually break both legs and re-set them. He spent two months in a wheelchair.
Jake – WestieMed Grant Recipient
As you can see from the other photo, he is now sans casts, and the best part is that he and Jake can run together.
If you will recall, Jake had no fur when he came into our program, but look at him now!
We are all so thankful that WestieMed has such a generous heart.
Cindy Levine, Chair Atlanta Westie Rescue Committee Westie Club of the South, Inc.
Update January 8, 2013
Jake – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Jake is doing great, not so fond of the cold rainy days but other than that he is fabulous. His skin looks terrific and he has grown so much fur. He limps some times but it doesn’t seem to bother him.
Jake is gorgeous, of course, but the photo with all his brothers and sister is just beautiful. There isn’t much to tell. Jake is the perfect Westie now that he is healthy. My thanks to WestieMed for your part in helping Jake.
Cindy Levine, Chair Atlanta Westie Rescue Committee
Pixie is a dog that was turned into Westie Rescue of Orange County and Beyond in March of 2011 by the son of her owner who had dementia. When she came to us, she was in severe distress from multiple infections and the most severe case of atopic dermatitis we have ever seen. She had a sweet demeanor and her big eyes looked into ours with a pleading cry of “please, help me.” So, she began the journey down her road to recovery.
Antibiotics, medicated baths, ear drops, and a special diet all contributed to Pixie’s recovery. But, the biggest and most dramatic improvements were seen when she started taking Atopica. We have worked with two different veterinarians and spent many months of trial adjusting the dosage and have settled on a dosage o 50mg. We have assurance from the vet this is a safe dosage for a dog who may live another ten years.
Pixie – WestieMed Grant Recipient
We, here at Westie Rescue, are ecstatic about the turn around this dog has made and thrilled that she is healthy again.
As you might imagine, it has been difficult placing Pixie in a permanent home due to the ongoing cost of the Atopica she needs to live a comfortable life. Just recently, a retired nurse has expressed interest in our little Pix.
It has been a very long journey for Pixie and we are very hopeful that she may finally find her perfect home. We will keep you updated.
Thank you all for funding our little Pixie. I cannot express how much we appreciate your generosity. Thank you again. Pixie sends kisses!!
Sincerely, Kay DeLoach President, WROC
Update February 6, 2013
Pixie spent 297 days with WROC and traveled a very long road to recovery. She emerged a beautiful Westie. She was adopted by a wonderful new Mom, Marge. Marge says that she took one look at Pixie and knew that it was meant to be.
Pixie continues to thrive but will need to take Atopica for the rest of her life. WROC set up a program for Marge, who is a senior, to purchase Atopica at half price. Thanks to the generosity of WestieMed, we were able to restore Pixie’s health and place her in a loving home.
Kay DeLoach Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond
Dudley came into Westie Rescue of Tennessee’s (WRT) system in late August; pulled from a shelter in southern TN sadly known as a “dropping pen” for a backyard Westie breeder who dumps her breeder dogs when they no longer perform to her liking. In fact, Dudley is the fifth Westie pulled from that shelter in the last year and a half.
A volunteer picked up and took Dudley straight to our vet partner in the Franklin, TN area and got all of his vetting, neutering, and a major dental done (he had to have nine teeth pulled – poor guy). He also had a severe ear infection and issues with his skin that needed treatment. He boarded at our vet for a week. I then picked him up, took him to get groomed and then to meet his new foster mom half-way between Nashville and Chattanooga. Kim and her husband are AWESOME foster parents, as they have three rescued Westie boys of their own, and Kim is a nurse in Chattanooga. Kim and Jeff have cared for Dudley since Labor Day weekend.
We thought we had a great home lined up for Dudley with a semi-retired couple who live in Minnesota in the summer, and snowbird to Gulf Shores, AL for the winter. However, either Dudley did not care for the woman when she picked him up or he was in pain from his hip that we were unaware of. He bit her when she was trying to leash him up. She gave it a valiant try, but she realized the two of them didn’t jive and ended up bringing him back to Kim in Chattanooga a few days later.
At this point, the WRT officers and Kim decided the next step needed to be an in-depth exam and x-rays to see if he had something physically making him “nippy”. That’s when we found the hip issues. One hip is fine, though a little bit arthritic, but the other had major issues and required surgery if he was to get back to normal. Dr. Shulman, at Riverview Animal Hospital in Chattanooga, did a wonderful job on him Monday, and she said the surgery was a great success. She believes his recovery rate to be close to 100%! She is recommended he be kept on joint supplements, such as glucosamine and conjointine, as he goes through life. The recovery rate is also fairly quick, so hopefully, he’ll be feeling great and ready for a new home in the next couple of months!
Carol Whitmer Officer/Communications Director Westie Rescue of Tennessee, Inc.
Update July 17, 2012
Dudley had such a rough time of things, even after coming to WRT. We are forever indebted to WestieMed for financially assisting with his hip surgery! Thankfully, he didn’t have to have a full hip replacement surgery, and after the surgery, the vet explained that it was fairly routine surgery. After a couple of weeks of pretty severe pain, he began to pull out of it and starting moving his hip/leg quite well. As you can see from the attached picture, he must be feeling pretty good since he’s lying “froggie style!”
It took us a couple of tries to get Dudley placed because he can be a pretty nasty (and quick!) nipper. He is now living near Atlanta with Tom and Nancy Ross, a very Westie-savvy couple who are retired and have lots of time for Dudley. They do continue to have some behavior problems with him, and thus, they have opted to get him into a program through the University of Georgia vet school to work on it. Tom reported that the questionnaire alone was twenty-seven pages long, and they fully expect UGA to come back and say Dudley is fine, but that he and Nancy need therapy!
Thanks again so very much for once again providing help for one of our WRT doggies!
Carol Whitmer Founder/Officer Westie Rescue of Tennessee, Inc.
Dudley WestieMed Grant Recipient
Dudley (aka “Dude”) is living forever with his foster family because he had two failed adoptions with a high amount of aggression at both.
This problem has been minimal for the Barnes’, so he will stay with them indefinitely and WRT will continue to help with is vet bills.
Thanks, Carol Whitmer Officer/Director of Communications Westie Rescue of Tennessee, Inc.
Gaelie is a six-year-old West Highland Terrier. She was the faithful companion of an elderly man who had to go into a nursing home. He signed over his dog to his nurse Karin, who had agreed to get her out of the vet kennels she had been placed in. The family said they were stunned to find her in a very sad condition when they went to pick her up. They gathered her old vet records and took her to their vet and were told she had Severe Atopic dermatitis with a severe secondary bacterial infection. The records show she had been suffering from skin conditions and pattern hair loss for several years. Possibly initially induced by untreated flea conditions and poor environmental circumstances. The well-meaning nurse and her family were not able to deal with the condition and the expenses of the vet, tests, and prescriptions suggested.
I am a passionate multiple Westie owner. One of those people that is not afraid to speak up on behalf of them and their specific needs. It was such that I got an e-mail asking me to help find this girl the right sort of home where they understood and could give her what she needed. I have been blessed with all healthy Westies in general with no skin issues. Because of this, I had no first-hand knowledge of dealing with the skin issues that scare so many off it seems. I did not feel right about finding a good new home if I could not explain what they were getting into, and provide them with information as to a solution.
Being a Facebook user I had seen pictures of both heartbreaking and inspiring of Westies with skin conditions and the work of a lady in a rescue that brought them back to robust health. I could not remember her name, so I put the word out, and shortly found out her name was Karen Simondet. I sent a note and she got right back and started to help. I had to press the owners to get photos to show her and the information was sketchy at best. I had almost no sooner gotten this to Karen, and they said they were going to take her to the shelter that weekend. It had been less than a week, I had found a couple of possibilities, but no one wanted to take on a dog with problems, or do the extra work needed for her. My understanding was the outcome is not so good for overloaded shelters and “unhealthy” dogs so I was heartbroken to hear they were going to do this. My husband and I did not feel like we could let this happen so we took her in.
I had never planned on fostering this dog out of concern for my own Westies, and the financial burden was just not really an option given the commitment to my own dogs. But here it was, this sweet little dog who had lost her dad, been shuffled around in kennels for months was now going to get stuck in a shelter.
One of the first things you see about Gaelie is that she always wags her tail, at people other dogs, even if she is a little unsure, she is a can-do girl with a healthy sense of self. After getting acclimated to everything, she fit right in and was so happy to have lots of fun with her new friends running, playing ball, being alive in the sun. I don’t think she ever got out for more than a quick “business” trip on the leash a couple of times a day. She is smart, gentle, cooperative and loves to hide in the most amount of covers possible, nary a nose sticks out. She sings to you a lot, a little whooo hoooo song and has a perfect poised beg. She may have had improper care for her health as far as diet, lifestyle and vet choices, but it seems that she was loved.
After getting her comfortable I took her to my vet. It was clear she was extremely anxious. Was she going to get left again in yet another cold cage? A kind vet check and a lot of soothing later she calmed down on the ride back home. The assessment was that there were multiple layered allergic reactions going on the skin that needed to be treated and an immune system that needed to be bolstered up. She is flea free, has a home-cooked diet with vitamins, lots of brush baths and now, medication to help her heal. We need to isolate The allergen(s) and get her immunized so she can grow a full coat and doesn’t need to live inside on drugs her whole life.
Now with the extra care and thanks to WestieMed we can do what it takes to make her 100% healthy and have a second chance at a great life.
Gaelie is wagging her tail and saying THANK YOU WestieMed!
Update July 6, 2012
Gaelie is doing great. She grew all her hair back in the winter and is enjoying the country life after being an apartment dog.
She had some confusion with letting herself out and going on grass as it was unfamiliar to her. But she has it all down now.
She loves sleeping on the bed under the fan on a pillow. She sits on my feet when I am at the computer, always near.
She is also overjoyed to join us on walks on the property, we have 20 acres and she sings the whole way chasing butterflies and then relaxing at the studio when we work. I think it makes her feel special.
She plays with all her “siblings” but has no trouble standing up for herself if little brother gets a bit nudgy. We had a flare-up of the allergies in spring with SO MANY environmental factors suddenly, but they are back in the comfort zone for her. We love her and she seems happy to stay with us. I see so many good souls take care of these unfortunate dogs with high maintenance issues, but have still to meet any locally who want to take on the level of care she needs.
We and Gaelie thank WestieMed for her life. She is plenty perfect enough for us, and is our “special” girl.
Wilson was found by Animal Control in Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ on September 26. Ten days later, in response to the shelter’s plea for a rescue to take him, I went to pick him up. Wilson had bad timing as this was right before Montgomery and all the other show people who do rescue were unavailable. I was not sure that I was ready for a dog as sick as Wilson reputedly was, but it was clear if I didn’t take him, nobody would. So I headed over to one of New Jersey’s most grim, underfunded shelters to meet my new charge.
When I got him, Wilson was so sick it was truly frightening, and so I took him straight to my vet. Upon seeing him, the vet confirmed this was exactly where this very sick little dog should be and felt he should stay there for a few days. Wilson received intensive care and repeated observation for five days, which helped enormously in diagnosing his various problems: severe starvation/emaciation (weighed nine pounds when he was found), raging Giardia, Coccidia, worms, Malassezia, secondary bacterial skin infection, ear infections, and eye infections. Due to his Malassezia, he had lost a lot of hair and smelled like yeast; due to his horrid living conditions (apparently he was living as a feral dog) and bad health, he smelled like urine. Due to his sickness, he was unable to eat normally; he had no appetite, refused almost all food, ate only small amounts of what he would take (I fed him by hand during this time), then regurgitated most of it. Each time, I would clean it up, and try again. He slept almost constantly and I gave him the softest beds I could find since he was so thin that he could not comfortably sit or lay on a hard surface. On top of that, he was withdrawn and depressed. The vet estimated this little guy was just about five years old.
Gradually, Wilson began to recover. The first milestone was when he could eat food without the obvious pain that it first caused him, and when he was able to keep things down without regurgitating. Since his medications were all oral, this was a critical step in his recovery. Whereas he could initially only handle chicken and rice, eventually, he was able to eat dog kibble, and eventually began to put on weight. With the help of frequent medicated baths, he started to grow some hair back. Emotionally, he had been damaged too, and seeing the rehab from that was even more touching than seeing the physical issues resolve. While he still was not comfortable anywhere except in his pen, he began to come out of his shell, seemed to start to enjoy being patted, and even started to make eye contact with me after about a month.
Now, three months into rescue, Wilson has made amazing progress. He shows great affection for people and other dogs; he enjoys walks and comes to me to get patted and even lets me hug him which he would not tolerate initially. The vet was amazed that his ear infection, which was so bad the vet feared he would be deaf from scarring, has completely resolved. His skin had cleared up nicely and the odor almost is gone. Once he was well enough, he was neutered. That operation was a little scary since his pulse went so high, but he made it through. The dental cleaning done at the same time showed that while he has no enamel left on his teeth, at least none needed to be pulled. Wilson needs regular tooth-brushing though, for the rest of his life. Wilson is still waiting for his forever home to come along, but he is safe and sound in the meantime.
I am deeply grateful to WestieMed for the critical help it provides. I decided to start rescuing after I had been showing and breeding dogs for a year or two and thought, well, if I am going to bring more dogs into this world, I’m going to help the ones who are already here. As an independent rescuer, I receive no funding from any regional club and no donations other than the modest adoption fees which rarely cover the medical care that rescued dogs need. I rescue dogs “part-time”; generally, one at a time. I spend a great deal of time on the phone with potential adopters, advising them on the perils of buying badly bred dogs (many, I find, are considering a rescue dog as a cheaper alternative to a pet store purchase) and helping them identify quality Westie rescue groups. While it feels like a very small contribution to the welfare of dogs in need, as they say, “it is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness”. I see myself as lighting single candles, one by one, for Westies in need. I have found how gratifying it is to be able to rescue dogs, even on a small scale, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to play a role in these little miracles that WestieMed makes possible.
Lisa Curry
Update February 13, 2013
Wilson – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Attached is a picture from April 2012, the month we adopted Wilson from Lisa Curry. The other picture is from January 2013 where Wilson is enjoying the warmth of a wood fire on a cold day.
We got about six inches of snow last weekend and Wilson had to confine his outside duties to shoveled paths/driveway, but by the second day the snow had compacted a bit and his short legs were able to break through the snow to the ground allowing him to bound along through the open snowfields. He was very cute there, and about everywhere else. He is allowed on our property off the leash and seems to enjoy the freedom, but it makes him a less willing walker on a leash. We are on a private access road so he doesn’t have access to a road with traffic on it. We also supervise his outside times, and somehow seems to know where our upper property ends, he never leaves that area even if he is in hot pursuit of White Tail Deer, yes they are frightened and bound away, off into the woods and Wilson stops at the end of the mowed areas.
Wilson – WestieMed Grant Recipient
I think Wilson is doing well and we continue to learn how to deal with his sensitivities to food and other possible allergy reactions. He has a regular veterinarian was he has been examined and resulted in us having an abscessed tooth removed. This relieved him of pain, we believe. With help from Lisa we selected a grain-free, limited ingredients sweet potato/fish kibble for his basic food.
I continue to work on developing trust and obedience that allows me to groom and trim nails…progress is being made. He will nip and fight back. I have used a Dremmel drum sander on his nails one foot at a setting, and not all the way down on each nail. He is somewhat comfortable with that maybe due to his familiarity with a hairdryer after a bath. He is quite reasonable about taking a bath. The Dremmel and hairdryer are perceived mostly by the vibration, not hearing as his hearing is very poor – not an effective watchdog but boy can he bark, sounds like a much larger dog.
He seems to be very comfortable living here and with us.
Jerry and Barbara Peterson
Update November 17, 2013
Wilson – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Wilson was in for surgery on October 14, to remove a sizable growth on his left cheek and a smaller one on his neck. Attached is a picture of that event. While there he was again diagnosed with Yeast problems and has been on Ketoconozole tables each day and the ear medicine now only his left ear. His feet and legs are about back to normal with hair and while he continues to like to lick, he is not licking his feet and legs, they must have itched.
The vet also put him on a very strict prescription diet by Hills Z/D, it has only modified protein and we have even stopped using HeartGuard as it has a beef flavor. He is not one a topical heartworm med, forget the name.
If we can identify a food allergy we may be able to get him off of prescription medications such as ketoconazole, albeit we’ll continue it in his bath regiment. I have the approval to give him baked potato (microwave) and white rice with nothing but the cooking water. He likes those as a treat, and does okay with the prescription kibble, he liked the salmon and sweet potato much better, I also used a canned salmon to add interest…hope he can eat fish in the future.
I am beginning to think Wilson may have been abandoned by a family in the city area who simply couldn’t afford to treat him, and was ashamed of his condition to the point of not taking him to an animal shelter – he may not have been in Liberty State Park long before animal control picked him up. This guess is not important but reflects our affection for him and wondering about his earlier life. He has many “family dog” characteristics, he was not simply a “puppy mill” caged breeder.
Hope your good work helping our dog friends is going will, you remain in our high regards for your good work, and some even for non-Westies : ) which is a lovely breed I have come to believe, albeit they are a Terrier!
Jerry
Wilson’s care was funded by a grant from The Pedigree Foundation.
“A190738” was the subject line of the email I received on Oct 25th from the Rescue Coordinator at San Antonio Animal Care Services. She’d come in on Oct 20th as a stray, but the coordinator had been out and since she wasn’t properly classified as a Westie, I didn’t receive any alerts. She was scheduled for euthanasia on the 26th, but the coordinator put a hold on her until she heard from me. When I said we would take her, ACS named her Pasadena and scheduled her vet appointment.
I was out of town on business when Pasadena was released, but one of my volunteers picked her up and transported her to her new foster home where she has lived since Nov 1st. She had severe ear infections which we’ve cleared up, but she is partially or completely deaf. She is heartworm negative, but positive for 2 tick-borne diseases which we are still treating with antibiotics. She’d lost all of the fur on her legs and underside from a yeast infection, but we’ve cleared that up too and little tufts of white fuzz are starting to grow.
Dena, as we call her, is estimated to be about ten years old, but she’s a real sweetheart who enjoys her walks, other people and dogs, and has a lot of spunk left. It will be a challenge, but we hope to find a good home for her with a Westie lover who has a big heart.
Julie Walker Director San Antonio Area Scottie & Westie Rescue
Update February 1, 2012
I wanted to let you know that Dena was adopted this weekend. She is still partially/mostly deaf, but we cleared up her ear and skin infections and she’s got about 1/2 inch of fur on all of her old bald spots. The woman who adopted her just lost Max, her 15-year-old deaf westie, so she was fine with Dena’s age and hearing problems. Her story has a happy ending and we really appreciate your assistance.
Thanks, Julie Walker San Antonio Area Scottie and Westie Rescue (SAASWR)
Update July 6, 2012: Pasadena is now called Millie
Dena is doing well! She is now called Millie, which is short for Millicent. I’ve seen a recent picture of her, but don’t have it myself. I’ll ask her owner to send it to me and will forward it to you when I get it.
I’m currently out of town, so it may take a couple of days, but you’ll be hearing from me soon with a picture. I appreciate the generosity of your organization.
Julie
Update December 12, 2012
Millie WestieMed Grant Recipient
Millie is doing fine.
She has a beautiful coat now and no problems with her skin.
She’s still deaf (mostly), but also practices “selective listening’ according to her owner. 🙂
It was last December when I lost my beloved Westie, Teddy. He was the light of my life, my best friend and confidant. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him terribly.
Knowing it was probably time to move forward after my loss, I considered bringing a new best friend into my life. At the encouragement of my brother Tom, I decided to browse the local Humane Society’s website. There, I found a familiar little white face: A ten-year-old Westie, surrendered by his owner four days before he was to be euthanized and all because he’d started to have accidents in the house. Thank goodness the veterinarian at the shelter was able to convince the owner to sign Mac (then Skipper) over to them. (It’s not very uncommon for an unneutered male to have problems of this type.)
Making it a point to visit Mac at my first opportunity, I was instantly smitten as he sauntered over to greet me. Consulting the vet on staff, I was advised of Mac’s ear infections and skin allergies. My beloved Teddy had had both of these conditions at the time of his adoption, and neither was ‘the deal-breakers’. We proceeded on the assumption that his enlarged prostate, a result of never having been neutered, was the likely cause of accidents he’d been having at home. I was sure time, love and understanding would turn this situation around. After making a final decision to adopt, Mac was neutered; a few bad teeth were pulled, and his ears medicated.
I wanted to tackle any problems Mac was suffering from as soon as possible, so I made an appointment to see Dr. Campbell the very next day. Chronic ear infections were confirmed, while blood was drawn to get a baseline on his condition. Dr. Campbell agreed that Mac’s enlarged prostate was the likely cause of his indoor wetting, so it appeared that having him wear a diaper while waiting for his prostate to reduce in size was the appropriate course of action. Allergy medicine for his sneezing and a diet of lamb and rice in conjunction with a special shampoo were recommended to promote a healthy and beautiful white coat. Mac didn’t fight to wear a diaper, so waiting for his symptoms to disappear was just a matter of time or so I thought.
On Mac’s third visit to Dr. Campbell, a month after he arrived home, there seemed to be no improvement. At home, outside his urine stream continued to be very weak. The doctor suggested an x-ray and I agreed. When Dr. Campbell returned, he said, “I have good news and bad news. His ears are much better but he has bladder stones. Unfortunately, they’re not only in his bladder, but several are blocking his urethra as well.” My heart sank. He continued, “It’s like trying to pass a grapefruit through a straw, so they’ll need to come out.” The thought of Mac’s pain made me wince, and at that moment I knew I couldn’t let him down. Mac was helping me get past the loss of Teddy, so I had to return the favor.
With the help of such a wonderful organization like WestieMed, Mac was able to have his surgery and did very well. The doctor sees no reason why he won’t do just fine now. A bumpy start to our life together, but kind people who seem to watch over us help to pave the way. I believe people do watch out for us; the nice folks at WestieMed, my Teddy from up above and brother Tom.
Thank you so much for your help. Sue and my new best friend ‘Mac’
Update July 6, 2012
Mac WestieMed Grant Recipient
Mac is doing great. He has fully recovered from surgery and has quite a spring in his step for an eleven-year-old (or around there). He is a wonderful companion and I silently thank that silly man that brought him to the shelter all those months ago, definitely my good fortune. I’ve attached a picture.
Thank you doesn’t really seem enough to say to an organization like WestieMed, making such a difference in people’s lives, but thank you, thank you, thank you.
Sue and Mac (my little angel)
Update January 7, 2013
This past November Mac and I celebrated our one year adoption anniversary. He is doing just fine thanks to the help we received from WestieMed and the skill of Dr. Campbell.
Mac has been a blessing from the day we found each other. From helping me work through the loss of my beloved brother (Mac was my brother’s gift to me). Before his passing he had encouraged me to find “the best little shelter dog” to bring home, he didn’t want me to be alone. Mac has certainly fulfilled that role, a big role for a little dog. To recently, being by my side through the worst storm ever known to my small town in New Jersey. Mac provided comfort and courage through a terrifying experience. ‘Courage’, nothing new to the little terriers we love so much.
Thanks for checking on Mac, thanks I truly can’t convey with words.
It was almost a year ago when we were contacted by an elderly gentleman named Mr. Gatlin. He was a lonely man that had shut himself off from the world, including his family, and lived his secluded life with only his dogs. But his health was now failing and he knew that if something happened to him, the county would take his beloved dogs. Our county shelter is a very high kill shelter and he was desperately seeking a no-kill shelter to help with his pets. So on our first trip to visit Mr. Gatlin, we were prepared to take some of the dogs then. But sadly, he just wasn’t ready to part with his “little buddies”. Mr. Gatlin’s home was in very sad condition. Maybe in his younger days, the dogs were kept better. But he was in no way able to take proper care of them now. There were dogs everywhere. We could not even get a total count. His property had been divided into lots using anything that he could find that would work as a fence. There were old cars, furniture, garbage, farm equipment, overgrown foliage, and two mobile homes that housed most of the dogs. There was no grass, just dirt and many of these dogs were hairless from flea infestation. I could tell he was ashamed and embarrassed. He kept apologizing to us but still in his mind he thought he was taking good care of his “little buddies”. At that time, there was one mother dog and a litter of six babies. They were inside one of the trailers. We asked to see the babies. He brought out a tiny, six weeks old Westie. It was covered in fleas and its gums and tongue was so pale. I tried to explain that this baby was critical and we begged for the puppies and almost had him convinced. But at the last moment, he took the puppy back and said, “another day”. We were told later by his sister that all of the puppies in that litter died.
Even though he would not release any dog to us on that day, we did make progress. We had carried forms giving Peace, Love, and Animals full custody of all of his dogs should anything happen to him, either death or illness. Mr. Gatlin gladly signed these forms and copies were left with him to post plainly on his property. So we left to wait until “another day” when he was ready. We tried several times to contact Mr. Gatlin in the months that passed, but no luck. So we waited.
“Another day” finally came when Mr. Gatlin had been hospitalized for his heart and returned home to find some of his beloved dogs dead. This was the turning point for him. He knew there would be several more trips to the hospital and he could not leave his dogs again. When we got the call to come to get the dogs we did not know what we were in for. We just knew we had to be gentle with Mr. Gatlin and gentle with his dogs. We were the first humans that they had ever seen other than him. So we gathered our crates, towels, and volunteers and prepared with a group discussion. This was a first for our rescue. This was a real rescue. To go into a hoarding situation with feral dogs, filthy environment, and trying to catch these poor babies without causing too much stress, is unbelievable. When all was done, we were peed on, pooped on, scratched, bleeding, fitly, and smelled really bad, but we had rescued thirty-three Scotties and Westies. Job well done.
Once back at our rescue, the baths began. These poor dogs were so covered in fleas! Once they were clean, a good warm bed, a full tummy and tucked in for a peaceful night’s sleep. Tomorrow starts a new day. All of these dogs were taken to our vet to be checked out, vaccinated, heartworm tested, and spayed/neutered. Many of them tested positive for skin yeast, skin infections, Demodex mange, and a heart murmur. Most were handling treatment well until one day I noticed this one little guy acting a little strange. This was the day before he was scheduled to be neutered. He was not perky like he usually was. Most Westies are usually very happy guys and he was not acting his usual self. The next morning, he started staggering. Now I knew something was wrong. I took him on to the vet so they could check him out. He was having a reaction to the Ivomic. Poor M-3 (we now call him Marty). He ended up staying two days in the hospital. After recovering from the reaction, we had to change his medication and two weeks later, he was scheduled for neutering. On the morning of his neuter, he asked the vet to check out his back leg. I had noticed that he “carried” it a lot. One of his brothers had an issue where his knee would “pop out” so I thought Marty might have the same problem. Maybe his had popped out and had not gone back in. After his surgery and Xrays, Marty’s real problem was discovered. Sometime in his past, there was a tragic accident. Maybe he was hit by a car, we will never know, but his hip is severely injured and requires major surgery. Until then, we are trying to keep him comfortable with pain medication until he can have that surgery.
Of the thirty-three Scotties and Westies that we rescued from Mr. Gatlin, we reached out for help with these dogs. This was more than our little rescue could handle along with what we already have. We contacted the National Scottish Terrier Rescue and Westie Rescue of S. E. We kept Marty and two of the oldest Scottie females. We stay in touch with these rescues and are enjoying getting the “happy tales” and pictures as they are getting adopted. It was an experience we will never forget. Mr. Gatlin’s dogs stayed with us for three weeks before going on to other rescues. Even though they were feral dogs, in just days, they accepted us and warmed up quickly. Mr. Gatlin was trying the best that he could but these dogs were starved for attention. Marty is a very sweet little guy and I know that once his hip is well, we will have no trouble finding him that perfect forever home too.
Blessings, Cathy Oakley
Update July 7, 2012: (Marty is now called Walter)
My name is Naomi. I just wanted to give you a happy update about the best westie ever!! My husband and I lost our best bud, a thirteen yo shepherd mix named Sammy, last August. We wanted another friend for our lab, and Tai, a foster mom, was gracious enough to allow Marty into our lives. I strongly believe in rescue, especially since I found Sammy in a dumpster when he was a tiny baby and our lab Bailey was an abandoned stray who decided she liked our yard best 🙂
The best news is, although he’s a bit timid still, Marty (now Walter) is getting more confident every day and loves his big sister. He’s up to normal weight and my groomer adores him. He’s so precious and handsome, and a very funny little man.
Thank you with all my heart for saving his life. He has helped us all heal and I am so proud of his improvement in the few months he has been here.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again 🙂
My name is Spencer. It was about a year ago when my parents decided to surrender me to Westie Rescue of North Texas. I had started scratching and lost most of my hair to something they called allergies and my parents couldn’t afford the dogtor bill.
I was pretty scared about being with new people, but Aunt Melanie and Uncle Paul made me comfortable. I have been living with them for about a year now. I have one foster sister and four foster brothers. They have all made me feel at home and we get along great! Uncle Paul calls me Roonie, kind of short for Spenceroonie. I guess he calls me that ’cause I like to sing and it sounds like “rooo roooo”!
Right after I moved in, I met a great dogtor. His name is Wes Taylor and he loves us Westies! I got a lot of my hair back, but Dogtor Taylor says that I’m not out of the woods. I still have a setback every now and then. I’m on a special diet that tastes pretty good, but I wish I could just get well. I take a bunch of medicine: Cyclosporine once a day, Fluconazole twice a day, and Temaril-P every two days. Uncle Paul and Aunt Melanie give me a bath every three days with Douxo Chlorhex PS Shampoo. Since I had my last setback, I’ve been getting my ears cleaned with some cleaner from Animal Dermatological Laboratories and I use Otibiotic Ointment from Butler Schein.
Spencer – WestieMed Grant Recipient
Most of the time, I feel pretty good. I have a special bed to sleep on and a couple of special places where I like to nap. I potty outside and I love people! I go to the dogtor every three or four weeks and I like to meet everybody. I have a special seatbelt for the car and I love, love, love to ride! I get along great with my foster sister and brothers and I have one special friend. Last summer, my foster sister Lizzie had a puppy named Sugar. Aunt Melanie and Uncle Paul’s daughter Stephanie adopted Sugar and she comes to see me every now and then. We are best buds and we like to play tug o’ war! Sometimes though, I just have rotten days because of my allergies. Uncle Paul calls them cooties. I do feel a whole lot better than I did before WRNT took me in!
I’ve been to a few adoption events that WRNT has had, but it seems like nobody wants me since I don’t have all my hair back and since I have to go see the dogtor so much. It’s kind of sad for me sometimes, but I know that Aunt Melanie and Uncle Paul love me ’cause they take such good care of me. One day I’ll have a forever home, but I’ll always remember the love that WRNT and WestieMed gave me. Thank you WestieMed for approving the funds to help take care of me.
Sincerely, Spencer
Update August 8, 2012
Hello from Spencer and Paul. We want to tell you about our trip Thursday to Animal Dermatology Referral Clinic where we met Dogtor Reid Garfield. Spencer has asked me to compose the message as he relates it to me. He had a wee dram of anesthesia and was cautioned about operating machinery or independently making critical decisions. In case I commit one or several hundred literary faux pas, please recall that my nickname for Spencer is Roonie.
Spencer came under the care of WRNT on 8 November 2010. He was surrendered from his Southlake home because of severe allergies and hair loss. With the exception of a couple of days, Melanie and I have provided foster care for Spencer and continue to do so. Spencer’s primary veterinarian has been Dr. Wes Taylor at Highlands-Eldorado Veterinary Hospital Dr. Taylor has been treating Spencer for nonspecific allergies. Other than hair loss, symptoms include incessant itching and scratching, skin lesions, and the intermittent presence of staph, yeast, and bacteria on the skin and in the ears. During the course of treatment, Spencer’s therapy has been adjusted only slightly. Prior to Thursday, 3 November, it consisted of the following:
· Bath every third-day using Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo · Fluconazole, 100mg once daily · Cyclosporine (compounded), 50mg once daily · Temaril-P, once every two days · Otic flush and otic antibacterial as needed to stay wax buildup
From November 2010 until May 2011, Spencer’s condition gradually improved and he regained approximately 80% of his coat. However, in June of this year, he quickly became and remained symptomatic, again losing a large percentage of hair.
At this point, Dr, Taylor ordered a thyroid panel and senior screening, but there were no anomalies detected. With the exception of changing from Ketoconazole, 200mg to Fluconazole, 100mg in June and in October adding a 21-day course of Cefpodoxime (Simplicef), Spencer’s meds remained unchanged. Additionally, allergy testing to this point had not been performed. At our September and October appointments, Dr. Taylor was away on speaking engagements, so we relied on two different visiting veterinarians who were covering for Dr. Taylor, both of whom had different opinions on Spencer’s condition than Dr. Taylor.
Needless to say, we were now at the point of much frustration and heartbreak because nothing that we were doing seemed to give Roonie any relief from constant itching and lesions. Fortunately, Dr. Garfield entered Spencer’s life on Thursday. We both liked him instantly, and he spent a very thorough 30 minutes talking with us and examining Roonie. Dr. Garfield collected several slide samples and after studying them made a preliminary diagnosis of Immune-mediated skin disease. He explained that by saying that basically, Spencer is allergic to himself. From Dr. Garfield’s report:
History: Chronic allergic dermatitis initially responding to Temaril-P, Cyclosporin, and anti-yeast medications, and restricted diet with exacerbation in May 20 11 and poor response to medical management. Multifocal crusts and small pustules over the dorsolateral trunk. Diagnosis: Immune-mediated skin disease; Pemphigus foliaceous; Cutaneous drug eruption; Concurrent allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis, food allergy) Test: Skin scrapings negative for demodex canis mites Impression Cytology: Numerous neutrophils, occasional macrophage, with small numbers of acantholytic keratinocytes and bacteria not observed. Biopsy: four 8mm punch biopsies pending-call Wednesday PM
Treatment:
1. Discontinue Temaril-P and Cyclosporin. 2. Begin Prednisolone at four 5mg tablets orally once daily for 30 days. 3. Continue Fluconazole at one 100mg tablet orally once daily for 2 additional weeks. 4. Continue Cefpodoxime (Simplicef) at one 100mg tablet orally once daily for 2 additional weeks. 5. Continue restricted diet with Royal Canin Hypoallergenic PV potato and venison and discontinue all other treats, flavored medications, pill pockets, etc. 6. The sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed. 7. Additional treatment recommendations pending biopsy results.
Recheck: 30 days
I did notice a slight change after one day of the new therapy. Roonie has always been a happy boy, but yesterday, he showed signs of being happy all day, and his itching seemed to have decreased slightly. Some of that observation is probably due to wishful thinking on my part, but I do look forward to receiving the pathology report from the biopsies. It seems that there may be light at the end of the tunnel.
Please know that I respect Wes Taylor as a doctor and that personally, I enjoy his company and conversing with him. Also, please know that I am in no way suggesting that Dr. Taylor provided anything other than top-quality care for Spencer.
