Mackenzie is a shy, scared little five-year-old former breeding male who came to WRT as part of a commercial breeder surrender transport. Mackenzie had multiple health and social problems (i.e. severely infected ears, skin infection, infected paws, yeast in his ears and paws, hook and whipworms, broken teeth and severe dental disease). While his health has improved, and he is gaining some much-needed weight, he still is not progressing very much socially. His new foster parents are working diligently and lovingly with him. It’s just going to take a long time to get this fella out of his shell.
MacKenzie – WestieMed Recipient
We believe that because of the help from WestieMed coupled with the outpouring of compassion and care, Mackenzie will one day be a very content little soul. He will probably never be very out-going. It could be that too much mental and physical abuse was heaped on him. We want his new home to be a very quiet environment without any children; preferably with an older, retired couple. He’s a ways from being adoption-ready, but he’s well on his way, and thankfully, his health seems to be very good now.
Thank you WestieMed for helping Westie Rescue of Tennessee give this precious little dog a second chance at a good life!
Update March 5, 2010
MacKenzie – WestieMed Recipient
There is so much I could tell you about Mackenzie and the progress he has made since we got him on 5/17/08 but I’m afraid I’ll run out of email room. The first week we had him I was really afraid I had made a huge mistake because all he did was cower in his travel crate and tremble. After a few days, I told my husband “you know, he’s lived all his life in a cage, so the crate is going”! We bought him his first bed and put his toys in it — that was the first positive step. Every day I pick him up (at least a dozen times), pet him and tell him how much I love him. He now has two baskets full of toys and you should see him looking in each basket and picking out a toy — just like a little toddler. From time to time his favorite ball will roll under a piece of furniture and he barks (a certain bark) so I will retrieve it for him.
He is so very smart! I wish I could have gotten him when he was eight weeks old because I could have taught him so many little things. On March 19, 2009, my husband brought home a six-year-old female Westie named Lilly. Her elderly mom was no longer able to care for her and just wanted a good home for Lilly. A few days later I was giving her a treat and told her to “sit pretty” and she did. I turned to Mackenzie and told him to sit pretty and he reared back on his hind legs and put his little front paws up for his treat — just like he had been doing it all his life. He and Lilly get along so well and you should see them in the mornings together — so happy to see each other.
Mackenzie has learned to snuggle and cuddle and is slowly but surely getting over his fear of riding in a vehicle but I think Lilly has helped him there because she loves to ride! He also knows how to cop a real attitude and pouts when he doesn’t get his way (which is not very often).
Mackenzie is the light of my life and I pray that all the other rescued babies are as happy as he is.
Robbie is a sixteen-month-old Westie boy who came to Canine Friends Foundation (along w/his little brother, Roy) from a local commercial breeder on 5/11/07 after her vet diagnosed them both with Grade 3/6 heart murmurs during their puppy checkup. The breeder contacted me to see if CFF would take them into rescue since she had no use for the puppies and planned to euthanize them.
Robbie was found to have a Grade 5/6 heart murmur by my vet the following Monday when I took them in to be neutered. She and I decided to get the puppies to the VA Tech Teaching Hospital’s Dept of Cardiology ASAP for evaluation due to the severity of the murmurs. Robbie had an echocardiogram on 5/23/07 with the diagnosis of moderate valvular/subvalvular pulmonic stenosis (a deformity of the pulmonic valve leaflets which control blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart into the pulmonary artery). Pulmonic stenosis makes the heart work too hard and enlarge and it eventually progresses to congestive heart failure and death without intervention.
Due to the fact that Robbie was not showing signs of clinical heart failure at the time of the initial evaluation, it was recommended that he be allowed to grow up and be monitored closely for any changes in condition. Robbie has been living w/me as a foster and spends endless hours playing tag w/his favorite foster sister, two-year-old Katie Westie, and every stuffed animal he can grab!
Robbie was seen at VA Tech on 2/13/08 for re-evaluation and echocardiogram. It was found that his heart murmur has worsened to Grade 6/6 left-sided systolic murmur. His pulmonic stenosis has worsened to where his pressures are high enough to benefit from having balloon valvuloplasty performed. Balloon valvuloplasty will open up the stenosis, decreasing the pressure across the pulmonary valve and hopefully prevent Robbie from developing congestive heart failure and subsequent death. Although it does not have to be done immediately, Dr. Abbott, our cardiologist, has advised that the sooner it is done, the less damage will occur to Robbie’s already overworked heart and the more likely the surgery will be successful which will help him be able to live a long and normal life.
Robbie – WestieMed Recipient
Thanks to assistance from Westie Med, Robbie is scheduled for pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty on 4/10/08 at VA Tech.
We will be looking forward to having Robbie’s surgery and his recovery, so this sweet and spunky little boy can then find his forever home with a wonderful Westie loving family. He will be hanging out here, playing with his Westie foster brother and sisters and enjoying the spring sunshine, until then.
Again, a big THANK YOU to WestieMed for giving Robbie the opportunity!!!!
With deepest appreciation, Susie Branham, Cofounder, Canine Friends Foundation Small Dog Rescue and Robbie
Update April 12, 2008
Robbie – WestieMed Recipient
Robbie returned to VA Tech’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital on 4/9/08 in preparation for his scheduled pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty to be done on 4/10/08. He quickly made friends with Ashley Davis, his assigned senior vet student, and the hospital staff by asking for the thing he loves most in the world-tummy rubs. An echocardiogram was done that afternoon which confirmed that Robbie still had high pressures across his narrowed pulmonic valve and surgery was necessary to save his life.
Robbie’s surgery started early Thursday morning and a catheter with a small inflatable balloon on the end was inserted into his jugular vein. The balloon was passed through Robbie’s heart into the stenotic pulmonic valve and the balloon was inflated several times. This procedure widened the narrow valve and decreased the pressure across the pulmonic valve. With decreased pressure, Robbie’s heart does not have to overwork itself to get the oxygenated blood that it requires. Robbie was awake and in the recovery room by noon–I was the happiest person in the world when I got a call from Dr. Gentile, cardiology resident, advising that his surgery had gone very well and that he was alert and hungry!
Robbie’s pressure gradient was re-evaluated on Friday morning and it was found the pressure had come down even more from the previous day. Prior to surgery, the pressure gradient had been above 90mmHg; on Friday morning, his pressure gradient was 38mmHg. Decreasing the pressure gradient by more than 50% was the goal of the surgery, thus Dr. Abbott and Dr. Gentile consider Robbie’s surgery a complete success!!!
I picked Robbie up at the VTH yesterday afternoon and his tail still hasn’t stopped wagging! He was happy to see me and even happier to get home and see his Westie friends-Rowdy, Katie, Darby, and little Emma. Now, the biggest challenge is going to be keeping him quiet for the next week while his neck incisions heal-he is not supposed to run, jump, or play (all I can say is, we are trying….).
Although pulmonic stenosis cannot be truly “fixed”, Robbie now has a great chance at having a normal lifespan and the opportunity to be adopted into his forever home. He will return to Tech in mid-June for another echocardiogram and re-evaluation by the cardiologists. If his pressure gradient is stable at that time, he will be ready to be adopted into a Westie loving and owning family who will be required to live close to VA Tech (or other veterinary teaching hospital) and be financially able and willing to take him there on a regular basis to monitor his heart for the rest of his life.
Robbie – WestieMed Recipient
I cannot begin to thank WestieMed enough for the financial help that allowed sweet Robbie to go ahead and have his surgery-he is such a good boy and so worth saving! I am eternally grateful and feel so lucky to have found them. CFF is a small rescue and we operate solely on our adoption fees and occasional donations-not enough to be able to pay for these big surgeries and continue w/the day to day cost of rescue (Robbie is our third heart surgery this year-one PDA repair and two pulmonic valvuloplasties).
The ability to have the surgery before his condition started deteriorating meant that Robbie went into surgery with significantly less heart damage and a much greater chance of survival and success-that was proven by his good result!! I will look forward to telling his ongoing story as he recovers and begins looking for his forever home in the near future. Meanwhile, the other Westies and I will continue to enjoy his company until his adoption day! WestieMed-you all are the best!
With great joy and sincere thanks, Susie Branham, Canine Friends Foundation and Robbie
Update June 26, 2008
Sweet Robbie returned to VA Tech’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital yesterday for re-evaluation and repeat echocardiogram to determine if the pulmonic valvuloplasty he had on 4/10/08 was truly successful. Robbie loved being able to have his foster mom all to himself for the hour and a half trip to Blacksburg, alternately playing with his favorite squeaky toy and then climbing in my lap to snuggle.
We were met by our good friend, Dr. Jessica Gentile, cardiology resident, and Robbie’s senior vet student, Steve Garnett. Robbie quickly made himself at home, giving kisses to everyone and then doing the “Robbie Rollover”, presenting his belly for all present to rub!
Robbie’s echocardiogram showed that his pressures have remained low (48 mmHg) and that means the surgery was successful in lowering the pressure gradient across the pulmonic valve. According to Dr. Gentile, Robbie’s pulmonic valve pressure should remain about 50 mmHg since it has been stable for the past two and half months. This means the procedure has been of long term benefit to Robbie’s quality and quantity of life!!! He will continue to be monitored by the VA Tech cardiologists every six to nine months in case any rare changes do occur.
I am so happy for Robbie and so grateful to WestieMed for helping to get us to this time and place. He is a wonderful little Westie boy who is just lovin’ life! The best news is that Robbie has been adopted and is going to his forever home tomorrow, June 27. His new mom, Lisa Morgan, actually came to look at Robbie to adopt last year prior to his diagnosis of severe pulmonic stenosis. The adoption was contingent on the cardiac eval, thus she ended up adopting a beautiful little pug mix puppy, Lola. Lisa and Lola are looking for a new family member and they have decided they want to share their lives w/Robbie after falling in love w/him for the second time during a visit to my house last weekend! They live only 1/2 hour away from VA Tech, so it will be easy for him to go back for his return visits to see Dr. Abbott and Dr. Gentile. I think it is the perfect match for Robbie, Lisa, and Lola!!
I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Westie Med for the support they have given CFF’s special “Heart Westies”-Robbie, Roy, and Emma- this year. Lisa will remain in close contact w/CFF so we can ensure that Robbie continues to do well w/his recovery and sees his friends at VA Tech VTH Cardiology Dept on a regular basis.
Robbie’s story is truly a wonderful, uplifting one-he is so deserving of the second chance given to him by the VT cardiologists with the help of WestieMed. I will continue to provide updates as he begins his new life w/Lola, the little diva, and new forever mom, Lisa. I am really going to miss Robbie-he is my little shadow-but I am so excited he is going to have a family of his own…
With the deepest of appreciation to WestieMed, Susie Branham, Canine Friends Foundation, and Robbie
Update June 27, 2008
Robbie – WestieMed Recipient
I came home this afternoon and low and behold, Robbie was curled up in the metal water bowl that I keep out in the yard for the dogs to drink from…they usually do like to stand in it, but he had curled his little 14# body right into it and was enjoying a good soak!!
By the time I grabbed the camera, he had hit the bushes to dry off… He is celebrating his new life…and I know I am going to cry my eyes out when he leaves this evening…he is such a little love and has been my constant companion for the past thirteen months…this picture is Robbie being Robbie!!!!
Hugs, Susie and the pups
Update March 3, 2009
Robbie came back to my Canine Friends last week to spend a couple of days before going back to VA Tech’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital for his nine-month cardiology follow up. Since he was adopted in late June 2008, Robbie has been doing great and actively enjoying life with his new family. Lisa Morgan, his adoptive mom, dropped him off on Monday and he walked into my home like he had never been away. The resident Westies greeted him with kisses and “request to play” bows and then they all dashed out the doggie door for a big game of chase in the yard.
Robbie – WestieMed Recipient
Robbie and I drove down to Blacksburg on Wednesday where we were greeted with open arms by our friends, Dr. Jonathan Abbott (cardiologist), Dr. Jessica Gentile (cardiology resident), and the cardiology staff. Robbie was his usual self, greeting everyone with exuberance, wiggles, and lots of Westie kisses.
Robbie was introduced to Tom Blaszek, the senior student who was assigned to him and was then whisked away for his exam and echocardiogram. Dr. Abbott and Tom met with Robbie and me after the exam and advised that Robbie is doing great–his echocardiogram was consistent with the one done in June 2008, which means his pressure gradient has remained in the acceptable range. Dr. Abbott also advised that Robbie’s ventricular septal defect has not progressed or altered the pressures in the ventricles. Bottom line–Robbie is doing GREAT almost one year after his pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty procedure. We were all THRILLED to receive this good news, as I always hold my breath when I return with one of my “heart puppies” for a re-check.
Robbie – WestieMed Recipient
Robbie will need to return to VA Tech VTH for re-evaluations and echocardiograms every six to nine months for the rest of his life. However, this is a small price to pay for him to have a normal life. AND, all of this would not have been possible without the financial assistance from WestieMed to help pay for his surgical procedure last spring.
To watch Robbie run (more like a big hop!!) through the yard, carrying a stuffed animal and turning to see if anyone is chasing him, is wonderful to watch, knowing his medical history and everything he has been through in the two years of his life. He is a very lucky boy!
Robbie is staying here with me for a few weeks while his mom cares for an ill family member. We all love having him back – he enjoys hanging out and playing with the resident Westies and we all enjoy his sweet presence and playful antics. My forever thanks to WestieMed for giving Robbie the true “gift of life” – he is certainly enjoying every minute of it!!!
With love and appreciation, Susie Branham, Canine Friends Rescue, and Robbie
Buddy came to us from the Hobart animal shelter, a little abused from the previous owner, with yet a pleasant disposition. Opening our home again to such a wonderful animal, I knew another adventure would begin as we hunted for that forever home.
During that week Buddy came into our lives we were leaving for vacation and quickly had to find a temporary place until our return about one week later during President’s weekend.
A dear friend of mine helped us. Her willingness to share Buddy with her family until our arrival back put a relief to us all.
After a day of unsettled confusion and yet another transfer to another home, Buddy’s personality changed. A loss of appetite and a general sadness overcame him.
With us in Florida, Bette contacted me not knowing what his problem was tried to search for some answers knowing Buddy’s condition was drastically changing. At one point he hadn’t eaten in two days, so force-feeding was a temporary remedy that pulled him out of danger until Bette was able to drive through a snowstorm to get Buddy to the Vet Clinic. With a twenty-minute drive on a normal day, Buddy’s emergency attention was two hours later. His life had been saved. Buddy’s condition was diagnosed as Addison’s Disease. With the proper monthly dosage, his life will continue as a normal dog and will be happy for the rest of his life.
Update May 13, 2008
I just wanted to give you an update on Buddy’s condition. Once again thank you for your support through Westie Med in providing Buddy assistance on his health condition.
He has been improving very nicely and is just about his normal self. We are controlling his medication and weight, so the medication does not increase. I see a full recovery in the next two months. I have attempted to find a new home for him, but because of his condition and medical costs for the rest of his life, we find it difficult to place him. He will probably become part of the family. We have grown to care for him and also working out some of his anger issues from past owners. Poor thing.
I often get very attached to my rescues, so parting with them is difficult I guess we all share the love for these wonderful dogs.
Thanks again for all you do and hope someday we will meet.
Best Wishes! Denise – NW Indiana Westie Rescue Denise Sunkel
Update March 30, 2010
I would like to give you an update on Buddy. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate what this organization does for Westies, and because of that Buddy is living a much happier life.
When Buddy came into foster, he came with many anger issues that developed over a short period. Because of his aggression, he was not able to be placed into a home because of his unexpected biting and unpredictable behaviors. I knew that he had been abused and would not trust anyone. As time passed my mother stepped in to see if any changes would happen with a single owner and no small children. Not only did his anger make it difficult to place him, but medical issues were also of concern. He was later diagnosed with Addison’s disease.
Buddy today is still with Mom, and still having the anger issues but at a lesser level. Medication is holding for the time being. If it wasn’t for WestieMed I would think Buddy would not be here and probably put down. He is getting older and developing more medical problems, but we will deal with those as they come. I want to thank WestieMed for all your support for Buddy and for giving him a chance.
I am an independent rescuer. I became enamored of Westies when I was working with Maine Coon Rescue. I live in NE MO and had an adopter wanting one of my Maine Coon rescues. He lived in Springfield MO (SW MO) and after much discussion, we agreed to do some driving to meet. I had seen an advertisement somewhere online for a “Dog Auction” I had heard all of the horror stories about puppy mills and decided since I was in the neighborhood I would drop in there and see for myself.
The cat was delivered and I drove another 25 miles to a farm in SE MO where the auction was being held. I was surprised to see security and a sign that said no cameras. I looked around in the barns and saw many breeds of dogs waiting to be auctioned off. I picked out a couple I thought were very nice looking and sat down in a tent with a five-page book of the dogs being auctioned. Birth dates and statements like aggressive breeder ready to whelp etc. The dogs were stood on a table and the auctioneer sold them. The dog I had really liked was a Yorkie who sold for $1,400 dollars. The auctioneer said, “you will get that back from her first litter”. Toward the end of the auction, a yellow-brown dog came upon the table. “This is a six-year-old male West Highland Terrier still got some juice and will give you some nice pups” the auctioneer cried. Do I hear $50 fifty anyone? No one bid. He was ready to take him off the table when I heard myself say $50. His name was Chris of Four Oaks, an AKC registered boy, with his right ear so crumpled and swollen I couldn’t get a q-tip in it to clean it. Chris turned out to be white under all the dirt. I called his former owner and ask about his ears. The guy said he had tried everything — vegetable oil, alcohol, and Listerine. To make this story shorter than it was Chris stayed with me for six months eventually being adopted by some great folks in a huge RV who traveled with their dog who was also a Westie. This experience with Chris hooked me on the breed. Chris was crate trained from day one. After his first bath, all he wanted was to sit with me on my lap. He had a hard time learning to go up and down steps and didn’t have a clue what a toy was. It was a joy watching him learn to be a housedog.
Now on to Alice. Alice and her hubby Jake came to me in October 2007 because I had ransomed their two male pups and sent them on to Westie Rescue of MO. The breeder called me and ask if I would take the parents also. Jake, the daddy, went to Cincinnati Westie Rescue and when I discovered Alice was pregnant I decided she could stay with me until the pups were ready to go. Alice got a heartworm test, was wormed and she was given the basic shots. The pups were born in early November, two boys, and two girls. George and Gracie, Hannah and Elvis. Alice looks as if she has been bred every time she was in heat. I know the pups I had rescued were born in April.
The previous owner worked at a puppy mill and had bought Alice and Jake to breed in her backyard. They had been left out in the yard all summer. Full of fleas ungroomed and Alice had rubbed all of the hair from her back end trying to scratch the flea bites. All of the pups had adopters waiting for them. My granddaughter asked for Hannah, Gracie was to go to Houston TX where an adopter already approved by Westie Rescue of OK was waiting for her. Elvis and Alice were going to a terrific home near St Louis MO. And Georgie’s home in Chicago was getting ready for a home visit. Alice and Elvis went home first. Within a week the adopter called me with unbelievable news. Alice tested positive for heartworms. I was floored. I had her tested, what went wrong? My vet called her vet and they decided that Alice was in an in-between stage when she was first tested. The test did not show active heartworm. The adopters’ vet quoted the treatment at “$600 dollars and a lot of heartbreak down the line.” I am unsure what he meant because my vet told me it was nowhere that expensive and Alice would be fine. She was at most a class two infection. I was so relieved. The adopter had already decided to adopt the other male puppy so Alice is here with me going through the treatment. She is a real trooper and my vet has been so helpful. He kept her at the clinic each day after her shot and gave her something for the pain. I was emailing a Westie Rescue volunteer in IL who told me about WestieMed helping out with medical needs. I had already spent a lot on getting all of Alice’s puppies spayed/neutered shots, etc. and was very short on money. I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me to receive this help. WestieMed is the best!!
Oh yes, I did attend one more dog auction and ended up with a seven-month-old male Westie pup. He was very reserved and not very friendly. His name is Duncan McCloud and is my forever Westie. Alice will be ready for a new home in four months and we will find her the best home ever.
Thank you WestieMed for helping all of these wonderful little dogs.
Update August 27, 2008
Alice – WestieMed Recipient
Alice passed her second heartworm test. She is negative. I learned a lot from this. The treatments are very painful. The vet kept her the first day of her shots at the office. When I took her for the second shot they were going to let her go home with me. We got a couple of miles out of town when she began to whimper and shiver. I pulled over and we sat for a while. I ended up taking her back to the vet and asking if they would monitor her and I would pick her up that night. When I went back in they asked me if Alice had ever evidenced seizures. As she had never had a seizure I was baffled. As they explained her behavior a little more I started to laugh. Alice has a quirk. She loves to chase lights and will lay for hours waiting for a reflection on my metal chair to flash on the wall under the desk. When she first started this we thought she saw or heard a mouse or a bug but came to understand she is on alert when there are lights flashing. The vet kept her in a stainless steel cage – perfect to reflect lights and shadows. Even the vet got a laugh out of out quirky girl Alice.
Alice is in foster care with her daughter Hannah. We have become very attached to her and her wonderful personality. She is a smaller girl only fourteen pounds. She is having some problems with her skin this summer the fleas have been awful and even Frontline and Revolution have not been 100% effective. So she is having the smelly skin and dirty coat. We have spoken to the vet about a shot but she isn’t having the hot spots so we are holding off and using a special shampoo. Thank you all so much for your help with Alice and her care. She the most special of Westies I have had in foster care. A true diamond.
Update March 1, 2010
Alice is still with us. The perfect home hasn’t come around. She is a great girl. Barks to go out. Her light fixation has caused some concerns with potential adopters. Some think it is cute and some are a bit afraid she is seizing (well, she is, but we don’t call it that) But no problem, she will always have a home here. We will probably need to do some dental work on her, the vet said her teeth were stained and weakened possibly from the breeder giving doses of tetracycline when she was a puppy. So Alli has lost some front teeth and the back ones look very yellowed. She and my Duncan get along as well as two terriers can. There are disagreements and then playful romps and tussles. Just common Westie stuff. Her daughter Hannah lives next door and visits daily. All in all, she is a happy Westie girl.
Pat Hardy/Smith
Update October 4, 2010
It is with great sadness that I report that Alice has left us for the Bridge. She came down sick on Sunday, Sept the 12th and passed at the vets on Tuesday the 14th. She seemed to suffer little or no pain. Dr. Hudson tried all he could but she went very quickly. I am so glad I kept her with me, she enriched our life here and made us laugh with her antics. Duncan is coping. We had taken in a rescue Doxie and it has helped him fill the gap Alice left.
Hope got her name because from the first time someone found her, lying in the street, tire marks on her back, in shock and obvious pain from a broken pelvic bone, “hope” for her recovery was in short supply.
She was taken to the Boone County Animal Shelter in northern Kentucky where she was given some pain meds, but no other medical attention. At just eleven pounds, it had been left to this little Westie to make it all on her own — or not — while shelter workers waited for someone to claim her. They had to hold her for five long days that way, and during that time Hope wormed her way into the hearts of everyone she met. Her tenacity was incredible, her love of life undeniable. “If I didn’t have so many dogs already, I’d take her in a heartbeat,” a shelter worker said when she called me.
She said Hope could be claimed by Westie Rescue at 8 a.m. Saturday, January 5th, and at 8:10 a.m. I was there banging on the door. By 9:30, she was at my vet’s office, where x-rays showed a badly fractured pelvic bone, one that would require surgery to wire together.
The surgery took place on Monday, January 7th, and it required three and a half hours to put that little Humpty Dumpty Westie together again. But the surgery went well, and aside from pain pills and antibiotics, there was little to do but wait and allow the bones to mend during a long recovery.
Keeping an 18-month-old Westie quiet is a challenge in the best of times, but for a feisty little girl who obviously felt better day by day, it was a matter of ignoring loud barks and shrill demands for freedom at all hours of the day and night. Hope obviously felt that she had been crated long enough. There was a whole new world out there, and she wanted desperately to be part of it.
Hope – WestieMed Recipient
It required patience all around, but eventually, it paid off. Hope’s fracture healed so well that within ten days she was walking almost without a limp and inciting play with my Westies. Weekly trips to the vet confirmed her progress.
During this period, a wonderful couple from Covington, KY, came to see her. They had been waiting for almost a year for just the right Westie to adopt, and when they saw Hope they knew they had finally found her. So on February 9th, five weeks after her ordeal began, Hope went to her forever home here her new family reports that she’s as happy, playful and loving a Westie as anyone could ever want.
Thankfully, WestieMed was there to help cover some of the cost of Hope’s extensive surgery, ultimately making this happy ending possible. Rescue groups such as ours occasionally encounter major cases such as Hope’s, where medical costs far outstrip our financial resources. This means that we are either forced to turn our backs on dogs like Hope because we can’t afford to care for them, or we care for them and then have no funds to care for the next two or three or four who come our way.
These are not happy choices, but thanks to WestieMed we don’t have to make too many decisions like that anymore. As a result, more and more Westies are given the chance to discover the meaning of “hope” for themselves.
Thanks, WestieMed! West Highland White Terrier Club of Indiana
Update February 2, 2010
Hope – WestieMed Recipient
Hope is doing great! She is a happy, affectionate wonderful addition to our family. She has been joined by another rescue, Wiley, a black point brindle Cairn that we adopted in March of 2009 after losing our beloved Scottie, Shadow, to Crones Disease.
Wiley is about three years old so the two of them are great pals. They do everything together. I have attached a picture.
We are great Westie fans. Hope is actually my fourth Westie and I can’t imagine living without one. She is the queen of her dominion and lets us know if we are not giving her her due. Thank you for saving her and ultimately helping her to find her way to us. We are eternally grateful to you and to Carol for bringing us together.
Butters was adopted by myself in December of 2007 from a rescue group in central Pennsylvania. His background is not completely known, but the rescue informed me he had come from a breeder with a group of other Westies.
Butters is approximately three years old. Many of the dogs that came with Butters were in poor shape and were very timid. I become fond of Butters because of his outgoing personality.
Prior to adopting Butters, I noticed his ears had a growth in them, but the rescue informed me their vet had stated they were ear polyps that probably would not respond to treatment. They stated if I was concerned, I could consult a specialist. After adopting Butters I took him to the University of Pennsylvania’s Vet Hospital only to find out he needed surgery which would cost over $5,000.
Knowing Butters needed the surgery because of the constant pain he displayed from his ears, I knew I had to find a way for Butters to get the surgery.
Butters – WestieMed Recipient
Thankfully, I found WestieMed over the internet and Butters was sent to Ohio to receive surgery. One of WestieMed’s generous members has kept Butters throughout the surgery recovery process and has kept me posted on his recovery. Butters has gone from a low energy dog who was constantly scratching his ears to a happy, playful, and affectionate dog.
I know he will be happy living with myself and my two Labradors. Despite his size, Butters is definitely the top dog and will not let the other dogs try to boss him around, even if they are 5 times his size!
I will be getting Butters back on February 18, 2008, and I am so happy to know he can finally live without the pain he has gone through for the first three years of his life. Butters can now begin to live the happy life he should have always been able to live if only his previous owners had taken proper care of him.
I am so thankful that WestieMed has made it possible for Butters now to have the life he always has deserved.
Thanks for all of your help, Jennifer Boddorf & Butters
Update February 26, 2008
I just wanted to let you know Butters is doing great. He now has a lot more energy & likes to play with both of my dogs. However, he gives my male lab a hard time about getting into bed at night. I guess he doesn’t want another male in the bed! He’ll growl until my other dog gives up and sleeps in the spare bedroom. Haha–never would have thought a little dog would have so much power! Other than that though, he gets along with them great & loves to chase them around.
He’s also very good about letting me put them medicine in his ears & seems to love his new food.
Thanks again for all of your help, Jennifer Boddorf
Update March 5, 2010
Butters is doing great! His ear problems are much better now and are controlled by him being placed on a special diet and using occasional medications.
Despite his small size, he is still the pack leader of the dogs in the house. It has taken some time and assistance from my boyfriend, but he has finally accepted me as the leader in the house. He no longer tries to mark things in the house or bark when he is put in his crate. It just took a simple “be quite” from my boyfriend when Butters barked in his crate and he’s good ever since! And to think he had been ignoring my commands all this time! I guess I had always just been spoiling him too much! He is still the “baby” of the family though.
Roy is a fourteen-month-old Westie boy who was rescued (along w/his brother, Robbie) by Canine Friends Foundation (CFF) from a small commercial and show breeder in on 5/11/07. The breeder had called me the day before advising that she had two six-month-old male Westie puppies that her vet had diagnosed with Grade III heart murmurs. She said she would not be able to sell them and was planning to euthanize them if I did not want to take them into rescue. Of course, I told her I would be there first thing in the morning!!!
“The Boys” went straight to my vet for further evaluation where they were diagnosed with Grade V (not Grade III) heart murmurs. Dr. Byrne and I decided to send them directly to VA Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Dept. of Cardiology in Blacksburg, Virginia for evaluation and echocardiograms to determine the cause of the murmurs. Roy’s diagnosis was severe pulmonic stenosis (a deformity of the pulmonic valve leaflets which control blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart into the pulmonary artery). Pulmonic stenosis makes the heart work too hard and enlarge and it eventually progresses to congestive heart failure and death without intervention.
Dr. Abbott (our wonderful cardiologist) recommended waiting for Roy to finish growing before we decided to proceed with any medical intervention since he was showing no signs of congestive heart failure at the time. Upon his return from Blacksburg, Roy went to live with one of CFF’s foster families, The Skelton’s, and their little dachshund, Frankie for the next seven months, where he learned how to be a member of a family.
Roy returned to VA Tech on 12/17/07 for repeat evaluation and echocardiogram which showed that his pulmonic stenosis had become more severe since his last visit in May. Dr. Abbott is recommending proceeding with balloon valvuloplasty which should “open up” the stenosis, decreasing the pressure across the pulmonary valve and preventing congestive heart failure and death. Roy is now back in my home, part of my small “herd” of foster and forever Westies and Westie mixes. With the help of WestieMed, we are looking forward to having his surgery done and helping sweet Roy on his way to finding a wonderful forever home and life!!!
Roy and Robbie were the only two puppies in their mom’s first litter. Dr. Abbott advised me to tell the breeder that she should spay the mom as pulmonic stenosis is a genetic problem. I am happy to say that the breeder did indeed spay the mom and place her in a (hopefully) loving pet home.
Thanks, Susie Branham and Roy Westie Co-founder, Canine Friends Foundation Small Dog Rescue
In a very loving memory of Duffy, CFF’s first rescued Westie puppy who died unexpectedly 2/1/06 while waiting to grow big enough for his heart surgery.
Update February 20, 2008
Roy – WestieMed Recipient
Roy Westie and I left home early this morning for the 85 mile trip to the VA Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg, VA in preparation for his balloon valvuloplasty which is scheduled for early tomorrow morning (2/21/08). The pictures show him checking out the car and then settling down for a snooze during the trip.
Roy was met by his “team”, Anna Barnes, senior vet student; Dr. Jessica Gentile, cardiology resident; and Dr. Jonathan Abbott, cardiologist. He greeted them with his usual sweet Westie kisses accompanied by plenty of tail wags. He had blood work and an echocardiogram done, followed by playtime, dinner, and an early bedtime. When I left, he was busy getting some serious belly rubs from Anna and Dr. Gentile.
Roy – WestieMed Recipient
Many thanks to Westie Med for providing the financial assistance needed for Roy to proceed with his surgery and have the chance for a long, healthy life with his own family. We could not have gotten there without your help!!!
With deep appreciation,
Susie Branham, Co-Founder, Canine Friends Foundation Small Dog Rescue, and Roy Westie
Update February 25, 2008
Roy went into surgery early last Thursday morning (2/21/08) with the hope of having his narrow heart valve (pulmonic stenosis) dilated by balloon valvuloplasty. Prior to surgery, an EKG detected an atrial septal defect in his heart that was allowing oxygen-depleted blood to bypass his lungs and be recycled, which results in keeping his oxygen levels lower than normal all the time. When the catheter was inserted for the ballooning, Roy’s blood pressure and oxygen levels dropped dangerously low and the catheter was removed. Roy’s blood pressure remained low and Dr. Abbott decided to halt the procedure rather than risk Roy’s life.
Roy spent the next twenty-four hours recovering and being coddled by his Senior vet student, Anna, and the hospital staff at VA Tech VTH. He was his lively self when I picked him up on Friday afternoon, where he was discharged to home amid lots of kisses and a few tears. One of his caretakers, Robin, was so touched by sweet Roy that she gave him a St Francis of Assisi medallion to wear on his collar for protection.
I am sad that Roy was unable to have the surgery that could have extended his life, however, I am very grateful to WestieMed for giving us the opportunity to try. Roy’s foster family is committed to loving and caring for him for the rest of his life and Canine Friends Foundation will continue to oversee his care and ensure he receives any and all medical care needed.
Roy was overjoyed to see his family and Doxie buddy, Frankie, on Saturday morning when they came to pick him up. For now, he is living life like any other happy fifteen-month-old Westie boy and we are going to do everything we can to make that last as long as possible…
Again, many thanks to Westie Med for caring about this wonderful little Westie!!
Gratefully,
Susie Branham, Co-Founder, Canine Friends Foundation and Roy Westie
Update July 7, 2008
I just spoke w/Jamie, Roy’s foster mom, and he is doing great! He is happy and playful w/no clinical signs of heart failure. They just returned from a ten-day camping trip to VA Beach where Roy was introduced to the ocean and loved the game called “Let’s Dig Up the Beach”! The Skeletons always thank me for “allowing” them to foster Roy and I always thank them for “allowing” him to become a beloved member of their family. They are a very special family and he is a very lucky boy!
I pray that Roy continues to do well and has many more days like the ones he is having this summer…sounds like he is having a blast! I will send pictures next time I stop by for a visit…
A big THANK YOU to Westie Med for caring about and helping Sweet Roy and the other CFF rescued Westies.
Susie Branham, Canine Friends Foundation Rescue, and Roy
He thinks he can fly! It’s true with most Westies, but especially true with Jack. He’s adventurous, curious and loveable.
In June of 2007, we lost Maggie, our fourteen-year-old Scottish terrier to liver cancer. She had been with us since we adopted her from a shelter at one year old. She was truly a member of the family. After a few months, we agreed it was time to begin to look for another dog – one that could help fill the hole Maggie left in our hearts and our home. Since Maggie had come through adoption, our first thought was not a breeder, but a rescue agency to find our new pet.
Jack is one year old today and has been with our family for only two weeks. He came to us through the Illinois chapter Westie Rescue Mission of Missouri. While his original family loved him deeply, they ultimately surrendered him to WRM because Jack’s high energy made caring for him and their two special-needs kids very difficult.
We were so excited from the moment we met Jack. He is curious, high energy and loveable. From the moment he arrived, he began exploring and investigating our home – one room at a time. He didn’t slow down for two solid hours! Shortly after midnight, we thought it was time to try to get our boy to sleep.
We took Jack to our room with his familiar blanket and bed. Still curious, still exploring, undeterred, Jack tried to jump up on our bed and missed. We watched in what seemed like slow motion as he fell. He never winced, never yelped, but when he got up, he refused to use his leg. We were heart-broken that our boy hurt himself and we hardly slept all night.
Jack – WestieMed Recipient
A visit to the vet the next day gave the bad news – he had broken his leg. A second opinion confirmed the diagnosis and course of treatment. So less than two days after arriving in our home, Jack had orthopedic surgery to repair his leg.
He is healing well, bonding with our family and is an amazing dog. We are so glad to have him in our home. He’s had quite an adventure in the last month – he’d have an amazing story to tell!
We are thankful to WestieMed for assisting with part of Jack’s surgery bill. We are grateful that resources are out there to help families that rescue loving, wonderful Westies like Jack.
Update February 2008
Just a quick update. Jack had his six-week checkup with the surgeon yesterday. He is healing but not healed.
So it’s six more weeks of restricted activity.
Jack is doing great – walking without a limp, fully using the leg. I would highly recommend the group we used as caring and cost-efficient. Great Practice – Animal Emergency in Skokie. Well worth the hour drive to get there.
The biggest challenge is keeping him down. He continues to believe he is invincible! He’s getting more attached to us and we to him. He’s a loving, wonderful dog – we are glad we have him in spite of all the chaos and challenges. We are learning some of his quirks – he is very skittish around loud noises, fire, and anything around his head. Makes us wish we could talk to him to hear his story in his original family…over time I am sure he will forget and change. Our last dog was nervous around shoes for the first year – my son reminded us of that this morning.
Update July 1, 2008
Jack – WestieMed Recipient
Jack is doing well. He is adjusting emotionally. When we received him he had huge issues – every noise scared him, he would not take food or treats from human hands, would not obey even simple commands, and was a bit reclusive.
Today, he knows some basic obedience commands – sit, stay, shake, no (a big one for high-energy Westies!). He loves to play fetch with his favorite toys. He trusts us enough to take food from our hands. He is a much calmer dog and a great pet. We really love having him.
Healthwise, the leg is fully healed. He is one of the fastest dogs I have ever seen – loves to run in the back yard. On humid or cold days he will still, on occasion, limp on the leg that was broken. The Vet says this is normal and may just be a life-long side effect.
I thought I would send some pictures of Jack. Sorry ~ he is a little scruffy in these pictures ~ we don’t ever seem to get them right after he is trimmed up ~ but he is cute anyway.
Jack is sitting up on my lap as I type. He has to be on my lap or near me when I’m sitting down. He is such good company.
He absolutely loves our granddaughter. We keep her on the weekends for our daughter and Jack is very protective of her. He goes into the room where she sleeps and stays by her bed until she wakes up. When we sit in the rocking chair with her ~ he has to be there too and she just laughs and reaches over and pets him. Our biggest problem is keeping their toys separate. They both want what the other one has…just like siblings. They are going to be very good friends growing up!
We just love Jack and are having so much fun with him being part of our family.
Blessings, Greg and Connie
Update September 27, 2008
Jack had surgery – again – two weeks ago.
His pins were coming loose from the previous surgery. The surgeon said that his broken bone healed perfectly and he should have no more problems. Pins and wires were all removed and should eliminate the periodic limping and swelling that had been happening over the summer.
He has become a very expensive dog – but make no mistake that we love him and would not give him up for anything. He is full of life and character. He makes us laugh on a daily basis. And he is back to being the fearless dog with lightning speed.
After the death of my Westie Mr. Magoo at age 17 years, 2 months, swore I would never get another Westie to add to the two I still have. And then it happened! This beautiful little Princess caught my eye and I had to have her for my own.
Westie Rescue of Missouri (WRM) stated that Dutchess was turned in by an elderly woman in her 80s who could no longer care for her. The woman said her grand-daughter owned Dutchess. However, when the girl went to medical school, she gave Dutchess to her grandmother. We know the woman also had a male Westie who recently died. After his death, Dutchess had to leave. Perhaps it was out of grief…but, nonetheless, she was surrendered to rescue.
Everyone at WRM who met Dutchess LOVED HER. Her foster home was very smitten with her and said Dutchess was going to be awesome pet for someone. Dutchess works the pack like a grand, seasoned matriarch with gentleness and accuracy through looks and playfulness. Her foster mom, Lynne Black said Dutchess is perfect.
After dealing with stormy weather trying to transport her to me, Dutchess finally arrived on Thanksgiving Day via airplane thanks to the Farris family and their “Pet Taxi” as well as WRM.
Dutchess – WestieMed Recipient
The next day I took Dutchess to the Vet for a check-up. I found out she had hookworms and a urinary tract infection (UTI). She also had numerous cysts and tumors on her body. The Vet treated the UTI and hookworms right then and there. We were to return in a week for cyst and tumor removal.
This photo shows Dutchess barking to go ‘bye-bye’. Little did she know she was going to have her cysts and tumors removed. After a week of nail biting and stress, the Vet reported her tumors were benign and her blood work was perfect. The Vet also stated Dutchess was “OLD” – very old! He estimated that she is at least 13 years or older. She appears to be very young and acts as a pup. Who cares about age? Not us!
Dutchess – WestieMed Recipient
Miss D. is adjusting well to our home and my other two Westies. She gets along just fine with her brother Rocky MacDuff:
However, her sister Miss Sophie Rose is another story. Sophie is our resident Alpha Diva and thinks she rules the world. Slowly, the girls have come to a truce and are learning to get along.
Thanks to WestieMed and their generosity, Dutchess now has a clean bill of health. She a fine old lady and we love her dearly!
Thanks again WestieMed for all you do to assure the health of these little Westies!
Update June 14, 2008:
Hi all! It’s me the Divine Miss D. Boy, did I ever hit the Jackpot! My Mom thinks I am the Cutest Thing that hit Harrison. She tells me I am a female Mr. Magoo. (That was my 17 year old Bubby that went to the Bridge.) I am so Sassy, Bossy and Demanding! I tell my Mom when I want to go outside and I don’t stop barking until she opens the door. I bark for my meals and again I don’t shut up until I get them and Mom is always on time believe me. I even bark until Mom gets up and gives me her chair.
Dutchess – WestieMed Recipient
have a clean bill of health and Mom just had the last of my Booboos removed. Big old thing on the back of my neck. It didn’t bother me but Mom is always doing a search looking for stuff. And of course, it has to go! I’m perfect and Mom helps me to stay that way. Not bad for a 14 year old.
My Sister Sophie Rose is acting better but not perfect. Sometimes she forgets and plays with me. My Brother Rocky is a gentle Giant. He’s good to me! My Bestest Friends Winnie and Elvis come to visit all the time. We get along GRAND.
Thanks to WestieMed I have a wonderful healthy life and thanks to WestieMed I have my friends Winnie and Elvis. Life is great! And I am so very happy!
Hello everyone. My name is Chloe and this is my story. Compared to a lot of the other Westies that you are reading about on the WestieMed website, my story is not very terrible. I spent the first 5 years of my life in a home with a family who loved me and took care of me – not one of those horrible puppy mills places.
My story is not all happy though. One day, something very sad happened in my family, and they could no longer take care of me. They took me to a place called a shelter. I was there for a while, and I did not like it there. It was hard to find a home for me because you see; I have something called Addison’s disease. I don’t know what that means, but I know that I get sick kind of easy. I’ve had it since I was a little puppy, and although I am doing well now, I was sick for a lot of my life, and I guess a lot of people don’t want to have to deal with a doggy like me who needs special care. I got lucky again though because the people from the Westie Rescue found me in the shelter. They came and rescued me and I lived for a little while with a foster family who was very nice and took good care of me.
One day my foster Mommy told me that some nice people had seen my picture on the Westie Rescue website and they had read my story. Those people thought I was adorable and were not afraid of my special needs and wanted me to come and live with them and have a forever home. We went on a car ride and met my new Mommy and Daddy, and I got to go home with them that very day!! I was a little scared, but I sat in my Mommy’s lap and she petted me and talked to me and pretty soon I fell asleep. The next thing I knew, I was in my forever home.
I love my forever home. When it’s warm outside, I go out with Daddy and help him in the yard, and I love to greet everybody who walks by. There are lots of nice dogs in my neighborhood, but Jack is my favorite one. Daddy says he’s my boyfriend. I don’t know what that means, but I really get excited when Jack walks by with his Mommy and Daddy. I LOVE my toys and have a big basket full of them. I don’t like them in the basket, though, I prefer them scattered all over the house! Mommy and I play a game – she picks them up and puts them in the basket, and quick as I can, I go get them and scatter them all over the house again! I think it’s more fun than Mommy does, but she doesn’t get mad at me.
We’ve had a few struggles with my Addison’s disease, and are very grateful to the WestieMeds people for helping us. You see, I need very special care. I have to get a shot each month (ouch!) and I have to take pills to make sure I don’t get sick. Mommy and Daddy took me to a vet nearby, but it didn’t work out so well. He didn’t know a lot about my disease and he changed my medicine. Well, I ended up getting really, really sick and I almost died. I had to stay in the hospital for a few days while they got me feeling better, and it was very expensive. Things got much better after that though, because Mom and Dad found a new vet who really likes me a lot and she fixed my medicine and has me feeling great!! She even studied about Addison’s disease and contacted some other vets to find out the best way to take care of me. I like her, and I’m doing much better now.
Mommy and Daddy say that I’m a “princess”. I think that means I’m spoiled, but Mommy says I deserve to be spoiled because I’m so wonderful and I’ve been through so much. For Christmas this year, I went to the salon and got a pretty new haircut and we went visiting family all over. I even got my very own stocking with toys and treats inside! I love Christmas!! I was a good girl (mostly), and got to meet lots of other dogs in our family. I love to go on car rides and meet new people, but mostly I’m happiest just snuggling on the couch with Mommy and Daddy. Daddy says that I’m his “cuddlebug” because I love to snuggle with him, but I don’t ever let Mommy out of my sight for a minute. She says that I am her little shadow.
Anyway, that’s my story up until now. I hope to have lots more years with my forever family and am so happy that the wonderful rescue people found me and helped me find my forever home.
With love and gratitude, Chloe, John and Rebecca
Update June 19, 2008:
I am pleased to report that Chloe is doing great!! Ever since we got her through her last crisis, and got a new vet, and learned the signs of her medical condition, she is like a new dog. We have switched her over to the Kumpi dog food, which seems to suit her very well. As long as she gets her shot on time each month, and we continue with the prednisone therapy, she is doing great. She does seem to have some ongoing dental problems, but we can deal with those. She is in need of another cleaning, which is going to be around $200. The vet told us that some dogs just have worse teeth than others. Her’s are pretty bad, so she will have another cleaning in a month or so, but she is otherwise healthy. John and I (and Chloe of course) moved to a new home at the beginning of May. She LOVES it here!!! She has a fenced backyard, which is a big relief for us, and it’s full of squirrels and chipmunks and all the neighbor dogs come by to visit. She has a new friend – Mikey – who is a Chihuahua, and he comes over to play in the yard. They run around like maniacs until they’re worn out. There is also another Westie right across the street. Her name is Roxie, and they like each other a lot. I will send some pictures soon. Thanks for checking up on our girl. We love her to pieces!!!
Love, John & Rebecca (& Chloe)
Chloe – WestieMed Recipient
Update January 20, 2010:
Chloe was abandoned by her family because she suffers from Addison’s disease. In the beginning, her disease seemed to be difficult, and at one point we nearly lost her due to a vet who did not treat her disease properly. Her “new” vet, Dr. Stopfer, spent time researching her disease and learning how to treat her, and for the last year or more, she has been stable and healthy, and happy due to proper care. Her monthly regimen is a little costly, but she is such a love, she is totally worth it. Seeing her happy little face and bright eyes is a joy every day. She loves to run around in her yard, tormenting the neighborhood squirrels, and is friends with all the neighborhood dogs, including two other Westies who come over to play. Over time, we have learned how to recognize when she is not feeling well, and the know-how to medicate her to keep her stable. Thanks to WestieMed for getting her through the crisis that nearly took her from us a year and a half ago.
She is a pampered and loved little girl and a success story for your organization. If I can ever be of any help to the WestieMed organization, please call on me.
Blessings, Rebecca Pigeon
Update August 4, 2010:
I need to notify you that Chloe passed away today.
I am still in shock, as she seemed fine this morning, but when I returned home from work she was curled up in her bed and she was gone.
