Hi–I am Emmie, a Westie of the wee petite variety. I am on the quiet side to go with my stature. But I have a big Westie spirit. I am three years old. I was a breeding dog before my life took a turn for the better. I lived with a lot of other dogs that were not well cared for. We were very dirty and always hot in the summer because we had long, long hair all over. I tried to peek out of all the hair on my face, but it was hard to do. I didn’t know what clean, cool water was. I never had my own food bowl and I had to scrap to get what I could to eat.
When the rescue people came for me, I was already sad because the breeder had taken my puppies from me. It was too soon. But they were in a hurry to sell them. I hope they found good homes as I have. My rescue people told me that I will never have to worry about puppies again. They said it is time for me to concentrate on myself!
The first thing my new friends did was take me to a veterinarian. She is a wonderful doctor that loves all animals, but just between you and me, I think she is partial to doggies. Her helpers like Miss Pam and others helped me with my haircut and bath. Wow-that bath thing is nice. When were those invented? I had never heard of them. They told me I was much too matted and dirty for a precious little Westie girl. I loved all the pampering, but then came the exam. I most certainly did not pass! I weighed thirteen pounds. My doctor told the rescue man and lady that I had tons of ticks. It hurt when they pulled them off. I already had scabs on me. She also said that I had severe dental tartar and gingivitis. I’m not sure, but that sounds serious. I had a skin infection. She got a bottle of soothing spray for me. She put me on antibiotics and gave me shots and other meds. I hated those shots, but I was very brave during the entire exam.
Next, I went to live with a foster Mom and Dad. They have two Westies plus another foster Westie that I love to play with. Foster Mom Lynn said that I love to chase then chew on any Frisbee that might be thrown my way. She also said that I get along great with all the Westies at her house. She is especially proud of my potty skills, though I have not graduated to a full run of the house. I do great on the leash and I am learning to sit and stay. She tells everyone that my appetite for good kibble is unending! That’s because it is so fun to eat out of this thing called a bowl. I have one now. One of my favorite things is to curl up on someone’s lap. Though I’m slim, I’m quite cuddly. One of my least favorite things is the sound of the microwave beeping, but I’m getting used to that. When a stranger comes to foster Mom and Dad’s house, I bark. That’s about the only time I make any noise. I don’t even fuss about my crate training. I’m just happy to be loved now after my experience as a breeding dog. Sometimes at night, I dream about getting to see all the WestieMed people that helped me. I would so love to give them kisses and tell them how going to the vet made such a difference in how I feel. They do wonderful things for us Westies you know.
I think my rescue people have found me a furever home that will have a Westie sister there for me to play with. Anyway, I have proven that you don’t have to have a perfect background to be a perfect pet. On a scale of 1 to 10 in size, I’m a three. But on a scale of one to ten as a good pet, I AM A TEN!!!!
Thanks again WestieMed.
Love, Little Emmie
Emmie is one of seven Westies rescued from a puppy mill in Nashville, Tennessee.
Update January 2008:
Emmie is a sweet little feminine Westie girl. She is over all of her health problems thanks to WestieMed. Keeping her Westie figure is the only problem she has these days. She loves having her very own bowl with plenty of food in it! Emmie loves treats but always allows her younger fur sibling to grab the first one. She waits politely and patiently and then goes to a corner to savor hers slowly. Emmie still cowers occasionally, but it happens less and less. We are confident that eventually, she won’t remember her days as a mistreated breeding dog at all. Her fur coat turned out to be absolutely gorgeous. Everyone comments on how beautiful it is. When she was rescued, it was filthy and matted so badly she had to be shaved. Now her coat is soft as cotton and very thick.
Emmie loves to stand outside and watch the squirrels but isn’t very interested in chasing them. She does enjoy chasing a tennis ball up and down the long deck. She races side by side with her Westie sister to the ball. When she manages to get it, she prances around with it in her mouth for a few moments before bringing it back to be thrown again. Emmie is somewhat shy for a Westie but gets along great with her Westie sister and the two resident beagles. She is always welcoming and sweet to any foster Westies that come to visit from time to time.
We love that she is sleeping inside a warm house this winter for the first time. She is not very keen on going out in the rain but has enjoyed a little dusting of snow we got recently. She puts the side of her face down on the deck and runs her face through the snow. When a sufficient amount has collected on her head, she stops and shakes it off her face, and repeats the process over and over. We don’t think she could be any more adorable if she tried! We feel honored to provide her with a loving home. She is a constant joy. We think that being owned by one Westie was nice, but being owned by two is even better!
Me – right after I was rescued! Whew – my hair was a mess!
After one of my visits to Mr. Earl’s Doggie Salon, I had my picture taken with him because I looked so pretty.
Me playing in the snow! I enjoyed it for the first time because I knew I could go back in the warm house anytime I wanted. I never have to sleep in it again
Me on the left and my sis. Stop taking pictures Mom – come out and throw the tennis ball! I love to play on the deck.
I am a sweet little Westie girl named Erin. I have a wonderful life. It wasn’t always so wonderful, because you see, I was a breeding dog. Even though I am only two, I worried about my babies not having fresh water and being in the heat and cold. I did my very best to take good care of them, but I didn’t have much to work with. Now I never have to worry about having puppies again!
When I was rescued, I was sick. I had severe yeast infections in both my little ears. My teeth weren’t very healthy. I had worms. Since I am so small, I seemed to get the short end of the stick most of the time. I only weighed eleven pounds. There was never much to eat and my water had green yucky stuff on top of it. I kept trying to tell the breeder that I didn’t like bugs in my water, but he never understood. The day I left that awful place, I didn’t know what life held for me, but I knew it could only go uphill.
When I made it to the dogtor, I was shaking and really afraid. There were people running around taking care of other dogs and cats. It seemed like a big place. A very nice young man took me under his wing. He didn’t talk like the other people there. I heard someone say that he just moved here from Cuba. He is lucky like me. We both got to go to much better places to live. He got all the nasty, matted hair off of me. He tried not to shave me, but he had to. My coat was just too matted with nasty things. He left me a little bob on the end of my tail and some hair on my face. He told me that he understands how we girls like to look our best, even when we feel bad. The doctor lady and her helpers were so kind to me. I had to stay there a few nights and then the rescue lady took me and my sister to our foster home. She told us not to worry about our bill because she was in contact with a wonderful organization called WestieMed. She said that she was sure the people at WestieMed would want us to concentrate on getting well. The place I went to is called a farm. But this was no run of the mill farm. There was a nice, big house. The rescue lady mumbled something about a place called South Fork that was on TV a long time ago as she drove up the driveway. A pretty lady named Michele came out to greet us. Michele helped pay for me to be rescued. She has lots and lots of animals. Horses, pigs, chickens, guineas, cows, goats, lots of dogs, and all kinds of animals. I laugh to myself cause where her horses live is larger than the breeder man’s house!! Now my foster Mom has decided to keep me because I fell in love with her two little girls. I’m sure they love me back.
I love to run and play now, but when I first got here, I was too sick to enjoy all the amenities. I had something called loose stools and really bad skin irritations. Mom said that I was scared and in poor condition. I love the scrambled eggs she makes for me each morning. I think the good food that my Mom Michele feeds me has helped me get stronger. My chicken friends give them to her every single day like clockwork. She says that I am timid but have the sweetest disposition she has ever seen! My Mom adores me and hates that I had to suffer before I came to her and her family. But that is in the past. Now I run around the yard and play with my chickens and my new dog friends. I don’t exactly know how to thank the kind-hearted people at WestieMed for paying my doctor bills. Rescue lady told me the best way to repay them is to be a good little Westie and always, always enjoy my life. So that is what I am busy doing.
Love and Licks to you, Erin
Erin is one of seven Westies rescued from a puppy mill in Nashville, Tennessee.
Update January 2008:
My little Erin is a wonderful, happy little girl. She is a strange little girl in that for a small little one, she thinks she is larger than life and bulletproof. She would rather be outside watching over her chickens than be inside with the others.
When Erin first came here she was very sick and “terrified” is the only word I can use to describe her. But her Alpha side is here now. She is very protective of her backyard. I often foster dogs here and most recently we fostered four eight-week-old Pyrenees puppies. They weighed almost thirty pounds each but she still bossed them around. When it was time for a little mothering she did that, too, constantly cleaning them and protecting them from even their own shadows at times (yes, they would chase their shadows).
Erin – WestieMed Recipient
But aside from her chewable wormer and a monthly Frontline, Erin is off any medications she was once on. She is every bit the delight I have insisted to everyone that a Westie would be.
I appreciate all you have done. And I still insist that Sherry Moore is the true reason my little Erin is alive today. For if not for Sherry and her “I will never stop looking for Sweetie or helping every Westie I find along the way” attitude, these guys would have never survived their past living situation.
Hi. I was a nameless Westie, up until last week. I could hear, but I didn’t respond to names. That’s because no one really talked to me until just recently. Sure, they talked to me at the shelter, where they were nice to me. But they had a lot of dogs to talk to, so I didn’t really answer too much. It’s been a long road for me, and I’m tired. I’m starting to feel better though. Let me start at the beginning.
I think I am four, but I feel a lot older. I was given as a gift to this family, who I think cared about me at some point because I seem to be pretty well housetrained, except for some occasional accidents, and I am neutered. But then they stuck me outside and stopped giving me shots. I got sick, and it got pretty hard to breathe. My heart started to feel funny, and then I didn’t want to run, and play and move around so much anymore. No one talked to me after a while, and I forgot my name. I don’t remember what it is anymore, so don’t ask me. I couldn’t tell you. I used to be a very cute puppy, but now I have bald spots on my skin, and I itch all the time. I look like an ad for the Hair Club for Westies. I had gunk coming out of my eyes, and no one gave me a bath. Eventually, they took me to this shelter in Oxford, MS and they said on the form, “Given as a gift. Didn’t work out.” The person who turned me in didn’t even stick around to fill out the back of the form with my medical information. It didn’t even matter enough for them to stay an extra five minutes. That made me sad. I really didn’t feel well, and the nice people at the shelter could tell that. They told me it was because I had heartworms, bugs in my heart. That’s because I was kept outside. If my first owners had taken care of me, it wouldn’t have happened, but I wasn’t worth the nine cents a day it would have cost them to keep me on the medication. I wasn’t worth nine cents a day to them, but I bet they would have found nine cents to keep bugs from growing in their hearts! The people at the shelter said I was a very nice boy, but I was too tired to cause too much of a fuss, and I didn’t want to get dumped again. I was just grateful to get anything at all. After all, I didn’t feel like I had any value at all.
Not too long after I got left at the shelter, this family with another Westie came to get me from Tennessee. They knew I had bugs in my heart, and they said they promised to get me treatment. They could see how messy I was because the nice people at the shelter had cut my hair to let my skin breathe. They promised to take me to the vet, and see about getting my allergies and bugs treated. I got taken home with my new Westie sibling, and I thought I had it made. I was gonna get to live indoors. I got a new collar, from the people at the shelter, and they even sent me home with a leash and Heartgard tablets, ten of them! I’ve never had so many new things. But it was not to be. A few days later, the people in TN told the people in Oxford “it wasn’t working out.” Their Westie was too hyper for me, and the medication was going to be too expensive, and I might not make it through treatment, so they were going to make the long drive to bring me back. I didn’t even get a bath. They took my new collar and the heartworm medication; I didn’t even get to keep my new things! That made me sad. So the people at the shelter posted my ad on Petfinder. But that same day something great happened – God sent out a call to Alabama, and someone answered it!
This woman named Xenia who loves Westies happened to be looking at Petfinder and saw my ad, and that things “didn’t work out for me” and I was coming home. She picked up the phone and called the shelter, and she called her vet to see what could be done, and then she was on the road in less than an hour. Four hours later, we met. I was a mess, and pretty embarrassed to meet her like that, but right away I could tell that no matter what I looked like, she wouldn’t be the type to go back on her word. She saw through the yuckiness and saw a beautiful Westie inside. Even though I had an eye infection and skin problems, I knew she was gonna get the bugs out of my heart, and get fur back on my body. She told me my name was Oz, and then she said something else I’d never heard before. On the way to this place called Alabama, she kept saying to me, “I love you.” I don’t know what it means, but it makes me feel good to hear it. And you know what? She says it a lot. I hear her say it to the other dogs that live in her house, all the time. I like that. It makes me feel secure like she won’t change her mind about us.
And it makes me feel like I have value. That night, she bought me a pet bed. It was the best! I also got a cow toy and my own room! She said I get to keep them – it was like Christmas!
Sometimes I have accidents in my room, but Xeni never gets upset with me. She never says a word, just gives me hugs and kisses. I think this has something to do with being loved. I’m feeling better, and I think I’m going to stay that way because Xenia’s been telling me about this place called Westie Med, and they love me, too! She says they love me so much they’re paying for me to feel better! She says they think I have value as a Westie, and they want me to have a real chance at life. She says I’m important, and WestieMed thinks so, too. She says I have a friend there, named Bette. I have friends at my vet, too. And guess what? I’m starting to be good looking again, and chubby. But don’t tell. I don’t want Xenia to cut back on the treats. It’ll be our secret.
You know what? I like this thing called love. Please pray for my continued recovery. I want to stick around to get more of it.
Update January 2, 2008:
Oz is doing well at this six-month point. His skin is nice and pink, no longer the irritated red color. The patches of yellow, flaky greasiness have subsided and his fur is growing in nicely. He is now the shaggy Westie I’d hoped he’d become.
When I first got Oz, he could barely walk from his bed to the door to potty. His breathing was so labored that he could not spare his mouth for kisses and felt as if he was being strangled if you tried to kiss his nose. Although my vet hasn’t given him the recheck for heartworms, it’s clear that the treatment must have been a success. Oz has more energy than I’ve ever seen in him. The other day he got away from me and gave me quite a run around the neighborhood, stopping finally not from the fatigue, but from a need to use the bathroom! He still makes a weird grunting noise when he is excited, but two vets at Banfield have now confirmed that he has no heart murmur, as would be expected with a damaging case of heartworm. I fully expect the next HW test to come back negative.
As for the current condition of his health, Oz seems to be prone to UTIs. This is the third one he’s had since I’ve been owned by him. (He came with the first infection, so I am not sure how long he had it or if that is in any way responsible for this propensity) He is on his third round of antibiotics and doing well on this brand. If this one does not do it, then we will x-ray for bladder stones, although there are no crystals present. He is in good hands at Banfield and visits regularly. If I do not bring him in for a few weeks, they call because they miss him. Can you believe that? I’ve never had a vet call and check on a dog just because they were thinking of him! They never call about Lacey or Sammy, but they are all just in LOVE with Oz.
When he goes in, they frequently give him free baths and blow drys. It doesn’t matter if he was brand-spanking clean when I brought him. Once Lacey and he were sharing a crate, and he peed in it (this was the start of this last UTI). Oz got whipped out and given a free bath and returned to me sparkling. They brought Lacey in, all wet and bedraggled, smelling of Oz’s urine. I was like, um??? Is Lacey going to get a bath? They were like, oh do you think she smells?? HELLO! It was funny b/c being wet really rankles Lacey’s delicate Westie sensibilities, whereas Oz could care less. But he’s the clear favorite. (They both got free baths that day, even though I had to ASK for Lacey’s.)
Blessings to you for funding Oz, this special Westie’s, recovery!!!!
Xeni
Update January 18, 2008:
I wanted to give you an Oz update. He has not been well.
I told you we’d been treating the bladder infection for several months, but he has also had one on and off since I got him. I thought it was just an adjustment issue, but this week he started to vomit and have blood in his poopy. I noticed because he peed on the baseboards, so the next night he slept in his crate until Nature’s Miracle had a chance to work. This was hard on both of us. 🙁 Otherwise, he seemed fine that night. But he poopied in his crate, and then when I got up he had finger-paw painted in the poopy. I found blood clots in it. So I took him to the vet, where he proceeded to vomit and free bleed out his bottom! Not a lot, but no Westie owner cares about the amount when blood is coming out!
They said he had a stomach virus, and that he was bleeding due to intestinal distress – stress colitis, but she wanted to see why he was marking, so she did the radiograph…he has a mass in his bladder! I am hoping it is stones, but it did not show up well. She said whatever it is, it’s been there a while because it is quite large. I am thinking his owner knew about this and that was another mitigating factor in him being dumped at the shelter without bothering to fill out his medical info. The good news is that his heart is in GREAT shape and not the least bit enlarged.
He’s going to have an ultrasound next week. Please spread the word and ask his other WestieMed friends to pray for him! He so deserves to be healthy and well. I am beside myself with anger at his former owner. And I feel guilty because I should have caught this earlier, but since I didn’t, he’s been feeling crummy on and off for all this time! 🙁
I will keep you posted about what’s going on with him, when I know more.
Hugs, Xeni and Oz-angel-baby-Westi
Update February 23, 2008:
I just heard from Oz’ vet! There is no longer any mass in his bladder! It is gone! Amen to the power of prayer! So no surgery will be needed and I am so grateful because he has been through so much. All I need to have them do now is the heartworm test to see if he is clear!
Thank you for everything!!! I will keep you posted on his heartworm test, too!
Blessings, Xeni
Oz – WestieMed Recipient
Update May 27, 2008:
I just wanted to update you: Oz had his comprehensive exam last week. The result: Negative. No heartworms!!!! AND the vet was so impressed with the difference in his skin! She said it looked great.
I am so thrilled. He’s been dancing around the house and peeing excitedly and inappropriately all over the bedroom in response to all the hugs and kisses he’s been getting. I say, bring it on, so long as it means he is healed.
I so love him. Thank you and WestieMed so much for helping me save his life, and especially for making it financially possible.
On a beautiful Sunday morning in early May, I took my four and half-year-old Westie to PetCo for a new leash. Stanley is not just my baby, but everyone’s baby. When we walked into the store, a woman approached us and told me that a two ad half-year-old female Westie at our local shelter was scheduled to be euthanized that coming week. She was relinquished by her owner due to her skin condition. She told me that I could look her up on the shelter’s website. That evening I looked her up and couldn’t get her off of my mind. I had no intention of getting another dog. I thought I would adopt her and get her well so she could be placed in a forever home. The following day, I left work early and drove to the shelter. I could not believe my eyes! This little girl was so thin. She had lost her hair on all four legs, rump, chest, belly, and even her face. Her paws were so swollen and she had open bleeding wounds all over her body, even inside her ears. I named her Boo because she had “boo boo’s” all over her little body. She raised her head but would not stand up. When the volunteer took her out of the cage, she could hardly stand up, her legs shaking uncontrollably. She didn’t want to be touched, as I can only imagine the pain she was in.
She was taken to Stanley’s doctor immediately. She had to stay there overnight and was quarantined for several days. She had skin scraping performed on four areas of her body. Thankfully, mange was ruled out, though Boo was diagnosed with a skin condition called Malassezia. She was put on medications, nine pills per day. She also has front leg joint issues which will need to be monitored. When Stanley met Boo several days later, it was love at first sight, though Boo wasn’t too sure about Stanley. She was food aggressive and a little rough with the man of the house, though as she started to get stronger, so did their relationship. She gained six pounds in the first two weeks! She can now jump on the bed, and Stanley and Boo are inseparable. They play “racetrack” throughout the house and constantly tackle each other. I can sit and watch these two play for hours. They are so happy together!
Seven weeks have now passed, and Boo is doing very well. The vet bills are mounting, but WestieMed came to the rescue! She had her third vet appointment on Saturday and is now being treated for an ear infection. She has hair sprouts everywhere except her paws, but we are hopeful hair will grow. If it doesn’t, we’ll just nickname her “Socks”. Boo’s food aggression has subsided, and she gained another pound. Stan and Boo sleep side by side, and she even gives Stanley kisses. He is such a handsome boy and deserves to be kissed all the time!
I am amazed that she has done so well in such a short amount of time. She is a completely different dog, and has so much personality. We are still getting to know her, but she surprises us every day. She is sweet, loving, and very determined! Stanley flattens himself out to fit under the sofa. She is trying to learn this trick, but gets stuck every time. She brings so much laughter into our lives. Boo found her forever home with Stanley. I cannot imagine our lives without her. Stan and I thank WestieMed for their support. We cannot wait to share photos of Boo will ALL her hair. Thank you, thank you, thank, you!
Karen & Stanley
Boo – WestieMed Recipient
Update July 2007:
Hi everyone, its me Boo!
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then I must have the biggest soul ever. I’ve been told that in heaven, dogs run free in grassy fields, nap on white fluffy clouds, and are given treats bypassing angels. My Mom takes me and Stanley to my Growlma’s house every morning before work so we can play in her big backyard that has lots of grass, trees, dirt, and fruit. We chase each other all day long and sometimes I pull strawberries right off the plants. She gets so mad because I never leave any for her. There are also lots of squirrels in the trees too, and I laugh at Stanley because he never catches one. I get lots of treats when I’m there cause that’s what Growlma’s do! Mom says I have a fat belly. It grew seven pounds since I was adopted. I am finally at the weight I should be. At night, I sleep on fluffy clouds called “down” and sometimes I can’t find Stanley because he hides under the sheets to torment me. He is one goofy boy! Mom is finally realizing that I am one smart dog. She didn’t know that I can twirl in a complete circle on my hind legs. I had to show her the other night to get her attention. After all the ruckus I caused, she finally got out of bed, and as I was dancing in circles down the hall, I led her to the dry water bowl. Stanley thinks I’m a show-off.
I remember the day Mom found me. Dogs remember things like that. I wasn’t happy and my owner abandoned me for something I had no control over. I heard rumblings from the staff that my time is almost up because I wasn’t exactly pageant material. They were talking about my imminent demise (completely oblivious to the fact that I had two and half years of English prior to my arrival). Have you ever come across a broken dilapidated house, but with a little TLC saw its potential? Mom saw that in me. She’s a sucker for black noses and perky ears. My ear infection is gone now, so are the sores. Mom is so excited to see pink ears for the first time that she kisses them. Weird, huh? I’m still taking lots of medications, which seems to be working except on my paws. I can’t seem to leave them alone as they are still hairless because I chew at them, so Mom officially gave me the middle name “Socks”, though she failed to tell me. I read it on my new dog tag.
I am going to the groomer’s next Thursday and Stanley’s going with me so I’m not scared. He hasn’t been since March because Mom has been reoccupied with my hair growth. As you can see, he needs it. Mom wants me to get used to the groomer, and already told them I need my special shampoo so they said to bring it with her. Not much to cut right now, so I’m just going to get a trim. Mom isn’t allowed to use scissors on us because one time she made Stanley look like a Chihuahua. Can you imagine? I already resemble a Llama, so she doesn’t want to take any chances. Mom’s good at a lot of things, but definitely lacks talent in the hairdressing department.
I would have never come this far if I hadn’t found my angels. Growlma spoils me, Big Brother Stanley is at my side all the time, Mom loves us really hard, and Westie Med helped me get the treatment I need to get better. You are my angels, and this must be heaven!
Love Boo
Update November 2007:
Unfortunately, Boo’s progress has turned for the worse from what seems to be “out of the blue”. She was making wonderful progress up until November as she was only being treated for chronic ear infections (yeast). She broke out in what appeared to be hives and boils, and her skin turned beet red, and her paws were swollen triple the size. We rushed her to pet emergency, where we waited for four hours, only to be turned away due to all the emergencies that evening. The following morning, Boo was taken to her regular vet. Another blood panel was performed and the results were high in some areas that were believed to be due to steroids. She was given an anti-inflammatory and an antihistamine injection. She was also put back on Itraconazole, Orbax, Tramadol, Clemastine, and Atopica. The atopica made her vomit even though it was given to her one hour before meals. The only way we found to keep her from vomiting was to administer the atopica at midnight (the alarm was set). Her baths continued every evening with Malaseb shampoo, and her paws are soaked in Epsom salt twice daily for the swelling. The vet commented that there is no explanation he can come up with to explain the hives and boils. Her diet has not changed since July and there is nothing in her environment that has changed. He suggested her next visit be with a dermatologist. After this visit, she improved tremendously, although her belly shows signs of scaring.
Update December 2007:
From all appearances, Boo seemed to be doing very well, up until one week ago. Within seven days, she has managed to pull all her hair from her paws, muzzle, and under her tail. I researched specialists and called upon one yesterday. Since their offices are closed until after the new year, I brought Boo back to her vet today in an attempt to get her comfortable until we get an appointment with the specialist. The same round of drugs was prescribed including an e-collar. Another skin scraping was performed on all four paws which came back negative for mange.
As I write this, Boo and Stanley are curled up with each other on the sofa…sound asleep! It is obvious that this week has taken a huge toll on Boo, and my heart just breaks for her. Our one and only option are to get to the root of the problem so she can be treated properly. We are very anxious to see the specialist. We will never give up on our girl!
Boo – WestieMed Recipient
Update January 8, 2008:
Hi all, it’s me Boo. Today I had my visit with the dermatology specialist, Dr. Alexander Werner. I liked him right off the bat! He scratched my ears and I could tell it took everything out of him to refrain from kissing me. Mom took all my medical records with us including my diary that she has made entries to since my arrival. She edited the diary to reflect just the “medical & diet” facts, which I am grateful for because I really didn’t want my new doctor to hear about my potty training setbacks early on. That would have been embarrassing. I was a very good girl with Dr. Werner and I did not shake at all.
Dr. Werner said I look like I have epidermal dysplasia from previous tests that were performed at my regular vet, which is why my skin is turning very dark, scaly, and has thickened, and Malassezia as the secondary infection. This is what mom believed as well, but my treatment has changed completely. Dr. Werner changed all my meds, ear care, and diet with the exception of the Atopica which I am already taking. I had an ear scraping test done too. My new meds are Ketoconazole 200 mg every other day, Cephalexin 250 mg twice daily, and Atopica 50 mg every other day. My pretty ears will now get Epi-Otic Advance for cleaning every 3-7 days and Betagen Otic drops (six to eight drops) every day for ten days – then twice weekly. My beauty regime consists of Malaseb shampoo and ResiCort conditioner two times a week, Genesis Topical Spray for my paws two times a day for seven days. To help with the paw swelling, I am to have my mom soak my feet in vinegar and water. That can’t be so bad, right?
Dr. Werner also told mom that I must stick to a very methodical and strict diet. I am not allowed to deviate from eating IVD Duck & Potato dry kibble and IVD Duck Canine wet food. For mom to administer my meds, Dr. Werner said to ball up the canned food into little meatballs. No girl likes to be on a strict diet, so Stanley graciously agreed to support my new endeavor by eating the same food so I am not tempted. He’s such a great boy! He’s going to the groomers next week, but I’m not going this time. I have to wait until my paws are feeling better.
I am to keep wearing my baby socks because I’m told they “breathe”, and I have really gotten used to them. It’s much better than the e-collar. I have a follow-up appointment in four weeks and Dr. Werner will have a look at Stanley just for good measure.
Keep your fingers & paws crossed because on top of this fantastic personality of mine, I am truly pageant material!!
See you all soon, Boo
Update February 14, 2008:
Boo had her follow up appointment today with the specialist. Boo has progressed remarkably well. She has grown fur on her paws including between the pads for the very first time since adoption. Dr. Werner prescribed the same round of medications which will eventually be reduced to a few times a week over the next three to six months. The only problem we have encountered in the last five weeks is keeping the Atopica down. It was suggested that we freeze the pills and she will also be taking Metoclopramide (Reglan) 5 mg to help coat her stomach in preparation for the Atopica (one to two hours before mealtime). Her diet will remain the same for now though we will test other foods in six months to rule in or out “food allergies”. Regardless, Boo will be on Atopica for the rest of her life. She has not had any further ear infections, though she did develop a tumor just below her bottom lip. It is believed to be benign and may resolve itself due to the fact that it started as a small pimple and then metastasized triple the size in three days. Dr. Werner appeared to be very confident that we shouldn’t have to be back for three to six months. But with this good news, it was also made clear that a relapse can happen and they usually do with a vengeance. This is not a curable disease and we will forever be treating her condition.
Boo’s energy has quadrupled, her eyes are bright and she harasses Stanley with a vengeance! My boy is an angel and puts up with all of her shenanigans. Boo visited Indiana Bones & the Temple of Groom today! She received her very first Westie cut and is absolutely beautiful! She was given a Valentines Day bandana and a bow in her hair. She insisted on removing the bow. She is very much a tomboy! To me she was always pageant material, but today she is hands down the BEST IN SHOW!!
Thank you again Westie Med for all of your wonderful support and dedication to this supreme breed!
Karen
It is with a heavy heart that my baby girl died April 23rd.
My mother’s gardener put out snail bait without our knowledge or request. A different guy came to maintain the yard in the absence of the regular guy. The fill-in did not know my babies go to mom’s twice a week.
Boo Boo fought really hard at our emergency clinic for two days. She had the best care ever, and we still couldn’t save her. She was treated with Toxiban and the sodium levels kept spiking. She went into cardiac arrest.
I am so heartbroken and three weeks later I still can’t stop crying over my baby girl. I am trying to rationalize why this could happen after all she’s been through. January was really the month that changed everything for her – for us. Boo had quite the following…my entire family and my friends showed up at the clinic. She was so unique and special and she touched our lives like no other. There will never be another Boo Boo.
This picture was taken on April 13th. I miss her so very much.
Karen
Update June 26, 2008:
Sending you my “thank you” is long over due. The loss of Boo had really taken a toll and still; when I speak of her or write about her, I get that lump in the throat and the tear drops start falling. Sometimes I wish I can fast forward a year so it stops hurting. But with the sorrow, so much ‘good’ has taken place because of this one special little angel.
One year ago, this little girl pulled at my heart strings. I called her the “throw away dog” because I couldn’t fathom someone dumping her at a shelter because her hair was falling out. I don’t understand how people can be so ignorant, selfish, cruel, and so blind to the fact that these animals feel pain, joy, fear, comfort and love. In all honesty, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but what I did know, is that I made a commitment that would mean the world to this one dog. Her setbacks were my setbacks. Her progress was my progress. I remember when she had her first relapse, I put her in my lap and cried. I spoke to her and apologized over and over again that I haven’t been able to make her better. I also promised her that I would never give up on her.
One year ago I was uneducated in the world of throw away dogs, and how important rescue is. Because of Boo, I became a volunteer for rescue. I am currently fostering a little Westie girl that was picked up from the shelter on Monday. She is grossly underweight, eyes crusted shut, ears swollen shut and covered with ticks. I took her home and worked on her for over three hours. Not one sound came out of her. Not one complaint. She let me warm compress her eyes, clean her ears and pull ticks. She did not resist her bath or blow dry! In fact, she curled up onto my lap as we sat on the bathroom floor with brush and blow dryer in hand. She received vet care on Tuesday, will need drops in her eyes for the rest of her life, and just yesterday has responded to my voice. Yes, she can hear, thank God! She will go into permanent foster care on Sunday where she remain until she has been rehabilitated and ready for her forever home.
I will be sure to let them know that if she doesn’t find a home, then her home is with me.
I have a little boy here too. His name is Howard and he was rescued from the shelter 4 weeks ago. Howard has helped Stanley and me considerably in the day to day activities. He is full of life, a bit on the devilish side, and gives great kisses. I was to have him for one week and deliver him to his permanent foster home. I did make the 80 mile drive, spent the afternoon with his new foster mom; only to turn around and come home with Howard in tow. He belongs with Stanley and me. His adoption is pending, but soon he will be a permanent member of the family.
I received your card and it still sits on my window sill. It will always remain on my window sill for years to come. Sometimes people don’t know what kind of impact they can have on someone else. You had a huge impact on our lives. The emails we’ve shared talking about our dogs, the support and knowledge I received from WestieMed’s website, the money sent to get Boo’s care rolling, the eternal candle and of course, the card. Simple words that meant the world to me.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you have done for us, and continue to do for others.
Love, Karen
Update May 9, 2009:
We are doing well! Stanley continues to be the great ambassador of all the rescues I bring home (he protects them, amazing!) and keeps order in the household; and Howard, the clown that he is introduces toys to them all. It is heaven!
Shortly after Boo died, I called my friend Kay and suggested we start a rescue organization. I found two Westies in my local shelter that were dumped because of their skin issues, so I adopted them. Kay took one and she also found a Westie with Addison’s so she took him in as well. We decided it’s official – we are doing this, so Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond was born. I spent the next several months creating our adoption packages, brochures, adoption agreements, etc. and Kay worked tirelessly on our articles of incorporation and applied and received our 501c3 status. We have also just been added as a rescue partner with WHWTCA. Since then we have rescued thirty-si Westies in less than a year! Currently, I have two skin cases with me; Wesley and Molly, and at any given time, Kay has a pack of six or more in her home. We have had a number of seniors come our way, but it was Perry that made a huge impact. Perry came to us a few months ago at the age of fourteen. He was relinquished by his owner because of his incontinence and it was believed he had diabetes. The shelter was set on euthanizing him, and Kay moved mountains to get him released to us. Not an easy task when an owner tells the shelter he is sick. Turns out he is not sick at all. He is just a wonderful little senior citizen who is living the good life with Kay. No Westie will ever be turned down regardless of age, health, or skin issues, and we are working on bringing awareness to the joy and privilege of adopting seniors.
This is the reason Boo came into my life. An artist in Michigan; Lara Harris is currently working on an oil painting of Boo for me. It will read “My Girl, My Inspiration, My Angel”.
Little Miss Clover was released from a puppy mill breeder in Missouri allegedly because she had a “slight” heart murmur and the breeder did not want to sell her, so she was offered to Rescue and Westie Rescue/Austin offered to take her. Clover was born on March 18, 2007. When she arrived in Texas, the “slight” heart murmur was very pronounced and a cardiologist was consulted.
After the sonogram showed an enlarged heart due to the failure of the patent duct to close at birth, it was determined that Clover had a very serious PDA defect that needed to be repaired or she would not live to see her first birthday. She was put on Lasix (a diuretic) for the latent congestive heart failure that was developing and scheduled for surgery on July 3, 2007. At three and half months old Clover had open-heart surgery. Her surgeon, Dr. Caplan, felt Clover had an excellent chance at full recovery and should live a full and active normal lifespan for the spunky little Westie that she is.
Chloe – WestieMed Recipient
We brought Clover home to her foster mom on July 5th, a subdued and quiet little Westie. She had been gaining weight this past month and is now at 7.2 pounds. She will need two weeks of quiet recovery before getting her stitches out of her side, and allowed to play again with her foster sister. But we know she will pull through. Clover was wagging her tail furiously when we went to pick her up and bring her home. Clover will have to follow up re-checks with the surgeon and with her cardiologist for the next six months before getting a clean bill of health, but both her doctors feel she will do fine. Clover will be available for adoption after that.
We are deeply grateful for WestieMed’s assistance with her major medical bills, that have exceeded $2100. so far. Without the support of WestieMed, Clover’s surgery might not have been able to take place. Thank you for being there.
Chloe – WestieMed Recipient
Update August 2007:
Chloe (formerly Clover) Gets a New Family and a New Name
Chloe (formerly Clover) is a little West Highland White Terrier that came into the world before her little heart was finished. She had what is known as a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). It happens in humans and can happen in puppies too. The surgery to correct it for a puppy is fully invasive open heart surgery. It is quite expensive and as you can imagine, for-profit puppy places are not in the business of saving every dog.
Thankfully there are kind people like Barbara Ott of Westie Rescue of Austin and groups like WestieMed who stand up and devote their time and money behind the scenes to save these precious little lives regardless of the bottom line.
As we were mourning the loss of our Lizzy, our nine-year-old Westie who passed suddenly within two weeks of learning something may be wrong, for the first time in our lives together we were living in our all-too-quiet and deathly still house without a little furbaby. It was not a joyful place to be. I certainly wasn’t yet thinking of another pet, but when my husband emailed me the Pet Finder picture and story of Clover (now Chloe), our heart just went out to that precious little ball of fur.
I just couldn’t imagine her having to go through full open-heart surgery. I was hoping to learn that she was all right. From seeing her sweet little pictures, I knew that if she survived the surgery there would be no shortage of homes for her, but I just had to know that she had survived the surgery.
I contacted Barbara Ott of Westie Rescue of Austin to check on Clover and one thing led to another and by late August we were so fortunate to be able to foster her in our home! Our home was joyful again! Her doctor’s orders were strict and we didn’t deviate…except for the part where a six-month-old puppy is to stay calm ALL the time. Well…we tried our best.
She was so quick to learn the rules of the house…even learned how to ring a bell on the front door to ask to go potty. She is truly a remarkable little girl with the sweetest disposition. The fact that she remains very open and trusting after all she has been through early in her life is a testament to the kind and gentle care she received with all of the good people involved.
She has continued to thrive and her little floppy ear even came up. (Although it was pretty darling the way it was.)
Chloe – WestieMed Recipient
Update November 2007:
On November 8, 2007 she was cleared by her cardiologist and we were incredibly thrilled to be able to formally adopt her!
Chloe has since been spayed and is up to date with her shots and has been micro-chipped. Her little coat is filling back in beautifully, which I should add, she insists on keeping quite clean. When she came to us we were told that she loved her little pool, so we got one for her and, yes, she loves it…although not as much as the shower. My husband has learned to be extremely careful not to leave the shower running with the door unsecured. If he so much as steps out for a new bar of soap, he returns to a blissfully happy puppy frolicking in the water. She is almost always very very clean.
She is thriving and is the busiest little girl with many many toys in her toy box. Initially I worried if she would be lonely with no other dogs to play with, but she makes challenging games for herself by always having one toy in her mouth while playing soccer with her balls. When she isn’t dancing and playing with us, she hops and pounces, and plays a mean game of keep away from herself using a racket ball under the round grate of the coffee table.
She isn’t a barker inside at all, but when her favorite racket ball gets trapped under a piece of furniture she gives us one announcing bark then sits beside it patiently until one of us comes to rescue it for her.
We have a house rule is that she is invisible when we are at the dinner table and consequently she does not ever beg or bother. Although the hardest part is for US not to acknowledge HER as we see her playing so sweetly and intently. She is s constant source of smiles. We are so fortunate to have her in our lives.
I just don’t know how she could be any sweeter.
We were told that we can expect Chloe to lead a full life. After all that this little girl has been through and the caring and diligent work everyone has done to make her survival possible, I certainly hope to do everything I can to make it a happy one. She is our little girl.
To Barbara Ott and WestieMed, thank you sooooo much for all you do. You really do make a difference far beyond just helping the furbabies.
Sincerely,
Holly Alario
Update May 2008:
Our little Chloe is doing so well. She doesn’t seem to have any problems at all. She has two speeds; Full-On-Boundless-Energy and Stop-I-Need-My-Beauty-Sleep. I feel very confident that the cardiologist will be pleased at her next check up.
Chloe is the sweetest little girl I can imagine…and smart too. My husband is convinced that she can tell the good guys from the bad guys on TV. Actually she does actually watch the television. (She’s the first of any of my furbabies to do this.) And oddly enough, while watching if she growls, most often it when an evil character is doing or saying something. I’d like to think she is a great judge of character, but I do fear that if we were burgled, she’d make fast friends with the person.
Her sleeping and relaxing abilities are second to none. She loves sleeping in the bed with us and loves to be the last one out of bed in the morning. (Our bed is too high for her to get into by herself so we’ve installed the “Chloe Climber”, a little step system next to the bed that gives her a little more autonomy.)
Chloe – WestieMed Recipient
hen it’s on the floor for her Yoga where she does her downward doggie stretch followed by the cutest “Zombie” stretch where she sits upright and pushes her little shoulders down, makes her neck stiff and lets out a little groan like a zombie. We love it every time.
And she’s actually turning into a little cuddler, which surprises me for a Westie, especially one so young. I guess now that we’re older we may be treating her more like a grandbaby. She receives an endless supply of hugs and “kisses” (actually Mwha sounds.) Just yesterday, I tested out a new “Chloe Call” and to my shock it worked. She was upstairs and I was down. So instead of calling her with “Chloe Come” I made two loud kissy sounds, like “Mwha Mwha” and instantly she came bounding down the stairs not wanting to miss out on any hugs and “kisses.” 🙂
She is a constant source of smiles and laughs and warm endearing feelings.
Thank you so much for doing what needed to be done to keep this little light of life shining.
Meet Missy… her foster Mom calls her The Baby. She is a seven-month-old female who loves to cuddle, role around on her back in the grass and swing on the hammock when her foster Mom reads her book in the afternoons. Missy does not have full use of her rear left leg, which is causing her to arch her back to compensate for using three legs. This, of course, is not good for a developing puppy. She lifts her leg when she walks which has caused some of the muscles to atrophy. This sweet little girl is a sweet kisser… an absolute Gem!
Missy’s owner purchased her from a breeder in Missouri in April 2007 and was shipped in a crate to Louisiana. When she arrived, the new owner noticed that when Missy came out of the crate, she did not put any weight on her rear left leg and lifted it when she walked. Her local Vet took x-rays and diagnosed her with a degenerative disease of the hipbone, and that Missy would need corrective surgery to have the damage repaired estimating to be over $3,000. Since the owner was a young mother with a toddler, she stated that she could not afford the surgery and follow up physical therapy.
The owner called the breeder who instructed her to have the puppy put down and that the breeder would send her another puppy at a later date. The owner was upset by these instructions and was advised by a neighbor to call Louisiana Westie Rescue (LWR). LWR took possession of Missy right away. The Companion Animal Clinic in Hammond, Louisiana took x-rays and diagnosed her with Calve Perthe’s Disease (Aseptic necrosis of the coxofemoral joint) of the left rear limb and referred the case to the LSU Veterinary School in Baton Rouge. The LSU Vet School proposed to remove the diseased bone and, because Missy is a young dog, her muscles can be conditioned to compensate for the missing coxofemoral joint. They report many successes for this surgery from small dogs to very large.
It is a blessing that WestieMed was able to help this little girl. Louisiana Westie Rescue operates solely on the contributions taken in from adoption fees and a medical issue such as this was going to be cost-prohibitive for the organization. The volunteers of WestieMed are the Angels who watch over our special little Westies who are victims of careless breeders and handlers. LWR extends blessings to them many times over!
Missy had her surgery May 10, 2007 and came through it with flying colors. The vet manipulated her joints and they are moving with ease. Missy is reluctant to put any weight on the rear leg to date (May 11, 2007) but some of her muscles have atrophied and will have to be exercised first by using passive range of motion exercises and then aqua therapy and walks three times a day. Her foster Mom has a pool and a Westie-sized life vest so Missy will start her swimming therapy within the week.
Louisiana Westie Rescue is extremely grateful for the aid from WestieMed and will send updates and additional pictures as Missy gets back on all fours.
On Valentine’s Day, a young Westie was seen sitting in the middle of the road in New Haven, Indiana. A good samaritan avoided hitting him but decided to turn around and try to get him out of the road so no one else would hit him. As she turned around she saw a driver of an SUV seemingly swerve to hit this poor little guy. She said it looked like the tires just missed him. She got traffic to stop and scooped him up and took him home. The lady placed ads in the local paper trying to find his original owners. No one came forward. She discovered the dog is a Westie after a neighbor saw him. He was badly matted and slept nearly all day for several days. After about a week he began slowly moving around and seemed to be on the mend. Another couple of weeks went by and he became more mobile.
Valentino – WestieMed Recipient
On our end, we were planning a visit to my son’s school to help educate children on responsible pet ownership. I went to my son’s class early last week and talked to the students and passed out some information. Later that evening a lady called and said her daughter had brought home a card for our rescue…and could we help her. She told me the Westie’s story. I asked if he had been to the vet. She said no, they didn’t have any money for that. But she felt he was doing just fine. I went over and picked him up. We brought him home and vaccinated him and scheduled a groom! He turned out absolutely gorgeous…and was no doubt a Westie. What a handsome boy! But during the groom, we found he had some sensitivity in his hips. We scheduled a vet visit for a full check of possible injuries. And indeed, the Westie, now named Valentino due to the date of his accident, had a shattered pelvic. I cannot believe the pain this dog has endured over the last month. And he’s only let out a few low growls. Our vet is not equipped to do such surgery and referred us to the emergency hospital in town. They estimated Valentino’s surgery at around $3500. We definately don’t have those kinds of funds but felt we had to figure it out. We put him on some pretty strong pain killers and I began the hunt for funds! A Westie Rescue responded with information regarding WestieMed! I cry whenever I think about it…they are sending us $3000 towards the surgery! Valentino will soon have the surgery he needs! He already has an approved adopter and will get to start a new life in a loving home. Thank you SO MUCH! Valentino thanks you too!
My name is Jewel. I’m a ten-year-old Westie who has found Nirvana for Westie World. I don’t remember where I was born or who my parents are, but I do know that I spent a long time in a kennel somewhere in Kansas which my new Dad says is “Toto Land”. He told me that has to do with something called “The Wizard of Oz”. I have no idea what he means, but I do know that my journey here to Mom and Dad was something special. I don’t remember how many puppies I had at that kennel – I was there for lots of years so I know there must have been tons of them!
Anyway, after a long, long time – December 2006 in people time – an angel named Meredith came and got me from where I lived that had no heat, not a lot of shelter from the elements (there were holes in the roof and missing boards in the sides of the building) and very little food or water. It was FREEZING COLD (like one degree) and the wind was strong out of the North. Meredith braved the ice, snow, and wind to come and rescue me and my Westie kennel-mates. The weather was so bad and she was terrified to make the drive, but she also knew I was in a really bad place and may not make it if she didn’t come to get me. I got to ride in a car! I never had before. It was SO WARM inside and Meredith made sure I could rest.
Anyway, I wound up in Oklahoma with some very nice people who took care of me for a little while. I’d been bitten in a fight before Meredith came and I had a bloody leg and bloody ears that no one had taken care of. Both my ears and both my eyes had infections and Meredith said she didn’t know when we all last had baths because we didn’t smell too good and when she bathed us, she said she’d never seen so much dirt come off Westies before. These nice people got my leg healed, got my infections cleared up and trained me to sleep in a crate. They took me to someone called a vet and I had something happen to me to me, which I was told meant that I won’t have to have any more puppies. Woo hoo!
Then, one day, Meredith came and got me and took me to a place (motel) in Tulsa and my second angel appeared. Meredith also had another little Westie with her named Penny, who is now my little sister. I didn’t know it at the time, but that second angel is my now my new Mom. My new Dad says her name is Jackie, but she’s just Mom to me. Anyway, Mom drove Penny and me for almost nine hours to a place called Houston, Texas, which is where I live now. When I got there, I saw a really big Westie. His name is Chivas. He is a very big, handsome, and gentle boy of six years. When I got out of the car with Penny, he sniffed and sniffed and we sniffed and sniffed back. Within minutes, we became big friends and now we’re all family!
My new Mom and Dad took Penny and me to their vet to get us checked out. The vet is a very friendly man who looked me over and over. He told Mom and Dad that three of my mammary glands were overgrown because of tumors he thought were cancerous and that the cancer could possibly have already spread to my lungs and liver. Dad said he thought I just had some big breasts – he didn’t know there was something wrong with me until the vet said so. This terrified Mom and Dad and, of course, I had no idea what was going on. The vet said I needed some tests and some surgery if there wasn’t any cancer in my liver and lungs. Mom talked to Meredith and Meredith said she’d take me back, but Mom said, “Thanks for offering, but we’ll see this through. Jewel is family now and we just can’t give her up – we love her.” My heart did a dance when she said that!
Anyway, the vet did some tests and learned there was no cancer in my liver or lungs, so he did surgery to remove the three tumors. The surgery was rather extensive and reduced my overgrown mammary glands to normal (Dad called it breast reduction surgery). I had to wear an Elizabethan Collar (Dad called it a cone head) for two weeks so I wouldn’t pull out all those stitches – there were so many. I did fine with that collar in spite of trying to run around after Chivas and Penny in the back yard with it on my head when I was supposed to be staying inactive, as Mom called it. And now I’m FULLY recovered and run around and play with Chivas and Penny in our back yard all the time. We chase squirrels and I just LOVE living here!
All of this cost Mom and Dad a pretty penny (not my sister… the coin). They have no regrets, though, and I’m very blessed to be here in my new home. I’ve heard that y’all (that’s a new word I’ve learned now that I live in Texas – people here say it all the time) help people who help Westies like me who’ve been rescued. Mom says y’all were very generous to Dad and her and she is so very appreciative. And I am too – THANK YOU, WestieMed, for helping pay for my surgery!! That surgery has given me some assurance that I can be here with my new family for a good while. As Dad says, “Jewel, this isn’t Kansas anymore,” and I’m SO GLAD!!
Update January 15, 2008:
AS OF TODAY, WE’VE HAD JEWEL FOR A WONDERFUL ONE YEAR, ONE WEEK AND ONE DAY and she has progressed dramatically socially and physically (weight gain, which she needed) and is very much an integral part of our household and a great playmate for Chivas and Penny, her Westie brother and sister.
Medically she had no problems resulting from her mammary tumor removal surgery one year ago and we continue to thank WestieMed for helping us financially with her surgery. We did learn this past October that she has an enlarged heart and is currently on 18.75 mg of Furosemide daily to help alleviate the fluid. We pray she will be with us for a very very long time, as we dearly, dearly love her.
My husband took quite a few pictures over the holidays and I’ll definitely email some to you soonest.
In a small town lived a little Westie whose purpose in life was to be a stud dog for a puppy mill breeder. One day the little dog could not walk so the breeder waited a while to see if he would regain use of his legs and when he didn’t she said he was no longer useful to her and would be put down. Thankfully, Jack was turned over to a local all-breed rescue who took him to a vet to be checked out. The true cause of Jack’s inability to walk was not discovered and for over six months this sweet little boy moved about by using his front legs and dragging his back legs looking somewhat like a seal in his movements. Finally the rescue group fostering him decided they could not help him and thought a westie rescue group, being more familiar with the breed, might know what to do. A phone call one evening asking if we would take Jack changed our lives and our hearts dramatically.
Jack’s journey to recover the use of his legs began on January 6, 2007, when I picked up the tiniest westie I had ever seen; an adorable little guy weighing ten pounds and looking more like a puppy than the seven-year-old adult that he is. I placed him on the grass to do his business but he didn’t move. Finally, I coaxed him to move a bit but his back legs were dragging and he would hold up first one front leg, then the other. Being my first special needs foster, my heart broke at the sight of him struggling to move about and panting and shivering from the pain, never whimpering, or whining but letting the kisses flow freely.
Jack went to visit the vet on January 8, 2007, where the problem was discovered through an exam and x-rays. Jack’s left and right hind knees were blown and when manipulated made a sickening crunch. We formed a plan and Jack went to see another vet the next day. Upon examination the vet determined that two surgical procedures would be needed and on January 11, 2007, a repair of the ACL’s in both hind legs and trochleoplasty to the left rear were performed. Trochleoplasty in simple terms is a procedure to deepen the groove where the patella sits, thus keeping the knee from popping out of joint.
Jack remained in the hospital for several days and finally on January 20, 2007 we were able to bring him home and on January 24, 2007 the stitches were removed and hydrotherapy began (Jack wishes it hadn’t). Lack of movement caused Jack’s muscles to deteriorate, contributing to his frail appearance, and ten minutes twice a day in the water exhausted him. Each day a little more time has been added and now Jack can swim for twenty to forty minutes. We also do physical therapy by massaging his body and moving his legs to restore muscle movement, improve circulation. and to help retrain his brain in the proper leg movements. His hindquarters are filling out a little, his spine has disappeared from both weight gain and exercise, and his energy level has increased. He walks short distances on his hind legs but the front joints hurt him to the point he sits down and lifts up first one paw, then the other. The front joints are another problem to be dealt with at a later date. One option for them is to fuse the joints so the paws don’t “flop” side to side creating a more stable leg to stand on helping with balance. Jack’s healing and therapy will take a long time to accomplish, but he is a determined little guy and gives it his all and thanks to the generosity of WestieMed Jack gets a second chance to walk. Orthopedic surgeries are very expensive and usually require a long healing process and often the therapy of some sort. Jack is so lucky to have WestieMed’s help with his expenses and he sends big kisses to you all!
John and Martha Beck Foster Parents for Louisiana Westie Rescue
Jack – WestieMed Recipient
Update February 2007:
Jack went back to the vet today for his two-week checkup and the vet is pleased with his progress…the muscle mass is building. We are looking into splints for his legs to try to avoid another surgery. These will be specially made for him and will Velcro on his front legs to help him walk on those. The vet thinks his condition is either an autoimmune problem or he was kept in a crate that didn’t allow him to move around very much. All the ligaments in his body are shot. Did I tell you he has a number 30 tattooed in the tip of his ear? I guess that is his lucky number now. He graduated to big dog member of the pack yesterday when he went out the back door under his own power onto the deck with the rest of the LWD’s. It was a proud moment for us! He sat in the warm sun looking over his kingdom. He now putters around the kitchen following me where ever I go or lies where he can watch me. He is a rooing boy…Babycakes and Bama were rooing and he joined in…Chloe just thinks they are all crazy and fails to see the point.
Update April 2007:
Just wanted to give an update on Jack…his back knees that were fixed are doing well. Now we have to focus on the lower joints which are not doing well. We tried splints, water therapy all to avoid surgery, but it just isn’t giving the results hoped for so we have an appointment with an orthopedic vet to see if the joints can be fused. There are a lot of factors to be considered, and until he is evaluated, we won’t know if it will help or not. I will let you know what the vet says. Please say prayers for this brave little guy; he asks so little and gives so much.
Martha
Jack – WestieMed Recipient
Update May 2007:
Here is Jack with his new wheels! Wow! He doesn’t quite know what to think about it all. There had to be several adjustments made because of the way his spine is…hopefully it will straighten out some. He actually took a few steps for treats (that’s my boy…anything for food!) We go back in a couple of weeks to see how his progress is going. He seems a little excited about it, especially when he could walk better! Now we have to learn to go potty with the chair…not sure how that is going to work. 🙂 Thanx for all the thoughts and prayers for Jack. He is truly a special little guy.
Update December 2007:
Unfortunately Jack’s arthritis continues to worsen and he has begun to choke on his food frequently regardless of how it is prepared. He has to wear a diaper as he is no longer mobile. His quality of life has declined quite a bit. He remains a brave little guy and doesn’t cry too much. He is still on pain meds and arthritis meds. Poor little guy just has the deck stacked against him. However, he will always be, to me, the sweetest Westie that ever lived.
Thank you to Westie Med for all your help in the effort to get a better life for Jack.
Martha Beck
Update March 6, 2008:
My dear sweet little Jack went to the bridge today. Over the last few days he lost interest in food and water and his tail stopped wagging. It broke my heart but now he has his legs back and is running and happy.
Abbey came to Westie Rescue of Austin through another rescuer who found her in the Temple, Texas animal shelter in October 2006. Kathy placed her in a home but Abbey was returned due to an undiagnosed bladder infection that caused her to tinkle all the time. Once the UTI was cleared up, Abbey was fine. Kathy lived with Abbey on a farm with other animals, and Abbey persisted in chasing the chickens, so Kathy contacted Westie Rescue/Austin Thanksgiving weekend to take her and find her another permanent home. Abbey is about two years old.
Jim had been waiting as an approved adoptive home so when Abbey came into our program, Jim was thrilled to be given the opportunity to foster-to-adopt little Abbey. Abbey went into his home the next day, and within a few days, Jim noticed something terrible was wrong with Abbey. We took her to our vet for a check-up and it was discovered she had a heart murmur, which explained the funny feeling we could feel when we held her chest. She was also unable to go for long walks without becoming exhausted and collapsing.
Abbey was taken to a veterinarian cardiologist who diagnosed the murmur as patent ductus arteriosus, left to right shunting, with mitral regurgitation (mild) and left ventricular dilation (moderate), and felt she had a good chance of surviving open-heart surgery. Her prognosis with surgery was excellent. Without it, she would most likely develop congestive heart failure and not live a normal lifespan. The expense was more than the limited funds of Westie Rescue/Austin or Jim could afford so an appeal for help was sent to WestieMed for Abbey’s surgery. The WestieMed Board of Directors approved Abbey’s case (bless them) and the surgery was performed on 12/6/2006. Abbey came back home on the 8th and her recovery has been speedy and uneventful. She is returning to the perky, active, inquisitive Westie she was meant to be, and her brother, Murphy Lee (also two years old) is delighted to have a healthy sister to play with.
Our undying gratitude goes to WestieMed for giving this adorable little Westie girl, Abbey, a second chance at a wonderful long life. Thank you for being there for her.
Barbara Ott Westie Rescue/Austin
Abbey – WestieMed Recipient
Update January 2008:
Abbey is the best she has ever been, (not to the doctor for three weeks), with only one more dipping for mange in two weeks. She remains on Hills Science Diet CD and it has been determined she has a weak immune system so she will more than likely be “higher maintenance” for me forever. However, she is loved very much and keeps Murphy company while I am at work what is just what I planned.
She has learned what it is really like to be loved and have a nice big backyard to chase the squirrels in. She actually barks once in a while now too, something I think she never did much if at all before. Both the pups are spoiled and as you might suspect have ME trained pretty well. Thanks for everything!
