Stories – Page 37

Angus (Formely Buddy)

June 1, 2001December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

On the morning of May 5, 2001, I got a call from the director of the Islip Town Animal Shelter saying they had a Westie they thought I should take a look at. He was picked up as a stray and they thought he might be around five years old. I was told he was in pretty bad shape but I was not prepared for what awaited me. When they brought him to me in the director’s office my first thought was that this dog had been set on fire. His skin was blackened with raw, red patches, sores oozing yellow and fur falling off in clumps. His eyes were two pools of yellow pus and his ears were so infected and swollen they were closed, causing him to be deaf. He was extremely thin and weak. Not able to lift his head he would rest his nose on the floor. I did not think this dog could be saved. Then he slowly, painfully walked to me and wagged his tail ever so slightly. I scooped him up and brought him to my vet.

Dr. Pollack worked on Buddy for two hours, cleaning eyes, ears and taking tests. Buddy was found to have severe Malassezia which developed into a fungus. The infection in his eyes was due to dry eye and his deafness because of a raging yeast infection. The test showed Buddy’s white blood count was dangerously high and his blood proteins were very low. He weighed in at just fourteen pounds and couldn’t keep any food down. We were in a fight for Buddy’s life.

That first day I was sent home with Optimmune Cyclosporine ointment, Triple Antibiotic HC ointment, Synotic, Maleseb shampoo, Keflex, Atarax, and Ketoconazole. Buddy needed to be bathed daily and have his eyes and ears flushed. He was fed small amounts of food until he could eat without vomiting and then we just let him eat as much as he could hold. The vet said puppy food would be best as it was higher in calories and Buddy needed to gain weight.

Dr. Pollack saw Buddy approximately every ten days to do a complete blood workup. In the first two weeks he didn’t gain any weight and his blood count was worse. Then gradually Buddy began to respond to treatment. His eyes cleared up and his ears started to open. He was gaining weight and his hearing was slowly returning. His skin wasn’t so raw and had started to heal. But his blood work continued to worry us. Dr. Pollack ordered some x-rays and found his liver was slightly enlarged but everything looked okay.

We continued to give Buddy his daily baths and medication. He started to act more like a Westie, bouncing around the yard, barking at rabbits and investigating everything he could get his nose into. The next round of tests gave us good news. Buddy’s blood work finally came back normal. He was up to nineteen pounds and the fungus was nearly all gone.

On June 25, 2001, Dr. Pollack gave us the go-ahead to have Buddy neutered. His appointment is set for June 30. Once he is recovered from surgery, Buddy will be going to the forever home that has been patiently waiting for him.

Thank you WestieMed for your assistance with Buddy’s enormous medical bills!

Renee Savaria New York Westie Rescue

Update August 2001

Angus has been bathed twice this week. he gets his pills in a ball of liverwurst and loves it. He is a good eater and also likes the dog biscuit treats we got for him. He takes turns following Gene and me around the house. He sits in my gym and watches us work out every day and runs right over to be petted, whenever either of us stops to rest for a few seconds.

It is hard to believe that he has been with us for just one week today, for he has become a full-time member of our family, sitting on the couch with us or lying in bed with us and getting scratched or petted constantly. He does not kiss us yet, but we make up for it by kissing him. He is happy and full of life, wagging his tail at lightning speed, playing with the tennis balls that I bought him. He immediately decided that if we roll them to him he can roll them back with his nose, paw or mouth. If he uses his mouth, he does it by clicking his teeth together and it can be heard throughout the adult community we live in. Our grandchildren adore him and the youngest, Jacqueline, informed everyone that he is happy because “he loves her so much.”

We have told the folks in the village about his background and he is now pointed out and viewed as a hero, which, indeed he is, cheerfully coming through his horrendous past. He was truly blessed by Westie Rescue and his “nurse” Renee Savaria and my wife and me are now blessed with Angus. His new name hasn’t caught on with him yet, but I told him, this morning, that he and I share our Celtic heritage and that is why God gave him to us. Thank you all for filling our home with happiness.

Ed and Gene McGrath

Update July 2002

Angus is healthy and extraordinarily happy, since the entire adult community where we live, Sunrise Village, love him, as well as our children and grandchildren. The grandchildren are more thrilled that Angus is coming to visit, than the fact that we are arriving at the same time. Our children have gotten dishes and food for him, at their homes. When we take him into the town of Sayville with us, he is surrounded by children and adults alike. It is difficult to get through the town with his fan club. When he meets new folks, we always tell them about Westie Rescue on line. However, his skin condition is constantly lurking in the background and will flare up at any moment. What surprises us is that it gets almost out of control within a few days, despite bathing, apple vinegar dips, and medication. We started to take him to our original veterinary but felt that they didn’t understand the urgency or severity of his allergies and so, we have returned to the Sayville vet. Everyone who has treated him there has been very caring and seem to be more knowledgeable about his condition. He is diagnosed with a dual problem. The first is the skin allergies to his environment, grass, etc., which we treat, along with his eyes and ears, on a daily basis. They feel we must get this controlled and then attack the virus, which they refer to as “elephant skin” or areas of dark, thick skin. We hope to get it all under control by the Fall. We love him and it is evident that he loves us and has made himself at home. By the way, he is incredibly well housebroken. He is just a good guy. Many thanks to you folks. By the way, he weighs 23 pounds and may have to lose a pound, to regain his svelte shape.

Ed & Gene

Angus Formally Buddy

June 1, 2001December 28, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

IN MEMORY OF CONNER 9/26/00 – 5/31/01

May 1, 2001February 7, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Conner was a three-month-old pet store reject when he was given to Westie Rescue of Missouri in December 2000.

Conner was consigned by his breeder to a pet store in Gladstone, Missouri. While Conner was at the pet store in November 2000, he developed a bladder control problem and was returned to the breeder.

The breeder couldn’t isolate the source of Conner’s problem, so she turned him over to Westie Rescue, thinking that Conner might require surgery which she couldn’t afford.

The vet examined Conner and advised that (1) he had a bladder infection; or (2) he was having control problems because he was so young; or (3) he had neurological damage and was not a good candidate for surgery.

Hoping for the best, Conner was started on a course of antibiodics and there was improvement. Although Conner still had some control problems, it was believed that the problems were associated with a bladder infection and his young age. He was not showing any signs of neurological damage.

With his rapid improvement, Westie Rescue felt comfortable placing Conner for adoption. Conner found a wonderful home with Bonnie and Doug in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bonnie and Doug head the Scottie rescue efforts in Oklahoma and wanted to adopt a Westie rescue puppy.

Conner’s problems did not improve with age. Although he worked very hard at his housebreaking routines, he had only limited control and dribbled constantly. Bonnie had a specialist examine Conner and it was determined that he had an entopic ureter — a genetic problem in Westies. However, there was a possibility that his condition could be corrected with surgery. Initial estimates were that there was an 80% chance that surgery for Conner would be successful. Bonnie made arrangements to send Conner to California for this highly specialized surgery. The cost of the surgery was close to $2,000. WestieMed graciously offered their help. In the meantime, Conner was confined to wearing a diaper or a belly band to prevent his constant dribbling.

On May 28, 2001, Vicky, a rescue foster mom, flew with Conner out to the Cal-Davis Medical School in California. On Tuesday, May 29th, the reports began coming back and they were not good: Conner’s sphincter was below half strength; his kidneys could be involved; his bladder was grossly mishaped; he had a very unusual urinary tract; and the vets could find no evidence of a prostate. Additional tests and consultations were made on Wednesday, May 30th.

On Thursday, May 31st, the decision was made that there was no surgery that could help Conner. His condition could only deteriorate further. The doctors asked Bonnie and Doug to donate little Conner to the vet school in the hope that his passing would provide them with greater knowledge so that they might be able to help other dogs in the future.

Conner left us May 31st for his place on the Rainbow Bridge. All of us who knew and loved this wee little dog have lost a part of ourselves with his passing.

Conner was a puppy mill dog. Like his parents who are still in the mills, Conner was a victim of the greed that possesses millers to breed dogs without any consideration of the consequences. Every year puppy millers create hundreds of other babies who carry genetic defects. And rescue groups and loving families give their hearts and souls to these beautiful babies. . .fighting to keep them alive.

Until we stamp out the puppy mills — and the pet stores that keep them in business — we will continue to see more little Conners, more fights for survival, and more hearts broken.

Conner

May 1, 2001December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

May 2001:

IN MEMORY OF CONNER 9/26/00 – 5/31/01

Conner was a three-month-old pet store reject when he was given to Westie Rescue of Missouri in December 2000.

Conner was consigned by his breeder to a pet store in Gladstone, Missouri. While Conner was at the pet store in November 2000, he developed a bladder control problem and was returned to the breeder.

The breeder couldn’t isolate the source of Conner’s problem, so she turned him over to Westie Rescue, thinking that Conner might require surgery which she couldn’t afford.

The vet examined Conner and advised that (1) he had a bladder infection; or (2) he was having control problems because he was so young; or (3) he had neurological damage and was not a good candidate for surgery.

Hoping for the best, Conner was started on a course of antibiodics and there was improvement. Although Conner still had some control problems, it was believed that the problems were associated with a bladder infection and his young age. He was not showing any signs of neurological damage.

With his rapid improvement, Westie Rescue felt comfortable placing Conner for adoption. Conner found a wonderful home with Bonnie and Doug in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bonnie and Doug head the Scottie rescue efforts in Oklahoma and wanted to adopt a Westie rescue puppy.

Conner’s problems did not improve with age. Although he worked very hard at his housebreaking routines, he had only limited control and dribbled constantly. Bonnie had a specialist examine Conner and it was determined that he had an entopic ureter — a genetic problem in Westies. However, there was a possibility that his condition could be corrected with surgery. Initial estimates were that there was an 80% chance that surgery for Conner wouold be successful. Bonnie made arrangements to send Conner to California for this highly specialized surgery. The cost of the surgery was close to $2,000. WestieMed graciously offered their help. In the meantime, Conner was confined to wearing a diaper or a belly band to prevent his constant dribbling.

On May 28, 2001, Vicky, a rescue foster mom, flew with Conner out to the Cal-Davis Medical School in California. On Tuesday, May 29th, the reports began coming back and they were not good: Conner’s sphincter was below half strength; his kidneys could be involved; his bladder was grossly mishaped; he had a very unusual urinary tract; and the vets could find no evidence of a prostate. Additional tests and consultations were made on Wednesday, May 30th.

On Thursday, May 31st, the decision was made that there was no surgery that could help Conner. His condition could only deteriorate further. The doctors asked Bonnie and Doug to donate little Conner to the vet school in the hope that his passing would provide them with greater knowledge so that they might be able to help other dogs in the future.

Conner left us May 31st for his place on the Rainbow Bridge. All of us who knew and loved this wee little dog have lost a part of ourselves with his passing.

Conner was a puppy mill dog. Like his parents who are still in the mills, Conner was a victim of the greed that possesses millers to breed dogs without any consideration of the consequences. Every year puppy millers create hundreds of other babies who carry genetic defects. And rescue groups and loving families give their hearts and souls to these beautiful babies. . .fighting to keep them alive.

Until we stamp out the puppy mills — and the pet stores that keep them in business — we will continue to see more little Conners, more fights for survival, and more hearts are broken.

Brodie - WestieMed Recipient August 2001

Brodia (Formely Sebastian)

April 1, 2001February 7, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Sebastian is a beautiful, sweet, funny, little five-year-old Westie who was turned over to rescue by his previous owners who divorced and neither one wanted him. He had not been kept current on his shots, heartworm medication, nor was he neutered. Westie Rescue promptly took care of those matters.

On the evening of July 18, 2001, while in foster care, Sebastian went out in the yard to potty, came back in ten minutes later and collapsed. He was vomiting, defecating and was unresponsive. He was immediately taken to the Emergency Room. It was thought that he had been poisoned and was in shock.

The ER vet sent me home with instructions to call back for bloodwork. I called later that night and was told he had high levels of calcium in his blood which could only be caused by two things. Rat poison or cancer. The ER vet was not sure he would make it through the night, I was devastated. But he did, and I picked him up at 7 a.m. the next morning and went straight to my vet. With tests, they were able to rule out the rat poisoning (which was a huge relief in itself, I thought someone had intentionally poisoned him, we do not have poisons in our home). X-rays showed a mass in the liver area but because Sebastian had another episode that afternoon, surgery had to be delayed. Again the vet did not think he would pull through, but he did! On July 24, 2001, he had a transfusion and exploratory surgery. No cancer was found, what appeared to be a mass was actually scar tissue – the colon has adhered to the abdomen wall. My vet feels like Sebastian suffered some kind of traumatic injury during his life. (I have since contacted one of the previous owners and, of course, they deny this…) Sebastian was able to come home a few days later and has had no further incidents. My vet feels like we may never know what caused Sebastian to go in to shock as he did.

Sebastian has since been adopted and has a wonderful new Mom and Westie sister!

Thank you WestieMed! Without your help with this major expense, my ability to help other rescue Westies would have been much more difficult.

Laura Ardoin Louisiana Westie Rescue

Update July 2002

Well, it has almost been a year since my adoption of Brodie (Sebastian). We have moved into our house and finally, Brodie and Celtie have a backyard. Many times I have thought of how lucky I am to have adopted a dog with such a wonderful temperament. He is a wonderful dog and I can’t thank you (WHWTCC Westie Rescue) enough for giving us this opportunity.

I hope things are going well with you, Amanda H. Celtie and Brodie too.

Romie

February 1, 2001February 7, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Romie, now eight months old, was rescued from a woman in Washington state who claimed she was going to put her two-month-old puppy to sleep because she could not find him a home. When rescued, it was apparent that Romie was very sick.

The vet ultimately diagnosed giardia, then it was treated, and cured. Things were going great until six months later, or this January, he lost his appetite greatly. He was very tired, lethargic, he constantly vomited, and had the shakes. Anything he tried to eat or drink was thrown up. Even if he did not eat or drink, he would throw up bile and acid. He would hide under the bed or in the corner. He was also dehydrated and depressed. Due to his constant nausea, he eventually refused to eat or drink anymore.

He was taken back to the vet with the thought that maybe he swallowed a foreign object. Blood work and x-rays were taken. There were no indications of any foreign objects. He was also hospitalized overnight a couple of times, given antispasmotic injections and such. Nothing was working. Then an exploratory laparotomy was done. They found an enlarged fatty tissue located slightly behind the stomach and near the entrance of the small intestine. It was still unknown if that was what the problem was. He was hospitalized for one week and was on fluid therapy. He came out and seemed fine for about a week and was given special canned food. He was still very lethargic. Then he started to throw up constantly once again. He also refused to eat. Once again, he was given injections that did nothing. A second doctor looked at him and recommended him getting tested for Addison’s Disease.

The results came in and sure enough, Romie was suffering from hypoadrenocortism (Addison’s Disease).

Meanwhile, Romie lost six pounds from an original twenty-one.

Romie’s vet bills, along with the required monthly medication, are very costly. WestieMed is glad to have been able to help defray some of those costs.

Romie

February 1, 2001December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

February 2001:

Romie, now eight months old, was rescued from a woman in Washington state who claimed she was going to put her two-month-old puppy to sleep because she could not find him a home. When rescued, it was apparent that Romie was very sick.

The vet ultimately diagnosed giardia, then it was treated, and cured. Things were going great until six months later, or this January, he lost his appetite greatly. He was very tired, lethargic, he constantly vomited, and had the shakes. Anything he tried to eat or drink was thrown up. Even if he did not eat or drink, he would throw up bile and acid. He would hide under the bed or in the corner. He was also dehydrated and depressed. Due to his constant nausea, he eventually refused to eat or drink anymore.

He was taken back to the vet with the thought that maybe he swallowed a foreign object. Blood work and x-rays were taken. There were no indications of any foreign objects. He was also hospitalized overnight a couple of times, given antispasmotic injections and such. Nothing was working. Then an exploratory laparotomy was done. They found an enlarged fatty tissue located slightly behind the stomach and near the entrance of the small intestine. It was still unknown if that was what the problem was. He was hospitalized for one week and was on fluid therapy. He came out and seemed fine for about a week and was given special canned food. He was still very lethargic. Then he started to throw up constantly once again. He also refused to eat. Once again, he was given injections that did nothing. A second doctor looked at him and recommended him getting tested for Addison’s Disease.

The results came in and sure enough, Romie was suffering from hypoadrenocortism (Addison’s Disease).

Meanwhile, Romie lost six pounds from an original twenty-one.

Romie’s vet bills, along with the required monthly medication, are very costly. WestieMed is glad to have been able to help defray some of those costs.

Dachary - WestieMed Recipient December 2000

DACHARY Rainbow Bridge 2/27/06

December 1, 2000December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

December 2000:

Dachary was one of four Westies that were given up to Westie Rescue. They ranged in age from the youngest at four years old to Dachary at nine years young! The rescue was told that the dogs were all “healthy” – this proved not to be the case.

Dachary was in the worst physical condition of the four. Her problems were many. A visit to the veterinarian revealed the following:

Severe long-standing ear infections – ear canals totally closed – hearing loss
Dry eye with permanent scarring on the cornea
Terrible gum infection – missing, rotten, and broken teeth
Skin problems
Tumors on or near mammary glands – possibly precancerous

In the hands of the rescue group of the West Highland White Terrier Club of California (WHWTCC), and with financial assistance from WestieMed, Dachary’s treatment began. While under anesthesia the tumors were biopsied, the ears were treated, and she was spayed. Westie Angels were looking out for Dachary as all the biopsies came back benign!! Her caring veterinarian did the teeth cleaning and extractions at no charge to the California club.

The WHWTCC rescue group thought they would have a difficult time placing Dachary due to her age and special needs involving her ears and eyes but they had TWO families interested in adopting this special Westie. They made their decision and Dachary’s new owners think she is the sweetest dog in the world – even if she is “high maintenance”!

Dachary’s medical bills were quite large. WestieMed was a significant factor in getting Dachary the treatment she needed to be healthy enough to be adopted. The West Highland White Terrier Club of California along with Dachary’s new family would like to extend their gratitude to WestieMed for their generosity.

Update September 2002

Here is a photo of Dachary and her family at “Westie Festie.” As you can see, we are all very happy.

Sincerely Susan S.

Update March 2006

Dear Westiemed:

I sent the message below to Westie Rescue earlier tonight:

I am sorry to report to you that Dachary, who you brought to us in 2000, died Monday from pneumonia at nearly 16 years of age.

Although she was ill for the last few days, she was spunky and Westie-like up to that point. Her passing was peaceful and she was in the company of those who loved her when it happened.

On behalf of my wife, my son, and myself, I want to express our profound thanks and appreciation to Elaine Delgado and everyone at Westie Rescue for allowing us the opportunity to have this wonderful companion for five-plus years.

We loved Dachary very much. There is no way to express fully how much joy, warmth, laughter, and relief from the heartache she brought to us. We are grief-stricken at her loss but will cherish for years to come to the many wonderful memories she provided.

Again, thank you for bringing Dachary to us. A check-in her memory is on its way to you to support your worthy efforts. We hope that the contribution will help others to experience the pleasurable insanity of having a Westie in one’s life.

We are equally grateful to your fine organization. If not for your hard work in restoring Dach to health, we would not have been able to adopt her and have this wonderful experience. A check-in Dach’s memory is on its way to you also. It is nice to see that she is still on your website, and we hope she will stay there a while longer.

Many thanks,

The Simon Family

Goober - WestieMed Recipient November 2000

In Memory of GOOBER 6/21/00 – 7/19/01

November 1, 2000December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

November 2000:

Goober was born on June 21, 2000, was brought to a vet’s office on August 4th and stayed there until being released to me (his foster Mom) on November 15th, where he is in long-term foster care and being given lots of love and proper medical care.

Goober was born to a breeder in New Jersey who realized he had a medical problem at six weeks of age. The breeder asked his friend, a vet, to do a complete physical. At first, it was thought that he had bloat, irritable bowel syndrome, and/or hypoglycemia. From the middle of August until the beginning of November, Goober was treated for irritable bowels (not knowing his problems had nothing to do with his bowels). Frustrated because Goober’s condition was not improving, the breeder turned Goober over to the vet’s office as he could no longer physically care – or afford to care – for Goober. The staff at the vet’s office convinced the vet not to put Goober down, but rather to continue to treat him in an effort to save his life.

When he was four months old, the vet decided to have a small animal surgeon take a look at him, and it was determined that he has hemivertebrae, a condition that results from the failure of a vertebral body to develop fully. Some dogs with this condition become totally paralyzed and are usually accompanied by compensatory changes in the shape of adjacent vertebrae. Disc spaces are preserved, although they may be misshapen and some ribs often appear crowded. If it is severe enough to cause clinical neurologic signs, surgery may be necessary.

Ultimately, the folks at WestieMed learned of Goober’s medical needs and his need for a “special” foster home to tend to his needs. WestieMed has kindly agreed to sponsor Goober and has made it possible for him to receive the best medical care for his condition. In order to determine the severity of his disorder, a myelogram or MRI must be performed, but the current specialist doesn’t want to perform the tests until Goober reaches at least ten months of age; it’s just too much of a risk at his young age.

Goober is now five months old and since being removed from the cage at the vet’s office, he has thrived in a loving home with two westie sisters and one brother (Maggie, Phoebe, and Finnegan). Goober is not able to fully enjoy all fun puppy antics, but he does manage to fill his life with toys, shoelaces, and lots of TLC. Goober’s rear section doesn’t seem to work too well, but he doesn’t really know that. He is taking prednisone to help alleviate the pain associated with his condition.

When I picked up Goober, I was told he might have one day, one week or one month to live, no one could tell. I was told his condition is inoperable and nothing can be done for him, just bring him home and give him lots of love until it’s time for him to cross the Bridge.

Now we believe that Goober has a good chance of making it without a life of severe pain and total paralysis. We believe he will be one of the lucky ones to live with this condition and have a long and happy life. One look in his smiling eyes and we know we’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe and happy.

Kathy McNulty, Easton, Pennsylvania

UPDATE: February 15, 2001

Goober had an emergency myelogram and surgery today due to his condition worsening in the past several days. The compression in his spine turned out to be much worse than originally thought; however, it was operable! Goober’s prognosis is not known at this point, but it may be at least six months before he regains the use of his rear legs. In the meantime, he will need physical therapy and lots of medical care and attention.

DON’T CRY, MOMMY Don’t cry, Mommy, I’m okay! The Angels came, I couldn’t stay. God brought me home, He loves me, too! He said that I can Watch over you. I know you love me, I love you, too. That’s why I’ll do My best for you. That’s my new job, To wait for you Until you come, Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll run and romp, And play with glee! (I’ll lift my leg, When I have to pee!) But most of all, I’ll guard you well. I’m up here watching, Can’t you tell? Think of me, I’ll hear your voice. And know you made The perfect choice. You saved me once, I’ll not forget! You took care of me, But better yet: You loved me.
Jill P. Schlarb July 19, 2001

UPDATE: Tuesday, July 17, 2001

To let you know Goober made it through another surgery fine. His knee cap is now located on his knee and held in place with two pins. He is now also neutered. I’ll call in the morning to see how he’s doing and might be able to bring him home tomorrow afternoon. Goober’s never been able to lift his head to look up while standing, lift a leg to “wet a bush” or even go up or down steps or stairs. One of these days I envision him looking up at me and running out and in the door with his brother and sisters and not have to wait to be picked up and placed in the yard. One day he’ll run with the “big guys” and love every second of it. And, if wishes come true – one day he’ll even be able to wet that bush, too!

UPDATE: Thursday, July 19, 2001

It is with deep sadness that I write that Goober went to the Rainbow Bridge early this morning. He took a turn for the worse yesterday and had to go to the Emergency Room. It seems he developed a quick infection and it got the best of him. His little body just couldn’t take it anymore.

Deepest thanks go out to everyone who gave Goober a second chance at life. He had a great 13 months, considering all of his problems. He touched and inspired so many people with his courage and will to live. He will live forever within our hearts.

On August 3, 2001, WestieMed established the Goober Memorial Fund. This Fund was established for the purpose of helping other rescued Westies with congenital orthopedic conditions. Donations in Goober’s memory can be directed to the Goober Memorial Fund.

Wesley

October 1, 2000December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

October 2000:

We received our lovable Westie, Wesley, on July 8, 2000. The Westie Rescue service said Wesley came from an abusive/neglectful home. He was suffering from severe lung problems and was never properly treated for a broken leg. Arthritis had set in to the legs and hip area. Most importantly, Wesley was hospitalized for pneumonia in February, but these effects were still plaguing him. He was put on antibiotics to help the lung infection but all efforts were failing.

Wesley was sent to a internal medicine specialist where it was determined that he was suffering from chronic bronchitis. The course of treatment included a trachael wash which would swipe his lungs and determine exactly what treatment needed to take place to stop the “crackling” and coughing from his chest. In October, Wesley was finally medically stable enough to have the trachael wash done, and was also neutered at the same time. The rescue service believes Wesley is around 10 years old but we know that he has many happy years ahead of him!

The tracheal wash determined his lungs were still severely infected and inflamed and he has been put on more aggressive antibiotics to rid him of this problem once and for all. Wesley has also been put on medication for his arthritis which couldn’t be done until they determined what was wrong with his lungs. We know Wesley feels like a new dog since he’s been with us these last three months but we hope this will help him feel even happier and healthier.

Wesley has fit right in with our family. He loves his sister, another Westie we bought before Wesley. Madison is three years old and they love to wrestle and chase each other around the house. He also takes a daily walk with her around our neighborhood. They’re best friends.

Wesley seemed very hesitant of people when he first came to us, especially of men. He often hid behind furniture so he could feel safe when he feel asleep but as the weeks went by he came out of his shell and made his presence known. His Westie personality is shining through! He loves to spend time outside just looking around the neighborhood and barking at squirrels and rabbits. He loves to give kisses (he didn’t know what they were when he first came to us). He may be an older dog but we have taught him new tricks! He watches Madison and imitates her tricks, after all he knows if he does it he gets one of his favorite treats.

Wesley is a joy to have. He is absolutely spoiled rotten and loving it! Thanks to WestieMed and Westie Rescue of Greater Washington, MD, his medical costs have been covered – and they have been pretty expensive.

Second hand dogs do make first rate pets!

C.O., Hagerstown, Maryland