Harry’s story begins like many other Westie rescues, on the streets. He was found wandering around in the snow in Richlands, North Carolina, back in February and brought to Carolina Westie Rescue in the spring of 2009.
He was brought to us by a wonderful good Samaritan named Susan Collins. Even though he seemed to be a throwaway dog, Harry still had a good spirit and personality. Susan informed us that Harry had heartworms and that a previous vet had recommended that the dog be euthanized.
Well, Westies never give up without a fight, and we were not about to either! We carried Harry to another vet and had a thorough exam performed. Other than his horrible ear infections, our vet told us that Harry’s heartworms were pretty advanced and that we could try and kill them with the slow-kill Immiticide treatment, but that he might not make it.
Our vet suggested we take Harry to the state veterinary school in Raleigh which has a team of cardiologists. And so, a few days later, that’s exactly what we did. We left Harry with those folks all day, and when we returned, we learned that Harry’s heartworms were not as advanced as we had been told. Now, heartworms of any sort are not a cause for celebration, but here we were thinking Harry was in an advanced stage of heartworms and that surgery was the only solution. The doctors at NC State told us that the slow-kill method was the correct course of action to take, but that Harry would have to be perfectly still during treatment. No running around the yard chasing the girl Westies, like he usually does. Harry should be beginning his first of three Immiticide injections very soon.
As of this writing, we are pretty upbeat about Harry’s prognosis and his making it through the treatment. We are looking forward to the days when he can run and play with the other Westies and not be winded. Carolina Westie Rescue would like to extend our warmest heartfelt thanks to WestieMed for all you do for these little white dogs.
Carolina Westie Rescue
Update March 7, 2010
I want to thank Westie Med for helping to save Harry’s life. You are all wonderful for helping him.
The long and grueling process of killing the heartworms took months and after going through treating Harry for Heartworm Disease Harry was hit with an acute attack of pancreatitis. Harry was left with an enlarged heart and breathing problems that appeared to be Westie lung Disease. Westies as we know are very resilient and Harry has a strong will to live. Harry has always been a happy, loving, wonderful Westie even during the times when he was so very sick. He has always had a strong will to live.
After having Harry for almost a year we found Harry a great home with a retired couple who had a sweet little girl Westie. They knew that Harry was left with some health problems, but were willing to give Harry a forever home. I miss Harry, but it is comforting to know that he has a great home and can live out the rest of his life with people who can appreciate Harry for the wonderful Westie that he is.
Harry now lives on Hilton Head Island and walks on the beach almost every day with his new forever family. Harry loves the beach and also gets along well with his new little sister.
He is living the good life. Thank you WestieMed!
Sincerely,
Sydney Christian Carolina Westie Rescue