Dental Issues – Page 4

Lucy (Formally Iris)

July 1, 2007January 29, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

August 2007:

Hi-My name is Iris and I want to tell you a story.

It was summer and I was so hot. I had long, matted hair. I didn’t realize that I was actually a white dog. I heard some people that came up to my fence one day say that it made them sad because I was so dirty. The lady said that she wished she could put me in a nice, cool bubble bath, whatever that is. I knew that I was covered in ticks and that my feet hurt so bad I could hardly walk. But I didn’t know that I was dirty. But then I heard her say that we were all dirty. I didn’t know if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but I knew I was like all my friends that I lived with. We were all dirty! But when I saw the lady get water in her eyes and then grit her teeth like she was upset, I decided that dirty was a bad thing. But she leaned down and told us that we were all beautiful under that dirty hair and most important–we all had a beautiful Westie spirit!

One day she came back and put me and all my friends in her car. She still had water in her eyes, but I also saw something they call determination in her eyes. I soon learned that determination is a good thing! The lady and the man drove us straight to a place called “The Vet”. I heard them talking about the vet being on standby and open late just to see all of us. They seemed concerned about how they, along with some special ladies, were ever going to get the vet paid off. They had to pay to rescue me–whatever that means. I heard them say that the vet was going to give them a rescue discount, but they knew it was still going to cost a lot to get us in healthy Westie shape. They were very happy because the vet lady had a lot of “vet techs” waiting for us to arrive. I soon learned that vet techs like to cut the mats out of Westie hair and also shave them if they must. They were mad at someone though. His name was the breeder. They were mad because he had let me become covered in ticks and have kook-a-burros between the pads of my feet. They said things like “How can you even walk-poor baby?” I guess that is why my feet hurt so badly and I didn’t want to move along when I was told to. After they cut my hair with scissors and shaved a lot of me, they got those nasty ticks off. There were three people at one time trying to help me. I felt so special for the first time ever. But what came next was a little scary. They put me in a big sink and sprayed water all over me and rubbed me. It was all new to me, but I behaved the best I could. I heard them say “now you’re a white dog!” It wasn’t hot in the place they let me rest until my turn with the vet lady. It was cool plus they had soft towels to lie on. One by one they put my friends in the doggie suite with me after baths. I was the last one to go see the special lady called “Dr. Franks”. My buddies gave me good and bad reviews as they returned one at a time after seeing her and her helpers. They all said that she was very nice, gave hugs, and spoke so softly and kind to them, but she also poked them and put things in places they didn’t like. I understood what they meant after my turn. Her voice was the kindest voice I had ever heard. She helped me relax and I did pretty well until she started removing those things from between the pads on my feet. I had been giving all kinds of kisses until then. It hurt so much. I wanted to tell them that I had been hurting for so long, but that I had to walk if I wanted to eat or drink any of the hot water that sat in the sun. They told me that I had severe dental tarter, two kinds of worms, lots of tick bites, and pododermatitis with yeast on all four feet. Dr. Franks wrote on my paper that she thought I seemed older than two and half years. I wanted to tell her that I sure felt older than that! I think she decided it was because no one had ever taken good care of me. She also wrote on my paper that I had a beautiful, soft hair coat. I’m glad everyone can see it now. Her helpers gave me lots of shots including one called rabies. Yikes–it hurt! But only for a moment. They gave me antibiotics and some pasty worm medicine that made my mouth feel yucky. She also sent some to my foster Mom for me to take again in September. Maybe my new Mom will forget. I hope so! She also put special shampoo and some spray stuff in my bag of medicine.

I stayed in the doggie suite for a few days and then the rescue lady came back to take me to a place called foster home. She took one of my friends along also. My foster Mom, Michele, was so kind to us. She loves all animals and has big ones called horses. It was like going to Doggie Club Med. There was a big house with a fenced yard to run in, a fountain with water to splash my sore paws in, a beautiful covered porch with my very own crate on it to rest in whenever I wanted! I worked out an arrangement with a mother duck and her babies. I wouldn’t chase them if they let my buddy and I get in their baby pool filled with water in the back yard. It was great. We learned to share. I will include a photo of the Mommy duck asking me to share it with her babies. I got along great with P-Nut and Jake, two of the dogs that live there all the time.

Then one day, two of the nice rescue ladies came to take me to my furever family. They live in Mississippi. They have a Westie older than me named Sugar Baby. My new name is Lucy. I think it fits me perfectly! I still have to go to the vet for my left paw and take antibiotics. I love hanging out in the kitchen at my new home. I have a doggie door and my own crate that I can go in and out of any time I want. One of my favorite things to do here is follow “Tiny” the cat. Tiny likes me a lot! It’s great! Tiny, Sugar Baby, and I have full run of the house when Mom and Dad are home. My human sister has 2 large dogs and I get along great with them when they visit. Life is wonderful and I am so happy. Thank you WestieMed for helping me get healthy so I could move on to my new life. It was well worth the road I traveled to end up in such a great place. I am so thankful that you love Westies so, so much–cause now I’m a Westie girl with the world on a string!

Love, Lucy

Nashville 7 - WestieMed Recipient — Iris is one of seven Westies rescued from a puppy mill in Nashville, Tennessee.

Update January 2008: Iris now called Lucy

Update March 3, 2010:

Lucy is wonderful, she is loving and spoiled. She sleeps with us every night. She and her sister Lilly are the loves of our lives. Both of these rescue dogs are happy, lovable, and spoiled. They have a big back yard and have a doggie door where they come and go every day. We are so GRATEFUL for them. They make me whole.

Cindy Edwards

Mimi (Formally Sassy Ann)

July 1, 2007January 29, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

August 2007:

Hi Friends-

My foster Mom says I’m one of the happiest Westies she has ever met. You’d be happy too if you experienced my life before I was rescued and then helped by WestieMed. I am only four years old, but it feels like I have been having puppies for a life time.

As soon as my ransom was paid to the breeder, my rescuers took me to see a wonderful lady named Dr. Franks. She was so kind to me. Every time she spoke to me, it was like getting a hug made of words. The more she examined me the more upset she got. I heard her tell a helper named Pam that “this breeder should be…” and then her voice trailed off and I didn’t hear the rest. I heard her tell another helper named Ashley what to write on my chart. I don’t know what it means, but I will tell you anyway. She said that my ears had yeasties in them. I wonder if that is why they itched so much. I had a sore over my right eyelid. I had a few tick heads buried in my skin. That caused me to get a blood infection. I have to take pills for fourty-five days to make that go away. I had moderate to severe dental problems. Something was wrong with my patella. Something was wrong with my left eye and it had a yellow discharge. I had a hazy corneal scar. That’s all I can remember. There were several other things, but they were very big words that I don’t understand. Even though my name is Sassy, I wasn’t feeling very sassy that day. I hadn’t felt sassy in a long time. I was always expecting puppies, nursing puppies, or sad because my puppies left me. But Dr. Franks told me not to worry about that ever again, because she would take care of all that and make me feel sassy again soon!

She was right! Things are great now. I am staying with three other Westies in a house with a deck and a big fenced yard. One of my housemates is a foster too and we all get along great. My foster parents are giving us lessons in basic Westie manners. We are learning to sit and stay, wait until being told to eat and going potty outside. I had a problem with potty outside at first, but that’s cause I had a urinary tract infection. I’m much better now and accidents are rare! I am also learning crate training and it’s not so bad. I still cry a little when foster Mom Lynn leaves for work, but I really do well at bedtime. Our Westie cousins here were crate trained, but they are 5 and 6, so they have graduated. I love to have baths in the utility sink. The spray hose feels so good! I love the fact that my wiry coat dries really fast so I can go back and play with all the other Westies. My life is so wonderful now. My biggest concern is what toy to play with next.

My spunky personality has drawn many admirers when we have a company or go visiting. Spunky and friendly is a good combination. I heard my foster parents say that. The alpha (foster Dad) has had to work with me a few extra minutes. What does “blonde” mean?

I still have a few problems as a result of my prior living conditions. I am almost finished with my pills, but I think I will always need to use eye drops. I will love WestieMed furever and furever because they made sure attention was given to all my medical problems. I feel like a brand new Westie girl thanks to my rescuers, sweet Dr. Franks, and my new friends at WestieMed.

Love, Sassy Ann

Update January 2008: Sassy Ann now named Mimi

Mimi’s eye problem will need drops daily for life…She has chronic dry eye. However, it looks 98% better and she has little to no discomfort.

She has adapted into the family, her Westie sister likes her (my Roxy retains Alpha). When they romp we call it Westie World…a joy to see. Lil Debbie (her Maltese sister), also a rescue, hangs with and follows her.

Mimi sleeps with us at the foot of the bed, if not stretched out between us. In the morning it is lick, lick, kiss, and kiss. She stills loves to kiss. She loves to sit in my lap. She wants love.

The walks on the beach have reduced her weight. She was heavy! I called her my plus size girl.

Her ears have started to turn pink, the yeast being cleared up 90%.

She still tends to have days of upset stomachs even though we have her on sensitive food. Will continue to try to find a healthy remedy.

Just got a new camera, trying to figure it out. When I do, I will have lots of photos at Nashville home and Beach home!

We love Mimi.

Annette & Charlie Pacunas

Update March 19, 2010:

Mimi is still quite skittish. Yelps at the slightest thing toward her. But improving.

Her left eye requires daily ‘bathing’ with saline to clean and drops put in for her chronic dry eye, I fear she barely can see from it.

She sleeps as close to me as she can in bed and loves the beach house.

She loves her two sisters Roxy (Westie) and Lil Debby (Maltese).

Her Mommy,

Annette

Emmie

July 1, 2007January 29, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

August 2007:

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

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!

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