Mia

by westiemed in Stories

Mia Grace Arroyo began her life as Mary. She was one of several Westies in a loving home in New York. Her owners were active in the show dog community. Her dad was a well renowned Westie judge and her mama was once the president of The Chesapeake Bay West Highland White terrier club. Her owners have since passed away.
A very kind and generous caregiver for the last five years of her owners lives inherited Mary. Mary was stricken with a very severe case of pyometra. Her new owner, being retired and on a limited income, could not afford the $6500 surgery to save Mary’s life so she signed her over to Maryland Westie Rescue to have the surgery and almost $3000 worth of aftercare follow up visits.
Out of respect for her new owner and former owners, I fostered Mary and cared for her. Because Mary is nine years old and has lost her original parents and, unfortunately lost her second owner due to financial circumstances, I did not feel that it was fair for her to go to a new environment where no one knew her. My husband and I decided to adopt her.
Mia means Mary in the Bible and because she started a semi new life with us, I decided to give her a new name. She became Mia Grace Arroyo. She took to the name very quickly without missing a beat. That’s how I knew I had made the right decision in keeping her, renaming her and welcoming her to our little pack of two Westies, now three.
Mary has suffered ear infection, her whole life that went unnoticed because it was not coupled with the regular symptoms of food allergies so her food was never changed. Her ears were just constantly treated. It has since been discovered that her ear Is causing her extreme pain. It is not able to be treated any longer because the ear canal is so tight that medication and ear wash is just being trapped in the ear and hence she needs to get surgery. Without the surgery she could die a very slow and painful death.
She is an absolutely delightful little dog with a big personality and strong spirit and will.  She fits in very nicely at our home. Unfortunately, due to the current political environment, I have lost my federal job of 20 years and I am unable to afford the surgery to correct Mia’s ear condition and so I reached out to WestieMed for help.
Lynn

Charlie

by westiemed in Stories

Hello friends, my name is Charlie. I know that you’re my friends, because I love everyone I meet. Here is my story.…..

I lived my whole life in the same home. In August 2024 without warning, I was dropped off at a shelter in Easton, CT. The Animal Control officer realized that I was older — and likely needing special care — he thoughtfully reached out to Westie Rescue of New England who immediately went into action.  The next day my foster mom Darlene arrived at the shelter to take me home.

I was confused with all of the changes but I knew I was in a good place. I received the first of many medicated baths to help heal my skin along with lots of good food and cuddle time. Two days later, I went to see the vet. They checked me from top to bottom, taking lots of blood tests.

I had two badly infected ears, skin problems, very bad teeth and they were most concerned about a large, painful mass I had on my foot.

They scheduled me for surgery and I came through it like a champ!  My bad teeth were removed, my ears have been treated and are so much better and best of all the scary tumor on my foot was benign!  My future is bright now and at 11 years young I am feeling great!

My foster moms, Darlene and Hester, could not resist my charm and are now “Failed Fosters”. I personally think that is the best kind of foster. Today, I live with my two, loving moms and my adorable and very busy one-year-old Westie sister, Agnes. I have already been on two, fun-filled family vacations. I love to travel, and I am living my best life — a life I could have only dreamed of!

Thank you, WestieMed, for all your support and for helping Westie Rescue of New England to help me. My golden years will surely be the best ever!

Ozzie

by westiemed in Stories

On October 5, 2024, Rico Pet Recovery was alerted about a West Highland Terrier (Westie) who had been seen running loose in a neighborhood for over a year, according to posts on Facebook. A Good Samaritan, concerned for his safety, took him in and kept him in her garage, though she couldn’t provide further care. The poor dog was covered in fleas, suffering from significant hair loss, skin infections, and had badly matted fur. She administered a Capstar to address the fleas, then she reached out to the rescue community for additional help.

On October 7, 2024, the Westie was brought to Rico Pet Recovery. Unclaimed and without a microchip, he immediately captured hearts with his gentle and loving demeanor. Our veterinarian diagnosed him with a range of conditions, including severe skin and ear infections, gum disease with several problematic teeth, dry eye, and thickened, hardened skin, often referred to as “elephant skin”. He was estimated to be around 5 to 7 years old.

Now named Ozzie, this little fighter was sent home with multiple medications. After just two weeks, Ozzie has made tremendous progress and is starting to look like a brand-new dog. He’s proven to be incredibly sweet, enjoying the company of kids, cats, soft blankets, and—most of all—snuggling!

Ozzie’s road to recovery isn’t over yet. His upcoming treatments will include completing his vaccinations, a dental procedure and a neuter that will involve an ablation due to the poor condition of his scrotum. Thanks to the compassion of the community, WestieMed and the dedicated care from Rico Pet Recovery, Ozzie’s future is looking bright.

Marci