We received an urgent call from our partner shelter asking if we could take in a senior Westie girl whose owner had relinquished her for euthanasia.
At 13 years old, Josie suddenly found herself alone at the moment she needed love and care the most.
While we don’t know the full story behind her owner’s decision, we choose to focus on the positive: the compassion shown by the shelters we work with, who reach out to us in these critical moments.
Because the call came in at rush hour, we made arrangements to pick her up the following morning. Thankfully, Josie spent less than 24 hours at the shelter. In that brief time, the staff immediately began treatment, gave her extra meals, and showered her with kindness.
Upon intake at the shelter, she weighed in at just 11.8 pounds. Our goal is to help her reach a healthy weight with extra meals and weekly weigh-ins.
Josie is facing several health challenges: she has virtually no tear production, resulting in infected eyes; both ears are infected; she has a severe combined yeast and bacterial skin infection; she is anemic; and she has spondylosis, a degenerative spinal condition common in senior dogs that can cause stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. We’re awaiting the remaining blood work results and have additional diagnostics scheduled for next week to make sure we’re addressing everything.
She is exhausted. Like so many dogs when they first arrive, the toll of her previous circumstances is clear. After her first medicated bath and a nourishing meal, she curled up and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep—likely the best rest she’s had in a very long time.
The costs involved in these senior rescues are significant—medications, specialized treatments, diagnostics, nutritious food, pain management, and ongoing care all add up quickly.
She’s safe now. And we’re just getting started.
Karen Simondet
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.
