Rainbow Bridge January 2007
September 2003:
The call came on September 4, 2003. The local Humane Society asking if I’d be able to take in a Westie rescue turned in earlier that week. I am listed with the shelter as a rescue contact for Westies and thank heavens they are willing to call. I arrived at the shelter the next day not knowing what to expect. I had been told that the dog had skin problems and that the surrendering family was not the original owners. He had been a “yard dog and not house trained”. The technician disappeared into the back exam room and reappeared shortly with Harry. My heart melted for multiple reasons. First of all, those little black/brown button eyes looking so forlornly at me. All the other reasons for the overwhelming emotion revolved around his appearance and health. He had huge scabs and raw spots on his body. He clearly had an infection not only on the surface but internally as well. He was coughing and laboring to breathe. I knew his vet bills would be expensive and that we might not be able to find a family to adopt him. I knew leaving him at the shelter would be certain death as there would be no extended care available to him. Regardless of all the barriers, I knew I had to take him home. I’d make whatever financial adjustments I needed to in order to get this little guy the attention he deserved.
Harry spent a week at the vet being treated for all that ailed him. His ailments ran the gamut – vomiting, diarrhea, skin infections, ear infections, and upper respiratory infections. His gums were oozing infection and prohibited him from making progress with the antibiotics or being able to eat without throwing up. The vet noted some abnormalities when neutering him and initiated x-rays. We found that his heart is enlarged. At this point, we aren’t sure if that is secondary to the infections or that he has a heart condition. Bless my vet for being truly compassionate and working with me to get Harry healthy and stable. He changed the course of treatment and now Harry is making progress by leaps and bounds. He has come home and become a member of the family. He shares attention and playtime with Britt, his mentor-Westie, and Mac, the old Scottish Terrier. His new friends have taught him house manners and good behavior.
I continue to struggle to understand how someone could allow one of God’s creatures to be treated so poorly. I have to remind myself that at least the people who had him previously surrendered him to the shelter rather than abandon him. I know that Harry still may have medical issues but we will overcome those and make sure he is able to enjoy life as best he can.
As mentioned before, I have other terriers – one of which has been diagnosed with Cushing’s and bladder cancer. His expenses were already mounting and Harry’s expenses were adding to the financial burden. WestieMed stepping in with support has helped soften the blow to my pocketbook! I thank WestieMed for the support and contribution. More importantly, thank you to every WestieMed contributor for making the assistance possible through the donations made to the organization. Those contributions make it possible to help these little creatures find a happy life, to find loving owners, and to give love as they are so able to do! Thank you, everyone!
Beverly Harrison
Update: August 2004:
Here’s an update of pix of Harry and the rest of my clan. The Scottie is a new addition as of this weekend. I lost my nine-year-old Scottie to cancer on July 4th. Tobi, the Scottie came to me through the Scottie rescue program. Everyone is getting along and is establishing the “pecking” order. Harry is doing as well as can be expected. He had an ultrasound on June 4 and his heart is doing well although he continues with COPD. He is on Enalapril and Metacam daily which seems to help his mobility. He has good days or bad – like all of us. He got a little chunky and I put him on some low-calorie food. Losing a few pounds seemed to help reduce his coughing spasms. Considering everything, he’s tough as nails and continues to be a joy.
Update January 2007:
Wanted you to know that Harry, my faithful little companion for the last three plue years, has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge . Harry, a Westie rescue and recipient of WestieMed assistance, had many health issues that slowly took their toll. He was faithful, loving and true to his breed in his fight against his health issues. He shall be sorely missed.
BJ (aka Beverley) Harrison