I write a column for our local newspaper, the Columbia Daily Tribune. Here is the story of Webster, our little Westie boy currently living at Happy Tails Animal Sanctuary, Columbia, MO.
Several weeks ago, Happy Tails assisted in the rescue of thirty-five West Highland white terriers from a puppy mill. Some dogs were placed in the Kansas City area; we took some dogs; some went to St. Louis, and others went on to rescues in Chicago. It’s so distressing to me to know that these wonderful animals live their whole lives in cages with no social or human interaction.
I met the transport group out on Interstate 70, and as we loaded up our rescues, I noticed there was a little Westie puppy on the front seat. He was only a few pounds and not in the best shape. The rescue group told me when they picked up the original 35 dogs, the breeder wanted “to get rid” of this pup, also. They had already arranged placements for the others but weren’t sure where this sickly pup would go. I scooped him up and away we went along with the other dogs in the car. This is the story of Webster.
He was about two and a half pounds with all sorts of health issues. Most noticeable was a severe breathing issue. He had no hair on his feet and legs or underneath his stomach because of standing in unsanitary conditions since birth. He fit in the palm of your hand.
We treated him for several weeks with little improvement for the breathing problem, so we decided to visit the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine for further tests and consultation. It was determined that he has a congenital disorder called choanal atresia. Basically, what this means is he has a structural abnormality in this nasal passages that does not allow much air to flow through his nostrils. His breathing is labored, and it makes me nervous when he overexerts himself and can’t catch his breath.
Although most of his other health concerns have been cleared up, his breathing problem remains at the forefront. Because this is a fairly rare condition, not many veterinary schools in the United States perform any corrective procedures. We will most likely be working with a veterinary school located out of state and must raise the necessary funds to pay for the procedure. Webster has been a fighter since he arrived, and we will not give up on him. We have made a commitment to him to make his life better.
He will need to grow a bit more before any procedure can be undertaken for the reconstructive surgery. In the meantime, we will nurture and watch him. Care and love him. Comfort and heal him. People sometimes ask me why we put forth so much effort as “it’s only a dog.”
I’m reminded of a tale about a man who is walking on a beach and sees lots of stranded starfish and a boy throwing one back in the ocean. The man asks what difference that makes, and the boy answers, “It makes a difference to the one I threw back.”
Webster deserves this chance for a happy, normal life. Happy Tails will give him that chance.
I will be sharing “Webster Updates” in my columns as he progresses through his surgery, treatments, and recuperation. This is where we are to date…After further consultation with the two out-of-state vet schools we are working with, we have learned that Webster’s condition is more challenging than originally thought. In most of these cases, it’s usually the tissue mass that blocks the way for breathing. In Webster’s case, it is thick bone. They will need to perform an additional surgical procedure prior to stent placement. We are continuing to fundraise to help with his expenses as, with this news, the cost estimate has risen. Thanks to those who have already given to help with his care. Webster is not giving up – neither are we.
Susan Hatfield
Susan Hatfield is the president and co-founder of Happy Tails Animal Sanctuary.
Update October 1, 2009
Webster ran into severe complications and he went to the Rainbow Bridge about two months ago. It was devastating for our program and for me personally.
Because his condition was so rare we are hoping that the vets who worked with him gained knowledge that they can use on other dogs that come after him with this rare condition.
Thanks for helping and giving him additional “lifetime” that was very precious to me, my family and the individuals in our program.
Susan Hatfield/Happy Tails