Louisiana Westie Rescue

Missy

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

May 2007:

Meet Missy… her foster Mom calls her The Baby. She is a seven-month-old female who loves to cuddle, role around on her back in the grass and swing on the hammock when her foster Mom reads her book in the afternoons. Missy does not have full use of her rear left leg, which is causing her to arch her back to compensate for using three legs. This, of course, is not good for a developing puppy. She lifts her leg when she walks which has caused some of the muscles to atrophy. This sweet little girl is a sweet kisser… an absolute Gem!

Missy’s owner purchased her from a breeder in Missouri in April 2007 and was shipped in a crate to Louisiana. When she arrived, the new owner noticed that when Missy came out of the crate, she did not put any weight on her rear left leg and lifted it when she walked. Her local Vet took x-rays and diagnosed her with a degenerative disease of the hipbone, and that Missy would need corrective surgery to have the damage repaired estimating to be over $3,000. Since the owner was a young mother with a toddler, she stated that she could not afford the surgery and follow up physical therapy.

The owner called the breeder who instructed her to have the puppy put down and that the breeder would send her another puppy at a later date. The owner was upset by these instructions and was advised by a neighbor to call Louisiana Westie Rescue (LWR). LWR took possession of Missy right away. The Companion Animal Clinic in Hammond, Louisiana took x-rays and diagnosed her with Calve Perthe’s Disease (Aseptic necrosis of the coxofemoral joint) of the left rear limb and referred the case to the LSU Veterinary School in Baton Rouge. The LSU Vet School proposed to remove the diseased bone and, because Missy is a young dog, her muscles can be conditioned to compensate for the missing coxofemoral joint. They report many successes for this surgery from small dogs to very large.

It is a blessing that WestieMed was able to help this little girl. Louisiana Westie Rescue operates solely on the contributions taken in from adoption fees and a medical issue such as this was going to be cost-prohibitive for the organization. The volunteers of WestieMed are the Angels who watch over our special little Westies who are victims of careless breeders and handlers. LWR extends blessings to them many times over!

Missy had her surgery May 10, 2007 and came through it with flying colors. The vet manipulated her joints and they are moving with ease. Missy is reluctant to put any weight on the rear leg to date (May 11, 2007) but some of her muscles have atrophied and will have to be exercised first by using passive range of motion exercises and then aqua therapy and walks three times a day. Her foster Mom has a pool and a Westie-sized life vest so Missy will start her swimming therapy within the week.

Louisiana Westie Rescue is extremely grateful for the aid from WestieMed and will send updates and additional pictures as Missy gets back on all fours.

Miss Bossypants (Hurricane Katrine Survivor)

November 1, 2005February 6, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

November 2005:

Miss Bossypants survived Hurricane Katrina somehow and was brought to the Noah’s Wish Shelter in southern LA as a stray. The area she was found in was devastated…. Noah’s Wish was very concerned as she seemed even more stressed than what thought was usual so they contacted us. Louisiana Westie Rescue was happy to take her in and agreed to foster her for sixty days so her family would have a chance to find her. Her picture is posted on Petfinders and on the LWR website but no one has claimed her.

This little gal really gave her foster mom a run for her money the first couple of weeks! She was determined to escape and did once but not for long thank goodness! She now has a new micro-chip, her foster mom wasted no time getting that taken care of! Miss Bossypants was also quite snappy hence the name but now she has settled down, figured out no one is going to hurt her, and seems content to stay.

As if surviving a hurricane is not enough she has a bony lump on her head and thanks to Westiemed we will soon know if it is something serious or not! The vet wants to take some x-rays and do a biopsy to rule out anything that may need to be treated. Miss Bossypants is in a loving environment and I have a feeling her foster mom has fallen for her….. We of course hope her family does come forward and will leave her contact information on Petfinders for at least ninety days.

Thank you Westiemed and all those that contribute so these little ones can receive the care they need and deserve!

Laura Ardoin Louisiana Westie Rescue

Update: June 2006:

Miss Bossypants is getting better and better. When she first came to live with us if we did anything she didn’t approve of (like pick her up when SHE didn’t want to be..or put her down from the couch when SHE wasn’t ready), she’d bite us. Now I can actually see her restrain herself when she gets mad at us. She is still the boss around here. She keeps our four terriers in line at all times. It’s so funny because she’s the smallest. She’s become more and more affectionate and loves a good scratch/rub/hug. Her eye is still not blinking, so I’m putting a lubricant ointment in it several times a day, and at night, I put an antibiotic ointment in her eye. Since the operation, the eye is nonstop watering. I took her to two vets just to check it out and they tested the secretion and made sure the sinus cavity between the tear duct and nostril was ok, and they both say everything’s ok and it’s just a matter of her not blinking.

I so wish she could talk and tell us what she went through. She does NOT like to admit it, but I do think she’s a bit fearful of thunderstorms…who knows how she spent her time during the hurricane. The neighborhood where she was picked up was heavily damaged.

Thank you SOOO much for your help. I AM very grateful for your help. Life just isn’t the same around the Big Easy anymore…I don’t think it ever will be.

Marian

Update: February 2007:

Miss Bossypants crossed the bridge Tuesday night (January 30, 2007). Her kidney’s failed and despite the aggressive treatment, she had to leave her mom. Miss Bossy pants was very special and deeply loved. Thanks to WestieMed, Miss Bossypants was able to know that love for many months after being rescued.

Laura :***(

Misty

September 1, 2005February 6, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

September 2005:

Misty is eight years old and was owner surrendered to Westie Rescue/Austin when her former family felt they could no longer deal with her medical needs since she is an Addison’s disease dog. She was not receiving her medication on a regular basis and would “crash” before they remembered to get her back to her vet for her next shot. The costs of her shots were more than they wanted to absorb, too.

So the family contacted Laura in Shreveport (Louisiana Westie Rescue) asking for help. Laura was full, so she put out a request for a new rescue/foster home for Misty and the Austin, Texas, Westie Rescue program had space for Misty and a foster home that already has another Addison’s Disease Westie!! Misty had the perfect foster home just waiting for her.

A transport network of eight volunteers brought Misty from New Orleans, on Saturday, the 27th of August, just ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Katrina, to her new foster home in Austin, Texas. Misty arrived weary but ready for her new adventure.

Westie Rescue/Austin turned to WestieMed for help and assistance with Misty’s medical situation, and WestieMed has been wonderful to underwrite Misty’s health care as she is being treated and monitored for a stabilizing condition. Misty’s prognosis is positive.

Misty has now been evaluated by her new vet and is on a regular maintenance regime that will keep her at her peak of energy. Misty and her new foster sister, Nessie, are having the times of their lives playing together, under the watchful eye of Nessie’s mom, Linda. Soon Misty will be ready for a new forever home.

Update, March 2006:

Dear WestieMed,

I wanted to give you an update on Misty. I adopted her and she is doing great!! She adapted instantly to her new name, Christie.

Christie’s new Vet insisted on examining her the first day here and planned Addison’s treatment and appointments. Before Christie got her first scheduled shot, she began to crash and was rushed to the Vet. They acquired the Percorten injection from an emergency clinic and monitored her all day. Since October, Christie has been successfully treated for serious bladder and ear infections, cysts on her head, and Addison’s disease is under control. The Vet calls me regularly to remind me of appointments and just to check to see that all is well. The Vet’s being so talented, thorough, caring, and five minutes away has been the best I could hope for my new girl!! They have also given me a discount on Christie’s treatment because she was a Katrina dog.

As her medical condition has improved, Christie has become more and more playful, affectionate, and beautiful- her hair is thicker, softer, and whiter. And Christie is closer with my other three dogs- her two Westie sisters, Gracie and Maggie, and brother Nicholas. As of March 1st, Christie is very happy and loved!!!

Thank you so much, WestieMed and all of the people that came through for this wonderful girl!!!

Anne-Marie

Update March 13, 2011:

I adopted Misty in 2005 after her rescue from New Orleans and WestieMed’s care. Very, very sadly my Christie (Misty) died in December. I am grateful for the time that I had with her. She was very special and handled her Addisons, ACL surgery, cancer, and other medical problems with the best attitude and gave back every day. Thanks again for the care you gave her before I adopted her.

Anne-Marie

Kegan

May 1, 2004December 28, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Lilly

July 1, 2002January 7, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

July 2002:

I received a call from a man in southern LA who said he had adopted a Westie from a local shelter. He went on to explain that after taking her to the vet and learning of her health problems he could not keep her and wanted to turn her over to rescue. Dave and Mary Shipman went to pick her up at the vet’s office and brought her along on a rescue transport to me. I was told that she had a bladder stone but had no idea how severe her condition was until Mary and Dave filled me in. The poor baby was completely incontinent and had to wear a diaper when indoors. She arrived on Sunday and we were at my vet’s door Monday morning. Surgery was done that afternoon and a two-inch stone was removed from her bladder. She had also been diagnosed as having a level three heart murmur, my vet could not find anything that serious and felt like it was a level one at most. No surgery required! She came home with me and the change was amazing, what a little sweetheart she is!

But Lilly’s troubles were not over, she is heartworm positive and began her treatment on 7-22-02. She is doing great so far and I expect a complete recovery!

I have no idea what circumstances led Lilly to that shelter… I can not see any behavior problems at all, she gets along well with my other Westies and loves to play. Now she has a family in her future that truly loves her, I am looking for that family now. 🙂

I have to say that without this help I would not have been able to continue with rescue until I raised additional funds somehow. Once again Westie Med has kept me afloat and I can not thank you all enough!!!

Laura Louisiana Westie Rescue

Update September 2, 2002:

Lilly was declared all clear of those nasty heartworms last week and was adopted this weekend. They are previous Westie owners, it was love at first sight!

Update February 2003:

Lilly is doing great. She has fit in very well with our family, except for the cats of course. She has had no further medical problems except she favors her left rear leg. She loves to be the center of attention and doesn’t eat unless she is in the room with us. She sleeps at the end of our bed and has proven to be a good watchdog, although we haven’t found what she is barking at. She is also a skilled hunter with a heart. One day my wife let her in from the backyard with what looked like leaves in her mouth. It turned out to be a small bird that appeared to have no physical trauma though it was in shock.

We love Lilly and are very thankful for your assistance.

Sincerely, Bob and Gayla

Update June 2003:

Miss Lilly is doing great and has been a wonderful part of our family. She remains heartworm free. Gayla has really spoiled her. She loves to drink her water with ice in it and she thinks it is a real treat to drink out of a handheld cup. She eats special food supplied by our vet so that bladder infections can be avoided. She loves the attention that we give her. She does tend to be obsessive-compulsive especially where our cats are concerned. We keep them separated, not knowing who would be the winner in a confrontation. She has been such a blessing to us and we thank you so much for helping us find her.

Sincerely, Robert

Brodie Formally Sebastian

August 1, 2001December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

August 2001:

Sebastian is a beautiful, sweet, funny, little five-year-old Westie who was turned over to rescue by his previous owners who divorced and neither one wanted him. He had not been kept current on his shots, heartworm medication, nor was he neutered. Westie Rescue promptly took care of those matters.

On the evening of July 18, 2001, while in foster care, Sebastian went out in the yard to potty, came back ten minutes later, and collapsed. He was vomiting, defecating, and was unresponsive. He was immediately taken to the Emergency Room. It was thought that he had been poisoned and was in shock. The ER vet sent me home with instructions to call back for bloodwork. I called later that night and was told he had high levels of calcium in his blood which could only be caused by two things. Rat poison or cancer. The ER vet was not sure he would make it through the night, I was devastated. But he did, and I picked him up at seven a.m. the next morning and went straight to my vet. With tests, they were able to rule out the rat poisoning (which was a huge relief in itself, I thought someone had intentionally poisoned him, we do not have poisons in our home). X-rays showed a mass in the liver area but because Sebastian had another episode that afternoon, surgery had to be delayed. Again the vet did not think he would pull through, but he did! On July 24, 2001, he had a transfusion and exploratory surgery. No cancer was found, what appeared to be a mass was actually scar tissue – the colon adhered to the abdominal wall. My vet feels like Sebastian suffered some kind of traumatic injury during his life. (I have since contacted one of the previous owners and, of course, they deny this…) Sebastian was able to come home a few days later and has had no further incidents. My vet feels like we may never know what caused Sebastian to go into shock as he did.

Sebastian has since been adopted and has a wonderful new Mom and Westie sister!

Thank you WestieMed! Without your help with this major expense, my ability to help other rescue Westies would have been much more difficult.

Laura Ardoin Louisiana Westie Rescue

Update July 2002:

Well it has almost been a year since my adoption of Brodie (Sebastian). We have moved into our house and finally, Brodie and Celtie have a backyard. Many times I have thought how lucky I am to have adopted a dog with such a wonderful temperament. He is a wonderful dog and I can’t thank you (WHWTCC Westie Rescue) enough for giving us this opportunity.

Hope things are going well with you, Amanda H. Celtie and Brodie too.

Brodie - WestieMed Recipient August 2001

Brodia (Formely Sebastian)

April 1, 2001February 7, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

On the evening of July 18, 2001, while in foster care, Sebastian went out in the yard to potty, came back in ten minutes later and collapsed. He was vomiting, defecating and was unresponsive. He was immediately taken to the Emergency Room. It was thought that he had been poisoned and was in shock.

The ER vet sent me home with instructions to call back for bloodwork. I called later that night and was told he had high levels of calcium in his blood which could only be caused by two things. Rat poison or cancer. The ER vet was not sure he would make it through the night, I was devastated. But he did, and I picked him up at 7 a.m. the next morning and went straight to my vet. With tests, they were able to rule out the rat poisoning (which was a huge relief in itself, I thought someone had intentionally poisoned him, we do not have poisons in our home). X-rays showed a mass in the liver area but because Sebastian had another episode that afternoon, surgery had to be delayed. Again the vet did not think he would pull through, but he did! On July 24, 2001, he had a transfusion and exploratory surgery. No cancer was found, what appeared to be a mass was actually scar tissue – the colon has adhered to the abdomen wall. My vet feels like Sebastian suffered some kind of traumatic injury during his life. (I have since contacted one of the previous owners and, of course, they deny this…) Sebastian was able to come home a few days later and has had no further incidents. My vet feels like we may never know what caused Sebastian to go in to shock as he did.

Sebastian has since been adopted and has a wonderful new Mom and Westie sister!

Thank you WestieMed! Without your help with this major expense, my ability to help other rescue Westies would have been much more difficult.

Laura Ardoin Louisiana Westie Rescue

Update July 2002

Well, it has almost been a year since my adoption of Brodie (Sebastian). We have moved into our house and finally, Brodie and Celtie have a backyard. Many times I have thought of how lucky I am to have adopted a dog with such a wonderful temperament. He is a wonderful dog and I can’t thank you (WHWTCC Westie Rescue) enough for giving us this opportunity.

I hope things are going well with you, Amanda H. Celtie and Brodie too.