Mammary Tumors – WestieMed

Eva and ZsaZsa

August 26, 2024 by westiemed in Stories

Our two new shelter girls had their first vet appointment and we received some good news and not so good news. The good news is that they are generally healthy and with very good bloodwork results. The bad news is that both girls have mammary tumors, one with no tear production and the other with very minimal tear production, bacterial ear infections and eye infections. Because of the mammary tumors, we did chest X-rays and they are clear! The tumors were not a surprise because I could feel them while bathing the girls. Poor little Zsa Zsa came in with debris stuck to both corneas that was hardened and resembled what dry cracked desert landscape looks like. How painful!!!! She let me irrigate the heck out of her eyes, lots and lots of flushing until it broke away on its own. Her corneas are ulcerated so we are treating both girls aggressively to bring them much needed relief. We gave the girls a week to settle in and they had their surgeries and dentals yesterday. Eva had a few minor complications. We discovered a hernia but left it alone because it would have been too much for her with the mammary tumors and dental. We will keep an eye on it and address at a later time. She lost 8 teeth and had root tips that could be seen on X-ray but we had to leave it alone also because they didn’t want to budge and that would risk injury. We sent out mammary removal for biopsy and are hopeful they come back clear. We will retest their tear production in two weeks and if there is no improvement, we will visit the ophthalmologist.

People often ask us why we spend so much on these dogs. It’s simple. They’ve spent a lifetime of neglect. By the time they make their way to us, we are their last chance, so we will make it their best chance.

It takes a village to rescue these dogs and it takes a lot of funding. We are so grateful to WestieMed for providing much needed funding!

Karen Simondet

Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC)

Kiki

September 1, 2018December 23, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Kiki is a Westie female about 5 years old. She came from an East Bay (California) shelter on July 9, 2018, with a terrible skin condition and two diagnosed mammary tumors. She was not spayed and appeared to have had multiple litters of puppies. The shelter believed she was a breeding dog. She weighed in at a skinny sixteen pounds. She was picked up as a stray.

Kiki was placed in a foster home and baths were immediately started along with a vet appointment to get medications. Kiki responded to her new environment immediately with medication, diet, baths, lots of love and toys.

A consult was arranged to evaluate her tumors and a suspicious cyst on her side that appeared to be a sarcoma. Surgery was scheduled for August 2, 2018, in an effort to get her skin condition under better control before surgery. Her skin infection posed a risk of infection. Her surgery was fairly successful per her oncologist. She recovered quickly and without any infections but Kiki’s oncologist did not feel the margins were sufficient on the cyst (sarcoma) and follow-up treatment was needed.

After evaluation of the treatment options, it was decided the best option for Kiki and her long-term survival was a second surgery called a ‘scar revision’ on the sarcoma to get an adequate margin although it could do some muscle damage. The surgeon felt she would bounce back from the second surgery quickly. There is very little medical evidence to support radiation in the treatment of mammary tumors in dogs. A second opinion was sought from another oncologist who reviewed Kiki’s medical records. He also felt the scar revision surgery was Kiki’s best option.

A scar revision surgery was performed on August 30, 2018. The oncologist felt the news was excellent on the second surgery and there was “complete excision” and “no further treatment is needed for “the cancer”.

Barbara Mordy
Westie Rescue and Placement (WRAP)

Update July 2019

Kiki was adopted on October 4, 2018. Unfortunately, her cancer returned and her adopters paid for two additional surgeries before she passed away on June 3, 2019. Here is her obituary:

Kiki came to WRAP on July 9, 2018. She was found on the streets of an East Bay city in very rough shape. She had terrible skin issues and had obviously been used for breeding. She had two large mammary tumors- which we knew were probably cancer. Barbara did not have a foster home for her, but she was definitely a Westie, so my husband and I agreed to foster her. Kiki came into our home silent and depressed. Her first surgery was 2 weeks later. She had mammary cancer and a sarcoma. Her recovery went well and with each day we could see her spirit get brighter.

This spirit was simply amazing and we adopted her. She loved to play with toys; she always wanted to be on our lap….we even built a little box for her to get on the sofa herself.

Kiki was a godsend for us. She reminded us how we can take our health for granted. She was so happy each day, playing with toys and our other two Westies. My husband fell in love with Kiki, and they had a special bond. He got on the floor to play with her most mornings, and Kiki would bark at him when he did not. Kiki loved sitting on my husband’s lap when he read the paper in the morning. It was their routine.

She became the happiest little Westie we had ever seen, and we adored her!

Kiki made me laugh….I mean really laugh every day! Kiki had plenty of Westitude and oh, how she loved to boss me around! Especially when it was time to eat! I have many videos of her and I am so thankful for them.

We had to say goodbye to Kiki on June 3, 2019. We spent the morning holding Kiki, taking turns doing so. Even to the end, she was loving. She had stopped eating, though, and we know she was in pain. We had to let her go, but we miss her to this day. She died in my arms, resting on my shoulder. Eleven months with Kiki was not enough time. Eleven years would not have been enough time. That BITCH cancer took another sweet life. We have had a lot of Westies. They all ARE and WERE special and wonderful, but there was something extra special about Kiki. She was one of a kind. She reminded us to stay in the moment and to take each day as precious.

I know in time I will laugh again. And yes, we will foster again after our hearts have time to heal. Don’t be afraid to foster. You might get lucky enough to find a Kiki.

Missy

August 1, 2018December 23, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Missy was found wandering on a golf course in coyote country by a Good Samaritan. She had no identification or collar, so they took her to the shelter. She was microchipped and the shelter called the owner.

The owner stated he did not want the dog back. Because of her multiple issues, a huge growth on her inner thigh, mammary tumors, and bleeding from the rectum, the shelter deemed her unadoptable.

They called Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC) as a last resort and, of course, we took her.

The growth turned out to be a giant wart, the mammary tumors were fatty tumors, and the bleeding was caused by a non-cancerous polyp. Our vet removed the wart, fatty tumors and the polyp which took 3 surgeries. Missy never complained and remained her happy sweet self. She has recovered beautifully and is now available for adoption.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update August 14, 2019

Missy learned that life is full of wonderful second chances. She was adopted by a lovely couple and they think she is lovely, too. Missy found a new beginning and a great Mom who tells us they are honored to have a girl like her join their family. We are all so happy!

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update November 20, 2019

Missy continues to thrive with her family. She is a very happy girl and they love her to pieces.

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Maddie

August 1, 2011December 25, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

We rescued our Maddie after suddenly losing our Sophie July 17, 2011. Sophie was also a rescue, a little angel we were blessed with for eight years and adopted through Westie Rescue of Missouri. Sophie spent her first four years in a horrible puppy mill. This past winter she developed some lung issues and suddenly in July they became much worse and she also had a gall stone. We tried desperately to save her but finally had to let her go. Maddie was with a “breeder” for her first seven years. Westie Rescue of Missouri rescued her in February 2011 and was placed in foster care in St. Louis then until we adopted her in July. A few weeks before Sophie passed away I happened to come across a poem I had printed off a few years back. It spoke as if written by a “little rescued soul” instructing it’s owner to save someone else’s life after they were gone. It thanked them for the loving care it received and wanted it to continue with another one in need. It was like Sophie was preparing me for what was to come.

So two weeks after Sophie left us we traveled to Kansas City to receive our next little angel, Maddie. Her foster mom, Kelly, traveled on a Sunday, to hand Maddie off to another Westie Rescue of Missouri volunteer who then transported her to their home in Kansas City. We then were able to pick her up there and fell in love with that sweet face immediately.

I felt so badly for Maddie to have lived in a loving home with Kelly and then be handed off to another stranger and then to more strangers who traveled with her to Iowa. How confused she must have felt. Just when she must have felt safe and secure to have everything turn upside down for her. We were lucky to have two weeks of vacation to bond with her and help her become at ease. So a couple of days after returning home I took her for a check-up at the vet. She found a tumor in her mammary gland and did a needle biopsy immediately. The results came back the following day and it was suggested strongly that she have surgery to have it removed immediatley. So the following day Maddie had her surgery. I felt so awful for her to have to go through such trauma with her new family so soon after joining us! She must have wondered what in the world am I in for with these people!! Maddie was able to come home that evening and then we endured many nights of worry about what the results would be from the tumor that was removed… cancer or the all-clear. Each day seemed to drag on and on, but Maddie always seemed to have her sweet spirit! She is a real trouper and she was teaching us to be that way and no matter what the outcome we were there for each other!

Finally, the call came and our vet told us just what Maddie deserved to hear, “all clear, WE GOT IT ALL! NO CANCER!!” Maddie does not have to have any treatment but we do continue to monitor her to make sure nothing else “pops up”. She has become so attached to us and we to her. Our two Westie boys, Kody, and Kutter, have taken her in like she has been here with them for years. She is simply a sweet little angel, so trusting and so playful and of course, a little bit of Westie mischief is in her too! I wouldn’t want her any other way!

Thank you so much for the help we received for Maddie’s surgery! We are so grateful for your help with our little Maddie!!!
Julie and Chris Boyles

Update July 6, 2012

Maddie is doing awesome!!! She is such a sweet, sweet, loving, little Westie!

She is very frightened of thunderstorms so she and I spend time in the lower level of the house with the TV up loud and pacing the floor. She does have a thunder shirt that she wears at those times and she also takes “puppy Prozac” which has helped calm her anxiety. I was concerned about how she would do with the fireworks this week, but we stayed inside in the basement with the TV going and she didn’t hear a “pop” or a “bang” at all!!

Her last checkup at the vet was in March and she got a “gold star”. We have been working at taking off some weight and when the weather wasn’t so stinking hot, I got her to go on walks with her brothers, Kody and Kutter. She isn’t quite comfortable going out on her own without them, but with them, that little tail just about wags her backside off! She really loves it! Last night I gave the kids baths thinking that would cool them off even more in the heat. Once they were all done with the baths, they chased each other all around the house and out in the back yard and had such fun! My husband, Chris, and I just watched and enjoyed the “show”!!

I’m not the best at doing “computer stuff” but I will try to send you a picture of her from my phone. Above is one of her in her thunder shirt that I took when she came to work with me one day. She is a real sweetheart.

Thank you so very much for your assistance last summer!!! Maddie is such a wonderful, loving, little girl! She makes me smile just thinking of her face and that “floppy” ear of hers!

Julie Boyles

Angel

June 1, 2008December 27, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

On Christmas Day 2007, Angel, a seven to eight-year-old Westie, was found wandering in traffic near Louisa, Kentucky (close to the border of West Virginia), by a wonderful woman. Angel was “in very bad shape”. Angel had infections in both ears and one eye for which antibiotics were prescribed. The veterinarian believed Angel was very pregnant. Arrangements were made to place Angel into Westie/Cairn Terrier Rescue of SW Ohio in Williamsburg. Once in Williamsburg, Ohio, an ultrasound showed that Angel was not pregnant. Angel was spayed, further antibiotics were prescribed, and her teeth were cleaned with some removed. Further diagnostic testing showed Angel had an enlarged heart and cardiac medications were started. In addition, a mammary tumor was removed that fortunately was benign. Angel has given birth to multiple liters and is believed to have come from a puppy mill.

Angel remained unadopted for approximately three months. In browsing through the Westie Rescue, USA website, I found Carla Smith of Westie/Cairn Rescue of SW Ohio in Williamsburg and adopted Angel on 4/5/08. Angel was initially very timid and fearful. With minimal activity or after lying down, Angel would start coughing and had periods of labored breathing. Two days after adoption, Angel received medical treatment for what was believed to be congestive heart failure. However, Angel’s symptoms progressively became worse. Angel rarely barked and when she did, she would start coughing.

On 4/11/08, a cardiologist diagnosed Angel with Pulmonary Fibrosis, also known as Westie Lung Disease. It is chronic scarring of the lung tissue that is mostly seen in Westies. Angel receives three respiratory medications, including an inhaler, twice a day and her heart medications were discontinued. Within twelve hours, Angel’s activity level improved dramatically. Although seven to eight years old, Angel acted like a puppy, full of energy and getting into everything.

When Angel first arrived, she could only walk two to three house lengths without coughing and shortness of breath. Initially, the cardiologist said to restrict her activity; however, Angel was not going to comply with this prescription. Angel now briskly walks the entire block (twenty houses) several times a day and barks without coughing.

Angel has gained so much confidence, proudly walking down the street with that terrier prance and wagging her tail. The cardiologist is thrilled with her progress. In addition, she runs through the house with excitement, plays with toys, and is just as happy as she could be. Angel has also assumed a very important job, squirrel detective. Always on squirrel patrol, Angel is the fastest squirrel chaser around and if she could figure out how to climb a tree, she would. Her front paw goes up and her tail becomes straight when she senses a squirrel is on her turf. What a smart girl, if she can’t climb a tree, she will just chop the tree down with her teeth.

Angel loves other dogs and has several dog friends. Angel has become quite the neighborhood dog. Children on bicycles say, “Hi Angel” and people on porches always greet her. Angel looks in amazement, “Are they talking to me?” Although still a little people shy, Angel has just blossomed. Angel is the best little mommy helper around; she goes everywhere with Mommy including shopping, where she sits in the basket of the cart. Store clerks and shoppers always come up to her and two people have asked: “where they can get a dog just like her”. Such a sweet little Westie, Angel has provided much love, humor, and comfort to all of those who come across her path. Angel has been such a blessing!

Thank you so much to Westie Med, Inc. for providing the assistance for Angel to be able to live out the life that she deserves including the puppyhood that she missed. Angel and her mommy are so grateful for your kindness and generous support. Angel has truly been given another chance and she is taking every opportunity to live her new life to the fullest. Each day is a new adventure. Angel is truly an angel!

Update October 5, 2008

My life keeps getting better and better. Words cannot express my sincere gratitude to WESTIE MED for their concern over my well-being and their financial assistance.

I saw my cardiologist in September and got a very good report. I wasn’t surprised as I already knew because I feel so much better. My lung pressures are down, just borderline of the high end of normal. The doctor said, “that I still will always have pulmonary hypertension”, whatever that means. I still take my three medications, twice a day, no changes were made. I wish my doctor would stop that inhaler, I do not like that one, but Mommy waits until I am asleep to use it. The other two medicines I like because I get really good food with them. Mommy says, “Come on Angel, time for medicines” and I come running.

If I haven’t told you, I live in a palace! Boy, I am one lucky dog. I have my own couch and loveseat. Old carpet and furniture are a dog’s dream. I can do whatever I want. I sprawl out on my couch or loveseat, as big as I please. Mommy got me dog steps for the couch and I learned real quick how to climb them. I also have lots of toys. My toy squirrel is my favorite. In the palace, I can run all the way through the living room, dining room and kitchen in one swoop. I do this when I am really excited and happy. Also, at the palace, when you are hungry all you have to do is toss your food bowl and you get fed. On the weekends, it operates similar to a Bed and Breakfast. I get to sleep in and I get a little cream of wheat for breakfast, yum, yum.

Still busy chasing and barking at all those squirrels. I have my own backyard, I just love it. I run from one end to the other trying to get those squirrels. I do wish I had longer legs, so I could climb a tree or that fence. I can’t get away with much back there as Mommy is always watching; I tell her that she is too overprotective. I also watch the squirrels from my front door, I have a special mat there that has a beautiful picture of a Westie, just like me. In the mornings, sometimes I take a snooze on my mat as the sun shines on me.

I get to go on lots of walks, people around here say, “Hi Angel” as I walk by. My little legs just keep moving as quickly as they can and I wag my tail. Mommy says, “Good girl” as I prance down the street. I now potty all the time outside. After I “Potty Outside”, Mommy says, “Diggity, Dig, Diggity, Dog”, and I dig real fast. I also know what “Come, Come” means and “Stay”. Mommy says, “I am the smartest dog that she ever had”.

I have a Pet Nanny, my neighbor, Auntie DeAnna. She watches me all day when Mommy goes to work. Auntie DeAnna spoils me rotten. She bought a digital camera with video just to capture all of my best moments.

Good thing that the power went out for several days and I could not go to the groomer, as I discovered the palace also has a spa. I got a bath! I just loved it, lots of warm water, a massage with lather, I thought I was in heaven. Mommy said, “that I couldn’t go to the Cardiologist without a bath, as they might think I wasn’t well cared for”, boy, I would set the record straight if anyone ever said that.

I also have a sparkly new harness in pink and a matching leash with diamonds. Auntie DeAnna got me jewelry; doggy charms that go on my pink harness. I only wear this outfit on special occasions. And, I love to go “Bye, Bye”, that means a ride in the car.

Yep, I have a great life. Each day, I am so excited to get started that I help Mommy open the front door by scratching on it as she opens it, so I can be the first one to see outside. I am so, so happy!!! Thank you again for assisting with making my new life possible. I feel so much better now and in fact, I am able to hold a very important job and it’s in the career of my choice, squirrel detective.

Hugs and kisses,
Angel

I hope you enjoyed reading Angel’s progress in her own words. I cannot believe that still each day, she gets better and better. Angel is so happy, full of life and more confident with each day. Quite a contrast from when she first came, so timid and fearful and then unable to do much with the shortness of breath and coughing. Angel now only coughs occasionally and only becomes short of breath when she overdoes it with those squirrels, but with a close eye, I can intervene before it gets to that point. Angel wakes up full of energy and ready to go. I have learned a great deal through adopting Angel. A ton of patience and love makes such a difference. I never would have dreamed that Angel would get to the point that she is. She is too cute and just the sweetest dog around, never growls or gets upset. Her next cardiologist appointment is now in five months. Also, her heart has not enlarged any further.

Thank you again. May God bless WestieMed for that work that you do.

Judy

Jewel

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

February 2007:

Hi, Everyone!

My name is Jewel. I’m a ten-year-old Westie who has found Nirvana for Westie World. I don’t remember where I was born or who my parents are, but I do know that I spent a long time in a kennel somewhere in Kansas which my new Dad says is “Toto Land”. He told me that has to do with something called “The Wizard of Oz”. I have no idea what he means, but I do know that my journey here to Mom and Dad was something special. I don’t remember how many puppies I had at that kennel – I was there for lots of years so I know there must have been tons of them!

Anyway, after a long, long time – December 2006 in people time – an angel named Meredith came and got me from where I lived that had no heat, not a lot of shelter from the elements (there were holes in the roof and missing boards in the sides of the building) and very little food or water. It was FREEZING COLD (like one degree) and the wind was strong out of the North. Meredith braved the ice, snow, and wind to come and rescue me and my Westie kennel-mates. The weather was so bad and she was terrified to make the drive, but she also knew I was in a really bad place and may not make it if she didn’t come to get me. I got to ride in a car! I never had before. It was SO WARM inside and Meredith made sure I could rest.

Anyway, I wound up in Oklahoma with some very nice people who took care of me for a little while. I’d been bitten in a fight before Meredith came and I had a bloody leg and bloody ears that no one had taken care of. Both my ears and both my eyes had infections and Meredith said she didn’t know when we all last had baths because we didn’t smell too good and when she bathed us, she said she’d never seen so much dirt come off Westies before. These nice people got my leg healed, got my infections cleared up and trained me to sleep in a crate. They took me to someone called a vet and I had something happen to me to me, which I was told meant that I won’t have to have any more puppies. Woo hoo!

Then, one day, Meredith came and got me and took me to a place (motel) in Tulsa and my second angel appeared. Meredith also had another little Westie with her named Penny, who is now my little sister. I didn’t know it at the time, but that second angel is my now my new Mom. My new Dad says her name is Jackie, but she’s just Mom to me. Anyway, Mom drove Penny and me for almost nine hours to a place called Houston, Texas, which is where I live now. When I got there, I saw a really big Westie. His name is Chivas. He is a very big, handsome, and gentle boy of six years. When I got out of the car with Penny, he sniffed and sniffed and we sniffed and sniffed back. Within minutes, we became big friends and now we’re all family!

My new Mom and Dad took Penny and me to their vet to get us checked out. The vet is a very friendly man who looked me over and over. He told Mom and Dad that three of my mammary glands were overgrown because of tumors he thought were cancerous and that the cancer could possibly have already spread to my lungs and liver. Dad said he thought I just had some big breasts – he didn’t know there was something wrong with me until the vet said so. This terrified Mom and Dad and, of course, I had no idea what was going on. The vet said I needed some tests and some surgery if there wasn’t any cancer in my liver and lungs. Mom talked to Meredith and Meredith said she’d take me back, but Mom said, “Thanks for offering, but we’ll see this through. Jewel is family now and we just can’t give her up – we love her.” My heart did a dance when she said that!

Anyway, the vet did some tests and learned there was no cancer in my liver or lungs, so he did surgery to remove the three tumors. The surgery was rather extensive and reduced my overgrown mammary glands to normal (Dad called it breast reduction surgery). I had to wear an Elizabethan Collar (Dad called it a cone head) for two weeks so I wouldn’t pull out all those stitches – there were so many. I did fine with that collar in spite of trying to run around after Chivas and Penny in the back yard with it on my head when I was supposed to be staying inactive, as Mom called it. And now I’m FULLY recovered and run around and play with Chivas and Penny in our back yard all the time. We chase squirrels and I just LOVE living here!

All of this cost Mom and Dad a pretty penny (not my sister… the coin). They have no regrets, though, and I’m very blessed to be here in my new home. I’ve heard that y’all (that’s a new word I’ve learned now that I live in Texas – people here say it all the time) help people who help Westies like me who’ve been rescued. Mom says y’all were very generous to Dad and her and she is so very appreciative. And I am too – THANK YOU, WestieMed, for helping pay for my surgery!! That surgery has given me some assurance that I can be here with my new family for a good while. As Dad says, “Jewel, this isn’t Kansas anymore,” and I’m SO GLAD!!

Update January 15, 2008:

AS OF TODAY, WE’VE HAD JEWEL FOR A WONDERFUL ONE YEAR, ONE WEEK AND ONE DAY and she has progressed dramatically socially and physically (weight gain, which she needed) and is very much an integral part of our household and a great playmate for Chivas and Penny, her Westie brother and sister.

Medically she had no problems resulting from her mammary tumor removal surgery one year ago and we continue to thank WestieMed for helping us financially with her surgery. We did learn this past October that she has an enlarged heart and is currently on 18.75 mg of Furosemide daily to help alleviate the fluid. We pray she will be with us for a very very long time, as we dearly, dearly love her.

My husband took quite a few pictures over the holidays and I’ll definitely email some to you soonest.

Kind regards and sincere thanks,

Jackie

Suki

March 1, 2003January 10, 2021 by westiemed in Stories

March 2003:

Suki came into our lives just a short time ago and we can already not imagine life without her. She is a little white ball of fur that loves life even though she has been dealt with some low blows.

My search for A Westie started a few months ago. I have done pet therapy at a local children’s hospital for over eleven years with a golden retriever. I also knew that it would be helpful to have a smaller, huggable dog to take to see the children that could get on the bed. My Mother had a Westie years ago and I remember just how wonderful he was.

After some time Joan contacted me (from Westie Rescue) and said she had not “A” Westie but two girls who were in need of a home. They had already been used for therapy. Since I believe in “more is better”, we said yes.

Suki and Sasha were a little confused and very cautious when we first met them. Joan had bathed them and brought along all of their belongings. We picked them up on a Sunday and were prepared to love them no matter what. Their owner had recently lost her husband and needed to move.

That is not where the history of Suki begins. Suki was born sometime in September of 1993. She was kept in a cage and force bred for years. Rescue in Miami found her and she was in very bad shape. Her back legs did not work very well from breeding and caging. She was very overweight from a poor diet. She didn’t know what grass was or how to play. Westie Rescue took over and saw that she had medical attention and they found her a good home. She came to us with hand-knitted blankets, lots of toys, etc. She was loved, but circumstances changed for the owners.

We were so fortunate to have Suki(and Sasha ) come into our lives. After picking them up, we made a vet appointment to get the girls caught up on shots and a checkup. Suki had some bad news. She had a very large mammary tumor and some bad teeth. She had surgery for tumor removal and lost a few teeth but she made it. She now runs around our house with an Elizabethan collar on like the world was hers! Unfortunately, the lab results were not good for Suki. It was cancer and could recur. BUT thanks to support from WestieMed, she has a fifty-fifty chance. In the meantime, we are loving her, playing with her, walking her, and just plain enjoying every minute with her. What a joy!!!!

We want to love Suki and Sasha and make their years with us happy ones so they forget the low blows life had dealt them. If you get a moment, say a prayer for Suki. She’s a fighter and I think we have many years ahead of us.

Thank you, Edie Hoover

Update, September 2003:

Thank God Suki is doing very well. No problems so far. She loves to take walks, sleep in the bed(needs help getting up there), chase my shoelaces, play with ANY stuffed animal, and run after our golden retrievers. She and Sasha are now ten and thirteen years young. The vet had said we would have to watch her closely for a year to see if the cancer came back. If it did it would probably be in her mammary glands again or her lungs. So far so good. She eats well and seems to love life. Follows me everywhere. Tell me where to send pictures and I would love to.

Thanks again for the help. Edie

Dachary - WestieMed Recipient December 2000

DACHARY Rainbow Bridge 2/27/06

December 1, 2000December 29, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

December 2000:

Dachary was one of four Westies that were given up to Westie Rescue. They ranged in age from the youngest at four years old to Dachary at nine years young! The rescue was told that the dogs were all “healthy” – this proved not to be the case.

Dachary was in the worst physical condition of the four. Her problems were many. A visit to the veterinarian revealed the following:

Severe long-standing ear infections – ear canals totally closed – hearing loss
Dry eye with permanent scarring on the cornea
Terrible gum infection – missing, rotten, and broken teeth
Skin problems
Tumors on or near mammary glands – possibly precancerous

In the hands of the rescue group of the West Highland White Terrier Club of California (WHWTCC), and with financial assistance from WestieMed, Dachary’s treatment began. While under anesthesia the tumors were biopsied, the ears were treated, and she was spayed. Westie Angels were looking out for Dachary as all the biopsies came back benign!! Her caring veterinarian did the teeth cleaning and extractions at no charge to the California club.

The WHWTCC rescue group thought they would have a difficult time placing Dachary due to her age and special needs involving her ears and eyes but they had TWO families interested in adopting this special Westie. They made their decision and Dachary’s new owners think she is the sweetest dog in the world – even if she is “high maintenance”!

Dachary’s medical bills were quite large. WestieMed was a significant factor in getting Dachary the treatment she needed to be healthy enough to be adopted. The West Highland White Terrier Club of California along with Dachary’s new family would like to extend their gratitude to WestieMed for their generosity.

Update September 2002

Here is a photo of Dachary and her family at “Westie Festie.” As you can see, we are all very happy.

Sincerely Susan S.

Update March 2006

Dear Westiemed:

I sent the message below to Westie Rescue earlier tonight:

I am sorry to report to you that Dachary, who you brought to us in 2000, died Monday from pneumonia at nearly 16 years of age.

Although she was ill for the last few days, she was spunky and Westie-like up to that point. Her passing was peaceful and she was in the company of those who loved her when it happened.

On behalf of my wife, my son, and myself, I want to express our profound thanks and appreciation to Elaine Delgado and everyone at Westie Rescue for allowing us the opportunity to have this wonderful companion for five-plus years.

We loved Dachary very much. There is no way to express fully how much joy, warmth, laughter, and relief from the heartache she brought to us. We are grief-stricken at her loss but will cherish for years to come to the many wonderful memories she provided.

Again, thank you for bringing Dachary to us. A check-in her memory is on its way to you to support your worthy efforts. We hope that the contribution will help others to experience the pleasurable insanity of having a Westie in one’s life.

We are equally grateful to your fine organization. If not for your hard work in restoring Dach to health, we would not have been able to adopt her and have this wonderful experience. A check-in Dach’s memory is on its way to you also. It is nice to see that she is still on your website, and we hope she will stay there a while longer.

Many thanks,

The Simon Family