Just about a year ago, I adopted Dixon. He came to me as a rescue.
Dixon started life in an abusive puppy farm and was used as a stud for about three years. He was kept in a cage in unsanitary conditions to put it mildly.
He was finally adopted by a family that treated him like a stuffed animal by keeping him in the basement and not socializing him. Dixon had very little contact with people. His teeth were rotten and mouth filled with periodontal disease. He started getting aggressive so they gave him up for adoption.
I had recently lost my Westie and had reached out to North Atlantic Westie Rescue. Soon after, Dixon was turned in. Since I’ve had Westies since 1990; and have adopted 2 times before, the rescue was comfortable having him come to me. So, I welcomed the opportunity to bring Dixon into my life.
The rescue coordinated Dixon’s move with great precision. He was picked up in New Jersey, traveled through New York with a few hand offs and connected with me in Connecticut. It was love at first sight…well, for me at least! The first few months were tentative, Dixon had a hard time adjusting and aggressively lashed out at me several times. He was so scared and confused and his trust in people was gone. He didn’t want to be picked up or held, or even patted at first – just wanted to be left alone. I played according to his rules and started earning his trust.
The periodontal disease was so severe that it was necessary to extract all but 4 canine teeth. He must have been in severe pain, poor little guy. I made adjustments to his food and it took a few months to settle in.
We became best friends. But, he didn’t know how to play. The other dogs would try and he would just pop at them like he was egging them on, but that was it. Throw him a ball…? He had no idea what to do with it. He doesn’t go up or down stairs on his own – likely because he was taught to stay within the confines of his area, not sure. No zoomies or running around like Westies love to do. He never barked! Seriously, I found a Westie that didn’t bark!
Over a few months, Dixon grew into being a loving, lap dog, making surprise visits to family members and blessing us with his presence. Oh, and he did start barking.
Unfortunately the gum disease has taken its toll and he’s developed congestive heart failure and a mild tracheal collapse. He’s a very sick boy. It seems so unfair this little man has suffered so much in his lifetime and finally has a loving home with a family that adores him – then this happens.
I am praying to have him a lot longer and thank you to WestieMed for assisting me with the cost of his care. You are a God send!
Say a little prayer for my guy please.
Lynne
Update February 12, 2025:
Dixon is still hanging tough. He wears a male belly band because the Lasix has caused him to lose a lot of control. He’s really good about it and stands still [most of the time] to be changed. He still likes to go out and lift his leg! He’s as sweet as ever, if not more. He’s become a real cuddle bug. He’s slowed down a bit and isn’t as active as he was last summer but still has the inkling to “pop” at the other dogs and challenge them to play. They have been very gentle with him and seem to care for him. They sniff him frequently which makes me think they’re keeping track of his health. They don’t steal his food anymore [well, very often] and will just sit and chill with him occasionally.
Most recently, he had some bloody poop, so the vet did blood work. She said his kidneys are slowing down, which is to be expected. But it’s a slow process and he needs to stay on the Lasix. It cleared up with a little diarrhea medication. He has a hearty appetite.
It’s been a journey, this little man really tugs my heart strings like no other dog before, even after only a year and a half. My daughter thought he’d like to wear a dinosaur suit. He actually did!
Lynne