MacKenzie - WestieMed Recipient March 2008

MacKenzie

Mackenzie is a shy, scared little five-year-old former breeding male who came to WRT as part of a commercial breeder surrender transport.  Mackenzie had multiple health and social problems (i.e. severely infected ears, skin infection, infected paws, yeast in his ears and paws, hook and whipworms, broken teeth and severe dental disease).  While his health has improved, and he is gaining some much-needed weight, he still is not progressing very much socially.  His new foster parents are working diligently and lovingly with him.  It’s just going to take a long time to get this fella out of his shell.

MacKenzie - WestieMed Recipient March 2008
MacKenzie – WestieMed Recipient

We believe that because of the help from WestieMed coupled with the outpouring of compassion and care, Mackenzie will one day be a very content little soul.  He will probably never be very out-going.  It could be that too much mental and physical abuse was heaped on him.  We want his new home to be a very quiet environment without any children; preferably with an older, retired couple.  He’s a ways from being adoption-ready, but he’s well on his way, and thankfully, his health seems to be very good now.

Thank you WestieMed for helping Westie Rescue of Tennessee give this precious little dog a second chance at a good life!

Update March 5, 2010

MacKenzie - WestieMed Recipient March 2008
MacKenzie – WestieMed Recipient

There is so much I could tell you about Mackenzie and the progress he has made since we got him on 5/17/08 but I’m afraid I’ll run out of email room.  The first week we had him I was really afraid I had made a huge mistake because all he did was cower in his travel crate and tremble.  After a few days, I told my husband “you know, he’s lived all his life in a cage, so the crate is going”!  We bought him his first bed and put his toys in it — that was the first positive step.  Every day I pick him up (at least a dozen times), pet him and tell him how much I love him.  He now has two baskets full of toys and you should see him looking in each basket and picking out a toy — just like a little toddler.  From time to time his favorite ball will roll under a piece of furniture and he barks (a certain bark) so I will retrieve it for him.

He is so very smart!  I wish I could have gotten him when he was eight weeks old because I could have taught him so many little things. On March 19, 2009, my husband brought home a six-year-old female Westie named Lilly.  Her elderly mom was no longer able to care for her and just wanted a good home for Lilly.  A few days later I was giving her a treat and told her to “sit pretty” and she did.  I turned to Mackenzie and told him to sit pretty and he reared back on his hind legs and put his little front paws up for his treat — just like he had been doing it all his life.  He and Lilly get along so well and you should see them in the mornings together — so happy to see each other.

Mackenzie has learned to snuggle and cuddle and is slowly but surely getting over his fear of riding in a vehicle but I think Lilly has helped him there because she loves to ride!  He also knows how to cop a real attitude and pouts when he doesn’t get his way (which is not very often).

Mackenzie is the light of my life and I pray that all the other rescued babies are as happy as he is.

Best Wishes
Linda Reynolds

Alice - WestieMed Recipient

Alice

I am an independent rescuer.  I became enamored of Westies when I was working with Maine Coon Rescue.  I live in NE MO and had an adopter wanting one of my Maine Coon rescues.  He lived in Springfield MO (SW MO) and after much discussion, we agreed to do some driving to meet.  I had seen an advertisement somewhere online for a “Dog Auction”  I had heard all of the horror stories about puppy mills and decided since I was in the neighborhood I would drop in there and see for myself.

The cat was delivered and I drove another 25 miles to a farm in SE MO where the auction was being held.  I was surprised to see security and a sign that said no cameras.  I looked around in the barns and saw many breeds of dogs waiting to be auctioned off.  I picked out a couple I thought were very nice looking and sat down in a tent with a five-page book of the dogs being auctioned.  Birth dates and statements like aggressive breeder ready to whelp etc.  The dogs were stood on a table and the auctioneer sold them.  The dog I had really liked was a Yorkie who sold for $1,400 dollars.  The auctioneer said, “you will get that back from her first litter”.  Toward the end of the auction, a yellow-brown dog came upon the table.  “This is a six-year-old male West Highland Terrier still got some juice and will give you some nice pups” the auctioneer cried.  Do I hear $50  fifty anyone?  No one bid.  He was ready to take him off the table when I heard myself say $50.  His name was Chris of Four Oaks, an AKC registered boy, with his right ear so crumpled and swollen I couldn’t get a q-tip in it to clean it.  Chris turned out to be white under all the dirt.  I called his former owner and ask about his ears.  The guy said he had tried everything — vegetable oil, alcohol, and Listerine.  To make this story shorter than it was Chris stayed with me for six months eventually being adopted by some great folks in a huge RV who traveled with their dog who was also a Westie.  This experience with Chris hooked me on the breed.  Chris was crate trained from day one.  After his first bath, all he wanted was to sit with me on my lap.  He had a hard time learning to go up and down steps and didn’t have a clue what a toy was.  It was a joy watching him learn to be a housedog.

Now on to Alice.  Alice and her hubby Jake came to me in October 2007 because I had ransomed their two male pups and sent them on to Westie Rescue of MO.  The breeder called me and ask if I would take the parents also.  Jake, the daddy, went to Cincinnati Westie Rescue and when I discovered Alice was pregnant I decided she could stay with me until the pups were ready to go.  Alice got a heartworm test, was wormed and she was given the basic shots.  The pups were born in early November,  two boys, and two girls.  George and Gracie, Hannah and Elvis.  Alice looks as if she has been bred every time she was in heat.  I know the pups I had rescued were born in April.

The previous owner worked at a puppy mill and had bought Alice and Jake to breed in her backyard.  They had been left out in the yard all summer.  Full of fleas ungroomed and Alice had rubbed all of the hair from her back end trying to scratch the flea bites.  All of the pups had adopters waiting for them.  My granddaughter asked for Hannah,  Gracie was to go to Houston TX where an adopter already approved by Westie Rescue of OK was waiting for her.  Elvis and Alice were going to a terrific home near St Louis MO.  And Georgie’s home in Chicago was getting ready for a home visit.  Alice and Elvis went home first.  Within a week the adopter called me with unbelievable news.  Alice tested positive for heartworms.  I was floored.  I had her tested, what went wrong?  My vet called her vet and they decided that Alice was in an in-between stage when she was first tested.  The test did not show active heartworm.  The adopters’ vet quoted the treatment at “$600 dollars and a lot of heartbreak down the line.”  I am unsure what he meant because my vet told me it was nowhere that expensive and Alice would be fine.  She was at most a class two infection.  I was so relieved.  The adopter had already decided to adopt the other male puppy so Alice is here with me going through the treatment.  She is a real trooper and my vet has been so helpful.  He kept her at the clinic each day after her shot and gave her something for the pain.  I was emailing a Westie Rescue volunteer in IL who told me about WestieMed helping out with medical needs.  I had already spent a lot on getting all of Alice’s puppies spayed/neutered shots, etc. and was very short on money.  I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me to receive this help.  WestieMed is the best!!

Oh yes, I did attend one more dog auction and ended up with a seven-month-old male Westie pup.  He was very reserved and not very friendly.  His name is Duncan McCloud and is my forever Westie.  Alice will be ready for a new home in four months and we will find her the best home ever.

Thank you WestieMed for helping all of these wonderful little dogs.

Update August 27, 2008

Alice - WestieMed Recipient February 2008
Alice – WestieMed Recipient

Alice passed her second heartworm test.  She is negative.  I learned a lot from this.  The treatments are very painful.  The vet kept her the first day of her shots at the office.  When I took her for the second shot they were going to let her go home with me.  We got a couple of miles out of town when she began to whimper and shiver.  I pulled over and we sat for a while.  I ended up taking her back to the vet and asking if they would monitor her and I would pick her up that night.  When I went back in they asked me if Alice had ever evidenced seizures.   As she had never had a seizure I was baffled.  As they explained her behavior a little more I started to laugh.  Alice has a quirk.  She loves to chase lights and will lay for hours waiting for a reflection on my metal chair to flash on the wall under the desk.   When she first started this we thought she saw or heard a mouse or a bug but came to understand she is on alert when there are lights flashing.  The vet kept her in a stainless steel cage – perfect to reflect lights and shadows.  Even the vet got a laugh out of out quirky girl Alice. 

Alice is in foster care with her daughter Hannah.  We have become very attached to her and her wonderful personality.  She is a smaller girl only fourteen pounds.  She is having some problems with her skin this summer the fleas have been awful and even Frontline and Revolution have not been 100% effective. So she is having the smelly skin and dirty coat.  We have spoken to the vet about a shot but she isn’t having the hot spots so we are holding off and using a special shampoo.  Thank you all so much for your help with Alice and her care.  She the most special of Westies I have had in foster care.  A true diamond.

Update March 1, 2010

Alice is still with us.  The perfect home hasn’t come around.  She is a great girl.  Barks to go out.  Her light fixation has caused some concerns with potential adopters.  Some think it is cute and some are a bit afraid she is seizing (well, she is, but we don’t call it that)  But no problem, she will always have a home here.  We will probably need to do some dental work on her, the vet said her teeth were stained and weakened possibly from the breeder giving doses of tetracycline when she was a puppy.  So Alli has lost some front teeth and the back ones look very yellowed.  She and my Duncan get along as well as two terriers can.  There are disagreements and then playful romps and tussles.  Just common Westie stuff.  Her daughter Hannah lives next door and visits daily. All in all, she is a happy Westie girl.

Pat Hardy/Smith

Update October 4, 2010

It is with great sadness that I report that Alice has left us for the Bridge.  She came down sick on Sunday, Sept the 12th and passed at the vets on Tuesday the 14th. She seemed to suffer little or no pain.  Dr. Hudson tried all he could but she went very quickly.  I am so glad I kept her with me, she enriched our life here and made us laugh with her antics.   Duncan is coping.  We had taken in a rescue Doxie and it has helped him fill the gap Alice left.

Pat Smith

Oz - WestieMed Recipient

Oz

July 2007:

Oz’s Rescue Story

Hi. I was a nameless Westie, up until last week. I could hear, but I didn’t respond to names. That’s because no one really talked to me until just recently. Sure, they talked to me at the shelter, where they were nice to me. But they had a lot of dogs to talk to, so I didn’t really answer too much. It’s been a long road for me, and I’m tired. I’m starting to feel better though. Let me start at the beginning.

I think I am four, but I feel a lot older. I was given as a gift to this family, who I think cared about me at some point because I seem to be pretty well housetrained, except for some occasional accidents, and I am neutered. But then they stuck me outside and stopped giving me shots. I got sick, and it got pretty hard to breathe. My heart started to feel funny, and then I didn’t want to run, and play and move around so much anymore. No one talked to me after a while, and I forgot my name. I don’t remember what it is anymore, so don’t ask me. I couldn’t tell you. I used to be a very cute puppy, but now I have bald spots on my skin, and I itch all the time. I look like an ad for the Hair Club for Westies. I had gunk coming out of my eyes, and no one gave me a bath. Eventually, they took me to this shelter in Oxford, MS and they said on the form, “Given as a gift. Didn’t work out.” The person who turned me in didn’t even stick around to fill out the back of the form with my medical information. It didn’t even matter enough for them to stay an extra five minutes. That made me sad. I really didn’t feel well, and the nice people at the shelter could tell that. They told me it was because I had heartworms, bugs in my heart. That’s because I was kept outside. If my first owners had taken care of me, it wouldn’t have happened, but I wasn’t worth the nine cents a day it would have cost them to keep me on the medication. I wasn’t worth nine cents a day to them, but I bet they would have found nine cents to keep bugs from growing in their hearts! The people at the shelter said I was a very nice boy, but I was too tired to cause too much of a fuss, and I didn’t want to get dumped again. I was just grateful to get anything at all. After all, I didn’t feel like I had any value at all.

Not too long after I got left at the shelter, this family with another Westie came to get me from Tennessee. They knew I had bugs in my heart, and they said they promised to get me treatment. They could see how messy I was because the nice people at the shelter had cut my hair to let my skin breathe. They promised to take me to the vet, and see about getting my allergies and bugs treated. I got taken home with my new Westie sibling, and I thought I had it made. I was gonna get to live indoors. I got a new collar, from the people at the shelter, and they even sent me home with a leash and Heartgard tablets, ten of them! I’ve never had so many new things. But it was not to be. A few days later, the people in TN told the people in Oxford “it wasn’t working out.” Their Westie was too hyper for me, and the medication was going to be too expensive, and I might not make it through treatment, so they were going to make the long drive to bring me back. I didn’t even get a bath. They took my new collar and the heartworm medication; I didn’t even get to keep my new things! That made me sad. So the people at the shelter posted my ad on Petfinder. But that same day something great happened – God sent out a call to Alabama, and someone answered it!

This woman named Xenia who loves Westies happened to be looking at Petfinder and saw my ad, and that things “didn’t work out for me” and I was coming home. She picked up the phone and called the shelter, and she called her vet to see what could be done, and then she was on the road in less than an hour. Four hours later, we met. I was a mess, and pretty embarrassed to meet her like that, but right away I could tell that no matter what I looked like, she wouldn’t be the type to go back on her word. She saw through the yuckiness and saw a beautiful Westie inside. Even though I had an eye infection and skin problems, I knew she was gonna get the bugs out of my heart, and get fur back on my body. She told me my name was Oz, and then she said something else I’d never heard before. On the way to this place called Alabama, she kept saying to me, “I love you.” I don’t know what it means, but it makes me feel good to hear it. And you know what? She says it a lot. I hear her say it to the other dogs that live in her house, all the time. I like that. It makes me feel secure like she won’t change her mind about us.

And it makes me feel like I have value. That night, she bought me a pet bed. It was the best! I also got a cow toy and my own room! She said I get to keep them – it was like Christmas!

Sometimes I have accidents in my room, but Xeni never gets upset with me. She never says a word, just gives me hugs and kisses. I think this has something to do with being loved. I’m feeling better, and I think I’m going to stay that way because Xenia’s been telling me about this place called Westie Med, and they love me, too! She says they love me so much they’re paying for me to feel better! She says they think I have value as a Westie, and they want me to have a real chance at life. She says I’m important, and WestieMed thinks so, too. She says I have a friend there, named Bette. I have friends at my vet, too. And guess what? I’m starting to be good looking again, and chubby. But don’t tell. I don’t want Xenia to cut back on the treats. It’ll be our secret.

You know what? I like this thing called love. Please pray for my continued recovery. I want to stick around to get more of it. 

Update January 2, 2008:

Oz is doing well at this six-month point. His skin is nice and pink, no longer the irritated red color. The patches of yellow, flaky greasiness have subsided and his fur is growing in nicely. He is now the shaggy Westie I’d hoped he’d become.

When I first got Oz, he could barely walk from his bed to the door to potty. His breathing was so labored that he could not spare his mouth for kisses and felt as if he was being strangled if you tried to kiss his nose. Although my vet hasn’t given him the recheck for heartworms, it’s clear that the treatment must have been a success. Oz has more energy than I’ve ever seen in him. The other day he got away from me and gave me quite a run around the neighborhood, stopping finally not from the fatigue, but from a need to use the bathroom! He still makes a weird grunting noise when he is excited, but two vets at Banfield have now confirmed that he has no heart murmur, as would be expected with a damaging case of heartworm. I fully expect the next HW test to come back negative.

As for the current condition of his health, Oz seems to be prone to UTIs. This is the third one he’s had since I’ve been owned by him. (He came with the first infection, so I am not sure how long he had it or if that is in any way responsible for this propensity) He is on his third round of antibiotics and doing well on this brand. If this one does not do it, then we will x-ray for bladder stones, although there are no crystals present. He is in good hands at Banfield and visits regularly.  If I do not bring him in for a few weeks, they call because they miss him. Can you believe that? I’ve never had a vet call and check on a dog just because they were thinking of him! They never call about Lacey or Sammy, but they are all just in LOVE with Oz.

When he goes in, they frequently give him free baths and blow drys. It doesn’t matter if he was brand-spanking clean when I brought him. Once Lacey and he were sharing a crate, and he peed in it (this was the start of this last UTI). Oz got whipped out and given a free bath and returned to me sparkling.  They brought Lacey in, all wet and bedraggled, smelling of Oz’s urine. I was like, um??? Is Lacey going to get a bath? They were like, oh do you think she smells?? HELLO! It was funny b/c being wet really rankles Lacey’s delicate Westie sensibilities, whereas Oz could care less. But he’s the clear favorite.  (They both got free baths that day, even though I had to ASK for Lacey’s.)

Blessings to you for funding Oz, this special Westie’s, recovery!!!!

Xeni

Update January 18, 2008:

I wanted to give you an Oz update. He has not been well.

I told you we’d been treating the bladder infection for several months, but he has also had one on and off since I got him. I thought it was just an adjustment issue, but this week he started to vomit and have blood in his poopy. I noticed because he peed on the baseboards, so the next night he slept in his crate until Nature’s Miracle had a chance to work. This was hard on both of us. 🙁 Otherwise, he seemed fine that night. But he poopied in his crate, and then when I got up he had finger-paw painted in the poopy. I found blood clots in it. So I took him to the vet, where he proceeded to vomit and free bleed out his bottom! Not a lot, but no Westie owner cares about the amount when blood is coming out!

They said he had a stomach virus, and that he was bleeding due to intestinal distress – stress colitis, but she wanted to see why he was marking, so she did the radiograph…he has a mass in his bladder! I am hoping it is stones, but it did not show up well. She said whatever it is, it’s been there a while because it is quite large. I am thinking his owner knew about this and that was another mitigating factor in him being dumped at the shelter without bothering to fill out his medical info. The good news is that his heart is in GREAT shape and not the least bit enlarged.

He’s going to have an ultrasound next week. Please spread the word and ask his other WestieMed friends to pray for him! He so deserves to be healthy and well. I am beside myself with anger at his former owner. And I feel guilty because I should have caught this earlier, but since I didn’t, he’s been feeling crummy on and off for all this time!  🙁

I will keep you posted about what’s going on with him, when I know more.

Hugs, Xeni and Oz-angel-baby-Westi

Update February 23, 2008:

I just heard from Oz’ vet!  There is no longer any mass in his bladder!  It is gone!  Amen to the power of prayer! So no surgery will be needed and I am so grateful because he has been through so much.  All I need to have them do now is the heartworm test to see if he is clear!

Thank you for everything!!!  I will keep you posted on his heartworm test, too!

Blessings, Xeni

Oz - WestieMed Recipient
Oz – WestieMed Recipient

Update May 27, 2008:

I just wanted to update you: Oz had his comprehensive exam last week.  The result: Negative. No heartworms!!!!  AND the vet was so impressed with the difference in his skin!  She said it looked great.

I am so thrilled.  He’s been dancing around the house and peeing excitedly and inappropriately all over the bedroom in response to all the hugs and kisses he’s been getting.  I say, bring it on, so long as it means he is healed.

I so love him.  Thank you and WestieMed so much for helping me save his life, and especially for making it financially possible.

I don’t know where he’d/we’d be without you!!!

Hugs, Xeni

Emmie - WestieMed Recipient

Emmie

August 2007:

Hi–I am Emmie, a Westie of the wee petite variety. I am on the quiet side to go with my stature. But I have a big Westie spirit. I am three years old. I was a breeding dog before my life took a turn for the better. I lived with a lot of other dogs that were not well cared for. We were very dirty and always hot in the summer because we had long, long hair all over. I tried to peek out of all the hair on my face, but it was hard to do. I didn’t know what clean, cool water was. I never had my own food bowl and I had to scrap to get what I could to eat.

When the rescue people came for me, I was already sad because the breeder had taken my puppies from me. It was too soon. But they were in a hurry to sell them. I hope they found good homes as I have. My rescue people told me that I will never have to worry about puppies again. They said it is time for me to concentrate on myself!

The first thing my new friends did was take me to a veterinarian. She is a wonderful doctor that loves all animals, but just between you and me, I think she is partial to doggies. Her helpers like Miss Pam and others helped me with my haircut and bath. Wow-that bath thing is nice. When were those invented? I had never heard of them. They told me I was much too matted and dirty for a precious little Westie girl. I loved all the pampering, but then came the exam. I most certainly did not pass! I weighed thirteen pounds. My doctor told the rescue man and lady that I had tons of ticks. It hurt when they pulled them off. I already had scabs on me. She also said that I had severe dental tartar and gingivitis. I’m not sure, but that sounds serious. I had a skin infection. She got a bottle of soothing spray for me. She put me on antibiotics and gave me shots and other meds. I hated those shots, but I was very brave during the entire exam.

Next, I went to live with a foster Mom and Dad. They have two Westies plus another foster Westie that I love to play with. Foster Mom Lynn said that I love to chase then chew on any Frisbee that might be thrown my way. She also said that I get along great with all the Westies at her house. She is especially proud of my potty skills, though I have not graduated to a full run of the house. I do great on the leash and I am learning to sit and stay. She tells everyone that my appetite for good kibble is unending! That’s because it is so fun to eat out of this thing called a bowl. I have one now. One of my favorite things is to curl up on someone’s lap. Though I’m slim, I’m quite cuddly. One of my least favorite things is the sound of the microwave beeping, but I’m getting used to that. When a stranger comes to foster Mom and Dad’s house, I bark. That’s about the only time I make any noise. I don’t even fuss about my crate training. I’m just happy to be loved now after my experience as a breeding dog. Sometimes at night, I dream about getting to see all the WestieMed people that helped me. I would so love to give them kisses and tell them how going to the vet made such a difference in how I feel. They do wonderful things for us Westies you know. 

I think my rescue people have found me a furever home that will have a Westie sister there for me to play with. Anyway, I have proven that you don’t have to have a perfect background to be a perfect pet. On a scale of 1 to 10 in size, I’m a three. But on a scale of one to ten as a good pet, I AM A TEN!!!!

Thanks again WestieMed.

Love,
Little Emmie 

Nashville 7 - WestieMed Recipient
Emmie is one of seven Westies rescued from a puppy mill in Nashville, Tennessee.

Update January 2008:

Emmie is a sweet little feminine Westie girl.  She is over all of her health problems thanks to WestieMed.  Keeping her Westie figure is the only problem she has these days.  She loves having her very own bowl with plenty of food in it!  Emmie loves treats but always allows her younger fur sibling to grab the first one.  She waits politely and patiently and then goes to a corner to savor hers slowly.  Emmie still cowers occasionally, but it happens less and less.  We are confident that eventually, she won’t remember her days as a mistreated breeding dog at all.  Her fur coat turned out to be absolutely gorgeous.  Everyone comments on how beautiful it is.  When she was rescued, it was filthy and matted so badly she had to be shaved.  Now her coat is soft as cotton and very thick.

Emmie loves to stand outside and watch the squirrels but isn’t very interested in chasing them.  She does enjoy chasing a tennis ball up and down the long deck.  She races side by side with her Westie sister to the ball.  When she manages to get it, she prances around with it in her mouth for a few moments before bringing it back to be thrown again.  Emmie is somewhat shy for a Westie but gets along great with her Westie sister and the two resident beagles.  She is always welcoming and sweet to any foster Westies that come to visit from time to time.

We love that she is sleeping inside a warm house this winter for the first time.  She is not very keen on going out in the rain but has enjoyed a little dusting of snow we got recently.  She puts the side of her face down on the deck and runs her face through the snow.  When a sufficient amount has collected on her head, she stops and shakes it off her face, and repeats the process over and over.  We don’t think she could be any more adorable if she tried!  We feel honored to provide her with a loving home.  She is a constant joy.  We think that being owned by one Westie was nice, but being owned by two is even better!

Emmie - WestieMed Recipient
Me – right after I was rescued!  Whew – my hair was a mess!
Emmie - WestieMed Recipient
After one of my visits to Mr. Earl’s Doggie Salon, I had my picture taken with him because I looked so pretty.
Emmie - WestieMed Recipient
Me playing in the snow! I enjoyed it for the first time because I knew I could go back in the warm house anytime I wanted. I never have to sleep in it again
Emmie - WestieMed Recipient
Me on the left and my sis. Stop taking pictures Mom – come out and throw the tennis ball! I love to play on the deck.
Boo - WestieMed Recipient

Boo

June 2007:

On a beautiful Sunday morning in early May, I took my four and half-year-old Westie to PetCo for a new leash. Stanley is not just my baby, but everyone’s baby. When we walked into the store, a woman approached us and told me that a two ad half-year-old female Westie at our local shelter was scheduled to be euthanized that coming week. She was relinquished by her owner due to her skin condition. She told me that I could look her up on the shelter’s website. That evening I looked her up and couldn’t get her off of my mind. I had no intention of getting another dog. I thought I would adopt her and get her well so she could be placed in a forever home. The following day, I left work early and drove to the shelter. I could not believe my eyes! This little girl was so thin. She had lost her hair on all four legs, rump, chest, belly, and even her face. Her paws were so swollen and she had open bleeding wounds all over her body, even inside her ears. I named her Boo because she had “boo boo’s” all over her little body. She raised her head but would not stand up. When the volunteer took her out of the cage, she could hardly stand up, her legs shaking uncontrollably. She didn’t want to be touched, as I can only imagine the pain she was in.

She was taken to Stanley’s doctor immediately. She had to stay there overnight and was quarantined for several days. She had skin scraping performed on four areas of her body. Thankfully, mange was ruled out, though Boo was diagnosed with a skin condition called Malassezia. She was put on medications, nine pills per day. She also has front leg joint issues which will need to be monitored. When Stanley met Boo several days later, it was love at first sight, though Boo wasn’t too sure about Stanley. She was food aggressive and a little rough with the man of the house, though as she started to get stronger, so did their relationship. She gained six pounds in the first two weeks! She can now jump on the bed, and Stanley and Boo are inseparable. They play “racetrack” throughout the house and constantly tackle each other. I can sit and watch these two play for hours. They are so happy together!

Seven weeks have now passed, and Boo is doing very well. The vet bills are mounting, but WestieMed came to the rescue! She had her third vet appointment on Saturday and is now being treated for an ear infection. She has hair sprouts everywhere except her paws, but we are hopeful hair will grow. If it doesn’t, we’ll just nickname her “Socks”. Boo’s food aggression has subsided, and she gained another pound. Stan and Boo sleep side by side, and she even gives Stanley kisses. He is such a handsome boy and deserves to be kissed all the time!

I am amazed that she has done so well in such a short amount of time. She is a completely different dog, and has so much personality. We are still getting to know her, but she surprises us every day. She is sweet, loving, and very determined! Stanley flattens himself out to fit under the sofa. She is trying to learn this trick, but gets stuck every time. She brings so much laughter into our lives. Boo found her forever home with Stanley. I cannot imagine our lives without her. Stan and I thank WestieMed for their support. We cannot wait to share photos of Boo will ALL her hair. Thank you, thank you, thank, you!

Karen & Stanley

Boo - WestieMed Recipient
Boo – WestieMed Recipient

Update July 2007:

Hi everyone, its me Boo!

If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then I must have the biggest soul ever. I’ve been told that in heaven, dogs run free in grassy fields, nap on white fluffy clouds, and are given treats bypassing angels. My Mom takes me and Stanley to my Growlma’s house every morning before work so we can play in her big backyard that has lots of grass, trees, dirt, and fruit. We chase each other all day long and sometimes I pull strawberries right off the plants. She gets so mad because I never leave any for her. There are also lots of squirrels in the trees too, and I laugh at Stanley because he never catches one. I get lots of treats when I’m there cause that’s what Growlma’s do! Mom says I have a fat belly. It grew seven pounds since I was adopted. I am finally at the weight I should be. At night, I sleep on fluffy clouds called “down” and sometimes I can’t find Stanley because he hides under the sheets to torment me. He is one goofy boy! Mom is finally realizing that I am one smart dog. She didn’t know that I can twirl in a complete circle on my hind legs. I had to show her the other night to get her attention. After all the ruckus I caused, she finally got out of bed, and as I was dancing in circles down the hall, I led her to the dry water bowl. Stanley thinks I’m a show-off. 

I remember the day Mom found me. Dogs remember things like that. I wasn’t happy and my owner abandoned me for something I had no control over. I heard rumblings from the staff that my time is almost up because I wasn’t exactly pageant material. They were talking about my imminent demise (completely oblivious to the fact that I had two and half years of English prior to my arrival). Have you ever come across a broken dilapidated house, but with a little TLC saw its potential? Mom saw that in me. She’s a sucker for black noses and perky ears. My ear infection is gone now, so are the sores. Mom is so excited to see pink ears for the first time that she kisses them. Weird, huh? I’m still taking lots of medications, which seems to be working except on my paws. I can’t seem to leave them alone as they are still hairless because I chew at them, so Mom officially gave me the middle name “Socks”, though she failed to tell me. I read it on my new dog tag.

Boo - WestieMed Recipient

I am going to the groomer’s next Thursday and Stanley’s going with me so I’m not scared. He hasn’t been since March because Mom has been reoccupied with my hair growth. As you can see, he needs it. Mom wants me to get used to the groomer, and already told them I need my special shampoo so they said to bring it with her. Not much to cut right now, so I’m just going to get a trim. Mom isn’t allowed to use scissors on us because one time she made Stanley look like a Chihuahua. Can you imagine? I already resemble a Llama, so she doesn’t want to take any chances. Mom’s good at a lot of things, but definitely lacks talent in the hairdressing department. 

I would have never come this far if I hadn’t found my angels. Growlma spoils me, Big Brother Stanley is at my side all the time, Mom loves us really hard, and Westie Med helped me get the treatment I need to get better. You are my angels, and this must be heaven! 

Love Boo 

Update November 2007:

Unfortunately, Boo’s progress has turned for the worse from what seems to be “out of the blue”.  She was making wonderful progress up until November as she was only being treated for chronic ear infections (yeast).  She broke out in what appeared to be hives and boils, and her skin turned beet red, and her paws were swollen triple the size.   We rushed her to pet emergency, where we waited for four hours, only to be turned away due to all the emergencies that evening.  The following morning, Boo was taken to her regular vet.  Another blood panel was performed and the results were high in some areas that were believed to be due to steroids.  She was given an anti-inflammatory and an antihistamine injection.  She was also put back on Itraconazole, Orbax, Tramadol, Clemastine, and Atopica.  The atopica made her vomit even though it was given to her one hour before meals.  The only way we found to keep her from vomiting was to administer the atopica at midnight (the alarm was set).  Her baths continued every evening with Malaseb shampoo, and her paws are soaked in Epsom salt twice daily for the swelling.  The vet commented that there is no explanation he can come up with to explain the hives and boils.  Her diet has not changed since July and there is nothing in her environment that has changed.  He suggested her next visit be with a dermatologist.  After this visit, she improved tremendously, although her belly shows signs of scaring. 

Update December 2007:

From all appearances, Boo seemed to be doing very well, up until one week ago.  Within seven days, she has managed to pull all her hair from her paws, muzzle, and under her tail.  I researched specialists and called upon one yesterday.  Since their offices are closed until after the new year, I brought Boo back to her vet today in an attempt to get her comfortable until we get an appointment with the specialist.  The same round of drugs was prescribed including an e-collar.   Another skin scraping was performed on all four paws which came back negative for mange.

As I write this, Boo and Stanley are curled up with each other on the sofa…sound asleep!  It is obvious that this week has taken a huge toll on Boo, and my heart just breaks for her.  Our one and only option are to get to the root of the problem so she can be treated properly.  We are very anxious to see the specialist.  We will never give up on our girl!

Boo - WestieMed Recipient
Boo – WestieMed Recipient

Update January 8, 2008:

Hi all, it’s me Boo.  Today I had my visit with the dermatology specialist, Dr. Alexander Werner.  I liked him right off the bat!  He scratched my ears and I could tell it took everything out of him to refrain from kissing me.  Mom took all my medical records with us including my diary that she has made entries to since my arrival.  She edited the diary to reflect just the “medical & diet” facts, which I am grateful for because I really didn’t want my new doctor to hear about my potty training setbacks early on.  That would have been embarrassing.  I was a very good girl with Dr. Werner and I did not shake at all.

Dr. Werner said I look like I have epidermal dysplasia from previous tests that were performed at my regular vet, which is why my skin is turning very dark, scaly, and has thickened, and Malassezia as the secondary infection.  This is what mom believed as well, but my treatment has changed completely.  Dr. Werner changed all my meds, ear care, and diet with the exception of the Atopica which I am already taking.   I had an ear scraping test done too.   My new meds are Ketoconazole 200 mg every other day, Cephalexin 250 mg twice daily, and Atopica 50 mg every other day.  My pretty ears will now get Epi-Otic Advance for cleaning every 3-7 days and Betagen Otic drops (six to eight drops) every day for ten days – then twice weekly.  My beauty regime consists of Malaseb shampoo and ResiCort conditioner two times a week, Genesis Topical Spray for my paws two times a day for seven days.  To help with the paw swelling, I am to have my mom soak my feet in vinegar and water.  That can’t be so bad, right?

Dr. Werner also told mom that I must stick to a very methodical and strict diet.  I am not allowed to deviate from eating IVD Duck & Potato dry kibble and IVD Duck Canine wet food.  For mom to administer my meds, Dr. Werner said to ball up the canned food into little meatballs.  No girl likes to be on a strict diet, so Stanley graciously agreed to support my new endeavor by eating the same food so I am not tempted.  He’s such a great boy!  He’s going to the groomers next week, but I’m not going this time.  I have to wait until my paws are feeling better.

I am to keep wearing my baby socks because I’m told they “breathe”, and I have really gotten used to them.  It’s much better than the e-collar.  I have a follow-up appointment in four weeks and Dr. Werner will have a look at Stanley just for good measure.  

Keep your fingers & paws crossed because on top of this fantastic personality of mine, I am truly pageant material!!

See you all soon, Boo

Update February 14, 2008:

Boo had her follow up appointment today with the specialist.  Boo has progressed remarkably well.  She has grown fur on her paws including between the pads for the very first time since adoption.  Dr. Werner prescribed the same round of medications which will eventually be reduced to a few times a week over the next three to six months.  The only problem we have encountered in the last five weeks is keeping the Atopica down.  It was suggested that we freeze the pills and she will also be taking Metoclopramide (Reglan) 5 mg to help coat her stomach in preparation for the Atopica (one to two hours before mealtime).  Her diet will remain the same for now though we will test other foods in six months to rule in or out “food allergies”.  Regardless, Boo will be on Atopica for the rest of her life.  She has not had any further ear infections, though she did develop a tumor just below her bottom lip.  It is believed to be benign and may resolve itself due to the fact that it started as a small pimple and then metastasized triple the size in three days.  Dr. Werner appeared to be very confident that we shouldn’t have to be back for three to six months.  But with this good news, it was also made clear that a relapse can happen and they usually do with a vengeance.   This is not a curable disease and we will forever be treating her condition.  

Boo’s energy has quadrupled, her eyes are bright and she harasses Stanley with a vengeance!  My boy is an angel and puts up with all of her shenanigans.  Boo visited Indiana Bones & the Temple of Groom today!  She received her very first Westie cut and is absolutely beautiful!  She was given a Valentines Day bandana and a bow in her hair.  She insisted on removing the bow.  She is very much a tomboy!  To me she was always pageant material, but today she is hands down the BEST IN SHOW!! 

Thank you again Westie Med for all of your wonderful support and dedication to this supreme breed!

Karen

It is with a heavy heart that my baby girl died April 23rd.

My mother’s gardener put out snail bait without our knowledge or request.  A different guy came to maintain the yard in the absence of the regular guy.  The fill-in did not know my babies go to mom’s twice a week.

Boo Boo fought really hard at our emergency clinic for two days.  She had the best care ever, and we still couldn’t save her.  She was treated with Toxiban and the sodium levels kept spiking.  She went into cardiac arrest.

I am so heartbroken and three weeks later I still can’t stop crying over my baby girl.  I am trying to rationalize why this could happen after all she’s been through.  January was really the month that changed everything for her – for us.   Boo had quite the following…my entire family and my friends showed up at the clinic.  She was so unique and special and she touched our lives like no other.  There will never be another Boo Boo.

This picture was taken on April 13th.   I miss her so very much.

Karen

Update June 26, 2008:

Sending you my “thank you” is long over due.  The loss of Boo had really taken a toll and still; when I speak of her or write about her, I get that lump in the throat and the tear drops start falling.  Sometimes I wish I can fast forward a year so it stops hurting.  But with the sorrow, so much ‘good’ has taken place because of this one special little angel.

One year ago, this little girl pulled at my heart strings.  I called her the “throw away dog” because I couldn’t fathom someone dumping her at a shelter because her hair was falling out.  I don’t understand how people can be so ignorant, selfish, cruel, and so blind to the fact that these animals feel pain, joy, fear, comfort and love.  In all honesty, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but what I did know, is that I made a commitment that would mean the world to this one dog.  Her setbacks were my setbacks.  Her progress was my progress.  I remember when she had her first relapse, I put her in my lap and cried.  I spoke to her and apologized over and over again that I haven’t been able to make her better.  I also promised her that I would never give up on her.

One year ago I was uneducated in the world of throw away dogs, and how important rescue is.  Because of Boo, I became a volunteer for rescue.  I am currently fostering a little Westie girl that was picked up from the shelter on Monday.  She is grossly underweight, eyes crusted shut, ears swollen shut and covered with ticks.  I took her home and worked on her for over three hours.  Not one sound came out of her.  Not one complaint.  She let me warm compress her eyes, clean her ears and pull ticks.  She did not resist her bath or blow dry!  In fact, she curled up onto my lap as we sat on the bathroom floor with brush and blow dryer in hand.  She received vet care on Tuesday, will need drops in her eyes for the rest of her life, and just yesterday has responded to my voice.  Yes, she can hear, thank God!   She will go into permanent foster care on Sunday where she remain until she has been rehabilitated and ready for her forever home.

I will be sure to let them know that if she doesn’t find a home, then her home is with me.

I have a little boy here too.  His name is Howard and he was rescued from the shelter 4 weeks ago.  Howard has helped Stanley and me considerably in the day to day activities.  He is full of life, a bit on the devilish side, and gives great kisses.  I was to have him for one week and deliver him to his permanent foster home.  I did make the 80 mile drive, spent the afternoon with his new foster mom; only to turn around and come home with Howard in tow.  He belongs with Stanley and me.  His adoption is pending, but soon he will be a permanent member of the family.

I received your card and it still sits on my window sill.  It will always remain on my window sill for years to come.  Sometimes people don’t know what kind of impact they can have on someone else.   You had a huge impact on our lives.  The emails we’ve shared talking about our dogs, the support and knowledge I received from WestieMed’s website, the money sent to get Boo’s care rolling, the eternal candle and of course, the card. Simple words that meant the world to me. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you have done for us, and continue to do for others.

Love, Karen

Update May 9, 2009:

We are doing well! Stanley continues to be the great ambassador of all the rescues I bring home (he protects them, amazing!) and keeps order in the household; and Howard, the clown that he is introduces toys to them all. It is heaven!

Shortly after Boo died, I called my friend Kay and suggested we start a rescue organization. I found two Westies in my local shelter that were dumped because of their skin issues, so I adopted them.  Kay took one and she also found a Westie with Addison’s so she took him in as well.   We decided it’s official – we are doing this, so Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond was born.  I spent the next several months creating our adoption packages, brochures, adoption agreements, etc. and Kay worked tirelessly on our articles of incorporation and applied and received our 501c3 status.  We have also just been added as a rescue partner with WHWTCA.  Since then we have rescued thirty-si Westies in less than a year!  Currently, I have two skin cases with me; Wesley and Molly, and at any given time, Kay has a pack of six or more in her home.   We have had a number of seniors come our way, but it was Perry that made a huge impact.  Perry came to us a few months ago at the age of fourteen.  He was relinquished by his owner because of his incontinence and it was believed he had diabetes.  The shelter was set on euthanizing him, and Kay moved mountains to get him released to us.   Not an easy task when an owner tells the shelter he is sick.   Turns out he is not sick at all.  He is just a wonderful little senior citizen who is living the good life with Kay.   No Westie will ever be turned down regardless of age, health, or skin issues, and we are working on bringing awareness to the joy and privilege of adopting seniors.  

This is the reason Boo came into my life.  An artist in Michigan; Lara Harris is currently working on an oil painting of Boo for me. It will read “My Girl, My Inspiration, My Angel”.

Karen and Westie Stanley  

Canny - WestieMed Recipient

Canny

December 2006:

Hi, my name is Canny, it was Cannon but I didn’t even know I had a name. I didn’t know humans did anything for dogs, except give food and water. This is my story of how I got rescued from a puppy mill and found my forever home. You see, I was in this puppy mill all my life and I am eight now. I lived and slept on cement, and was given food and water but I had no idea there was anything else.

One day this wonderful lady with a warm heart and sweet eyes picked me up from where I lived; her name was Judi. There were 4 of us that left that day. Judi took 2 of us and her friend Denise took the other 2. Judi put me in a crate but there was something warm and soft to lay on, wow that was different. Judi was a rescuer. I didn’t know that I needed to be rescued and I didn’t fully understand what being rescued would mean to me.

Judi was shocked when she saw where I lived and said it looked like “the Walmart of Dogs”. She said the “pens” were 4 X 6 and each pen had twenty dogs in them. I just thought that was normal. We went for a ride. Judi was so kind, she gently petted me, talked to me softly, and told me everything was going to be all right. The next day we went to Dr. Zimmer. He made me feel very sleepy. I felt different when I left there but it was still nicer than where I had been. Before Judi got me I had never been to a house. I just stood close to the wall so scared. Then some humans came and took away the little girl that was with me. This made me even more frightened. Then another set of humans came and they were looking at me for a long time while Judi talked to them. Then the female human came over, bent down, put her hand out, and started talking to me. Her name was Jacque and she seemed nice too. She picked me up and we left Judi’s. I can’t tell you how frightened I was.

We went to Jacque and Bill’s house. There were 2 other dogs there but they didn’t look like me, they were shelties. We all got along pretty well and there were a lot of things to sniff. The shelties, Heidi and Colby showed me things we were supposed to do. They showed me where the food was, that there was a special place outside where you go to the bathroom, and where you sleep. Jacque and Bill just kept talking to me and petting me. I was starting to like this place. A couple of weeks later, Jacque called Judi and said she had some concerns about my health. She said we were going to Dr. Zimmer again. Dr. Zimmer looked at me very closely and said I had some very serious problems. I have crusty, yucky eyes with tumors on the upper eyelids, I itch everywhere constantly and my skin is very smelly, my ears are nasty inside and sometimes I bump into things because I can’t see with the crusty stuff that is in my eyes plus I had lost weight. Dr. Zimmer and Jacque looked very concerned. Jacque told me it was going to be all right.

Now I come to the part of my story where Jacque finds Carol Sanger (Indiana Westie Rescue) and WestieMed. Jacque told them we needed help. She did all the things she was asked to do. Then one day I saw Jacque crying really hard at her computer. I didn’t understand but she said WestieMed is going to help plus Carol, a wonderful, kind lady, was going to help us too. Jacque says were are going back to Dr. Zimmer on January 8th and we are going to start with testing. In the meantime, she keeps bathing me every 4 days with this soap that does help the itching and the smell. But I have learned so many things. I get to sleep on very soft blankets, I am starting to learn how to play, and I even get to sleep on her bed when Bill is gone. I have even learned when you smell food, if you stand beside them long enough and stare at them, they might give you a bite! It’s pretty fun here. But the very best part, is I am going to get well. Jacque (I guess I can call her Mom now) says she didn’t know there were people out there that cared so much. When she talks about WestieMed and Carol she always gets tears in her eyes. That’s when Colby, Heidi and me, Canny (I know my name now) go over and make sure she is okay. She loves on us and says everything is going to be all right. I will let you know how things go and thank you WestieMed and Carol for being so generous.

Canny 

Canny - WestieMed Recipient

Update May 15, 2008:

Hello All in Westie Land!

It has been a while since I last wrote but so many things have happened, I almost don’t know where to start.  Mom and Doc. Zimmer got together and figured out a plan.  It is amazing how much better I feel.  I can see better, all the nasty tumors on my eyelids are gone and I don’t have that crusty junk in my eyes.  My ears don’t make that squishy noise, the pain and the smell is gone.  My teeth are clean and I look like a Westie again.  I have learned so many new things.  I know the word come means to run as fast as you can to Mom.  Sit, means to lay my carrot tail on the floor.  Wait means to sit longer but eventually, you get to move.  If I do these things when I am told….Mom gives me a treat, that’s the best part!

Mom and Dad tell me all the time I am the funniest dog they have ever had.  I discovered that rolling on your back, wiggling back and forth feels really good.  Mom said she must be missing out on something good since I roll all the time.  Someday I will get Mom to try that too, but she said that she would be more careful where she rolls!  When I come inside, Mom always says, “Why do they call you WHITE Terriers?” when my back has grass stains and other things I won’t mention.  

I found out this white stuff comes out of the sky, I don’t like it, so I scratch the back door and Mom appears.  My sister, Heidi, makes the path to go around the back yard when the snow is there and I follow her.  Colby, my brother, runs back and forth, jumping and barking. Mom started laughing at me one day and I didn’t know why.  She said it was because I kept going around the path that Heidi made when the snow wasn’t there!  When I figured that out, I started rolling again.

Canny - WestieMed Recipient

Some sad things have happened too.  In November ’07, my sister started to feel bad. Mom took her to the vet and the tests came back fine. One night, Mom was sitting on the floor with Heidi.  Mom had bought big fluffy pillows for us to sleep on.  Heidi was laying on hers but she didn’t look good.  Mom took Heidi’s collar off so she could breathe easier. Mom and Dad picked her up with the pillow and laid her on their bed.  Mom laid down beside her.  Mom was just sobbing, but kept petting her and said it was okay to go to Heaven.   Then we all knew Heidi was gone.  Mom gave Heidi’s pillow to me.  I felt sad too.  Her collar was on the floor; I went over, picked it up, laid it on her pillow, and then laid on top of it.  Mom really cried and said that was the most touching moment she had ever seen.  I am sending you a picture, so you can see how I will remember beautiful Heidi.

Mom is sending her favorite picture of me; she takes them all the time and makes videos of me.  The picture here was when I had my first official grooming.  I do look pretty cute.  Mom says I am getting more playful and I come out to greet people when they come inside.  Plus I stand up at the side of the bed and I get loved on all the time.  Dad tells me I am a popcorn freak.  As soon as I hear it pop, I run to the microwave and then follow whoever gets the bag.  She always says that we have all been smitten by the Westietude! 

Mom found this article on the internet.  She wanted to include it because she wants others to know that animals bring so much joy to humans lives.  She says she is so lucky to have me and I am her little angel.

Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner

Dictated by the pet. 1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. But I have only you. 5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. 7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you. 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long or my heart might be getting old or weak. 9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. 10. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.

Well that’s what has been happening in CannyLand.  I will write more when I can and let you know how exciting my life is now that someone really loves me.  

Canny

Update August 3, 2010:

I was the forever Mom for Canny in 2006. I will be writing Canny’s final chapter as I had to put him to sleep on July 7th.  I will send you the rest of Canny’s story.

Jacque

Finn - WestieMed Recipient

Finn

November 2006:

My name is Finn. I am a rough and tumble puppy. I was rescued from a puppy mill in western Pennsylvania in October 2007. The mill owners, who never gave me a name, indicated I was fourteen weeks old and that they were giving me up due to skin problems. The rescue people were worried because I was half the size and weight a fourteen-week-old Westie should be. I spent a few days at the Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital (GAVH) until my foster parents Ann and Phil came to care for me. All the ladies at GAVH were sad to see me go (one of the veterinarians called me a “puppy rock star.”)

At my foster home, I was VERY hungry and ate everything in sight. I was lively and cute, and enjoyed running and playing with the adult dogs, but got tired often. After a few days, I started having a little trouble breathing and stopped being active. Ann got really worried after I stopped BITING and started limping. She was petting me and found that my jaw was very painful at the joint and immediately took me back to GAVH. They found that I had pneumonia, signs of Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO), and a strained knee. I was given medication and sent home. 

Several days later, when my condition did not improve, I was admitted into the hospital and given antibiotics through a nebulizer several times a day. My foster parents called to check on me EVERY day. I had a few rough days but eventually, I started to improve. I came home and Ann and Phil thought everything was going well. A week later, though, after my first Parade of Rescues (I got a ribbon!), I started acting very tired and wheezy again. Everyone was very worried. I went back to GAVH for another week, where my vets, Dr. Daher, and her colleagues, figured out that one of my antibiotics was no longer working, and put me on doxycycline. After a week of observation (three days I which I was feeling so good I was bouncing off the walls), I got to go back to my foster home.  Ann and Phil, and the “big dogs,” Jasmine and Arie, take good care of me. Phil and Jasmine get up early every day to get me breakfast and my medicine (yucky medicine in a big syringe they stick in my mouth). I also have to take my antibiotics at night. I take Pepcid for tummy aches (the medicines I take are strong) and prednisone for my CMO. I like to go outside on walks and romp around in the backyard (but not without my coat!). Because of the prednisone, I am still having some trouble with housebreaking, but my foster parents are very patient.

Finn - WestieMed Recipient
Finn – WestieMed Recipient

These days I love to eat, look out the windows, bark, and nibble on fingers (my big dog teeth are still coming in). I play tug with my foster brother Arie and chase with my foster sister Jasmine, and bark at dogs, people, and squirrels passing by. I am learning to be a Westie. Someday I hope to be placed in a loving forever home with other dogs I can play with.

Finn 

Update January 2008:

Finn - WestieMed Recipient
Finn – WestieMed Recipient

I found the best forever home a pup could ever hope for! I have two older Border Collie brothers that let me chew on them, a cool fenced in yard to explore, and a great mommy and daddy who love me to death. I even have other pup friends in the neighborhood that I get to play with on a regular basis.

I’m the picture of health, with no skin issues and I seem to have grown out of my CMO. (I love to play tug with my brothers!)  I also have a Westie sister named Dory. She is a 3-year-old rescue from a puppy mill we got a few months ago. She’s my best friend. I’m teaching her all about Westie-tude and how to play.

I am quite the handful and very entertaining. I always seem to be in some sort of mischief. I started agility classes this Fall and have picked up on it really quickly cause I’m very smart and a fast learner.

Woof! Finn  

Max - WestieMed Recipient

Max

October 2006:

Max was an owner release to Oklahoma Westie Rescue (OWR). I think Max was given up out of love, not because his owner didn’t want him anymore. Max lived the last five years with his first mom and dad, but when they got a divorce, Max and his mom went to live at her mother’s house. Max’s owner’s mother said that he smelled bad and wouldn’t let him into the house, so Max was chained up outside to the tree. Max started losing his hair and itching all the time. Max’s mom took him to the vet and then to the dermatologist where she spent a large amount of money getting him tested. They diagnosed Max with being allergic to almost everything outdoors and many foods. The doctor suggested he be allowed inside and that his diet is changed to a food that doesn’t contain any of the allergens. But Max still went home and was still chained to the tree in the backyard, unable to chase the squirrels or have a soft comfy bed to lay on. And he continued to eat the same food. His condition worsened and his mom finally realized that she couldn’t give him the proper home he needed. She gave him up to OkWR so he could find a new home.

My fiance, Rod, and I decided that we needed another Westie in our lives. We had had our first Westie, Piper, whom we adopted through the humane society, for a year and believed that she needs a companion. After looking at many dogs thru OWR, we saw Max and thought he might be a perfect fit. On Max’s first home visit, he searched the house and finally found the toy box, dug through it until he found a chewy bone. He settled himself down on the floor and went to town chewing and knawing on his new find, just like it was made for him. Max had found his forever home.

Max - WestieMed Recipient
Max – WestieMed Recipient

A couple of weeks after adopting Max, he became sick. Rod came home from work and Max didn’t greet him at the door. Max wouldn’t go outside or eat. When Rod showed Max the cat and he didn’t chase him, he knew something was wrong. Being the over-concerned parent, I took him to the emergency room where they evaluated him and gave him some fluids and meds so he could sleep. The next day, we took Max to the vet where she diagnosed him with some sort of gastritis. She kept him all day and gave him fluids thru an IV. When I picked him up he had a pep in his step and a gleam in his eye. We took him home and he was back to his normal self, chasing Piper and protecting us from the squirrels. We are so happy that Max came into our lives. He has brought out the puppy in Piper. Rod and I both work full time and go to school. You have no idea how much you have helped us out. We would do anything for our dogs and we are so happy that you guys are willing to help us out. 

Thank you from the bottom of our puppy lovin’ hearts!

Tere Hogan and Rod Earnest