UTI – WestieMed

Cosmo

July 1, 2017December 23, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Cosmo is a two-year-old Westie who found himself in an unfortunate situation on June 16, 2017. Cosmo has an unfortunate disease called portosystemic shunt (PSS) that he has likely had since birth. A portosystemic shunt is a disease where the blood that is normally taken through the liver to be filtered is redirected around the liver via a vessel that is not there in a normal dog. When this happens the toxins that would normally be filtered out of the blood by the liver remain in the blood and can cause symptoms that can complicate the lives of the dogs with the disease. While some dogs do not develop signs and can live a semi-normal life, Cosmo was not so lucky. Cosmo is normal on the outside and loves to play, explore, and bird watch out the window; however, he has had difficulties with the side effects of the PSS.

Cosmo experienced urinary tract signs and symptoms of PSS including the development of bladder stones and urinary tract infections that were hard to control along with bouts of diarrhea. Cosmo’s previous owner paid for surgery to have the stones removed and even started medical management in an effort to control the signs and symptoms of the PSS.

Unfortunately, Cosmo still struggled and began urinating in the house multiple times a day. As much as Cosmo’s former owner loved him, it became too difficult to take care of Cosmo’s extra needs and clean up the messes. Cosmo was brought in to be humanely euthanized when his veterinarian asked if she could try and find a home for the adorable, life-loving pup.

A day later, I, a fourth-year veterinary student at Louisiana State University, went home to visit the clinic where I have worked since I was fourteen years old. My wife of one year and I were visiting with the veterinarian when Cosmo came running around the corner exploring his temporary home. My wife saw Cosmo and immediately fell in love wanting to foster him. We have a few other dogs and I immediately indicated that this was not a great idea and he would find a home. For about a week my wife would ask me if I thought we had made the right decision and if I really thought Cosmo would find a forever home. I would answer, “I’m sure he’ll be fine.” After a week of my wife trying to find homes for Cosmo, I told her that if she wanted to go pick him up and he got along with our current dogs we could foster him until the clinic could find him a home.

Cosmo came home with us six days after our initial meeting and he fit right in. On the second night of his stay with us, Cosmo slept right next to my head and I fell for him as hard as, if not harder than my wife had. He is so personable and loves to play so much that he truly adds to the joy in our lives. After discussing it, I told my wife if we could raise the money to get Cosmo’s condition fixed we would keep him. I took Cosmo to school with me the next week and began talking to clinicians in the hospital and we commenced testing to find out exactly what was wrong with Cosmo. That day Cosmo was officially diagnosed with PSS after an ultrasound revealed a large vein bypassing the liver. Options were discussed and surgery is the absolute best treatment for this particular condition. We started Cosmo on two weeks of medication to prepare his body for the surgery and scheduled the operation.

As a single income family, with myself in school, it was not going to be easy to pay for this surgery, but Cosmo had stolen our hearts. We began looking for ways to raise money for his surgery. That is when I found WestieMed and reached out to them for any help that they could offer. Their staff has been great to work with and help us along this process and they have been so generous to make this surgery more affordable for my wife and I. We are looking forward to Cosmo’s surgery and recovery allowing him to live a more normal life! Thank you WestieMed!

Kevin, Joy, & Cosmo

Update July 24, 2017

We wanted to update you on Cosmo’s status. He underwent surgery on Tuesday (7/18). While they were doing the surgery, they took a biopsy of his liver. Unfortunately, there were significant changes in the liver that indicate a lack of oxygen and cellular death, which means he will likely have liver issues for the rest of his life. However, the surgery itself was successful.

He stayed in ICU for 4 days and received medication for pain, seizure preventive, and antibiotics. He was finally able to come home on Friday with the understanding we’d watch him for seizures, which is a possible complication of the surgery. He is now on a special diet and will remain on the prescribed medication for eight to sixteen weeks. He goes back in two weeks to have his incision checked and will go back in six weeks after that to have bloodwork done. That will tell us if the surgery has started closing off the shunt. He will then go back again in another eight weeks and hopefully by the shunt will be completely closed. At that time we can start weaning him off of medication.

We wanted to keep you guys updated. Thank you again for WestieMed’s generosity. Your financial assistance made it possible for Cosmo to have this necessary surgery and have a full life. Even though his liver is not normal, he will have the best life possible with us and his siblings at home!

Sincerely,
Kevin, Joy and Cosmo Shrewsberry
Class of 2018
Louisiana State University
School of Veterinary Medicine
SCAVMA, AABP, AAEP, AASV, HSVMA, ASV

Update January 24, 2018

First, let me express our thankfulness for WestieMed’s financial assistance in Cosmo’s veterinary care. It was a long process to get Cosmo’s liver working better, but he is definitely a healthy dog now!

From the first day I met him, Cosmo was a happy, outgoing little man. However, now, he is even more exuberant (if that is possible) displaying the Westie characteristics! He is definitely a special part of our family’s life. He loves to play with his brothers and sisters; even when everyone else is sleeping, he will go to each sibling and annoy them until someone plays with him. He is convinced he is the largest dog on the block and takes his job as guard dog very seriously until he realizes he could get a scratch from a human or meet a new dog friend then his toughness melts away to wags and licks. Finally, he is a master at expressing his feelings 100% of the time. If we kennel him and he doesn’t like it, he will sit there and make noises like he is having a conversation with us about his situation (it’s especially hilarious when guests are over because they don’t know if they should respond or what). We rescued Cosmo because he was in need of help – regardless of his breed. But it has been a bonus to get to enjoy his Westie personality. Dynamite definitely comes in small packages!

Health-wise, Cosmo is doing well. I can tell he has become stronger. Before his surgery, he would need to stop and have me hold him on our walks. Now, he leads us the entire way! Before the surgery, he would have two to three accidents a day (at least) in the house. This was a primary reason his first owner surrendered him to a veterinary clinic. Now, he rarely has accidents! Cosmo is still on a special diet due to the damage already done to his liver. If it were not for that fact, you would not know he had overcome the disease of a portosystemic shunt (PSS).

Thank you again for helping us give Cosmo the best life he can have! Cosmo always seems to have this little grin when I look at him for more than 5 seconds as if he is saying, “Yeah, I’m pretty awesome”. We are forever grateful for your generosity toward our Cosmo!

Sincerely,
Joy, Kevin and Cosmo Shrewsberry

Holly

December 1, 2014December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Holly age thirteen and her bonded sister Hannah age eleven, came into foster care with me through Westie Rescue of Missouri in September of 2014 after their human parents divorced, and they were taken to the local shelter and left. Holly and Hannah both had skin issues and needed to be totally shaved, both were also in need of dentals and had between them needed a total of fourteen teeth removed. Holly upon entering rescue was noted to having heavy yellow staining to her tail and hind legs with constant squatting to urinate noted. We knew that for Holly to have such heavy staining to her hindquarters she must have had a long-standing untreated UTI or possible bladder stones. WRM provides excellent care for Holly with extensive blood work and x-rays to try and determine the specific of Holly’s problem. X-rays showed no stones and urine analysis showed a typical UTI. Holly immediately went on antibiotics and improved with no signs of infection after her antibiotic where finished. A short two weeks later Holly presented again with symptoms of a UTI and again a urine annalist and x-rays were done with no stones noted but infection present in her urine. A double dose of antibiotics was prescribed for Holly and once again she improved quickly. Holly and Hannah by this time had been with me their foster mom for two months with no interest from anyone in adopting them. I have fostered more Westies then I can count over the years and have loved and wanted to keep each of them, but always knew in my heart that their forever families were out there somewhere waiting for them and it was for me to help them on their journey to finding their forever families. Till Holly and Hannah arrived. WRMS policy is to never separate a bonded pair and I knew in my heart that they were mine. I adopted Holly and Hannah on the first of November and all seemed well till the next day! The day after adoption Hannah and Holly both presented with health issues. I will at this point set sweet Hannah aside, to share about Holly. Holly once again presented with signs of a UTI. Test, x-rays, antibiotics. Repeat this scenario two more times. Holly’s vet decided that Holly had possible bladder stones that were not showing up on x-rays and would need an ultrasound done to determine if stones were indeed what was the underlying cause of Holly’s persistent UTIs. I live in a rural area and so a two-hour drive to the nearest vet specialist in St Louis, who could do an ultrasound was scheduled. Taking an unpaid day off from work for me and my husband was necessary to get Holly to the specialist for her appointment. The specialist immediately felt that Holly presented with more confusing symptoms than just a bladder stone and set to work requiring an extensive blood panel, ultrasound and a sterile urine sample (taken by inserting a needle into her abdomen to acquire the clean sample needed.) The results of her ultrasound showed no stones in her bladder and the specialist determined that Holly had been born with a fold of skin that partially covered her vulva. Through the years the skin had become thicker and heaver covering more and more of the vulva. The skin would not allow all of her urine to be eliminated from her bladder, would gather and breed germs, that then travel into Holly’s bladder creating the ongoing constant problem of UTIs. Specialist office visits, ultrasound, sterile urine samples taken, totaled over $800 and the missed days from work all creating a hefty amount, that would have been financially draining for us and now Holly faces surgery to correct the problem which will be the only way to ensure the UTIs that she has been plagued with all her life stop. Holly’s surgery estimates are given to us as being at $1,000 and up. Thanks to WestieMed we know the problem and will be able to provide Holly with the surgery needed. Holly is scheduled for surgery after the first of the New Year. Unfortunately while dealing with Holly’s issues we have also been dealing with her sister Hannah’s health concerns. Hannah has been diagnosed with fast-spreading bone cancer. Since Holly and Hannah are so very bonded we feel that it is in Holly’s best interest to see how things go with Hannah, and how Holly adapts to her life long companion being gone from her life. We will be monitoring Hannah closely and when the time comes that we feel she is ready to go, we will be with her to whisper in her ear to tell her what a good girl she is, that she is loved and we will walk her across the Rainbow Bridge. We are told it will not have her much longer. Our concern is that surgery may be too much of a hardship on Holly so quickly and so WestieMed has been kind enough to grant us extenuating circumstances to see how Holly does and postpone her surgery for a while if needed. I do not regret adopting these two precious girls as my own. Short though their time with me has been, I love them dearly and they have enriched my life. We would have moved heaven and earth to get them whatever care they needed but our thanks to WestieMed will never end for having to not concern ourselves with the finances of how we could manage it all. Because of WestieMed and their generous supporters and donators we can focus on loving and caring for Hannah with whatever time remains with her and making sure Holly has the best care possible as she goes on in her life without her best friend.

Sue Alley

Update January 29, 2015

I wanted to let WestieMed know that Holly passed away. She had developed some sort of neurological disorder over the past month that we were trying to determine the cause of when she became paralyzed and was in considerable pain. I am crushed. Thank you to all at WestieMed for the financial support for Holly. Oh, how I wish we could have fixed her. It just was not meant to be. I would not have traded my short time with her for anything.

Sue

Luzi

November 1, 2012December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Luzi was a dream rescue Westie girl for the San Francisco Bay West Highland White Terrier Club’s non-profit Westie Rescue of Northern California. In addition to being the most popular request we get (female, one is two years old) she came already spayed, all shots up to date and no health issues. The family that came to mind for her new forever home, Teresa Carle and David Martinez, had served me well with fostering a six-year-old male who was one of five puppy mill Westies we had on hand all at once. This fairly feral foster (whose name has morphed from Seamus to Shamus to Tory to “The Great Ollie”) proved to be too stressful for their males, Romeo and Rufus, and they called and suggested their son as a suitable foster home. It was a terrific solution to a real need and Teresa continued to provide for his vet care (removal of neutering stitches). They also offered to foster any female to preclude gender rivalry. And then this little twelve-pound wonder Luzi was surrendered so her family could travel. Little did they know she was a traveler! And the author of Luzi’s story switches from Mary Young, SFBWHWTC Rescue Chair, to Teresa Carle and Dave Martinez:

Luzi came to us at the end of June of this year. Luzi is our fifth Westie, our second rescue, and our very first little girl. The moment Luzi arrived, she was instant friends with Romeo. They tore through the yard at top speed and leaped in and out of the wading pool until they were completely exhausted. For Romeo, also a two-year-old, it was love at first sight. Rufus, our nine-year-old, who has bladder cancer, took a bit longer to accept that she was actually going to stay, but they too are now best friends. Luzi can get Rufus to play even when he does not feel well.

When we walk the three of them in our Sacramento neighborhood, in downtown Calistoga, or through various campgrounds (we take the three in our RV), people always stop and talk to us and want to know all about the dogs. The boys are handsome for sure, but it is always Luzi, that receives the most compliments about how cute she is. Luzi only weighs twelve pounds, so she still looks like a puppy. She has such beautiful eyes and she is very charming.

Luzi’s most favorite thing in the entire world is to take walks. Her leash hangs in the laundry room and if she wants to go out, she will sit in her bed and stare at her leash and bark. She is a good little walker for such a tiny girl. She keeps up with Romeo who is near twice her size. Today, I put a raincoat on her for the first time, because we had to get out despite the constant drizzle. Boy was that fun, trying to get that raincoat on her! We have a bit of training to do. Luzi is a key part of our family and we know that she will comfort us all once our Rufus passes on. Today I bumped my head really hard and was in tears. Luzi was the first one to run over with a concerned look on her face and offers of kisses. We are very blessed to have this loving little girl in our lives.

And now back to Mary of SFBWHWTC Rescue. Luzi’s urinary tract infection proved to be non-responsive to antibiotic treatments so it was necessary for her to have surgery to remove crystals that were lodged in her urethra. A very complicated and expensive process made manageable by WestieMed’s generous contribution to this deserving Rescue and her family. We are both very grateful to WestieMed for fulfilling your mission to help needy rescues overcome unexpected and expensive medical costs. This little Westie will be back in the pool soon thanks to WestieMed. And also back “on the road again” charming all of Northern California with her sweet, engaging personality as she serves as an excellent “SpokesWestie for our breed, for our Rescue organizations and for WestieMed.

THANK YOU!

Mary Young, SFBWHWTC Rescue Chair
Teresa Carle and Dave Martinez

Update June 21, 2013:

Luzi is doing fantastic! She is so darn cute and getting better each time I groom her. She is much calmer and trusting. It just takes time. I have to remember that she was taken from her mommy. She loves to curl up right by my chest when I lay on the couch. Also, far fewer accidents with medication Proin and after her bladder stone surgery had time to heal. She gets rewards and praise. She is such a wonderful dog. She does have to wear a bark collar while we are gone because of the neighbor’s complaints. She is yappy without it but seems calm and happy with the collar on.

Teresa and Dave

Sugar

October 1, 2009December 26, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

We received a call from the Olympia Animal Shelter in June 2009. An elderly woman surrendered her Westie because she had sadly lost her home in a spring flood and she had never been able to recover after the insurance and the FEMA assistance and she had to give up her dog. She could not feed herself let alone feed or vet her dog, so she left it at the shelter. Sugar had an ear infection and some fleas, and the shelter asked for us to come and get her. We took her to the vet, and lo and behold poor “Sug” had a plethora of medical issues. She had a heart arrhythmia, heart murmur, she had arthritis in both back legs and her hip, she had a bad disk in her spine and an infection in her ears. We did x-rays, sonograms, called in a cardiologist, and cha-ching our bill hit $900 and that was ½ off for rescue price (original bill was $1800). Alas we sent her to foster care, where she was a bit grumpy, not too affectionate, and her mission in life was hunting and her goal was to kill a cat. Unfortunately, the foster mom had six cats, and Sugar had to be relocated.

We eventually found an adopter for her. Nice elderly lady who loved Westies. Sugar lasted fourteen days and they returned her because she wasn’t affectionate, felt bored, wouldn’t listen, she was very stubborn and very unmanageable and cranky… so off she went back to foster home to chase cats. In August we found another adopter and she kept Sugar for about four days, and found her to be difficult, unaffectionate, stubborn, and as she politely put it … challenging! Off she went off to yet another foster care.

At this point I was worried and the new foster mom called and said she seems to have something wrong with her vulva, and she is now peeing in the house and poo-ing in the house and licking nonstop. Off we went back to the Vet. This time we had to go to a new Vet as the original Vet stopped giving us a discount and was 100 miles the other direction. The new vet said she had an infection but it seemed she had been on and off antibiotics and she wanted to do a culture to see what this infection was resistant to. Her urine was too dilute to get a reading for any kind of bacteria. The Vet also voiced her concern that she could have kidney stones or bladder stones.

The culture came back with E-Coli infection, she was prescribed antibiotics, and she had to come back in three weeks for a recheck. After the three weeks, she returned to uncover an underlying Staph infection and off again was the culture (at this point we are at another $800) and she was prescribed antibiotics again and we did a radiograph for stones. We found none.

By October we were teetering at $1600 worth of bills (after the discount) and a dog who was challenging and no one was “enamored with“ as an adoption option. Sugar was not very affectionate, she liked to be with other dogs, she didn’t engage with them. No one was interested in adopting an eight-year old Westie with a heart condition, bad legs, arthritis and a disk problem, and to boot, not an overly affectionate dog. Sugar’s idea of humans was mostly that they were put on this earth to serve her food, and she loved to be naughty. She did have a great sense of humor if you liked a smarty pants attitude. Numerous times her new foster mom just burst out laughing. Sugar liked mischief, and if you tried to get her stuff, she would challenge you like the “she-devil”. She would also like to grab your stuff, and run with gay abandon through the house on a wonderful gleeful chase.

Five months into rescue I thought – now what? I have adopters who only want a dog as a companion who will play with their dog, like kids, go for walks, or is a cuddle bug and wants to be loved. Sugar met none of the qualifications. Five months later, and $1800 worth of bills I was very stressed and asked WestieMed for help to offset our cost. They graciously helped us.

The sun finally shined through the clouds and Sugar is now adopted out on a temporary basis with a former applicant of ours who has adopted a Scottie and two Westies from us over the years. She has three other dogs, and Sugar is in heaven. She is in the group, does her own thing, and the owner has a lot of fun chuckling with her humorous escapades. Her comment is that she keeps the yard free from cats, and squirrels and she takes her job seriously. Our adopter graciously took Sugar into her home at no adoption fee, to give her a chance at life. We have no idea how long Sugar’s heart will hold out, but at last, she has found a place to land, and is having a bang up time patrolling the back yard. Here is a photo of Sugar and her new Mom taken November 2009

Karin Parish
Seattle Rescue Rep. Seattle, WA

Update April 14, 2010

Sugar is just fine and happy! She lives in a cottage by the sea with wonderful gardens. She has 2 brothers and a little sister. The attached photo is, left to right: Ferguson, AnnieBelle, Sugar and Henry, on one of their weekly bath days!

When I acquired Sugar, I was told she was a “special needs dog”, but no one ever told her that! Despite her arthritic hips, she chases Ferguson around the house until HE gives up, and he’s several years younger. Suggie has quite a personality, and she’s actually quite funny, although grumpy in the morning when she doesn’t want to get out of bed and I have to go to work.

Suggie is currently on no medications (she did have her teeth cleaned last week tho).

Thanks for doing what you do, helping these little lost souls to have a better chance in life.

Suzanne

Update September 29, 2010

Suggie is just fine. She’s got Ferguson, Henry & Annie as mates. She has a wonderful life: food, mates, a safe dry, warm house, a beautiful garden to play in and a Mommie who loves her!

Although Ferguson is about five years her junior, she chases him around and tuckers him out. He entices a match, she goes for it, he gets tired first.

Suggie may walk funny & have a lop ear, but she doesn’t believe she has any special needs! I get a kick out of her and I wish she could speak to me, because I also think she’s a very funny dog.

Suzanne

Sugar’s care was funded by a grant from The Pedigree Foundation.

Annie

August 1, 2009December 26, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Annie was found as a stray living on the streets of Columbus Ohio by the local dog warden. The shelter estimated her age to be six years. Shortly after she was picked up they called to let us know that if she was not claimed by the end of their three day waiting period, she could be released to us. As most rescue groups know, when you go to pick up a dog you never know what you will come face to face with. Questions run through your mind; will the dog be healthy, friendly, somewhat trained (or at least trainable), and lastly will she be adoptable….

When I checked in at the front desk of the shelter I told the volunteer behind the window I was with Westie Rescue and was there to pick up a dog they were holding for us. She gave me a serious look and said: “Do you want to see her first?”. My stomach sank. Just what condition could this Westie be in for her to ask such a question? I told the lady I would take her regardless of her condition and started preparing myself for the worst.

When Annie came out into the lobby, she looked as if she had been on the streets for months. She was filthy, matted, and just looked pitiful — but she seemed happy! She walked out the door on the leash, went potty as soon as we reached the grass and continued with me to the truck as if we had been doing this together for years. I was thinking “This is too good to be true”. She jumped right up into the truck and sat there looking at me as if to say “Come on, we need to get home”. Before I could get situated, she was in my lap and kissing my face. This… was a wonderful dog! She sat in the seatbelt next to me as I started home, continuing to kiss the parts of me she could reach. It was non-stop kissing. This little girl was used to sharing affection. As I drove I couldn’t help thinking that this dog must have been loved and well taken care of by someone.

When we arrived home I introduced her to Jean and the other eight Westies in the house and she immediately blended right in and gave Jean the kissing treatment I had been getting in the truck. Most of the dogs we take in are, at least at first, more comfortable around other dogs because typically they have been neglected or mistreated by humans before coming to us. Annie, however, was the exception. She loved us and wanted to follow our every move, and for the most part, ignored the other dogs. When we would leave the room she would cry and not just a normal whimper, I mean really cry. She was craving human companionship. By the time we got her cleaned up a bit and settled in, it was time for bed. I put her in a crate and took my DannyBoy and Mary up to bed with me.

The crying began as soon as we were out of her sight. I thought, as I usually do, that it would stop after a short time but it didn’t and it was breaking my heart. So I went and got her, took her upstairs with me and put her in bed. She immediately laid on one of the pillows and promptly went to sleep. Another sign that she had been used to this arrangement and like a good Westie, wasn’t going to settle for anything less. When I awoke in the morning she was in the same spot. She jumped out of bed with Danny and Mary, followed me downstairs and went right outside. I walked out with her and when I told her to go potty she did so almost immediately. Someone had spent significant time training this dog. We soon found out that Annie loved getting tummy rubs because every time we sat down or stood still, she would walk up to us, roll over on her back and give us that “look”. Annie got lots of tummy rubs over the next few days. This, I thought, was going to be one of those “easy” rescues.

I had picked Annie up on Sunday and immediately Monday morning called and scheduled a vet appointment for the following Saturday morning. By Wednesday, we noticed Annie was coughing and assumed it was the typical kennel cough that so many of the dogs from the shelter have when we get them. It wasn’t until Friday night that she started going downhill. Within a short time, she became lethargic, developed a temperature and started shaking. That was when I decided she couldn’t wait until morning to see a vet and needed to go to the emergency room right away. Jean took her because I had a big day ahead of me with an early rescue delivery to Pennsylvania the next day. It was late when she called to say that the emergency room vet thought Annie had pneumonia and wanted to keep her overnight, give her IV antibiotics and do more testing the next day. She also felt Annie needed to see an internal specialist to determine the cause of the pneumonia. Her treatment plan would depend on the outcome of those tests. The next day they ran tests and determined that she had severe onset pneumonia and started her on a regiment of two potent antibiotics plus pain meds. She also had a urinary tract infection which they felt the antibiotics she was taking for the pneumonia would take care of. Over the next two days at the hospital, she started feeling much better and by Sunday afternoon they released her into our care.

Annie was still a sick little girl when I picked her up but according to the MedVet staff, she never lost the desire to share her love with someone. They all knew about Annie and several made a point of telling me how special and loving they thought she was. As soon as I sat her in my lap, she was back to kissing me non-stop.

The picture to the left is of Annie shortly after she came home from the hospital. She spent a lot of time over the next few days resting in her favorite spot on the sofa and getting lots of love and tummy rubs.

Annie is expected to make a full recovery and we are so thankful for that. Her expenses for that weekend, however, were over $1,900 and nearly drained our bank account. Without the help of WestieMed, we would have had to think twice before taking in another rescue. Because of their generosity, we are in a position to continue helping needy Westies in the Central Ohio area.

Thanks, WestieMed!
Beverly Ressler
Central Ohio Westie Rescue

Update September 6, 2009

Annie is doing great. She went to our vet last week and we received great news. She has recovered fully from her pneumonia. I even have a family interested in adopting Annie. She is scheduled to be spayed and have a dental on 9-23 so it could be that they come to adopt and pick her up at the Westie Walk!
Bev

Update February 2, 2010

The only way to start this story is at the beginning – – “our” beginning with Annie. Having loved and enjoyed many four-legged family members over 42 years of marriage, my wife Lee and I have become Westie lovers. Annie is our fourth West Highland White Terrier. Life with Annie started with our second visit to Beverly Ressler’s home following an adoption of a puppy mill rescue Westie (Angel) earlier in the year. When we met Annie she seemed full of affection as she apparently loved human touch. I had one major concern. My wife made the commitment to give our rescue Westie Angel a loving home for the rest of her life even if she could not adapt to a social environment. That meant Angel was the priority. I needed some assurance from Beverly. If Annie could not co-exist with our first adopted Westie, could we bring Annie back? Beverly’s answer, of course, was yes.

By the end of Annie’s second day with us, I told Lee that “Annie was going NOWHERE”! OH-My-Gosh what a love. I should have known that fact within the first thirty miles north of Beverly’s house on I-77 heading home with Annie two nights earlier. “Why” you should ask. Because Annie had all of Lee’s make-up off her face. Lee’s cheeks were virtually red and there was no stopping Annie as long as Lee held her on her lap – the alternative was a cage in the car and that was not going to happen. It was so FUNNY watching Annie get acquainted with Lee – Annie would have been all over me had I not been driving. We laughed all the way home. Annie spent her first day surveying our house and that was it. Day two, “ANNIE” was home. Oh, do we love this little girl – or maybe “LITTLE” is inappropriate. Annie is not little by any Westie standard and we love every pound and ripple of her. She greets us with a wonderful level of energy when we come home. There are also these wonderful little sounds she makes when she wants a hand to touch her. We have benefited greatly from Annie’s presence and so has Angel. Yes, Angel has benefited. Annie seems to have helped Angel understand how to become a dog versus a creature used to produce new puppies.

We now have two GREAT babies that will be loved and live a terrific, safe, healthy and “spoiled” life. In the truest sense, “A DOG’s LIFE”. Thank you to Beverly and a huge thanks to my bride of 42+ years who simply has a wonderful heart full of love for all animals – and some of it has rubbed off on me.

Bob Meisch, Angel and Annie’s permanent Papa.

Update July 30, 2010

I am sending this to some family and friends that have loving four-legged family members. Yesterday, Lee and I held Annie in our arms as she went to sleep. This is so painful. I buried her next to KD and Muffin in our backyard. Above is Annie’s Story that I had the great pleasure of writing for WestieMed’s web site right after we adopted her. That is only a tiny part of Annie’s story but none of you would likely read the thousands of words that it would take for me to describe this wonderful baby.

After a few days in the Vet hospital with what initially appeared to be an improvement, Annie took a turn for the worse very quickly after we brought her home. No need to detail that pain.

I thought I would never experience pain as severe as when we lost KD our last Westie. This is much worse. Lee and I (don’t know exactly why) feel the same – -all our babies were terrific but Annie – – eight months with us after being rescued by Beverly Ressler was enough for us to fall in love with this girl. She was large (not fat) for a Westie so Lee nicknamed her “Hunka Hunka” and she had burning love for us (remember the song). Annie talked to me with this high pitched little sweet bark. She seemed to know how to make all the right sounds and expressions (she could do that) to get into our hearts.

Yesterday, we both wrote some things on her casket before I placed her into the grave. Sounds dumb maybe but it was part of our grieving. I took a marker and outlined my hand on the casket as she always loved my hand on her belly. It goes with her. Lee told her to wait for her at the Rainbow Bridge. This is so very painful for me – what a loving baby. I have to stop now – I can’t go on (really difficult) but for all of you that love these members of your family, PLEASE cherish them every day.

One last thing: To Beverly – thank you so much for allowing Annie into our lives. I could never repay you for that. You more than anyone else knows how very special she was. God bless you for your kindness.

Bob

Bailey

April 1, 2009December 26, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Bailey was an owner release from a family of Pearl City, NY to Westie Rescue of NY. Bailey is eleven years old. When his previous owner contacted us, we were told that Bailey had some “skin issues”. They let me know that they tried to help him, but he needed more time and attention that they were able to give him because they have three small children. We were sent a few photos, which we later found out were about nine months old. Upon contact with their Vet, we found out that Bailey had always had skin issues that were addressed sporadically. It seems that they took him into the vet, but didn’t always follow through on treatments. It was the Vet’s opinion that Bailey desperately needed treatment and follow through. We agreed to take Bailey in and deal with all his issues.

Through the great generosity of the volunteers of Westie Rescue of NY, we were able to coordinate transportation across NY state from Pearl River, just outside NYC to Rochester, NY, approximately 325 miles away. Upon meeting Bailey for the first time, my heart broke. This Westie had the worse skin condition I had ever seen. His left eye was almost completely sealed shut. Just to the left of his mouth a large sore broke through his fur. His underbelly was completely black with very tough skin. But, through all this Bailey was a sweet boy. The lady who transported Bailey let me know he was very good during the whole trip.

Bailey arrived in Rochester, NY on a Sunday. The next day I made an urgent call to our Vet and was able to secure a late afternoon appointment. Bailey was diagnosed with an eye infection, chronic Dry Eye, UTI, Malassezia and skin lichenification.

Bailey was put on Clavamox for his infections, for his eyes he was prescribed Mycitracin Ointment and Optimmune Ointment and he was to be bathed with Malaseb shampoo on a regular basis

It’s been over a month since Bailey has been with us. The sore next to his mouth is gone, his eye infection is gone, although he will have to have Optimmune Ointment administered to his eye twice a day for the rest of his life. His skin has greatly improved, although I have been told that he will always have skin issues. We are committed to seeing everything through. On his next Vet appointment, we hope to find out his UTI has completely cleared up.

We will be updating again soon.
Gloria Mueller, President, Westie Rescue of NY

Allie

March 1, 2009December 26, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

March 16^th started out like any other day. Woke up, let the Beagle man out, made coffee, checked email – Subject caught my eye: WHO CAN CARE FOR ME? I’VE BEEN ABANDONED!!! – I had to read on….

‘… as people struggle in this difficult economy, it is often our loyal and loving animal companions who suffer the most. This sweet little girl was found abandoned on a blanket, in a park in Framingham day-before-yesterday. The dog officer surmised she had been there all night, in the 19 degrees cold and rain. She is a sweet young dog who, as you can see, has a skin condition. She has had three skin scrapings to test for mites and they were all negative, however, the results of the tests confirmed a yeast infection. If no home or foster can be located for her, she is scheduled to be euthanized this coming week.”

LOOK at that face! I was smitten! When I arrived at the Framingham Animal Control office that day, she was standing in the back of the large concrete kennel — she had no hair, her skin was red, full of sores and lesions, her nails were long and curled, and HOW, HOW could a small dog smell so terrible? The Officer walked her out to my car – every three to four steps she would stop to pee — what was wrong? To be honest, I was wondering if she would make it at all… she was bleeding. Off to the most amazing Vet in MA – Dr. Holly Kelsey – her techs took this little one from my arms, washed her and soon after the Dr. started the examination, blood work, urine cultures, skin scrapings, x-rays, etc. Beenie was so agreeable. She was, no doubt, in pain yet not one growl, bite, or flinch. She had just surrendered.

Results: yeast infection, allergies, skin infections, bladder infection, ear infection, anemic, underweight, and the worst was the X-ray showed a bladder full of large stones. Stones that were too large to dissolve or pass; surgery was needed immediately. (I started to panic) I want to help, but how can I do this? What is going to happen to her? I can’t afford a $1,400. surgery… I wanted to cry. I thanked the Dr. and I took Beenie home. That evening she curled up on my lap on a towel and slept – I could feel the weight of her little tired body. For the next three hours, I made phone calls and emailed and I learned of WestieMed – and soon of ‘Bette’ – wonderful, unbelievable – with their support and this little girl’s determination, I thought pffft…she’s going to MAKE it!

After surgery, staples, antibiotics, allergy medication, special food, ear drops, medicated baths, up-all-night peeing, diarrhea, vomiting, etc… I can say that seven weeks later…

She’s the boss! She’s my little CEO. (True to this breed I’m told) She talks a lot, and she’s quite the conversationalist, she has opinions on EVERYTHING! She’s definitely a ham and a camera hog, but the best thing is her spirit. She is just so happy to be alive that it shows in her face every minute of every day.

I would have expected her spirit to be broken, or fearful of people, or overly aggressive. I mean, I would have more issues than The Reader’s Digest if I’d been in pain for that long. If you could translate her ‘Beenie-speak’, I would bet she says “LOOK, I’M SMILING! I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO TODAY! I LOVE MY FRIENDS, BROTHER, MOM, NEIGHBOR, MY FENCE DOG FRIEND JOYCE, PETCO, BELLY RUBS, PARK, CHICKEN, BALLS, EAR SCRATCHES, NURSING MY STUFFED MOUSE TOY, CHASING, RUNNING…’ She stole my heart from the very first time I met her!

She’s gained plenty of weight (because her Mommy is definitely qualified to fatten up a dog!) and now I can’t feel her ribs or backbone anymore. Her skin is healed and soft, her fur is completely back thick, shiny, soft and full.

We could all take a lesson from Ms. Beenie – happiness is a choice, a state of mind, not the result of your current circumstances. She’s made it!! Lucky me. My little Been Bag today! twelve pounds!

Crystal

Update September 22, 2009

Allie is my heart!

She has a chronic urinary problem, but we address this every day with antibiotics (two pills a day), and one allergy pill every other day, with a side of prayer that bladder stones do not form again. She sleeps in bed on a towel and she knows just where to go when she’s allowed up. Of course, the towel is right on the passenger side of the bed at the pillow for comfort. 🙂

She looks extra cute these days and super feisty with the weather change.

Kind regards,
Crystal

Update February 22, 2010

Allie’s SUPER!

She has had no further problems. At all. Nothing. Not one thing. No bad urine samples, no stones, no allergies, etc… She’s on a daily regime of one chewable vitamin C, bottled water, and WD Chicken crunchies. She snacks on carrots, apples, cucumbers, and the occasional biscuit.

She’s as healthy and happy as could be.

She’s the most determined little girl ever… sometimes I get frustrated and then I look at her (and I say this out loud), ”I LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU”… she wags her tail….

Little girls are made of sugar and spice, mine has spirit and moxie…. I LOVE HER

Thank you WestieMed…

Kind regards,
Crystal and Allie

Isabella

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

Izzy came to Westie Rescue of TN on a volunteer rescue transport in late January. It was freezing cold and the wind was howling the night she was taken out of the cargo van and put into my car. She was in a cage stacked ceiling-high in the cramped van. It was so full because the rescue angel was trying to get as many dogs as she could out of their horrible living conditions. She still had an all-night drive ahead of her to deliver the various breeds of little dogs that did not yet realize that their lives were about to change. They were off to different rescues in several cities.

Izzy was in my car with six other dogs, including three other Westies. They got as far back in the crates as they could. They backed into the corners and trembled when we would reach in to touch them. They didn’t understand what the warm blankets and soft towels in the crates were. None of them cried none of them fussed, none of them dared to complain about the bitter cold during the time it took us to locate them in the cargo rescue van and transfer to my car. It took a while because Izzy and the other Westies were almost unrecognizable as Westies. There are no words to describe the filthy, disgusting shape they were in. Even though the wind chill factor was in the teens, we drove the 225 miles back home with the back window vents on my SUV open. The urine that permeated the inside of the car burned our eyes so strongly that we had no choice. Windows down, heat blasting. The little dogs had lived in their own urine for so long, it had become a part of them. Each one of them had a blank look in their eyes that I will never forget. I had to look hard to find Izzy’s little eyes. They were covered by so much dirty, matted hair.

I would later learn that she suffered from severe dry eyes that had never been treated. The worst-case the vet had ever seen. Imagine your eyes hurting and burning and scratching for four or five long years and not being able to tell anyone. Not that anyone, where she came from, would have cared. Because of not being treated, she suffered eye damage and will now have a vision impairment that can never be healed. She will need eye drops every day for the rest of her life to ease her discomfort. She also had infections in both eyes. Both of her dewclaws were so long that they had embedded into her skin. I can only imagine how it must have hurt to walk. She had infections and yeast on all of her feet and between her pads. She had an infection in both ears. Places on her skin were infected from pure filth more than likely. She had hook and whipworms. She had a urinary tract infection. Her little mouth was in horrible shape. She had severe dental disease and had to have teeth pulled. A week after arriving at the vet, Izzy had to have surgery for bladder stones. Izzy was so traumatized that I began to wonder if there was even a little Westie left in that tired and mistreated body. If only there were some way to show the people that go to the pet shops what is left behind when the puppy truck pulls out to make deliveries. All they see are the cute little clean puppies. They never see the broken, tired and dirty little bodies that make those puppies possible because they are forced to. They never look into the breeding dog’s face and see the pain and long-suffering.

Izzy stayed with the vet for two weeks. She received all kinds of medicine for her many infections throughout her little body. Imagine how wonderful it must have felt for her eyes not to itch and hurt. Even though it was uncomfortable for a little bit, it soon felt better to walk without the sharp nails grown into her skin. Her mouth began to heal and her appetite picked up. She had her spay surgery and was on her way to better health. Soon Izzy was off to her foster home. When we arrived there, Izzy stood perfectly still in the driveway. She didn’t dare move. She did not understand the open space, the feeling of not being confined. She was afraid of the unknown–freedom. Her little foster host Westie ran around her to welcome her to their home. Izzy just stared straight ahead and shook. Her sweet foster Mom walked over and took her into her arms and welcomed Izzy into a safe world for the first time in her life.

Izzy continues to blossom and heal, both physically and mentally. She patiently waits at her wonderful foster home for the family that will take her into their home and makes her theirs forever.

Thanks to WestieMed, our rescue did not go into the red after taking in these four sweet Westies. We did not have to temporarily shut down our rescue while we paid off our over $3,000.00 debt and then try to start over. Thanks to WestieMed, we are able to continue to move forward with our determination stronger than ever. Bette Heidorn, WestieMed and all the wonderful people there are inspirations to us. It is their heart’s desire to help heal every little Westie that they possibly can. WestieMed makes a difference in countless little Westie lives every single day. The dogs they affect move on through life bringing joy and companionship for many, many people. If Westies could talk, I am sure they would sing the praises of this wonderful organization. I know a little girl named Izzy that would be in the front row of that choir!

Ian (Now Duffy)

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

Ian spent the first five years of his life in a small pen or cage except when he was needed for breeding purposes. He was used up and thrown away basically. When we got him he was so terrified of humans that he got in the back of the large crate and shook in the corner. The next morning at the vet, we literally had to turn the hard shell crate up on its end and shake him out of it. Ian stayed at the vet for days. He was immediately shaved and cleaned up with several baths that day. They were able to leave a little hair around his face. Ian had ear infections, skin infections, paw infections, worms and a urinary tract infection so severe that he was urinating blood. He also had severe dental problems. Ian was given several kinds of meds for his infections and other ailments. He was given a complete dental and had some teeth extracted. He was neutered. Ian now has a clean bill of health. His first real experience with freedom was when I picked him up. I brought him home in the large hard shell crate. We picked up the crate and took it in with him inside. When Ian saw a human, he saw mistreatment. He was terrified of me. It broke my heart. In order to gain his trust, I never reached in and snatched or forced him out, because that is what was probably done to him by his breeders. I would open the crate door and sit down in front of it and lean up against the wall about two feet away. I would speak softly to him and plead with him to come out. He stood in the center of the crate and shook so violently that the wire metal door on the front of the crate jingled from his shaking. His little eyes had a blankness to them that made me determined to find the little Westie that was in there somewhere. Every couple of minutes, I would slowly reach my hand in and touch the top of his head. He would cower and flinch each time. It took me about thirty minutes to get him to come to the edge of the crate door. He was afraid to step out because a lot of breeding dogs are punished severely forever trying to get out of their cages. It takes some of them a long time to be able to walk through a doorway in their new homes. I continued to touch his head and whisper to him. I could tell in his little eyes that he wanted so desperately to try out this new thing, but his fear would not allow him to. Finally, after petting his head and then retreating away from him over and over again, he saw that it wasn’t a trick to be able to get my hands on him and inflict some sort of pain. He began to trust me just a tiny bit and I knew that I had won the first battle. Each time it would take me about thirty minutes to get him to come to the edge and then I would pet him and praise him and offer him treats. He didn’t know what a treat was. I would put it up to his mouth and he didn’t know how to take food from my hand. If I laid it down in front of the crate, he would gingerly step out with one front paw, eat the treat off the floor and then wait to see what I did next. After about three days, I brought him up and introduced him to the three female Westies here. They got along beautifully. Ian began to watch them and do what they did. He would see them go to the always full food bowl and eat. After they finished, he would saunter over and look around as if to say “are you sure this is ok to do?”. He began to eat with them, he learned how to interact with them very quickly. It took about ten days for him to walk through the door to go out onto the deck. Before that, I would pick him up and take him out. He doesn’t like to be picked up just yet. He is still afraid. He doesn’t fuss or struggle, but his little body tenses up. I can tell he is afraid he is going to fall. He didn’t know what a toy was. The first time he walked up to a tennis ball on the deck and poked it with his nose, it rolled and scared him to death. I began to pick it up and gently roll it toward him and he would watch it and jump around so funny. Now he rips and tears up and down the deck chasing it. He gets it in his mouth and prances with it. He loves to be petted. He stays right at my feet. He now loves to wrestle and play with the other dogs and is a very loving little guy. He is like a stocky little linebacker and solid muscle. He has grown into a happy little Westie boy.

Ian has come a long way on his road towards understanding freedom and is a pleasure to have here. I will miss him very much when he is adopted. Ian is still very fragile as far as his ability to just take everyone at face value and relax and enjoy his life. He is getting there, but not there yet. He needs a loving owner to help him complete that journey. Ian is a one-person dog right now and I’m sure will grow into being around groups of people, but he needs his special person to cling to in this transitional stage of his life.

One reason Ian has progressed so well is his health. Thanks in part to WestieMed, his poor health issues were taken care of. Ian feels great for the first time in a long time is my guess. He is healthy and has a newfound desire to focus on learning how to be a pet and part of a family. It is such a day to day blessing to watch his little face as he discovers life outside of a cage. Ian is a work in progress and WestieMed is a large part of his progress. Thank you WestieMed for helping little Ian feel well enough to march into his new life!

Update March 29, 2008

I wanted to let you know that Ian went to his new home today.

I think Ian and his new owner are a great match.

But I am sure going to miss him. When I wasn’t looking, he stole my heart!

Thanks,
Sherry

Update January 1, 2009: Ian now called Duffy

I thought you might be interested in an update on Duffy. It’s now been seven months since Duffy moved in with me. You would not believe the difference in this little guy. Completely gone is the hesitant, shaking terrified little furball. Duffy looks at each new adventure in his life with great interest and curiosity. He is completely over his fear of men and will greet and like the hand of a strange man with relish. He loves to ride in the car and often travels with me. He has been to the Big Apple twice and really enjoys hotel living. Suits him just fine.

It took several months for him to return the affection I lavished on him. Everything changed when I had to go to Colorado and Wyoming in late August for a two-week business trip. He stayed at home with someone taking care of him. Upon my return, he was visibly shocked to see me and hurled himself straight at me. Since then, he has decided he cannot stand being on the floor if I am on the couch; he wants to be on my lap or against my side or even on my chest. Each return home after a trip has knocked down more of his reserve until now he gets so excited he cannot contain himself. Of course, I can see in his expression that he wonders why he didn’t get to go along.

When I work on the weekends, Duffy comes with me. He has a special place in my office that he alone owns. For me, I have found the dog who loves squeak toys. Actually, he is beyond obsessive about them. I think this may be his one vice and I plan to consult with a behaviorist in the new year.

He has slimmed down and muscled up from long walks around the neighborhood and I let him choose the path each day. We began obedience training in the fall and he did remarkably well. I plan to continue with advanced training sometime in the spring.

He loves to chase squirrels and rabbits. Squirrels baffle him because he hasn’t figured out he should look UP in the tree to see where they’ve gone. He keeps racing around the base of the tree trying to find the little escape artist.

Honestly, this little pooch was the absolute best choice for me. It was worth the 1200 miles I drove that weekend to get him.

BTW, we did march in the Scottish Walk parade in Alexandria, VA. There were over 100 other Westies and all were rescues. He wasn’t the least bit bothered by the bagpipes, drums or black powder muskets being fired. I put a plaid scarf on him and he had a blast.

Happy New Year. Keep up the great work with Westies.
Kate

Dutchess

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

December 2007:

After the death of my Westie Mr. Magoo at age 17 years, 2 months, swore I would never get another Westie to add to the two I still have. And then it happened! This beautiful little Princess caught my eye and I had to have her for my own.

Westie Rescue of Missouri (WRM) stated that Dutchess was turned in by an elderly woman in her 80s who could no longer care for her. The woman said her grand-daughter owned Dutchess. However, when the girl went to medical school, she gave Dutchess to her grandmother. We know the woman also had a male Westie who recently died. After his death, Dutchess had to leave. Perhaps it was out of grief…but, nonetheless, she was surrendered to rescue.

Everyone at WRM who met Dutchess LOVED HER. Her foster home was very smitten with her and said Dutchess was going to be awesome pet for someone. Dutchess works the pack like a grand, seasoned matriarch with gentleness and accuracy through looks and playfulness. Her foster mom, Lynne Black said Dutchess is perfect.

After dealing with stormy weather trying to transport her to me, Dutchess finally arrived on Thanksgiving Day via airplane thanks to the Farris family and their “Pet Taxi” as well as WRM.

The next day I took Dutchess to the Vet for a check-up. I found out she had hookworms and a urinary tract infection (UTI). She also had numerous cysts and tumors on her body. The Vet treated the UTI and hookworms right then and there. We were to return in a week for cyst and tumor removal.

This photo shows Dutchess barking to go ‘bye-bye’. Little did she know she was going to have her cysts and tumors removed. After a week of nail biting and stress, the Vet reported her tumors were benign and her blood work was perfect. The Vet also stated Dutchess was “OLD” – very old! He estimated that she is at least 13 years or older. She appears to be very young and acts as a pup. Who cares about age? Not us!

Miss D. is adjusting well to our home and my other two Westies. She gets along just fine with her brother Rocky MacDuff:

(https://westiemed.org/stories/2004/rocky/).

However, her sister Miss Sophie Rose is another story. Sophie is our resident Alpha Diva and thinks she rules the world. Slowly, the girls have come to a truce and are learning to get along.

Thanks to WestieMed and their generosity, Dutchess now has a clean bill of health. She a fine old lady and we love her dearly!

Thanks again WestieMed for all you do to assure the health of these little Westies!

Update June 14, 2008:

Hi all! It’s me the Divine Miss D. Boy, did I ever hit the Jackpot! My Mom thinks I am the Cutest Thing that hit Harrison. She tells me I am a female Mr. Magoo. (That was my 17 year old Bubby that went to the Bridge.) I am so Sassy, Bossy and Demanding! I tell my Mom when I want to go outside and I don’t stop barking until she opens the door. I bark for my meals and again I don’t shut up until I get them and Mom is always on time believe me. I even bark until Mom gets up and gives me her chair.

have a clean bill of health and Mom just had the last of my Booboos removed. Big old thing on the back of my neck. It didn’t bother me but Mom is always doing a search looking for stuff. And of course, it has to go! I’m perfect and Mom helps me to stay that way. Not bad for a 14 year old.

My Sister Sophie Rose is acting better but not perfect. Sometimes she forgets and plays with me. My Brother Rocky is a gentle Giant. He’s good to me! My Bestest Friends Winnie and Elvis come to visit all the time. We get along GRAND.

Thanks to WestieMed I have a wonderful healthy life and thanks to WestieMed I have my friends Winnie and Elvis. Life is great! And I am so very happy!

Love, Dutchess