Breezy and Woody - WestieMed Recipient

Breezy & Woody

by westiemed in Stories

September 2005:

Breezey and Woody are seven-month-old siblings Westies. Born in a puppy mill, they are from a litter of four …all of which were very sickly. Breezey and Woody are the only two that survived but have remained sickly since their birth. Of course, sickly puppies do not sell, and veterinarians cost a lot of money. Inasmuch as the breeder could not sell sick puppies and did not want to pay the vet costs needed to help them, the pups were released to rescue.

Breezey and Woody are tiny…less than half the size they should be at this age. Both suffer from stunted growth, respiratory disease, conjunctival discharge, a degree of lethargy and depression, anemia, marked leukocytosis (inflammation), mildly elevated serum globulins, and nucleated red blood cells.

Test after test after test has all come back negative for what could be causing their illness. Distemper, toxoplasmosis, Ehrlichia…all negative. No vomiting, diarrhea, or urination problems. No evidence of liver shunts. 

It is possible that they could have been exposed to some sort of toxins early in their life. It is also possible that the combined effects of drastic malnutrition and some prior viral illness and possibly the use of steroids early in life could have caused these problems. Their symptoms best toxoplasmosis or similar type of organism…but so far, the things for which there are tests have all come back negative. There are disorders for which there are not adequate tests, such as sorcocystis. They are currently living at the hospital and being treated with antibiotics and vitamin supplements. They have good days and bad days. It is very frustrating.

These pups have fought to live for this long. They have a will to live, and we want to give them every chance possible to recover. The pups are still very ill, and more testing may be necessary to continue to try to determine a cause. We simply do not have the funds to continue medical care for these pups as it is costing a small fortune…and the vet bill is growing every day they remain at the hospital. Without question, if WestieMed had not agreed to help, these pups would not be alive today.

We are very grateful to WestieMed for enabling us to give these pups a chance at a healthy life. We also appreciate the public’s response upon hearing about the pups’ struggle to live. If anyone would like to help us help Breezey and Woody, please consider making a monetary contribution to WestieMed. WestieMed is Wonderful!

Thank you WestieMed and your supporters – From all of us at Westie Rescue of Greater Washington (D.C).

Update, September 25, 2005: 

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Breezey passed away. Please keep Woody in your thoughts and prayers as he is still fighting for his life.

Update, September 30, 2005:

Sadly, Woody has joined his sister Breezey at the Rainbow Bridge. 

We’d like to thank everyone at the Greater Annapolis Veterinary Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital for all of their efforts to save Breezey and Woody. We’d especially like to thank Veterinarian Dr. Daher and Vet Assistant Wendy Opel for their tireless efforts and personal commitment to the pups; and to WestieMed, without whose assistance the top-notch veterinary care would not have been possible.

And to everyone who donated toward Breezey and Woody’s vet bills, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We certainly encourage you to continue to support the efforts of WestieMed. WestieMed’s commitment to helping the most seriously ill rescue Westies may one day benefit the entire Westie community; for someday, treatment may be found for something which otherwise would have necessitated a Westie being euthanized because it would otherwise be too cost-prohibitive to diagnose and/or treat.

Rest in peace sweet Breezey and Woody….’till we meet again… 

Wesley - WestieMed Recipient

Wesley

by westiemed in Stories

October 2000:

We received our lovable Westie, Wesley, on July 8, 2000. The Westie Rescue service said Wesley came from an abusive/neglectful home. He was suffering from severe lung problems and was never properly treated for a broken leg. Arthritis had set in to the legs and hip area. Most importantly, Wesley was hospitalized for pneumonia in February, but these effects were still plaguing him. He was put on antibiotics to help the lung infection but all efforts were failing.

Wesley was sent to a internal medicine specialist where it was determined that he was suffering from chronic bronchitis. The course of treatment included a trachael wash which would swipe his lungs and determine exactly what treatment needed to take place to stop the “crackling” and coughing from his chest. In October, Wesley was finally medically stable enough to have the trachael wash done, and was also neutered at the same time. The rescue service believes Wesley is around 10 years old but we know that he has many happy years ahead of him!

The tracheal wash determined his lungs were still severely infected and inflamed and he has been put on more aggressive antibiotics to rid him of this problem once and for all. Wesley has also been put on medication for his arthritis which couldn’t be done until they determined what was wrong with his lungs. We know Wesley feels like a new dog since he’s been with us these last three months but we hope this will help him feel even happier and healthier.

Wesley - WestieMed Recipient
Wesley – WestieMed Recipient

Wesley has fit right in with our family. He loves his sister, another Westie we bought before Wesley. Madison is three years old and they love to wrestle and chase each other around the house. He also takes a daily walk with her around our neighborhood. They’re best friends.

Wesley seemed very hesitant of people when he first came to us, especially of men. He often hid behind furniture so he could feel safe when he feel asleep but as the weeks went by he came out of his shell and made his presence known. His Westie personality is shining through! He loves to spend time outside just looking around the neighborhood and barking at squirrels and rabbits. He loves to give kisses (he didn’t know what they were when he first came to us). He may be an older dog but we have taught him new tricks! He watches Madison and imitates her tricks, after all he knows if he does it he gets one of his favorite treats.

Wesley - WestieMed Recipient
Wesley – WestieMed Recipient

Wesley is a joy to have. He is absolutely spoiled rotten and loving it! Thanks to WestieMed and Westie Rescue of Greater Washington, MD, his medical costs have been covered – and they have been pretty expensive.

Second hand dogs do make first rate pets!

C.O., Hagerstown, Maryland