Westie Rescue of New England

Charlie

October 22, 2024December 1, 2025 by westiemed in Stories

Hello friends, my name is Charlie. I know that you’re my friends, because I love everyone I meet. Here is my story.…..

I lived my whole life in the same home. In August 2024 without warning, I was dropped off at a shelter in Easton, CT. The Animal Control officer realized that I was older — and likely needing special care — he thoughtfully reached out to Westie Rescue of New England who immediately went into action. The next day my foster mom Darlene arrived at the shelter to take me home.

I was confused with all of the changes but I knew I was in a good place. I received the first of many medicated baths to help heal my skin along with lots of good food and cuddle time. Two days later, I went to see the vet. They checked me from top to bottom, taking lots of blood tests.

I had two badly infected ears, skin problems, very bad teeth and they were most concerned about a large, painful mass I had on my foot.

They scheduled me for surgery and I came through it like a champ! My bad teeth were removed, my ears have been treated and are so much better and best of all the scary tumor on my foot was benign! My future is bright now and at 11 years young I am feeling great!

My foster moms, Darlene and Hester, could not resist my charm and are now “Failed Fosters”. I personally think that is the best kind of foster. Today, I live with my two, loving moms and my adorable and very busy one-year-old Westie sister, Agnes. I have already been on two, fun-filled family vacations. I love to travel, and I am living my best life — a life I could have only dreamed of!

Thank you, WestieMed, for all your support and for helping Westie Rescue of New England to help me. My golden years will surely be the best ever!

Update July 14, 2025:

This is Me Now! 🐾

Woof! Charlie here, reporting for duty from my forever home!

Remember me? The sad pup who showed up at the shelter almost a year ago? Well, plot twist – I’m actually the HAPPIEST boy now! My foster moms were supposed to be temporary, but joke’s on them because I’m never leaving. Foster fail? More like foster WIN!

Turns out I’m not actually a grumpy old man – I’m a lovable goofball who just needed the right humans who could figure out my secret: I speak Russian! “Sidet” means sit, “lapa” means paw, and “idi syuda” means come here. My moms learned my language just for me. Talk about dedication!

Life is pretty sweet now. I’ve got my baby sister Agnes (she’s 2 and thinks she’s the boss – adorable), two amazing moms, and a passport practically! We’ve been to Colonial Williamsburg, Florida, the Carolinas, New York, and all over Connecticut. I’m basically a travel influencer now.

My daily schedule? Sleep till noon (obviously), demand breakfast (did I mention I LOVE food?), play with Agnes, go for adventures, swimming, car rides, more food, cuddles, and repeat. When I’m really happy, I do my signature play bow with my butt in the air – it’s my thing.

Sure, I bark like a German Shepherd trapped in a Westie body, and yes, I’m still stubborn as heck. But I’m healthy, happy, and living my best life as a 12-year-old who acts like a puppy again.

Thanks for not giving up on this old boy! 🥰❤️

Tail wags and happy wiggles, Charlie

Update December 1, 2025:

It is I—Sir Charles Gilbert Underfoot—reporting in with the utmost dignity, fluff, and enthusiasm to share my latest annual update.

What a tremendous year it has been! Since joining my wonderful rescue family, life has been nothing short of grand. I continue to thrive under the tender care of my mama, Hester, who manages my every need with elegance and devotion—especially now that I am navigating my recent diabetes diagnosis with the courage and poise befitting a true West Highland gentleman.

I am also delighted (and occasionally bewildered) to share my kingdom with my lively little sister, Agnes. She is exuberant, unpredictable, and entirely charming, and together we form quite the duo. She keeps me on my toes, and I keep her in line—mostly.

This year’s adventures have taken me near and far. I’ve traveled to several states to visit family and friends, greeting each new place with my trademark confidence and impeccable manners. I even had the pleasure of visiting a farm, where I met a remarkable array of animals—goats, chickens, cows, and more—each appropriately impressed by my presence.

At home, I maintain my rightful position stretched luxuriously across most of the king-size bed, securing optimal comfort at all times. Life is busy, joyful, and full of new experiences, and I am thriving every step (and nap) of the way.

Thank you for the gift of this beautiful life and the family who cherishes me. I remain, as always,

Your loyal correspondent,

Sir Charles Gilbert Underfoot

Wizard

May 1, 2019December 23, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

In December 2018 we received a call from a woman on Long Island who had a six-year-old Westie that “we have no time for”. Wizard was spending most of his time crated or tied up outside with little positive human interaction. The family admitted to neglecting him and thankfully called rescue so he could have a better life.

Wizard went to live with a family who had lost their Westie. They were excited to have him and were going to foster him in hopes of adopting. Wizard had not had any veterinary care in five years so that was the top priority. Wizard had an extreme thirst and was having accidents so the vet did a series of tests and ruled out Cushing’s disease, Diabetes Mellitus and bladder infection. The vet diagnosed him with Diabetes Insipidus and put him on a bedwetting medication to help with the accidents.

The tests showed that Wizard’s liver levels were elevated so after a month a new blood panel was done and showed the liver levels were even higher so an ultrasound of his liver was done which showed he had a bladder full of bladder stones, 50-60 they estimated. Surgery was scheduled right away. During the bladder surgery, they also did a liver biopsy, the vet feels he may Copper Storage Disease and that the bladder stones were caused by his liver issues. We are still waiting for the results of the liver biopsy but Wizard is recovering nicely from his bladder surgery and is back to his normal routine.

We are hopeful that once we get the results and a treatment plan Wizard can be adopted into his forever home and have the life he always deserved. He is a sweet little man that has so much love to give. He had a bad start in life and now has a chance at a very bright future.

Wizard’s ongoing medical issues were a financial strain for our little rescue. His surgery was much more than we were originally quoted and more than we were prepared for. We take in many seniors and ill Westies. We have a few that are forever fosters as they are unadoptable, so our budget is always tight. The help from WestieMed is a tremendous blessing as it helped us to help Wizard and helps us to continue our work to save more little white dogs.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank WestieMed!

Best Westie Regards,
Westie Rescue of New England & Wizard

Update November 20, 2019

Wizard - WestieMed Recipient Update — Wizard – WestieMed Recipient November 2019 Update

We thank you for your financial assistance for Wizard’s surgery on April 1, 2019. When Wizard first joined our family in late December of 2018, he was underweight, snapped and bit us, was scared of a leash and was kennel protective amongst other issues, and no vet visits for 5 years – his teeth were almost black! The most serious was his biting and constant urination in the house regardless of being taken out moments before. These issues were almost deal-breakers.

His many visits to the vet resulted in a variety of medications for bed-wetting and ALT levels. When he started urinating in his sleep, we knew it was more of a medical issue. We’ve never had a dog wet in his sleep! After an MRI, we learned that Wizard had bladder stones. Surgery was performed and resulted in the removal of 50-60 bladder stones poor guy was probably in pain and I assume those stones caused him involuntary urination and anger issues! Also, a biopsy of his liver was performed and determined very high ALT levels.

Following his recuperation, he became a new dog! He was placed on a liver diet and a daily dose of Denamarin for his liver issues. Jackie sent Chinese herbs for his liver but Wizard did not like them and refused to eat his food so we discontinued the herbs. He’s now up to about eighteen pounds, seems happier, has settled in, is no longer involuntarily urinating, no longer bites, his anger issues are under control, his ALT levels are down to about 380, from almost 900, and continue to fall. We take him to the vet about every two-three months to check on his ALT levels, and his shots are all up to date and have had dental care.

Wizard has become very affectionate, loves to play with his many toys, has learned to trust us (for the most part), obeys most commands, and has become a valued member of our family. We recently moved into a new neighborhood and Wizard has embraced everyone he meets! To think that if the MRI had not been completed, and if Wizard had not had this surgery, he would not be with us today hat surgery and your financial assistance saved this poor guys life!

He has made our life richer and we so love him to pieces! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE to this well-deserved little guy!

Best wishes to WestieMed. We hope your involvement with other Westies in need results in positive outcomes as well.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Kathy & Tim Johnson

Update November 20, 2019

His many visits to the vet resulted in a variety of medications for bed wetting and ALT levels. When he started urinating in his sleep, we knew it was more of a medical issue. We’ve never had a dog wet in his sleep! After an MRI, we learned that Wizard had bladder stones. Surgery was performed and resulted in the removal of 50-60 bladder stonesâ€¦poor guy was probably in pain and I assume those stones caused him involuntary urination and anger issues! Also a biopsy of his liver was performed and determined very high ALT levels.

Following his recuperation, he became a new dog! He was placed on a liver diet and a daily dose of Denamarin for his liver issues. Jackie sent Chinese herbs for his liver but Wizard did not like them and refused to eat his food so we discontinued the herbs. He’s now up to about 18 pounds, seems happier, has settled in, is no longer involuntarily urinating, no longer bites, his anger issues are under control, his ALT levels are down to about 380, from almost 900, and continue to fall. We take him to the vet about every 2-3 months to check on his ALT levels, and his shots are all up to date and has had dental care.

Wizard has become very affectionate, loves to play with his many toys, has learned to trust us (for the most part), obeys most commands, and has become a valued member of our family. We recently moved into a new neighborhood and Wizard has embraced everyone he meets! To think that if the MRI had not been completed, and if Wizard had not had this surgery, he would not be with us todayâ€¦that surgery and your financial assistance saved this poor guys life!

He has made our life richer and we so love him to pieces! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE to this well-deserved little guy!

Best wishes to WestieMed. We hope your involvement with other Westies in need result in positive outcomes as well.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Kathy & Tim Johnson

Update May 2, 2020

Wizard is doing great. He receives lots of attention and walks since my son is quarantined with us as well! He returns from his two-three daily long walks exhausted and tries to hide in one of his many beds! Wizard appears to be very happy, eats well, and has become very affectionate – on his terms! He barks and looks at you with his big black eyes when he wants to sit in your lap or get on the sofa however, he does continue to growl when you want him off your lap or want him to get out of bed to go out. We’ve accepted this ‘growling’ as his way of saying “I’m happy here, don’t bother me!” but he still gets moved but hasn’t quite gotten the message yet- his growling isn’t as strong! He hasn’t urinated in the house since his bladder surgery and has learned to go to the door when he wants out he just hasn’t figured out he needs to bark so we know he needs to go, hence we just keep an ear out when he starts walking around. To our surprise, he can hold his pee from around 10 pm, until we force him up the next morning (he doesn’t like to get up in the AM) and he never seems like he’s in a hurry to get out! He has many toys but most of all he loves to play with his ‘moose doll’.

We have Wizard’s ALT levels checked about every 3-5 months, highest was in April 2019 at 890; June 2019 at 471; October 2019 at 306; Feb 2020 479; and April 2020 478. He is on Denamaran, 1 tab daily and is on a diet of Hepatic wet and dry dog food by Royal Canine. He’s a treat snob so he doesn’t like many treats and we don’t feed him table scraps. His weight has been consistent now for the past year and averages around 18 lbs. He seems to have bouts every 2-3 months with vomiting but the Vet hasn’t been able to find anything even with blood workups. He had an episode about 2 weeks ago when he repeatedly vomited so we took him to the Vet right away. By the time we got there he was wagging his tale and running around like he was never sick. Vet still couldn’t find anything wrong. The only other issue we have noticed is that sometimes his rear legs noticeably shake, Vet still couldn’t find anything. Wizard had a second dental cleaning Feb 3, 2020, and as noted at his first cleaning, he has gum disease so we are trying to brush his teeth more often, which he doesn’t like to say the least.

He has become the neighborhood mascot-everybody loves him and he in turns loves everybody. We think he is doing well in spite of his background. The Vet described him as an “old 7 year old” last year.

We thank WestieMed for their financial assistance but most of all NE Westie Rescue for their support and patience in assisting Wizard to live a happier more deserving life and finding a forever home – think he found one!!!

Sophie

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

Sophie’s story began in August when she was picked up as a stray and turned in to an animal shelter. She spent several months living alone, surrounded by strange sounds and smells. One day, she was picked up by rescue. The transition to her new life couldn’t have been more stark, as she traded her hard shelter habitat for a soft bed and blanket. Her rescue angel Lori brought her to a beach so she could smell the sea air. Sophie was so tired she fell asleep on the beach!

Sophie spent a few days under Lori’s care and the watchful eye of two Cairn terriers, Jay and Bennett. There were also two other foster Westies there resting before being transported to their new home. Sophie was very quiet at Lori’s house, preferring to spend most of her time resting and watching the goings-on of the other dogs. She wasn’t very hungry either, no matter how tempting the treats were.

Sophie made her way to her foster home. Foster mom Deb made her yummy food and Sophie started eating. In a few days, she was eating three meals a day and chewing yummy sticks. At her first vet visit, she had bloodwork and exam. However, in a few days’ time foster mom Deb felt that something was wrong and took her back for an ultrasound. The bloodwork came back and confirmed that something was indeed very wrong. Her liver values were all out of whack to start, and her kidney function was at 25%. The veterinarian diagnosed a gallbladder mucocele. If Sophie did not have surgery, her gallbladder could burst and leak toxins into the body, most likely killing her.

New England Westie Rescue Network went to work on fundraising while Sophie remained hospitalized. A few days later, she had a two-hour surgery to remove her gallbladder and do exploratory surgery in her duodenum and other parts of her gastrointestinal tract. Doctors removed a meat wrapper (the kind you get on the bottom of your meat at the supermarket) from her stomach. The surgery was a complete success, and after three days Sophie returned home. She is fighting a bacterial infection but making good progress. She has her appetite back and is playing with toys and her foster mom.

Sophie’s rescue was a collaborative effort between two independent rescuers and New England Westie Rescue Network. Our team thanks WestieMed for its generous, life-saving donation in support of dear Sophie’s care. She now has a high quality of life to look forward to, something that every Westie deserves.

Update October 28, 2014

Sophie is recovering very well at her foster home, right now.

She is being treated for ecoli infection from when she ingested the meat wrapper paper, poor girl.

Thank you WestieMed for giving her a donation.

I visited her this past weekend and snapped this picture.

Update July 27, 2015

Sophie passed away from a brain tumor this spring. Our sweet Sophie thanks you for helping her.

Lori
WRNE

Emerson

February 1, 2013December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Emerson is a six-year-old male Westie that came to Westie Rescue of New England from another local rescue in early January. Immediately upon Emerson’s arrival, his foster Mom noticed he had a terrible cough and seemed to be having trouble breathing, he was weak and unable to eat. Emerson was taken to the emergency vet where he was diagnosed with a collapsed trachea. We were told his ONLY chance for survival was stent surgery to open his airway. The cost of the surgery was estimated at $5,000. That was a huge amount of money for our “little rescue” but felt we had to give this poor little boy a chance at life… so we gave the surgeon the go-ahead. The custom stents were ordered and we prayed hard that Emerson would be alright as he waited in ICU for life-saving surgery. The surgery was a great success and Emerson’s breathing immediately changed. He was more active and eating well…. he was a new dog! Shortly after his stent surgery, Emerson started coughing again. We were worried that something had happened to his stents and his foster Mom rushed him to the emergency vet again. Emerson was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to spend another week in ICU. The day before he was scheduled to come home an old injury on his face filled up with an infection and burst and now he had to undergo surgery to implant a drain in his little face. The infection was found to be antibiotic resistant and a special formula had to be made to treat him. The total for that hospital stay was another $3,400. He made progress and was happy to go back home with his foster Mom. We are thrilled to say that he is thriving now. He is described by his foster Mom as the sweetest little boy ever and it is obvious that he really enjoys life! Our cost had now reached nearly $9,000 to save Emerson and our funds were left pretty much depleted. We were worried that should he need another hospitalization we would not have the funds to pay for it. We also needed to make sure we had funds on hand to continue to be able to help other newcomers to our rescue as well as maintain the unadoptable forever fosters that live out the rest of their lives in our volunteer homes. Emerson will require to follow up care twice a month for the next three months and then after that as needed. He is a wonderful little soul and we are thankful that he is doing so well since his surgeries. He has been through so much but always kept fighting and we were never ready to give up on him. Emerson is truly a special little Westie. Our hope is that someday he will find a wonderful forever home but if not he will stay in our care for as long as needed.

When we got the news that Westie Med was approving our application and giving us financial assistance it was the best news ever!! Your help means more than you know and our gratitude is beyond words. We are grateful to the Board of Directors at WestieMed and we thank you for helping us help Emerson.

Best Westie Regards,
Karen Stone
Westie Rescue of New England Inc.

Update: August 19, 2013

Emerson was able to instantly breathe after having three stents placed in his trachea.

Thank you for your help. He has had an ongoing infection in his left ear caused by a foreign object. He has a fistula on his cheek that continues to drain pus daily as a result. The vet thinks that some of the pus draining into his trachea has been instrumental in his two bouts of pneumonia. He will be going back for an ablation this week to hopefully finish his problems. He is a great little guy and loves life. He is a joy to everyone who knows him.

Once again that’s for your help we are a small rescue and every penny counts. After this week we will have spent $20,000. So your help was invaluable.

Debra