Westie Rescue of Orange County

Abby

September 1, 2019December 30, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Abby was picked by the shelter as a stray. She was listed as “code yellow” which means she was not available to the public, only to rescue. The shelter called WROC as a last resort and, of course, we took her. She had three large bladder stones, each the size of a handball. She went directly to our vet and was operated on the next day. Her bladder walls were weak and did not hold the stitches from the first surgery, so she had a second surgery to repair and replace the stitches.

We took her home and she would not eat or drink for almost a week. We went back to the vet for fluids and medicine. X-rays and bloodwork showed that she was recovering, but it took her quite some time to come around. Then one evening, she started wagging her tail and cleaned her bowl. She is a very sweet girl and we are really happy that we were able to save her. She is still recovering and will be available for adoption in a few weeks.

Thank you for your assistance.

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond

Update May 2, 2020

Abby was happily adopted by Melodee, a retired registered nurse. Melodee had been looking for a companion for some time and discovered Abby on our website.

Thanks to WestieMed who provided financial assistance for her bladder stone surgeries, WROC was able to give Melodee a healthy and happy Abby. We sincerely appreciate all that WestieMed has done for us over the years. Attached is a picture of Abby’s favorite place in her new home.

Please let everyone at WestieMed know how grateful we are!!

Kay DeLoach
www.WestieRescueOC.com
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update September 3, 2020

We really appreciate WestieMed’s support of WROC over the years. Abby and her Mom Melodee are doing just great. Here is what Melodee wrote: “Abby and I are fine! I feel so blessed to have her with me during this crazy time. Abby passed all her vet checks with flying colors. She is wonderful!!”

Thank you so much for a very happy ever after for Abby!
Kay DeLoach

Missy

August 1, 2018December 23, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Missy was found wandering on a golf course in coyote country by a Good Samaritan. She had no identification or collar, so they took her to the shelter. She was microchipped and the shelter called the owner.

The owner stated he did not want the dog back. Because of her multiple issues, a huge growth on her inner thigh, mammary tumors, and bleeding from the rectum, the shelter deemed her unadoptable.

They called Westie Rescue of Orange County (WROC) as a last resort and, of course, we took her.

The growth turned out to be a giant wart, the mammary tumors were fatty tumors, and the bleeding was caused by a non-cancerous polyp. Our vet removed the wart, fatty tumors and the polyp which took 3 surgeries. Missy never complained and remained her happy sweet self. She has recovered beautifully and is now available for adoption.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update August 14, 2019

Missy learned that life is full of wonderful second chances. She was adopted by a lovely couple and they think she is lovely, too. Missy found a new beginning and a great Mom who tells us they are honored to have a girl like her join their family. We are all so happy!

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update November 20, 2019

Missy continues to thrive with her family. She is a very happy girl and they love her to pieces.

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Davey

May 1, 2018December 23, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

Davey is a 14-year-old Westie that came to the shelter at the request of the police due to gross neglect. We called every day for 6 weeks to inquire about his possible release date. We were desperate to get him to WROC knowing that a little senior boy of his age would fail to thrive in the shelter environment.

Unfortunately, animals are legally classified as property in the United States, therefore Davey was being held as “evidence”. Our wish finally came true when an officer from the shelter called us on a Tuesday morning, May 8th. The officer handed Davey over to us that very afternoon with tears in his eyes.

Davey was taken to our vet immediately where he was treated for ear and eye infection, received a complete blood panel, clipped his extraordinarily long nails that curled inward making it very difficult to walk, and we scheduled a dental for later in the week. Davey would nip when anyone would get near his mouth so we knew he had a lot of issues going on with his teeth.

Davey - WestieMed Recipient May 2018 — Davey – WestieMed Recipient May 2018

We took him home, bathed and shaved out all of his mats, including rock hard feces stuck in between his pads. This was very stressful for him and he was given many breaks throughout the ordeal.

He later received his dental where fifteen abscessed teeth were removed. We were shocked that all fifteen were accessed and worried about his dental recovery. A mass was also found in his mouth which was removed and sent out for biopsy. Davey has five teeth left. The rest must have fallen out at one point.

He is now receiving antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and immune building supplements and his skin have improved quite a bit from the sores the mats left behind.

We were in for a huge surprise! In just one week in foster care, he is recovering beautifully and his personality is really beginning to shine. He no longer nips when we touch his head or mouth. His recovery is something to behold. Davey is happy and we are so grateful we got him when we did so we could treat the pain his infections caused. He is turning into a very happy dog!

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update July 2019

We knew we would have very little interest in Davey due to his age but that would never stop us from helping a senior boy. Davey is officially a WROC Forever Foster dog, and making that decision was not a hard one to make at all. Being deaf with limited eyesight, we felt it was in his best interest to stay with us since he had been through so much. This little fellow loves to be loved, eats like a horse and snores like a lumberjack. He is gentle, feisty, grumpy, loving, and quite bossy. Our favorite kind!

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Wally

January 1, 2017December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

On November 29, 2016, we received a call from a woman who stated that her daughter has a Westie that she wants to euthanize due to his skin problems. She sent pictures of the dog and the neglect was so severe that we asked her to bring him to us the very next day. Wally arrived in terrible shape. He was grossly underweight and every bone in his body protruded through. For a dog his size, he should be about eighteen pounds. His eyes were covered in discharge and he screamed when his ears were touched. He smelled so badly and it was quite obvious this dog had never been bathed. By the time we got home, his car seat was covered in yeasty crust.

Wally was taken to our vet the next day to treat his ears and eyes, blood work and a skin scraping to rule out mites. His ears were full of bacteria, rods, and cocci. His dental was put off for a while so he had a chance to heal and gain some strength. Yesterday, his dental was done and he was found to have many fractured teeth and the roots were rotted and some parts missing.

On top of being incredibly sweet, this little guy is a trooper! He is so appreciative of his baths and absolutely loved getting all the muck scrubbed off. He is looking better and better every day. Someone is going to get an amazing dog! Wally’s care has been costly! Unfortunately, such neglect requires extensive medical care.

Karen Simondet and Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond

Update January 29, 2018

It took all of two months to get Wally back to his normal self after such a long period of neglect.

In January, Wally was adopted and joined a family with two other Westies. Wally is on the right.

Though he still has an occasional skin flareup, his Mom and Dad stay on top of his care and as such, he has grown a beautiful full coat.

Thank you WestieMed for sponsoring Wally!

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Callie

January 1, 2015December 24, 2020 by westiemed in Stories

When Callie came to rescue from a San Diego shelter, we thought she had the typical skin issues that we deal with often in rescue and figured she would be fixed up in no time. Once we took care of her skin issues, she was ready to be moved to a foster home while we interviewed applicants. During her time in her new foster home, it was noticed that she was again losing some hair and was drinking a lot of water. We brought Callie back to our vet where we had a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel and urinalysis performed and because we noticed her belly was larger than normal, we had her tested for Cushings Disease. Low and behold, Callie did have Cushings. Knowing that it would be very difficult to adopt a dog with Cushings, Callie’s foster Mom agreed to foster Callie for as long as it took to find her an appropriate home.

Several months went by with little interest in our girl but we remained hopeful. Shortly thereafter, another issue popped up with this little girl that just could not catch a break. We had been battling her chronic ear infections since she came to rescue, but it was painfully obvious that something drastic needed to be done. Back to the vet, we went and during her exam, it was suggested we seek a second opinion with a specialist. Our fears were confirmed that Callie would need TECA surgery (Total Ear Canal Ablation). Poor Callie was stuck in a cycle of inflammation, infection, and fibrosis and the pain was just too much to bear. Callie had her first TECA surgery in June of 2014.

Callie’s foster Mom was amazing and brought Callie through rehab beautifully. With all these issues stacked against Callie, we knew finding her a forever home was nearly impossible. So we approached her foster Mom and told her we would take her into our forever foster program once a home opened up. Callie’s Mom literally made our hearts swell when she said that she would officially adopt Callie. Knowing that she would most likely need another TECA surgery down the line, we agreed to a provisional adoption should Callie need another surgery.

Everything was smooth for quite some time, but when her second surgery approached, we were not surprised. We were grateful that her foster Mom was willing to get her through this next hurdle with the love and care she has received since she arrived at WROC. What is even more amazing is how sweet and gentle Callie has remained during all of this. She is a smart girl and a very good patient. We do believe she knows we are here to help.

This is an expensive surgery and Callie’s costs since coming into our program have been astronomical. Thanks to WestieMed, Callie just had her second TECA surgery. So many Westies are abandoned to shelters due to their medical issues. WestieMed has helped so many Westies get the help they so desperately need.

Kay DeLoach
WROC

Update January 15, 2016

Callie is doing very well now.

After a couple of setbacks and more surgery, this little girl has made an astounding recovery.

Her Mom, Kim, swears that Callie is able to hear despite the surgery on both ears.

Callie is happy and well-loved by Mom Kim and brother Mini-Cooper!!

Kay DeLoach
WROC

Update November 16, 2016

Callie is thriving with Kim & Mini-Cooper.

She requires regular medical care which her Mom takes great care of.

The picture is from WROC’s 2016 Photoshoot.

Thank you very much for helping this adorable Westie.

We are forever grateful.

Kay DeLoach

Mojo

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

Little MoJo lost his home when his owners brought him to the San Pedro Animal Shelter. They felt that MoJo was “too high maintenance”, cost too much to groom and complained that he was always constipated. This was a very sad day because not only did they dump this very sick little boy, they took home another dog from the shelter. We picked him up within just a few hours of him being dropped off at the shelter.

MoJo was taken to our vet where he had to be sedated in order to shave him down. The mats embedded his skin, but as our vet always does, they left his head alone. Everyone knows not to shave our Westies’ heads! A complete blood panel was performed and aside from an upper respiratory infection, ear and eye infections and obvious dental disease, he was sent home with antibiotics, eye, and ear meds until his dental could be scheduled at a later time.

Over the next few days, we noticed a lump that would come and go at the right side of the base of his tail, but his appetite was healthy and within a few days he started playing with toys and the other dogs. Two weeks after arrival, his dental was scheduled.

On the morning of his appointment, he did not seem to feel well, so in keeping with our appointment, we planned to get him to the vet and change his dental appointment to an observation stay instead. As we headed off to the vet, MoJo became violently ill on the ride there. He was examined, blood work was redone, he was hospitalized and put on fluids. His blood showed his ALT levels were off the charts and he was diagnosed with a Perineal Hernia. Surgery had to be put on hold until we could get his levels back to normal, but in the meantime, his hernia was getting worse. He struggled to potty and cried each time and we were constantly pushing it back in. We ran a third blood test several weeks later and his ALT levels were back to normal and he has been cleared for surgery.

During surgery, his surgeons spent the first hour trying to control blood vessels. It was obvious when they opened him up that he’s had this for a very long time. This problem is rarely seen in castrated males and it’s a bit of a mystery as to when MoJo was neutered but we do know it was recent as his stitches were still intact. Our vet also discovered a mass lump above his rectum adhered to his rectal tissue. It was not attached to his anal glands which is good news! His colon was herniating as was the fat from the prostate. This fat was necrotic so they cut it all out and the decision was made to leave the lump because it has so adhered to the tissue and this being a delicate surgery, to begin with, the chance of fecal incontinence with is always a risk with this type of surgery so a needle biopsy will be done at a later time. While he was under, an enormous about of debris cemented onto his teeth was removed. MoJo is recovering as planned and has come home to heal.

We are so happy that we rescued MoJo and with the generous sponsorship from WestieMed, MoJo had a surgery that he should have had a very long time ago. This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life for this very sweet boy.

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update December 6, 2014

Mojo’s bladder is full and it can not be expressed. We may be looking at either a urethral obstruction or tumor or inflammation. We will do an x-ray. We were prepared to move ahead with his treatment, but his little body shut down and sadly Mojo passed away.

KayDeLoach
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Nilla

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

When we received an email from the Westie Yahoo Group that a female senior dog was in a desert shelter, we sent a volunteer right over. Nilla was brought in by a couple that said she was thirteen years old, and they found her wandering the streets. They adopted a puppy and left. More often than not, seniors that end up in shelters are brought there by their owners because they have aged. Upon her veterinarian examination, it was noted that she had severe osteoarthritis in her front shoulders, spine, and hindquarters. Nilla was up for adoption, but those that inquired about her eventually declined. Not because of her age, but because of the cost associated with keeping her comfortable. Though we were managing the pain with medication, it became clear that Nilla would need much more help physically and that becoming a WROC Forever Foster was her best chance of getting everything she needs.

We started to notice that Nilla’s appetite was being affected by the pain associated with the osteoarthritis and it was getting much worse much faster so we brought her to our vet for another consult. Because Nilla is spry and so wants to enjoy all the pleasures that senior hood brings our vet suggested stem cell treatment would be Nilla’s best bet. After doing the research and talking with other owners that have done SCT, and because our vet facility specializes in SCT, we’ve decided this is the way to go.

Nilla is an ideal candidate for stem cell treatment which is a procedure that collects fat cells from the dog’s body. The regenerative cells that are collected do several things: They release chemicals that help decrease inflammation; they send out chemicals to the body to bring healing cells into that area; and they have the potential to regenerate damaged tissue – in other words, nearly reproducing tissue as it was at a younger stage. Under local anesthesia, the cells will be re-injected back into Nilla’s arthritic areas in greater concentration than her own body could’ve accomplished.

The cost of the procedure is very expensive but it is worth extending the quality of Nilla’s life. With the generous sponsorship that Nilla received from a previous adopter and WestieMed, Nilla now has the funds to start treatment!

Rescue is their last chance, so we are going to make it their best chance!

Thank you WestieMed for helping us fulfill our commitment to our seniors!

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond

Update July 3, 2014

We don’t recognize this dog! We are approaching three months since Nilla had her Stem Cell Therapy. It appears she reacted to the stem cells rather quickly and we saw rapid improvement in her movement, mobility, agility, and temperament. We have eliminated all medication and today, she struts with confidence and gets up off the floor with ease. Her appetite has returned to normal with a weight gain of two pounds which we couldn’t be more pleased! Should her improved condition plateau, enough stem cell was collected to repeat the treatment; typically done six months apart.

We are impressed by the ease of procedure, with little in the way of invasive surgery (primarily, anesthesia for the collection of fat and re-injection two days apart) which meant that Nilla left the hospital as though nothing took place.

Currently, the process is open for the treatment of osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, and poorly healing fractures, however studies are presently ongoing for use of this therapy in the treatment of liver failure, feline kidney disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and various autoimmune conditions. Thus far the procedure is most commonly used to arthritis and the results have been impressive. Decreased pain with improved mobility, a win-win combination. It is exciting to think where this therapy could lead us. Because the fat cells are taken from the patient, there is no chance of rejection. What it has to offer presently, and what it could offer to our animal companions in the future could change the way we look at traditional veterinarian medicine.

Thank you WestieMed! Improving the quality of life for our seniors is our mission; one we take to heart.

Karen and Kay
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond (WROC)

Update July 14, 2015

My sweet girl passed away in December from kidney failure.

Karen Simondet

Gus - WestieMed Grant Recipient January 2013

Gus

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

All Westies at WROC are special, but Gus is a very lucky boy that had a lot of people rooting for him. This sweet boy, that we believe to be approximately five years old was picked up by Animal Control as a stray and taken to a high kill shelter. Not knowing he was injured, Gus sat in the shelter for several days, sharing a kennel with thirteen other dogs. Our friends at S.A.F.E. Animal Rescue took him home, fed him a warm meal, put him on antibiotics and tucked him in safely for the night in preparation for his long drive to WROC the next day where he was taken to our vet immediately. X-rays indicated a ruptured abdominal wall that allowed his intestines and fatty tissue normally found behind the muscles in the abdomen to push through, most likely sustained from being hit by a car. Gus underwent emergency surgery and while he was under anesthesia, his blood pressure was dangerously dropping. His surgical team had to close him up quickly in order to save his life. Gus needed time to get stronger, and a week later, he underwent a second surgery to finish repairing all of his internal injuries. Gus was released from the hospital a week later and is now resting comfortably. Throughout his ordeal, one would have never known Gus was hurting. This brave little dog will make a full recovery. Gus is a very happy boy that enjoys life and is looking forward to finding his forever home.

Thank you WestieMed for assisting with Gus’ expensive veterinarian bills. We are so appreciative of all you do!

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update March 4, 2013

We are so pleased to let you know that Gus was adopted by a wonderful adopter that had been following Gus’ story from the very beginning.

Gus made a full recovery and is now enjoying a wonderful new life filled with family outings, lots of walks, vacations and is one very spoiled Westie.

Thank you WestieMed for your assistance with our very sweet boy and for your generosity with countless other deserving Westies.

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Update July 15, 2013

It has been six months since Gus was found at a high kill shelter suffering from life-threatening injuries after being hit by a car. After two surgeries, rehabilitation in foster care and being officially adopted in March, Gus continues to thrive! His new person dotes on him and there isn’t a want or need that goes unfulfilled. Gus travels quite a bit between Southern California and San Francisco to visit family and friends and it was recently discovered that Gus is a water dog! The first time he saw a pool, he walked around it for about 1/2 hour and then decided to jump in at the steps. His family cheered him on as he swam back and forth and it was quite obvious that Gus was very pleased with himself. He loves to chase squirrels up trees, he gets home-cooked meals, absolutely loves his toys and he even gets blueberry facials with his regular grooming every six weeks. He is sweet, gentle, happy and his personality just lights up a room! But the best part of Gus’ journey is that he is safe and he is living an incredible life!

Thank you WestieMed for helping us make Gus’ dreams come true!

Karen Simondet
Westie Rescue of OC & Beyond

Pixie

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

Pixie is a dog that was turned into Westie Rescue of Orange County and Beyond in March of 2011 by the son of her owner who had dementia. When she came to us, she was in severe distress from multiple infections and the most severe case of atopic dermatitis we have ever seen. She had a sweet demeanor and her big eyes looked into ours with a pleading cry of “please, help me.” So, she began the journey down her road to recovery.

Antibiotics, medicated baths, ear drops, and a special diet all contributed to Pixie’s recovery. But, the biggest and most dramatic improvements were seen when she started taking Atopica. We have worked with two different veterinarians and spent many months of trial adjusting the dosage and have settled on a dosage o 50mg. We have assurance from the vet this is a safe dosage for a dog who may live another ten years.

We, here at Westie Rescue, are ecstatic about the turn around this dog has made and thrilled that she is healthy again.

As you might imagine, it has been difficult placing Pixie in a permanent home due to the ongoing cost of the Atopica she needs to live a comfortable life. Just recently, a retired nurse has expressed interest in our little Pix.

It has been a very long journey for Pixie and we are very hopeful that she may finally find her perfect home. We will keep you updated.

Thank you all for funding our little Pixie. I cannot express how much we appreciate your generosity. Thank you again. Pixie sends kisses!!

Sincerely,
Kay DeLoach President, WROC

Update February 6, 2013

Pixie spent 297 days with WROC and traveled a very long road to recovery. She emerged a beautiful Westie. She was adopted by a wonderful new Mom, Marge. Marge says that she took one look at Pixie and knew that it was meant to be.

Pixie continues to thrive but will need to take Atopica for the rest of her life. WROC set up a program for Marge, who is a senior, to purchase Atopica at half price. Thanks to the generosity of WestieMed, we were able to restore Pixie’s health and place her in a loving home.

Kay DeLoach
Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond