Photo of the Week Oct 14

Hey it B me, Finn! 

Meet our latest little rescue guy who was picked up in VA Beach at a State Troopers' home where he was playing with his K9 German Shepherd partner. The dogs' favorite game is toy tossing with Finn still attached on one end. The Trooper was given this little Westie as the original owners thought he was too much and kept him in a crate for 20 hours a day. The Trooper picked up his little butt and called Westie Rescue to see if we could find a "Westie Knowledgeable Home", as he is very friendly and needs to be someone's best little buddy.

Westie Rescue's quick answer was "of course we can help the little one! When can he get him?"

Early morning a day later, copilot Fergus jumped in the minivan at 4 AM to provide the turn-by-turn directional instructions all the way to VA Beach (he slept most of the way).

Useless road map reader – "directions expert" getting in a few more ZZZzzz, as he was awakened way too early. "The squirrels aren't even up yet! Wake me up when we get to a McDonald's as I could use a few French fries", he said as he drifted back to sleep to the gentle rocking of the car.

Three hours later, we met Mr. Finn and his K9 buddy. Finn showed he is one happy little guy who wanted to gently hold your finger in his mouth while your other hand petted him. We quickly introduced everyone and took a quick potty break and jumped back in the minivan for a long trip all the way to Annapolis, MD to our Vet (www.GAVH.com). The trip was long but uneventful as everyone slept the road trip hours way.

The Vets and staff at Great Annapolis Vet Hospital quickly took him, did a complete health check (including stool sample and urine testing), updated his shots, drew a blood sample for screening, trimmed his nails, received a well needed bath, had his eye fur trimmed, and had a photo session. As he is a puppy, he was ready to play for 2 hours afterwards. 😊 Aunt Wendy said the photo session was the hardest part as the outdoors have so much to see and sniff!

Each Westie as they come into our program receives the following health check-up and treatments :

• Full blood test screening + urine and stool.
• SNAP = heartworm and 3 tick borne diseases.
• Shots up dated (as required)
  • Distemper
  • Rabies
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• Checked for fleas, ticks, and internal parasites (hook, round, & whip worms)
• Bathed, groomed and nails trimmed (if needed)
• Neutered/Spayed (if needed)
• Any medical conditions identified and any required treatment started (continued by new owners with our assistance and oversight)

These health check points demonstrate why our program is very different from most rescue groups and why our medical costs run quite high on each and every Westie that comes into our program. Many Westies have not received regular medical attention during the course of their lives and frequently have highly treatable conditions that, unfortunately, were never attended to when they come into our program. Other Westies like Finn, just needed a few shots, a health check, blood tests, and they are ready for the next chapter of their lives.

Finn's new mom and dad were updated along the way that he is a perfect highway traveler, healthy, and is ready for his new life in the Virginia Shenandoah Valley. He will be going to his new home on Saturday morning and wanted to tell everyone Thank YOU for your support of this little program helping Westies like him find just the RIGHT home. One that will be a great fit for life!

Want to help another Westie get ready for his/her new home? LINK: Please donate now

Start a new life together with a homeless Westie!