Scruffy needs your help…

Scruffy needs our help – December 2022
(Scroll down for updates)

Westie Rescue needs help and a few prayers as one of our rescued Westies has been diagnosed with an operable tumor on his liver. Today is the day Scruffy goes under the knife and we will need to pay his bill when he comes out.

Scruffy is the ½ of a bonded pair of Westies who came into our program seeking what every Westie needs, a good safe home, a bed to snoozing (or a couch), and a human to love and care for them. Every Westie that comes into our program gets a complete health review and screening to make sure all is ok. In Scruffy case his blood test showed areas of concern. After a battery of tests, and expensive imaging, it was discovered he has a tumor that needs to come out so he can run and play once again.

Scruffy is in great hands at Surgery Specialists and we will report on his process.

Currently his Vet bill stands at $7,239.10. That is the amount we need to raise in the coming days to get Scruffy started on the road to wellness.

Can you help us help Scruffy? Donate Now: https://westierescue.stardonor.com/

Donations can be mailed to

Westie Rescue
PO Box 342
Dunn Loring, VA 22027

January 5, 2023 – Scruffy sent in a few fully body images and his right leg "poodle peg" to show his continuing tummy scar improvements. He said it really feels good to finally be able to stretch out in his bed. His mom reports that he is back to mumbling when asked about what type of treat or what dinner toppings are best layered over kibble. The translation is always one repeated set of words – "More is always better". 🙂

January 3, 2023 – Scruffy called in once again with an update and a few photos to display his surgery scars and how well they are healing. He once again wanted to express his thanks and gratitude to all of the 176 donors who provided the funds to pay off his vet bills so he could have a long life. Today Scruffy said he felt well enough to stretch out and get a tummy rub, one of his favorite activities since he started his new life. Before the surgery, he could not stretch out as he was in pain.

Congrats Scruffy, your post op recovery is going well. Keep it up.

January 1, 2023 – Westie Rescue and Scruffy would like to thank each and every person who responded to his plea for help. He and his mom are truly overwhelmed with gratitude as the donations have paid off his vet bills! 

Feeling much better knowing he does not have to stand on a street corner begging for loose change from random strangers any more.

December 31 New Year's Eve – Scruffy said he was feeling a little better so he thought a photo shoot would help get Westie Rescue over the top in paying off his Vet bill and maybe add a few dollars to the general fund to help the next Westie coming in to the program who needed extra care like he did. His efforts were only focused by the treats he was given as a reward for not running off to chase the squirrels that were teasing him by the fence. "But MOM, they are teasing me by just sitting there!"

December 30 PM – Scruffy called again to say "thank you, thank you, and Thank You" to the 119 people who have donated so far to pay off his vet bill before 12/31. He said he could not manage the interest charges as he only has access to Milk Bones and the Vet said "no way, cash only". He mumbled under his breath something about a quick nibble on an ankle or something to that effect upon hearing the payment structure.

He is feeling much better today now that his tummy is full and he pooped. He is looking for those added rations now that he is classified as an invalid. He said he would be watching out for the last donations that will push past the Vet bill number so there might be a few bucks left over for the two Westies that just came in from a backyard breeder in PA. They will need lots of Vet services including spaying/neutering.

Scruffy also wanted to say once again THANK YOU for all your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes for his recovery. He reads every note that come in and smiles.

December 30 – Here is Scruffy and his incision while looks nasty, is healing fine with no infections present.

December 29, PM – Scruffy just called to let everyone know he survived his surgery and wanted to say thank you for all the out pouring of prayers, thoughts, and all the generous donations to pay off the hospital staff. He is now seeking FOOD as the hospital stuff is really bad. His mom reports he is an excellent patient but he is on pain meds so he does not know what he is doing. 

Scruffy says, "What no treats only hospital food! A boy could starve to death on that stuff! Can you slip me a few French fries? I won't tell, I promise. The Doc does not need know!"

December 29, AM – Update from the hospital staff. Scruffy did well overnight and is eating (a great sign). Vital are stable. Off all IV meds, and will be released at 11 am! His foster mom has picked his big butt up gave him kisses and a big hug. He is home, wearing "His Hospital Cone", and wagging his tail. Congrats go out to Scruffy on the first stage of recovery.

"On my way home after surgery. I am so happy to see my humans again!"

December 28, 2 PM – Scruffy is out of surgery. Docs report that we were just in time as the tumor was getting ready to burst. It was just attached on one end and was 5 inches long, pushing up on his organs. He will stay over night but if all goes well in recovery, he will be in his home bed by tomorrow afternoon. 1st step was successful. Fingers crossed for long term results.

We are way over the top on our target of $7,239.10. Scruffy's call for help broke the record and we have Scruffy's Vet bill paid off. Which is a good thing as two more Westies just came in from a backyard puppy mill in PA. These two will need lots of vet services to get ready for a new life. Our average Vet bill per dog runs around $640 per dog. These two will be in the $800 each range.

All Westies receive the following health check-up and Vet services when they come into our program:

• Wellness check up
• Full blood test screening + urine and stool.
• SNAP = heartworm and 3 tick borne diseases
• Shots up dated (as required)
  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • 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, just need a few shots, a health check, blood tests, and they are ready for the next chapter of their lives.

This comprehensive health screening process allows each Westie to be ready to start a new life in that special "Just Right" new home.

Start a new life together with a homeless Westie!