Updates as told by an old Westie – Fergus "Ambassador for Westie Rescue"
Age: 16 – 9 Months and counting
Hello from Westie Rescue HQ in Dunn Loring, Virginia!
As a senior and ambassador for Westie Rescue MidAtlantic Region, I thought I would provide updates on our many activities here on the East Coast as I possess unique insight as I myself was a Westie that was helped by this program.
My background
I came into Westie Rescue with my mom and 5 bothers and sisters as she was pregnant with us when my dad picked her up along with 5 other Westies and a few Cairns down in southeast VA (Suffolk County, VA) as part of a backyard dog breeding disaster breakup. That is me in the blue band diving in for breakfast! Poor Momma...
Since joining Westie Rescue, I have been at the great annual Westie Christmas Walk for going on 16 years. I have been the official Westie greeter at the Virginia Scottish Games, multiple Scottish festivals, county and State events, interviewed on TV. LINK: https://www.petinfocafe.com/post/title-unleashing-the-charm-of-westies-your-guide-to-the-adorable-west-highland-white-terriers, and even on to the US Capitol grounds to hunt squirrels. Lots of chases but nothing to take home to cook.
As part of my Westie Rescue efforts, I am the co-pilot on hundreds of pick ups and drop offs of Westies coming and going to our wonderful Vets and fostering here at my house. I like them all, but like guests, they need be gone after three days, so dad and I can have our undisturbed bonding time. After they leave my house, I get one of my toys and run to dad to wrestle, then I enjoy a good undisturbed snooze in one of my many comfy beds.
This past year, I have traveled over 17,000 miles pick up and dropping off Westies all over NC, VA, WV, MD and even into Delaware and PA! Dad and I stop by McDonalds on every road trip for French Fries so I stay alert and help with the driving.
Ok enough about me, now back to Westie activities… I like talking about myself as most Westies do. I think the world revolves around me and my wants and desires. That is why we Westies have staff not owners.
Finally Updates….
This Fall has been extremely busy with Westies needing our help to get ready for a new home. 20+ Westies have come into the program. Many needed expensive treatments and specialized Vet services to get well.
First up on that long list was Miss Mills - 2 yr old female who had such a strong heart mummer, that the Vet was shocked! Off she went to the Cardio specialists at CVCA where Dr Rick Cober took charge and after lots of testing and evaluation, recommended a Balloon Valvuloplasty!
That sounded scary to me, but my dad said our program helps every Westie get the care they need and if the pain can be stopped and the medical issues can be identified and a treatment program is outlined with a good outcome, then Westie Rescue moves forward while raising the funds necessary to pay the bills.
On October 10th Miss Mills was driven all the way up to the Hunt Valley CVCA Cardiac Care Center to meet the surgical team, Dr. Cober, and start the operation procedure. Many hours later the call came that her heart valve operation was successful and she can come back home in 24 hrs. I celebrated by taking a nap as she always wanted to be right next to me as she was really scared.
After a few days of recovery with me, dad and I drove her down to Williamsburg to meet her new mom once again, as she spent a few days prior to surgery with them getting comfortable to her new home.
Miss Mills reports she loves her new momma. While getting used to her new Dad is taking a little longer.
Miss Mills Leaves behind a $7,000 Vet bill
Remy - 4 yr old Baltimore shelter boy, needed a complete work up and shots updated before he went off to his new wonderful life in WV as the proud dog of a pair of retirees.
His Vet bills will exceed $1,200.
Cam - 5 yrs male from a Philly Shelter. Complete disaster guy who had been hit or struck causing extreme internal organ damage. After x-rays and multiple Vet analysis, the end diagnose was very sad. His issues are untreatable and would still be in constant pain.
He went to the rainbow bridge to wait for us.
God Speed Mr Cam. May your broken body be healed and the pain washed away. Wait for us to join you.
She left a Vet bill over $2,800
Other Westies who have come into the Westie Rescue program who did not need extreme medical care and found great new homes:
Stewie - 1 yr old male just needed neutering and shots. Adopted living in St Michaels Island, MD.
Maisie – 4 yr old girl who is scared to death after having been bitten by a big dog. On a trial stay in SW Virginia.
Roxie – 3 yr old girl who just needed a good bath and grooming before adoption. Adopted living in Hagerstown, MD
Winnie – 5 yr old alpha female who needed to be an only dog home. Adopted living in Williamsburg, VA
Caroline - 5 yr old female, shots, spaying, etc. Adopted
Melonee - 2 yr old female wheaten Scottie who just needed her shots updated. Adopted and living on Tilghman Island, eastern shore MD.
Daisy - 5 yr old female needing a great new home.
Jackson - 8 Yr old male now living in Gordonsville, VA
Westley - 6 yr old male needing a new mom and dad.
Rocky - 12 yr old male now living in Port Royal, VA
Tyler - 12 yr old male now living in Chesterfield, VA
Caroline - 5 yr old female, now living in Eastern PA
An even more Westies are coming in...In coming are two from a puppy mill in PA, another behavior issue guy from NC, and one nervous girl in NJ.
And on and on it goes
Well, that is all of the updates for now. More next month as Westie Rescue has been getting calls every week on Westies needing new homes. Come see me at the Christmas Parade this weekend. It will be myself in the geezer wagon as I can't walk too far any more.
Fergus - 12.01.2024 PM just before drifting off to sleep again…..
Total Vet bills for just the last 60 days: $25,100.00
Can you help Westie Rescue pay off these Vet bills?