Summer kicked off with a bang as Westie Rescue USA - MidAtlantic Region has placed over 12 Westies in the past 30 days. Multiple Westies came in from two breeding locations that included 2 puppies and adult Westies all whom needed extensive and expensive medical Vet care to get ready for new homes. A few of these Westies needed extra care as they had multiple intestine worms, lack of shot history, dental issues, nail trims, open wounds from fights, and on and on. SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO SEE HAPPY FACES!
On top of those 7 breeding westies, multiple Westies came into the program from senior households who were unable to care for themselves much less their best Westie buddies. These Westies are happy, friendly, and well socialized who just need a few shots and a spa day to be ready for new adventures.
On July 4th all have been placed except the ones who need behavior evaluations and additional Vet care as they were so compromised that they will stay with us until they to are ready for new homes.
Our program is really a dog dream fulfillment organization. We try to find out as much as possible about a dog then we go through the many prescreened applications on the waiting lists to see which home can make those dreams come true. Most Westies only stay with us a few days as their medical needs are cared for. For these Westies, they leave directly from our Vet into the arms of their new owners.
Westie Adoption Process
Step One: Rescued Westie is off to the Vet hospital for medical health checkups, shots updated, teeth cleaning, neutering, any medical conditions identified and treatment started, and the start of normal food and daily schedule.
Step 2: Temperament review
Step 3: Review APPROVED Applications on file that match the Westie available. Review available Westie with applicants. Set up interviews and home visits with Westies available.
Step 4: Adoption trial stay (one week)
Step 5: If it is a match, adopters make a donation to Westie Rescue to help offset the expenses of the next Westie that is coming who may need extensive medical care. (Suggested donation range: $350-$650).
This process allows every Westie to move from loss of home to new home in a matter of days instead of weeks. The process lowers the stress to the dog and the volunteers who make up our program. After 33 years of running this program and having over 1,400 Westies placed, I can say it works, as we have a 99% success rate of finding the RIGHT new home on the first try for every Westie that comes in.
- - Full blood test screening + urine and stool.
- - SNAP = heartworm and 3 tick borne diseases
- - Shots up dated (as required)
- - Rabies
- - Distemper
- - Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- - Rabies
- - 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!