West Highland Herald

Westie Rescue, Inc.
LATE SUMMER 2003
West Highland Herald
In Cooperation with the West Highland White Terrier Club of Greater Washington
President’s Message
By Karen Spalding
www.HelpWesties.org
This year Westie Rescue has seen
more senior Westies come into our
program than in years past. In their honor,
we decided to dedicate this
Newsletter to our Senior Westies and
Inside this issue:
“Walking Him Home”
(A Rescue Story)
2
Wesley
3
Maryland License Tags
3
Thank You Volunteers
4
Rainbow Bridge
4
Westie Rescue Alumni
4
Event Calendar
5
Parade of Rescues
5
Volunteer Picnic Pictures
6
How Old is Old?
7
Happy Tails
8-9
Partners in Rescue
10
The West Highland Herald is
published approximately 3
times a year by Westie Rescue,
Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization run solely by
volunteers for the welfare of
homeless West Highland White
Terriers (Westies). All
donations to Westie Rescue,
Inc., are tax deductible to the
extent allowable by law.
Comments, inquiries, and
suggestions welcome! Send to
VickieClaflin@aol.com.
in doing so perhaps encourage others
to consider a “senior”. I would
like to share my story of
adopting a senior Westie.
Mandy was 10
years old when she
came into rescue on
Christmas Eve 1999.
After a divorce caused
major changes in her
family, Mandy ended
up being tied out on
the porch for long
periods of time. We had
just recently volunteered
for Westie Rescue of
Greater Washington, and
Mandy was to be our first foster
dog. Upon arrival, her ears were full of
dirt, and she had gone deaf from years of
ear infections left untreated. Despite ear
cleaning and a vet check up, it was
determined that the damage was
permanent. One evening, Angie Gittles
called to see how Mandy was doing and to
inform us that she had located Mandy’s
original breeder (a-responsible breeder) –
who immediately expressed concern for
Mandy’s well-being and offered to come
and get her! Overhearing our telephone
conversation, my husband shouts, “tell her
she has a home!” After coordinating efforts
with the breeder and rescue, our first foster
Westie, never left!
Mandy adjusted to her life with us
and to her deafness. We communicate
using hand signals that she has come to
understand. Mandy has participated in the
Parade of Rescue sponsored by the Westie
Club of America the past three years, she
represented Westie Rescue in the
Catonsville Kennel Club Parade of
Breed Rescue which was narrated by the
late Roger Caras and of course our local
club Parade of Rescue.
Mandy is now 14 years old and
on several medications for an
enlarged heart, fluid
surrounding her lungs and
to aide her breathing. Her
breathing is shallow but
she has no cough. This
was discovered during
her annual check up
this past Spring. A
few months ago I
couldn’t get her to eat
her regular food, I tried
everything. I thought it
was time – but suddenly she
decided she liked the Nutro
senior canned food and IAMS
biscuits…well she gets as many as she
can eat! She still races to her crate with
her tail up and barking for her dinner
each evening. I have to smile when she
does this as she is joining the others in
the dinner time race.
Nothing in life is guaranteed
and we have no way of knowing how
long anyone or anything has but I do
know that we made the right decision
that Christmas in 1999 to share our home
with a senior Westie that was also deaf.
I call her “Manda Panda”, my teddy bear
Westie – because she is a real cuddlier.
Thanks Angie and the breeder
who allowed us the privilege of having
this truly special Westie!
PAGE 2
“Walking Him Home”
(A Rescue Story)
It’s always gratifying to see an
older Westie placed in a good home, but
this story shows how the placement can
be equally satisfying to the new
Adopter! This was the case with Nan and
Calvin.
Westie Rescue, Inc.
Mailing address:
Post Office Box 187
Spencerville, MD 20868
540-554-2963
www.HelpWesties.org
Board of Directors
Karen Spalding, President
Karensbeau@aol.com
Vickie Claflin, Vice President
VickieClaflin@aol.com
Mary Ann Kalwarski, Secretary
Makalwarski@aol.com
Diane Pelton, Treasurer
Diane.M.Pelton@abc.com
Angie Gittles, Board Member
Angie@capitalpaws.com
LATE SUMMER 200 3
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
I was contacted about a Westie
that had been surrendered. He was 14
yrs. old, probably deaf, had cataracts,
and needed rescue/adoption now.
I already had another old
Westie, “Altus”, in the program, who
had been picked up a week earlier, had
m e d i c a l
problems/expenses and
I wasn’t sure I could
place him. I decided to
contact 17 people on
my list that might
consider an older
Westie.
Several
responded, but only
one, by the name of
Nan, said “Yes, I
would be willing to
meet him and to see if we’re a match….
I hope we can help each other!” Next
thing I heard was that she had picked
Calvin up and headed for the Vet.
I wrote Nan, “I am overjoyed
that this worked out, and that you
adopted this Westie!” Her reply was
poignant, “I’m happy too. I think what
I’m doing is called ‘walking him home’
so to speak. I read a book once that
referred to helping a person who is
elderly and ill have a dignified last years
as ‘walking them home’. Anyway, I’m
glad to help in this way. The Vet says he
is very healthy in terms of his organs, so
she thinks he has at least a year or
two…..Thanks for your note, and for
hooking me up with little Calvin!”
“Walking him home,” what
a beautiful and meaningful phrase.
Nan and I stayed in contact. She
wrote, “I’m so glad to hear that Altus is
doing well. I hope that you enjoy him as
much as I’m enjoying my time with
Calvin. He has just blossomed. I have to
bathe him 2x a week with medicated
shampoo, and he really enjoys his baths
and being groomed/blown dry. His fur is
now fluffy, soft and white, and he smells
great. I’m afraid that over the years I’ve
learned how to pamper a dog. So, as
much as I can, I try to make his life a bit
pampered. For example, he also loves
these bacon flavored sticks, which he
gets after he allows me to put in his eye
drops & eardrops, and after he has
finished his breakfast or dinner. When he
has taken care of things outside, he gets
two miniature milk bones. At night he
loves to snuggle under the covers and
really prefers to “sleep in” under this
little afghan he has adopted as his. He
also enjoys taking walks, even when it’s
raining and cold. We are now up to 6
blocks! He sees pretty well, and hears
(he is hard of hearing, but
he can hear). He is a deep
sleeper, and sometimes I
have to awaken him. I can
tell his life was not safe,
because he has had
nightmares, and if he’s
awakened abruptly, he does
so with a start and then
automatically cringes. This
has been very rewarding
for me. Thanks for giving me the
opportunity to help such a dear little
gentlemen.”
A month later Nan wrote,
“…..He and I are doing extremely well. I
know that I’m really happy with him,
and now that he wags his tail quite a bit,
I know he feels happy and secure with
me. What’s amazing is that he has totally
bloomed as a dog. He is alert, his ears
pricked, and he’s even bouncy! Can you
believe it?
We now routinely take 20
minute walks in the morning and
evening. I don’t think Calvin hears very
well, but his ear infections are now
totally gone and his eyesight is good. His
eyes are dark and sparkle. He can still
hop up on couches and chairs. He’s also
EXTREMELY smart.”
Thank you Nan!
Submitted by Marv Katz
Westie Rescue/ Trinity Valley (TX)
Reprinted with permission of the Trinity
Valley West Highland White Terrier Club
L A T E SUMMER
S U M M E R200
2 030 3
LATE
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
Thanks again for bringing
Wesley to us!
Christina Elgin
In June of 2000, Angie Gittles contacted us
regarding the application I sent in to adopt a Westie. Angie
told me she had a special case, a senior male Westie who
had been abused and was suffering from health problems.
My family decided we could not turn away this Westie
simply because of his age and health problems. We wanted
to give him a good home during
the final years of his life.
When Wesley came to us
July 6, 2000, he did not look at all
like a Westie. His fur was yellow,
not white. He sought protection in
the corners of the house behind
furniture. It was obvious he was
fearful and did not trust people,
especially men. Wesley had
almost died a few months before
he came to us because of
pneumonia. We had to take him to
a special doctor in Timonium, Md.
who discovered his lungs were
"webbed" and he needed medicine to control the wheezing
and to be able to breathe better. His trachea was also
deteriorating and beginning to collapse.
PAGE 3
The change we saw in Wesley was remarkable.
He began losing weight and his fur turned a beautiful white
color (after many baths and haircuts). He got along wonderfully
with our female Westie (Madison) and our female Yorkie.
Slowly Wesley started to turn around. He came out of his shell.
His Westie personality really started to shine through. He loved
to sit out in the back yard under a picnic table with our other
westie, Madison, and enjoy the day. He even learned how to
give kisses. Even though Wesley required special medical
attention when he first came to us, it was so worth it. He was
becoming more and more trusting and had developed a strong
affection for my brother and mother who
I left him with when I got married
(although I still had my daily visitation
rights!). Wesley's favorite pastimes were
napping on his favorite green bean bag
chair, chewing on rawhide chewies,
chasing Madison around the yard and
hanging out on our deck.
Almost three years to the day,
July 5, 2003, Wesley's breathing
problems took their toll and he passed
over to Rainbow Bridge. My decision to
adopt a senior Westie was one of the best
decisions I've made. To make a
difference in the life of a dog that was so
badly abused and neglected was an
honor. He became a part of our family and we'll always be
thankful for the three years he lived with us.
It was also discovered that one of Wesley's legs
was once broken and never properly treated so he limped
and arthritis had set in. Wesley was also very overweight
for a Westie so immediately we put him on a good diet
with as much exercise as he could handle for having a bad
leg. It was estimated that Wesley was about 10 years old
but no one was sure exactly how old he was. The local vet
said with the proper TLC, he could live a couple more
years.
Now Marylanders Can Help Westies
By Purchasing a
Westie Rescue License Plate
For more information
www.HelpWesties.org
PAGE 4
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
LATE SUMMER 200 3
Thank you for Showing Your Support for Westie Rescue
Volunteers
In Kind Donations
Lucie Brownson Family
Vickie Claflin
Judy Cooper
Fran Costa
Daphne Gentry
Angie Gittles
Mary Ann Kalwarski
Steve Litvin
Ann Marie Lubert
Mac MacCampbell
Phil Margolies
Tere & Dan McKenna
Christine Norman
Wendy Opel
Marita Patterson
Margaret Payne
Glenda Pearsall
Rita Pemberton
Ann Piesen
Susan Rogers
Jan Snyder
Karen Spalding
Flo Tull
Nancy Widitendahl
Lynda Gallagan– Xpen
Sherry Gryder– Dogbed, food
Laura Hutson – dog food
Gwen Law—dog treats
Ann Marie Lubert – Copying
& vet services
Joanna Lynch – 2 Purina One
Challenge Coupons
Jennifer Mills – Toys
Marita Patterson – donated
vet services for her foster
Donated Services
In Memory of…
American Property
Construction, Alexandria,
Virginia
Donated use of copier.
Sonsie, made by Anne Carlucci
College Park Animal Hospital
College Park, Maryland
Reduced price for services
Arlette Ray – Copy paper
Karen Spalding—roll of
stamps
Reugenia Wood—dog treats
Jack, made by Carol and Peter
Kennedy
In Memory of Westie People
Mrs. Rae Minuta, made by
Rochelle Meyers
Greater Annapolis Veterinary
Hospital
Annapolis, Maryland
Reduced price for services
In Honor of…
Loudoun Veterinary Services,
Purcellville, Virginia
Reduced services
Esther, made by Mary & Ed
Schueler
Yogi, made by Hillary
Rosenberg
In Honor of Westie People
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
Magoo Owned by Dorothy Minson
Quincy Fostered by Ann & Phil Margolies
Wesley Owned the Obitts and Elgin Family
Murphy Owned by Tyrone & Sherie Cabalu
Wesleigh Owned by Christine Norman
For those of you who may not be familiar with the Rainbow Bridge, visit www.petloss.com
Westie Rescue Alumni Association
The Westies listed below have been rehomed between November 2002 and August 2003
Chanel
Scottie
Kipper
Corey
Snappy
Mindy
Pal
Bogey
Logan
Max
Aggie
Misty
April Frost
Gainsville, VA
Alexandria, VA
Manassas, VA
Newport News, VA
Richmond, VA
Crownsville, MD
Cambridge, MD
Baltimore, MD
Charlottesvile, VA
Winchester, VA
Millersville, MD
Columbia, MD
Springfield, VA
Kristi
McDuff
Sheila
Pumpkin
Frankie
Ceasar
PuppyDo
Sharkie
Belle
Jasmine
Jock
Jake
Fred
Alexandria, VA
Westminster, MD
Wilmington, DE
Rockville, MD
Jessup, MD
Baltimore, MD
Bethesda, MD
Centreville, VA
Locust Grove, VA
Silver Spring, MD
Cleveland, OH
Kensington, MD
Centreville, VA
Buster
Stafford, VA
Noel
Germantown, MD
Ditto
Calverton, MD
Oliver
Baltimore, MD
Rudy
Oakton, VA
Lucky
Clarksville, MD
Bailey
Jacksonville, FL
Giovanni
Bowie, MD
Dallas
Barre, VT
Busby & Berkley McLean, VA
Annie
Bristow, VA
Maggie Mae
Markham, VA
LATE SUMMER 200 3
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
If you are interested in volunteering for one of the following
events contact
PAGE 5
“Support Westie Rescue”
T-Shirts now Available by Mail
VickieClaflin@aol.com or 301-927-2591
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Lebanon Expo Center
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
$20
Old Dominion Kennel Club Dog Show
Westie Rescue Information Table
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Leesburg, Virginia
National Parade of Rescues
West Highland White Terrier Club of America
Saturday, October 4, 2003
Kimberton, Pensylvania
Contact: lkathan@hotmail.com
Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Saturday, October 25 & 26, 2003
Richmond Raceway Complex
www.RichmondCeltic.com
Description
Method of Payment
Check
Size
Qty.
Price
Subtotal
Name
Address
Money Order
Email
Christmas in Middleburg
Join Westies on an Antique Fire Truck
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Middleburg, Virginia
PLEASE MAIL TO:
Westie Rescue, Inc.
T-Shirt Order
P.O. Box 187
Spencerville, Md 20868
Phone
For questions:
VickieClaflin@aol.com
Parade of Rescues
at the
Match
Hosted by the
West Highland
White Terrier Club
of
Greater Washington
August 10, 2003
Acredale Park
College Park, Maryland
Rescued Westies from left to right
Back row: Mindy, Kristi, Murphy, Spunky, Aggie
Front row: Lulu, Molly, Frankie, Andy, Lucy & Dougal, McDuff, Jasmine
PAGE 6
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
Your Rescue “Kit” Should
Include:
•
A heart of gold to accept those creatures that don’t
measure up as "perfect" in the eyes of the rest of the
world.
•
The people skills of a saleperson....to convince those that
are looking for perfection that they will find it in a rescue
dog if they are willing to look a little deeper.
•
Strong arms and cases of tissues for holding those that
must die because there just isn’t any other way.
•
The ability to smile and speak rationally when the 10th
person for the day says "I don’t want this stupid dog
anymore...take him or I am gonna shoot him."
Westie Rescue’s
•
Patience for: breeders who don’t care, won’t help, turn
their backs and say it’s not their problem.
Volunteer Appreciation
Picnic which was held July 26,
•
Patience for dogs that were incorrectly placed and come
to rescue with so much excess baggage that you think
they will never be adoptable.
2003. We enjoyed good weather,
good food and good friends.
•
Patience for owners who want a quick fix.
•
Patience for a world that no longer looks at life as a gift
and the lives that we create as breeders as nothing short
of miracles.
•
A sense of humor....because sometimes a smile on your
face is the only way to hide the agony in your heart.
•
A spouse with housekeeping skills that are so
outstanding that they could be highlighted in Good
Housekeeping Magazine....so you can devote your time
to all the rescues and be secure in the knowledge that the
local Board of Health will not condemn your house.
•
Personal dogs (& cats) that will tolerate the never ending
stream of four legged orphans, waifs and street urchins
that will start arriving the moment you say..."I have
room."
•
The ability to face the paperwork head-on and deal with
it....or someone you can send it to and say..."Here, do
something with this mess!"
•
Grooming skills for those ugly ducklings waiting for
their chance to be a swan.....with a little help from you.
I could go on but you probably get the picture....
None of us have all of these things but we all know that the
business of rescue is a team effort. Each of us contribute what
we can as a team member. Some of us cannot handle the
animals...but...there are other things that must be done. Some
only want to work with the animals.....so, leave the
paperwork to those that like it. No matter what your situation
is....it is your willingness to help that is important.
LATE SUMMER 200 3
LATE SUMMER 200 3
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
There is one thing we can all agree on…we want our
Westies to stay active, healthy and happy for as long as
possible.
PAGE 7
Relative Age of Your Canine in
“Human Years”
0-20 LBS
21-50
LBS
51-90
LBS
>90 LBS
5 YEARS
36
38
40
42
6 YEARS
40
42
45
49
7 YEARS
44
47
50
56
8 YEARS
4
51
55
64
9 YEARS
52
56
61
71
The first year of your canine’s life is roughly
equivalent to about the first 15 years for a human, and 2 canine
years are equal to about 24 human years. After that, each year
is equivalent to four years.
10 YEARS
56
60
66
78
11 YEARS
60
65
72
86
12 YEARS
64
69
77
93
Our senior Westies are more prone to certain health
and behavior problems, so regular check ups are a must! While
annual check-ups are standard for the healthiest Westies, your
veterinarian may recommend that your senior Westie visit twice
a year. Your veterinarian’s regular examinations and your
decision to have blood and urine tests done when “everything
seems fine” offer the best chance to diagnose and treat
conditions early. A significant percentage of pets whose
owners “thought they were perfectly healthy” had sub clinical
(hidden) medical conditions revealed in blood and urine tests,
such as urinary tract infections, early diabetes, adrenal gland
conditions, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and
hypothyroidism to name a few. Check with your veterinarian
as to how often routine checkups are recommended for your
Westie’s age and condition.
13 YEARS
68
74
82
101
14 YEARS
72
78
88
108
15 YEARS
76
83
93
115
16 YEARS
80
87
99
123
17 YEARS
84
92
104
18 YEARS
88
96
109
19 YEARS
92
101
115
20 YEARS
96
105
120
Looking at the chart to the right, we can see that our
Westies reach “middle age” around the age of 7.
Now that we understand that our Westies age about 67 times faster than we do…we can better understand why our
older Westies are more likely to experience certain health and
behavior problems, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease,
liver disease, kidney disease, and cancer. These are just a few
of the conditions that can be treated successfully if caught early.
Signs of aging that you need to watch for include:
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Difficulty jumping up
• Stiffness or weakness
• Loss of housetraining
• Increased urination
• Changes in activity level
• Circling/repetitive movements
• Confusion or disorientation
• Less interaction with family
• Tremors or shaking
• Skin changes
• Changes in sleeping patterns
DOG’S AGE
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Changes in appetite or water consumption
Changes in body weight
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Severe bad breath
Diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than a day
Coughing
Excessive panting or labored breathing
Difficult or painful urination or defecation
Seizures
Lumps and bumps
Wounds that don’t seem to heal
“Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.”
PAGE 8
Happy Tails!
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
LATE SUMMER 200 3
Westie Solution from Betsy Allen
Over the past two months we have noticed that dried food accumulates and hardens on
our little Westie’s lower lip. Needless to say, she is not a happy camper when we try to
remove it. Yesterday our vet told us to make a mixture of 50% Neosporin and 50%
Preparation H and apply it to the area. This should take care of the problem and ward off
infection.
Dear Karen –
You may remember that we adopted Belle from you. She is now known and
answers to the name of Misty. We love her more and more each day and we are sending
you a picture that was taken shortly after her first grooming. She has decided that she
needs to help me work so most days she is on her pillow under my desk. She only comes
out to greet customers and get a scratch on the head or to drink some water. She is so
very special and good-natured. Thank you for sending her to us.
Susan Von Ancken
Locust Grove, Virginia
Dear Westie Rescue,
I just came across your website and what a wonderful feeling to know people care for their Westie as much as we do.
What a shame that people don't think adopting an older dog is a good idea! We have just adopted our 2nd 10 year old Westie.
Our first one, Romper lived to be 17 years old! Our new baby, Rigby is the youngest 10 year old I've seen. Both came to us
because they didn't get along with children. Rigby was with the same family for 8 years before they had a child and she just did
not appreciate the energy of a young child. She has now been with us for 3 months and we can not imagine life without her.
Westies are so loving and I call her our little stubborn Tuffy! We recently lost our 13 year old Dalmatian, Barney who was deaf
from birth, but I always said we had a dog that couldn't hear and the other didn't listen. Keep up your good work.
Thanks,
Sue Crawford
Hi Karen –
Misty is adjusting very well. Follows Paul around like she is attached to his ankle. She’s settling in wonderfully.
Finding her favorite spots (usually at Paul’s feet or on sofa where she can watch him). We’ve been astonishingly successful at
stopping unwanted behavior using the old coin in the can trick! Rattle that and she’s not scared, more like intimidated. She
immediately stops and sits. We started obedience classes in June at Coventry School for Dog Training.
Paul takes Misty to the park each day (one of the bennies of working from the house). She loves walking and keeps up
an amazing pace (actually, she leads, rather than keeps up). Good match for Paul. She’ll also play fetch the ball for hours!!!!
Please let her owner know that Misty is in a good home and adjusting and – after initial insecurity – seems very happy.
Helen McDonald
Columbia, Maryland
Dear Westie Rescue,
Sorry I haven’t dropped a line sooner. Have been busy since my adoption straightening out my new family, which
consists of a slightly overweight cocker spaniel, a mixed border collie – golden and a Maine Coon cat. Fortunately for me, my
predecessor was a very loved Westie who had passed away of old age, and I was greeted by all with open arms. Well almost all,
that cat and I still have a few unsettled issues, but we’re getting there! As for my new mom- she just loves me! I’m never a foot
away from her in the house. Her grandchildren, who live across the road, spend a lot of time playing with me and I also went to
obedience classes – showed them an old dog sure could learn!
That’s about it from Kentucky; just wanted to let you know that I’m one happy and contented little guy!
Maynard
Harrodburg, Kentucky
LATE SUMMER 200 3
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
PAGE 9
Aggie
A new little Westie, Aggie, recently joined
our family. She is already housebroken, does not
chew on our furniture, knows how to walk on a
leash and will cuddle up next to you on the couch!
Too good to be true? No way – we have adopted a
senior Westie!
When we adopted Aggie in June, she was
12 ½ years old. She has added so much joy in our
lives; I would not hesitate to encourage anyone to
consider adopting an older dog. Aggie is so grateful
to have a family to love her. She did not receive a
lot of attention in her “previous life” and now she is
just basking from the attention of our entire family
(children, cats and other dogs included!).
Although Aggie is very healthy and active
now, we realize that we might not have a lot of years
with her. But, we would rather have a few years
than none. Aggie did not have the best life before
coming to live with us, so we feel strongly that she
deserves to live her senior years being treated like
the “princess” she is!
Please give a senior Westie a chance at a happy ending and allow their
remaining time to outshine the wrongs committed against them in the past.
Remember, making sure a life ends happy and content is just as important as
starting a life out right! Dogs like Aggie will be forever grateful.
John, Debbie, Brendan, Meg and Devin Noone
Millersville, Maryland
Dear Westie Rescue When our dear 13-year-old Westie “Jackpot” passed away from congestive heart failure two days after Christmas, our
good friend and breeder Gwen Law was determined to help us with locating another dog as soon as she could. She, and we,
knew that nothing would replace Jackpot, but we needed to fill the hole in our lives.
Gwen contacted her friends at Westie Rescue and later called us about a puppy that was named “Buddy”. After
completing the application, speaking with the Placement Coordinator, Karen Spalding, we took a trip from Cleveland to
Maryland to pick up “Buddy” at Gwen’s. It has become a tradition with us that all our Westies names begin with “J” so in due
time Buddy’s name was changed to “Jock”.
Jock has brought life back into our house. Jackpot’s twin brother “Jamie” was so lonely after Jackpot died we thought
we might lose him as well. Since Jock has come into the house Jamie has bonded with him and begun to play as he hasn’t
played in years. Jock loves his toys, especially one squeaky penguin. When he gets hold of that particular toy he starts to sing to
himself. It isn’t really a whine and it’s not quite a howl (except to us) but it is tremendously funny.
He adores my husband Tom and cries everyday when Tom leaves for work! He waits by the window and looks out all
day until Tom comes home; then the two of them play a big game of tug-of-war through the house and into the back yard. Jock
pokes us with his nose to remind us of important tasks like feeding him or letting him out.
When I sit on my chair in the living room he loves to sit under my legs and chew on his toys and when I stand at the sink
or stove he likes to lie by my legs. He has adjusted beautifully to our house and us. It’s as if he’s always lived there. He is the
BIGGEST Westie we have ever seen; we think he might be a throw back to some of the original breed. But he’s a gentle giant,
sort of the John Wayne of Westies.
We want to thank Gwen and everyone at Westie Rescue for making it possible for our Jock to come and live with us.
Thank you all,
Nancy Downes
Cleveland, OH
LATE SUMMER 200 3
W EST H IG H LA ND HER A LD
PAGE 10
WESTIE RESCUE, INC.
P.O. BOX 187
SPENCERVILLE, MD 20868
Wish List
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Heartworm Preventatives
Postage Stamps
Petco or Petsmart Gift Cards
Copy Paper
Puppy Pen
Foster Homes!
Contact:
Karen Spalding
540-554-2963
Karensbeau@aol.com
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If you no longer wish to receive the West Highland Herald, please return your mailing label to the address printed above.
Yes! I want to become a “Partner
Donor/Membership Categories:
Bronze Paw Donor (up to $99)
Silver Paw Donor ($100-$199)
Gold Paw Donor ($200 and up)
in Rescue” and help homeless Westies! Please add me to your mailing list.
Total Donation Enclosed: _____________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Phone (optional) ________________________________________________________________
Email (optional) ________________________________________________________________
Please mail to:
WESTIE RESCUE, INC.
P.O. BOX 187
SPENCERVILLE, MD 20868
Donations are cumulative over one year period.
If you’d like to be a Gold Paw Donor by the end
of the year, you may continue to add to your
initial contribution.
Matching Gifts
“Matching Gifts” is a way to make your donation to Westie Rescue go twice as far! Did you know that many companies will
match an employee’s charitable donation? Usually, it is as simple as enclosing their form along with your donation! We’ll
do the rest! Check with your employer’s business office and ask if they participate in a “matching gifts” program today!