Westies Need You! West Highland White Terrier / Westie Washington, DC

Westie Rescue volunteers all over the USA are seeking potential adopters for the Westies in their care who need a new home. Westies like this little girl need new arms to hold the and a clean dry bed to sleep on... and perhaps a chair or couch cushion too!

This is female B109, who spent the first three years of her life as nothing more than a number. She lived in one of several dozen wire cages, exposed to the elements. On good days, if she was lucky, there was food (although never quite enough), and some water (even if was slightly brown and rusty). And, if someone remembered, on freezing, snowy days, there hopefully would be cardboard wrapped around the back of the cages to keep the icy air from blowing directly on her.
But in August, the world changed for B109, when she and 10 other Westies were picked up by Westie Rescue and transported back to the Virginia area. There was hardly a sound in the van on that long trip back. Most of the dogs were either too terrified or confused to bark, or too sick and weak to even whimper.
On that day, B109 forever became know as “Maggie.”
It was a long road back to good health. There were the urine scalds and infected sores on her paws from constantly standing in 2 to 3 inches of fetid waste and filth. Her teeth were black as road tar and a skin infection had made her lose patches of fur, which was matted and muddy brown color. And, an untreated, raging ear infection would always leave Maggie with permanent hearing loss in the left ear. After some weeks of extraordinary veterinary care and two loving foster homes for further rehabilitation, Maggie was ready for adoption. Her new (and first!) family says she is the most loving, playful, and grateful Westie they have ever known. Maggie’s vet and care charges were over $1200, but so worth it to give this little girl another chance at a happy life.
Not all of our Westie Rescue cases are as traumatic or heartbreaking as Maggie’s, but the numbers are increasing. Sometimes families are split because of divorce, death, or relocation and the Westies are discarded. Like you, we cannot imagine giving up such an adorable, beloved pet. But, without the work of Westie Rescue, so many of us wouldn’t know the joy of adding a Westie to our homes. It’s even harder for us to imagine what fate befalls those we don’t hear about or are too late to rescue.
Won’t you please make a generous contribution to Westie Rescue? Help us ensure that wonderful Westies like Maggie are given the chance to experience a kind, soft touch, a warm place to sleep, and most importantly, to be part of a family to love.

THIS SPECIFIC DOG IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION.
The information provided is to let interested people know more about the West Highland White Terrier breed.
Please go to the Westie Rescue USA web site to complete an adoption application as many rescued dogs are adopted (by people who are already registered) before they can be posted on PetFinder.

Your application will be sent to the region where you reside so Westie Rescue individuals and organizations in your area will be aware of your desire to adopt a dog.


BREED INFORMATION -
West Highland White Terriers or Westies are companion animals who need human attention and time. If you can offer love and part of your life, please consider adopting a homeless Westie. The following information is about Westies in general.
These dogs are normally hardy, active, and long-lived pets. A healthy Westie of eight years old is in its prime of life. They have been known to live up to 20 years and are only considered "seniors" when they reach 13 years of age. With their snowy coats and cute, perky faces, Westies are favorites with many people.
As with many terriers, they are not normally good with children under the age of 7 years old since they will try to "boss" anyone who they do not consider "in control." An toddler or pre-school child cannot control a strong-willed dog. Therefore, we do not recommend adoption into a home with children under seven years old.
Terriers were bred to exterminate any animal that would be a threat to farm crops or domestic animals. To this day, they will hunt mice, squirrels, opossum, raccoon, and even fox. Therefore, most Westies are not good in a home with a cat as it is just the size animal that they were bred to hunt. Sometimes a Westie can be brought up from a puppy with a cat. However, that one experience does not mean the Westie will be good with other cats
Except for these situations, a Westie is a good all-around pet for most people. It can adapt to apartment living if given enough exercise through plenty of play and walks with you.
Westies placed through rescue adoption services are SPAYED/NEUTERED and CURRENT ON SHOTS. Most are housetrained. A few have needs besides love and attention. The rescue person interviewing you will offer specifics about the exact Westie being considered for adoption.
We always suggest an obedience course as not only a way of training the Westie but also as a way of building a bond between you and your new dog.
Thank you for caring about homeless animals! Please go to the Westie Rescue USA web site to complete an adoption application as many rescued dogs are adopted (by people who are already registered) before they can be posted on PetFinder.