May 2004: In October of 2003, Laura Ardoin of Louisiana Westie Rescue received a mating pair of Westies, Charlene and Connor, from a puppy mill. Unknown to the miller, and Laura, Charlene was pregnant. Forty-five days later, on December 2, 2003, Charlene gave birth to seven puppies.

While six of the puppies were plump and healthy, poor little Kegan weighed only 3 ounces, was dehydrated and unable to swallow. She had to be given injections of Lactated Ringers every few hours and watched closely. Once Kegan was able to swallow, Laura had to maintain a strict feeding schedule. This meant that Laura had to keep in constant contact with Kegan, sleeping next to her on the couch and taking her to work.

With care and love, Laura got Kegan through the first 11 weeks of life and had her up to a healthy three pounds. It was at this point that Laura knew Kegan was ready to meet her new parents, Mike and Meredith of Oklahoma.

We arrived at Lauras home on Valentines Day, 2004. Kegan was everything we expected, loveable, irresistible and small, but full of big dog attitude. It was with mixed emotions that we left Louisiana. On the one hand, we couldnt wait to get our new baby home and on the other, we were saddened to take Kegan away from the Mommie who saved her life.

Once home, Kegan settled in to her new surroundings. Kegan learned she could do anything she pleased unless her big brothers and sisters objected. She also had all the humans in the house trained to do her bidding.

Shortly after Kegan got home, we noticed that she urinated out her rectum. At 14 weeks, Kegan developed a urinary tract infection and we took her to our Veterinarian. Upon examination, it was determined that Kegan had Campylobacter colitis and her rectal urination was a result of a more serious problem. Our Vet referred us to the Oklahoma State University (OSU) School of Veterinary Medicine for a more detailed examination.

We brought Kegan to the OSU Vet School April 19, 2004, where she underwent many extensive tests. Later that afternoon we were told that Kegan had a vaginal-rectal fistula, one working kidney, a ureter that might be too small to work and no fully developed sexual organs. In other words, she had a hole in her urinary system, only one kidney had developed, normal urinary function might not be possible and her sexuality was in question.

It was further explained that the urinary infections would continue until the fistula was repaired. Without the surgery, an infection could, one day, overwhelm her single kidney and cause a prolonged, painful death. Our decision was to do whatever was necessary to keep Kegan healthy and happy.

Kegan went to surgery April 20, 2004, and spent three days in ICU. On the day we were to pick Kegan up, the doctor called and said her incision had herniated and she would need another surgery. Kegan was operated on again April 23, 2004, and spent three more days in ICU. We finally got our baby back on April 26, 2004. After goodbyes and pictures, we left OSU and brought Kegan home.

Kegan was so happy to be back and wanted to play but she required inactivity in order to heal properly, so we had to keep her confined. Unfortunately, Kegans ordeal wasnt over. On May 1, 2004, she suffered a body wall tear and had to be rushed back to OSU for emergency surgery. She was discharged the following day. By this time she had all her doctors wrapped around her little paw. After lots of sloppy doggie kisses for everyone, we took Kegan home again.

Kegans recovery has been successful and she gets her surgical staples removed May 14, 2004. She has a check up with her OSU doctors on May 28, 2004, and she weighs 8 pounds. Kegans brothers and sisters are making up for lost playtime and her hair is starting to grow back. Our baby is doing great.

Kegans brought a lot of joy to our family and we couldnt imagine life without her. We love all our doggies dearly and would do anything to keep them safe, healthy and happy.

We are grateful to the following people for their caring and dedication: Laura and David Ardoin; Louisiana Westie Rescue; Dr. Ron Hooley; Dr. Jude Bordelon; Dr. Mark Rochat; and Missouri Westie Rescue.

We are especially grateful to Bette Heidorn and WestieMed for their generosity and love of all things Westie.

Mike and Meredith Butcher
Bixby, Oklahoma

Update December 3, 2004: It's my first birthday today and I feel great. I look pretty good too. I've come a long way since my surgeries. My doctor says I'm fit and should live a long healthy life. I'm not very big but I weigh 14 lbs! Not bad for a Westie that weighed only two ounces at birth.

My life is good and comfortable. I have great parents and lots of Wesite brothers and sisters. I'm livin large and walkin' in tall cotton. Once again, I want to thank all the nice humans who cared for and loved me: Laura Ardoin of Louisana Westie Rescue; WestieMed; Dr. Jude Bordelean and Dr. Mark Rochat of Oklahoma State University Vet. School; and Oklahoma Westie Rescue

Love and kisses,
Kegan Butcher

Update July 2005: Its been a year since my surgeries and I'm doing great. I still have to take a pill every day and other than the occcasional potty accident, life couldn't be better. My parents love me and I have lots of brothers and sisters to play with. My mommy has been taking me to school. I recently graduated and got to wear a funny hat.

I'm so grateful for my good life. Weighing only 2 ounces at birth and having so many problems, the odds were against me. Thankfully, good people came to my aid and I'm here today, fat and sassy!

Once again, thanks to all of you who helped me. Every day of my life is a tribute to your compassion and generosity.