August 2004: Hi, my name is Oliver and this is my story. I had to leave my home along with my sister (not blood related) who I adore. Our family had small children who were taking up all of their time, which left none for Daisy and me. Our family contacted Joan with Westie Rescue Florida and told her we had to leave. We didn't understand why or what we did wrong. Joan explained that she would foster us until she found a forever home for Daisy and me. Joan also explained we didn't do anything wrong just that our family life had to change for the better. Joan took us for a nice long ride in the car with her children who are 15 and 11 years old. The children hugged and played with us on our journey. Joan couldn't play because due to the bad weather she had to keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road so we would be safe. I did notice Joan looking and winking at us both and sneaking a kiss in. We like to be kissed.

We now arrived at our new foster home and noticed some funny-looking dogs. Mommy (I'm allowed to call Joan mommy) said they are called cows! She has a big yard with horses but we are not allowed to talk to them because they can hurt us as with the cows. I like to bark and let them know I'm protecting my new home and family. When mommy and her children walked us around the property and explained the rules, we then waited outside until Bella Mia, Brianna, and Merck came out to meet us. Hey, they are Westies too! They fell in love with me because I'm so handsome. Mommy told Daisy and me that Brianna and Merck were also rescued and now lives with her family. Bella Mia can be grumpy with me but it's o.k. we all get along fine as long as I stay out of Bella's crate. I like it at my foster home because I get plenty of attention and love, which I need so desperately.

Medical Summary from Joan: After a few days I noticed Oliver wasn't responding to food or water and he was straining to urinate. When he finally did urinate (only dripping) there were traces of blood. After unsuccessfully collecting a urine sample I called the vet to have a sample collected and tested. Dr. Moore indicated since we couldn't obtain an adequate sample, he needed to perform a catheterization and check for a possible blockage or stones. The catheterization produced only a small amount of urine and some blood. Dr. Moore gave me a look and stated, "I think he may have stones because the catheter was being stopped while entering the urethra". The following day, Oliver's condition worsened and we returned to the clinic for x-rays. At this time, Dr. Moore indicated he indeed had stones and would need surgery ASAP. Dr. Moor performed surgery for Oliver after hours since he considered this an emergency situation.

The actual surgery performed on Oliver was a cystotomy/urethrotomy. Dr. Moore found several small, rough stones in his urethra. Oliver now has another area besides his penis to urinate from. Dr. Moore explained this would assist in detecting further stones and possibly provide an exit route for them. Since male dogs have a small bone in their penis, this causes stones to get stuck without an exit route.

Oliver stayed at the clinic 3 days for monitoring of blood, intake of fluids and urination. We couldn't visit him during this period because Dr. Moore didn't want him to get over stimulated or tear his stitches and cause excessive bleeding. Dr. Moore also indicated Oliver apparently had this surgery prior to entering rescue due to visible scar tissue in the same area. The surrendering family never provided this information to me or the medical records stating any previous stone issues.

Special Thanks: WesiteMed approved Oliver's medical bills and will be covering the expenses from his surgery. Oliver and I would like to personally thank WestieMed for their quick response and support of his medical needs. Without their help, a small rescue organization like Florida wouldn't be able to save these medically-needy Westies and provide them with a future of good health and happiness.

We also would like to thank Dr. Moore and his staff for providing emergency medical attention after hours at no extra cost.

Thanks to all our rescue friends for their support, prayers and soft hugs to Oliver.

And of course a "special thanks" to Angie Gittles for introducing me to WestieMed and other resources for rescue volunteers. You're a special person and I hold our friendship near and dear to my heart.

Update 8/25/04: Oliver is home resting and recouping from his major surgery. Stitches are due to be removed on 8/28/04. He is currently on a special diet (Science Diet c/d).

Update 9/11/04: Oliver (along with his sister, Daisy) was adopted to a wonderful family in Jacksonville, Florida.