April 2004: In the middle of the night on March 12, 2004, a Sherrif's deputy found a dazed and bedraggled Westie wandering on Route 1 on Key Largo. She was ultimately taken to key Largo Animal Control.

I called the shelter and in a nutshell, claimed the dog, thinking, by their description, that I would be bringing her to Ft. Lauderdale only to be put down in loving arms rather than an impersonal shelter. They told me she was blind and deaf, had carnezial (sp?) abcesses (the canines were so rotten they had caused holes in her muzzle and they were draining), she had worms, fleas (a medicated bath took care of that), skin problems, cataracts, and a mouth full of rotten teeth. The workers at the shelter couldn't have been nicer, truly cared for the animals, and proudly gave me a tour of a facility where you could almost eat off the floors.

She was perfect on the way home in the car and appeared to be...what's this, a rescue that's housebroken? Yes! She was immediately seen by my vet who had been alerted to her condition. He felt the rotten teeth were her biggest problem and if the oozing mass on her side wasn't cancer...well, this little lady just might have a few happy years left in her. OK. Whole new game plan. I made the decision that this dog had been put in my care and I now had the responsibility to do my best by her. I named her Pearl, this wee gem now in my life. She was put on antibiotics after a complete exam and lots of bloodwork. Tooth surgery was scheduled for the following Monday and she came home with me to rest and relax. She got a amature grooming by me as I did not want her upset by the noises, smells, etc of my regular groomer. She was good as gold for her bath.I got much of the stained, filthy mats off her and she got prettier by the minute. I even took her to work with me on the 11-7 night shift for 3 nights as I didn't want to leave her alone. She was already perking up as the antibiotics did their job.

Monday was surgery and the mass was excised and sent to pathology, the rotten canines and other teeth pulled and Tuesday morning she came back to me. Pearl looked like a poodle with her muzzle shaved but she was now raring to go! The vet said no problem with intermingling her with my dogs who have been very welcoming to her as they are very used to having a rescue in residence. She has been perfect with them also, no food agression or any observable issues. She can see me when I walk and can make out a door because she sure knows where to bark when she wants in! She has not had one single accident since I've had her. I did have her stool checked for worms again and blood as it was a darker brown than my dogs but the vet felt it was due to her food.

She loves to sleep at my feet while I'm on the computer and will follow me around. I clap softly to give her clues as to where to go when we're outside. The hair is growing back on her face.She looks wonderful except for the pink rong on her hair around her neck where I bought a $1.97 hot pink collar for her from WalMart. The color ran. I won't make that mistake again.

I am now over $500 into this girl with more to go.

So I went through my applications and came up with several which indicated they were willing to adopt a Westie older than 10 years old. I contacted a woman in northern Florida about 6 hours away as I had talked to her and e-mailed her as she helps with rescues in that area. She is a seamstress and works out of her home and has a 4 year old Westie, Macy. I really wanted Pearl to have doggie company and a fenced yard and a stay at home Mom. I told her about Pearl and to take a day or two and think about it. She called me back the next morning and said she was up all night thinking about Pearl. Yes. Pearl will have a forever home. I took Pearl to her new home on my way north to the Roving and if Macy and Pearl get along as well as she does with my dogs, she will be in a forever home.

Thank you WestieMed for committing to helping this wee gem. She is pure white like a pearl and again showed me why our committment to not exclude dogs based on age or medical condition is a good one. Pearl is enjoying quality time and will bring joy to a human who is worthy enough to share her remaining days.

Again, our thanks
Bonnie West and Pearl

Update January 2005: I just can't tell you enough, how wonderful Pearl is.

She is such a wonderful companion! I can't tell you how much I appreciate WestieMed stepping in to "SAVE HER LIFE"! She is doing wonderfully, & at her wellness check up in September, was given a gold star! Her health is good, & she has regained a lot of energy, & the will to live. She is the happiest little thing I have ever known. Just looking at her makes me smile. Being blind & deaf, she has learnt the house & the routines here, she seeks me out, & is so happy when she "finds" me! She ROO"S to me all the time!

She knows all three doors to "outside," & will spend time out there. It's totally fenced in, & she knows where her boundaries are, the lawn furniture, ect! She's so smart! Of course I never take my eyes off her when she is out side, but she doesn't know that! When I open the back door to let her out, there's always a few doves that fly off, & she will chase after them for a bit. It's so great to see her being a Westie! She loves people, & often goes with me in the car visiting. She gets along fairly well with other dogs, & seems to like cats! She is such a sweet heart. Everyone loves her. I'm working on getting a "doggie stroller" for her so I can take her on long walks with me. I know she will just love it.

Pearl is such a comfort to me, & I to her. Thank you "Westie Med," for giving us this chance to be together. And I know Pearl will live out the rest of her days in comfort & love.

Again,,,,,,,,,,,THANK YOU!

Dede & Pearl
With Macy Lee, 6/08/99-6/30/04
Waiting for us, at Rainbow Bridge.

Update January 10, 2006: I just wanted to let you know, I sent Pearl to the Bridge this morning. Her health has been failing rapidly for the past few months, and she was diagnosed with Canine Vestibular Disease. She was being treated for it, but became so nauseous from the condition that she stopped eating and was very lethargic. She became a regular at the vets since before Thanksgiving, and their wasn't much Dr. Mac could do for her. So I let her go with her dignity. She is now free and running and playing with all the other Westies that have gone before her. She will be in my heart forever.