January 2004: Hi, my name is Teddy and they say Im seven years old. I was brought into the Monmouth County SPCA as a stray in early November 2003. A week later I met my mom-to-be, Sue. Shes a volunteer at the shelter and says when she saw me; it was love at first sight. Some people would think I wasnt much to look at, but Mom says she could tell that I had a great personality even though I was lethargic and slept most of the time. The shortest of walks were physically draining since I just didnt feel good.

Soon after adopting me, Mom took me for my first visit to my new doctor. He said I was either a vets worst nightmare or dream come true; it would all depend on my progress.

My doctor told Mom that I had a severe dermatological yeast infection, and secondary bacterial infection. He explained to her that was why I was missing a lot of hair, and why parts of my skin had turned black with deep wrinkles. Its very itchy and sometimes I scratch spots until theyre bloody and raw.

The doctor prescribed a steroid so I wouldnt scratch so much, but he couldnt do anything about the unpleasant order caused by the infection itself. I have to take long baths every other day and lots of medications for my skin. The pills arent too bad cause Mom puts em in liverwurst. (Yummy!!!) Im not crazy about the long baths but I like the warm hair dryer afterwards.

My teeth need a good cleaning, but my doctor says we need to get stronger before he can do this. Mom just brushes em for now. (Im not real fond of this either, but Mom insists that it has to be done.)

The doctor said I have something called KCS (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) which means I have compromised tear production in my eyes. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being normal production) both my eyes registered a zero. This lack of tear production has led to a darkening of my corneas, dramatically limiting my eyesight. I get around the house okay, but Im kind of embarrassed when I bump into things I cant see. Also, since I also had a green discharge from both eyes, Mom applies a special ointment and eye drops twice a day.

When Mom first brought me home, I had a pretty bad infection in both ears, necessitating drops twice daily and cleaning once a day.

Finally, I also have a heart murmur -- but were keeping an eye on that.

As of my last doctors visit, my ear infections have disappeared and the tear production in my eyes is up to a 5 with no more discharge! Well continue working on my skin infection as long as it takes for me to feel better, but I dont itch as much and Im growing NEW HAIR!! I feel a little better each day.

I now live with my new Mom Sue, Grandma Helen, eight rabbit brothers and sisters and one guinea pig brother. (Theyre all rescues as well -- except for Grandma Helen.) I am truly blessed with lots of company and love.

I also have some nice new friends at WestieMed that helped us with my medical bills.

Update - May 2004: Just wanted to give you an update on Teddy. I've attached a recent picture. As you can see, Teddy continues to improve and the vet is quite happy with his progress. Teddy and I really appreciate the generous help that WestieMed provided. And thank you again for all your help.