Dutchess

December 2007:

After the death of my Westie Mr. Magoo at age 17 years, 2 months, swore I would never get another Westie to add to the two I still have.  And then it happened!  This beautiful little Princess caught my eye and I had to have her for my own.

Westie Rescue of Missouri (WRM) stated that Dutchess was turned in by an elderly woman in her 80s who could no longer care for her.  The woman said her grand-daughter owned Dutchess.  However, when the girl went to medical school, she gave Dutchess to her grandmother.  We know the woman also had a male Westie who recently died.   After his death, Dutchess had to leave.  Perhaps it was out of grief...but, nonetheless, she was surrendered to rescue.

Everyone at WRM who met Dutchess LOVED HER.  Her foster home was very smitten with her and said Dutchess was going to be awesome pet for someone.  Dutchess works the pack like a grand, seasoned matriarch with gentleness and accuracy through looks and playfulness.  Her foster mom, Lynne Black said Dutchess is perfect.

After dealing with stormy weather trying to transport her to me, Dutchess finally arrived on Thanksgiving Day via airplane thanks to the Farris family and their “Pet Taxi” as well as WRM. (http://picasaweb.google.com/greg.t.farris/PetTaxi)

The next day I took Dutchess to the Vet for a check-up.  I found out she had hookworms and a urinary tract infection (UTI).  She also had numerous cysts and tumors on her body.   The Vet treated the UTI and hookworms right then and there.  We were to return in a week for cyst and tumor removal. 

This photo shows Dutchess barking to go ‘bye-bye’.  Little did she know she was going to have her cysts and tumors removed.  After a week of nail biting and stress, the Vet reported her tumors were benign and her blood work was perfect.  The Vet also stated Dutchess was “OLD” - very old!  He estimated that she is at least 13 years or older.  She appears to be very young and acts as a pup.  Who cares about age?   Not us!

Miss D. is adjusting well to our home and my other two Westies.  She gets along just fine with her brother Rocky MacDuff:

(http://www.westiemed.org/stories/2004/rocky/).

However, her sister Miss Sophie Rose is another story.  Sophie is our resident Alpha Diva and thinks she rules the world.  Slowly, the girls have come to a truce and are learning to get along.

Thanks to WestieMed and their generosity, Dutchess now has a clean bill of health.  She a fine old lady and we love her dearly! 

Thanks again WestieMed for all you do to assure the health of these little Westies!

Update June 14, 2008:

Hi all!  It’s me the Divine Miss D.  Boy, did I ever hit the Jackpot!   My Mom thinks I am the Cutest Thing that hit Harrison.  She tells me I am a female Mr. Magoo. (That was my 17 year old Bubby that went to the Bridge.)  I am so Sassy, Bossy and Demanding!  I tell my Mom when I want to go outside and I don’t stop barking until she opens the door.  I bark for my meals and again I don’t shut up until I get them and Mom is always on time believe me.  I even bark until Mom gets up and gives me her chair.  J

I have a clean bill of health and Mom just had the last of my Booboos removed.  Big old thing on the back of my neck.  It didn’t bother me but Mom is always doing a search looking for stuff.  And of course, it has to go!  I’m perfect and Mom helps me to stay that way.  Not bad for a 14 year old.

My Sister Sophie Rose is acting better but not perfect.  Sometimes she forgets and plays with me.  My Brother Rocky is a gentle Giant.  He’s good to me!  My Bestest Friends Winnie and Elvis come to visit all the time.  We get along GRAND.

Thanks to WestieMed I have a wonderful healthy life and thanks to WestieMed I have my friends Winnie and Elvis.  Life is great!  And I am so very happy!

Love,
Dutchess

Update November 24, 2008:

Hey!  It’s me again!  The Little Miss D…  Boy, let me tell you!!  My life is that of a SPOILED ROTTEN KID.  Hard to believe I will be here with my Mama, my brother Rocky MacDuff and my mean, nasty always-in-my-face sister Sophie Rose a whole year.  That sister of mine is always after me. Someday I’m gonna tear her a new butt.  Anyway, I am so so happy and healthy.  Mama plays bally with me all the time and I am quick!  My brother Rocky plays with me all the time and sometimes Sophie Rose forgets and plays with me, too.  But I don’t trust her!

Mama took me to the Vet and had a couple more cysts removed from my perfect body.  My eyes are getting a little cloudy but what the heck.  I’m 14 years old.  Mama tells everyone that I remind her of Mr. Magoo, my brother that passed away at 17 years and 2 months.  She said we could be twins in actions and energy.

I loved being loved!  Thanks WestieMed for helping me.

Love, Dutchess