Angel
June 2008:
On Christmas Day 2007,
Angel, a 7–8 year old Westie, was found wandering in traffic near Louisa,
Kentucky (close to the border of West Virginia), by a wonderful woman. Angel
was “in very bad shape”. Angel had infections in both ears and one eye for
which antibiotics were prescribed. The veterinarian believed Angel was very
pregnant. Arrangements were made to place Angel into Westie/Cairn Terrier
Rescue of SW Ohio in Williamsburg. Once in Williamsburg, Ohio, an ultrasound
showed that Angel was not pregnant. Angel was spayed, further antibiotics were
prescribed, and her teeth were cleaned with some removed. Further diagnostic
testing showed Angel had an enlarged heart and cardiac medications were
started. In addition, a mammary tumor was removed that fortunately was benign.
Angel has given birth to multiple liters and is believed to have come from a
puppy mill.
Angel remained unadopted for
approximately three months. In browsing through the Westie Rescue, USA website,
I found Carla Smith of Westie/Cairn Rescue of SW Ohio in Williamsburg and
adopted Angel on 4/5/08. Angel was initially very timid and fearful. With
minimal activity or after lying down, Angel would start coughing and had periods
of labored breathing. Two days after adoption, Angel received medical treatment
for what was believed to be congestive heart failure. However, Angel’s symptoms
progressively became worse. Angel rarely barked and when she did, she would
start coughing.
On 4/11/08, a cardiologist diagnosed
Angel with Pulmonary Fibrosis, also known as Westie
Lung Disease. It is a chronic scarring of the lung tissue that is mostly seen
in Westies. Angel receives three respiratory medications, including an inhaler,
twice a day and her heart medications were discontinued. Within 12 hours,
Angel’s activity level improved dramatically. Although 7–8 years old, Angel
acted like a puppy, full of energy and getting into everything.
When Angel
first arrived, she could only walk 2-3 house lengths without coughing and
shortness of breath. Initially, the cardiologist said to restrict her activity;
however, Angel was not going to comply with this prescription. Angel now
briskly walks the entire block (20 houses) several times a day and barks without
coughing.
Angel has
gained so much confidence, proudly walking down the street with that terrier
prance and wagging her tail. The cardiologist is thrilled with her progress.
In addition, she runs through the house with excitement, plays with toys, and is
just as happy as she could be. Angel has also assumed a very important job,
squirrel detective. Always on squirrel patrol, Angel is the fastest squirrel
chaser around and if she could figure out how to climb a tree, she would. Her
front paw goes up and her tail becomes straight when she senses a squirrel is on
her turf. What a smart girl, if she can’t climb a tree, she will just chop the
tree down with her teeth.
Angel
loves other dogs and has several dog friends. Angel has become quite the
neighborhood dog. Children on bicycles say, “Hi Angel” and people on porches
always greet her. Angel looks in amazement, “Are they talking to me?” Although
still a little people shy, Angel has just blossomed. Angel is the best little
mommy helper around; she goes everywhere with Mommy including shopping, where
she sits in the basket of the cart. Store clerks and shoppers always come up to
her and two people have asked “where they can get a dog just like her”. Such a
sweet little Westie, Angel has provided much love, humor, and comfort to all of
those who come across her path. Angel has been such a blessing!
Thank you
so much to Westie Med, Inc. for providing the assistance for Angel to be able to
live out the life that she deserves including the puppy hood that she missed.
Angel and her mommy are so grateful for your kindness and generous support.
Angel has truly been given another chance and she is taking every opportunity to
live her new life to the fullest. Each day is a new adventure. Angel is truly
an angel!
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