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!
Update October 5, 2008:
My life keeps getting better and better. Words cannot
express my sincere gratitude to WESTIE MED for their concern over my
well-being and their financial assistance.
I saw my cardiologist in September and got a very good
report. I wasn't surprised as I already knew because I feel so much better. My
lung pressures are down, just borderline of the high end of normal. The
doctor said, "that I still will always have pulmonary hypertension", whatever
that means. I still take my 3 medications, twice a day, no changes were made.
I wish my doctor would stop that inhaler, I do not like that one, but Mommy
waits until I am asleep to use it. The other two medicines I like because I get
real good food with them. Mommy says, "Come on Angel, time for medicines" and I
come running. If I haven't told
you, I live in a palace! Boy, I am one lucky dog. I have my own couch and
loveseat. Old carpet and furniture are a dogs dream. I can do whatever I
want. I sprawl out on my couch or loveseat, as big as I please. Mommy got me
dog steps for the couch and I learned real quick how to climb them. I also have
lots of toys. My toy squirrel is my favorite. In the palace, I can run all the
way through the living room, dining room and kitchen in one swoop. I do this
when I am real excited and happy. Also, at the palace, when you are hungry all
you have to do is toss your food bowl and you get fed. On the weekends, it
operates similar to a Bed and Breakfast. I get to sleep in and I get a little
cream of wheat for breakfast, yum, yum.
Still busy chasing and barking at all those squirrels. I
have my own backyard, I just love it. I run from one end to the other trying to
get those squirrels. I do wish I had longer legs, so I could climb a tree or
that fence. I can't get away with much back there as Mommy is always watching;
I tell her that she is too overprotective. I also watch the squirrels from my
front door, I have a special mat there that has a beautiful picture of a Westie,
just like me. In the mornings, sometimes I take a snooze on my mat as the sun
shines on me. I get to go on
lots of walks, people around here say, "Hi Angel" as I walk by. My little legs
just keep moving as quick as they can and I wag my tail. Mommy says, "Good
girl" as I prance down the street. I now potty all the time outside. After I
"Potty Outside", Mommy says, "Diggity, Dig, Diggity, Dog", and I dig real fast.
I also know what "Come, Come" means and "Stay". Mommy says, "I am the smartest
dog that she ever had". I have a
Pet Nanny, my neighbor, Auntie DeAnna. She watches me all day when Mommy goes
to work. Auntie DeAnna spoils me rotten. She bought a digital camera
with video just to capture all of my best moments.
Good thing that the power went out for several days and I
could not go to the groomer, as I discovered the palace also has a spa. I got a
bath! I just loved it, lots of warm water, a massage with lather, I thought I
was in heaven. Mommy said, "that I couldn't go to the Cardiologist without a
bath, as they might think I wasn't well cared for", boy, I would set the record
straight if anyone ever said that.
I also have a sparkly new harness in pink and a matching
leash with diamonds. Auntie DeAnna got me jewelry; doggy charms that go on my
pink harness. I only wear this outfit on special occasions. And, I love to go
"Bye, Bye", that means a ride in the car.
Yep, I have a great life. Each day, I am so excited to get
started that I help Mommy open the front door by scratching on it as she opens
it, so I can be the first one to see outside. I am so, so happy!!! Thank you
again for assisting with making my new life possible. I feel so much better now
and in fact, I am able to hold a very important job and its in the career of my
choice, squirrel detective. Hugs
and kisses,
Angel
I hope you enjoyed reading Angel's progress in her own
words. I cannot believe that still each day, she gets better and better. Angel
is so happy, full of life and more confident with each day. Quite a contrast
from when she first came, so timid and fearful and then unable to do much with
the shortness of breath and coughing. Angel now only coughs occasionally and
only becomes short of breath when she over does it with those squirrels, but
with a close eye, I can intervene before it gets to that point. Angel wakes up
full of energy and ready to go. I have learned a great deal through adopting
Angel. A ton of patience and love makes such a difference. I never would have
dreamed that Angel would get to the point that she is. She is too cute and just
the sweetest dog around, never growls or gets upset. Her next cardiologist
appointment is now in five months. Also, her heart has not enlarged any
further. Thank you again.
May God bless WestieMed for that work that you do.
Judy |
