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WESTIE RESCUE |
WESTIE RESCUE PHOTO ALBUMClick on the dates below to see some of the Michigan Westies rescued in 2003, 2004, 2005 , 2006 , 2007, and 2008. |
The Rescue branch of the organization (which may be made up of non-breeders and breeders alike) takes in the dogs that were sold by not so responsible breeders (including puppy mills, pet stores and many backyard breeders) who do not take responsibility for the puppies they produce for their lifetime. Thus Breed Clubs have an incentive to try to educate the public and make sure that no one buys a puppy which is not appropriate for them. Rescues provide a 'safety net' for those unfortunate Westies who have no breeder that will stand behind them.
to read about SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BREED RESCUES By Lillith Toney.
on Penny and Snowball to learn "WHY ARE SENIORS SO SPECIAL?"
on Spanky and Darla TO READ ABOUT TWO WESTIES WITH A SPECIAL STORY. 
on Fiona and Olivia to Read about #78, A puppymill girl.
to Meet Cedric and Read About a Happy Ending
to see the Poem, "Looking For A Home" by Arlene Pace which is surrounded by a "rescue ring" of just some of the Westies who have found a home through Michigan Westie Rescue. 
I just can't tell you how happy it makes me to see such a previously neglected and untrained little pup like Mac do so well, in less than the 5 months he has come home to us! He is such an affectionate and devoted little cuddler, so my reason for pursuing this goal was: why not share these redeeming qualities with others who could benefit from his loving nature? MacTavish has had some big man/loud male voice 'issues,' due to suspected prior abuse, so I was holding my breathe when the first test for TDI involved a huge, tall man who needed to groom, pet, and examine him. Although Mac did not wag his tail much- more importantly, he did not crouch, cower, urinate, or growl. Yeah, he passed the first tough one for him! My next anxious moment occurred when Mac needed to be lifted onto the lap of a "patient" in a wheelchair - but this fellow was wearing a large wide-brimmed hat! Oh no - now that was something I hadn't exposed him to - darn! I was pretty certain he had never see one of these strange contraptions before, so I thought he might just want to flee, but instead just gave the patient a 'kiss' on his nose! WHEW! We made one more hurdle! Now on to the toughest one for my little rescued guy - a luscious piece of hot dog that just happened to be on the floor where he had to walk, as well as sit by. I had trained Mac to know "leave it" - but come on - a hot dog that just happened to be on the floor? Oh well I thought, here's where I should have practiced with more tempting 'treats.' He made a lunge for it, but stopped on my command! YES! The reason this is so important is because there may be a bit of food on the floor (or in a wheelchair) and the therapy dog should not go after it. There could be medication in the food or the food could make the dog very ill. (Makes sense, doesn't it)? So, thanks again, Beth- for your kindness in fostering Mac, and for your expertise as we worked through Mac's submissive urination, big guy fears, and even an apprehensive 'dad.' WE DID IT! I know Mac has found his niche - may all our beloved rescued Westies find loving homes! |
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LINKS
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If you have adopted a dog from Michigan Westie Rescue and are interested in joining an email list consisting of other Michigan Westie Adopers, please send a blank email: |
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