Dani
I received a phone call on a Sunday
afternoon a few weeks back which was a request for
my help with a female Westie who had been found running
loose with no ID. The lady who found her on a rural
road also got a black male lab at the same time, as
they were together in a field. She ran an ad in the
local paper for a week, and also put up posters. Deanna
could not keep the dogs as she had her plate full
with three children, a mastiff and a mother who was
critically ill. All this came out later after we met
at the pet store parking lot. Dani, (short for Daniella)
was wrapped in a baby blanket when I first saw her,
and it was a very cute Westie face peeping out at
me. The minute the blanket came off I was horrified
at the condition of her skin. Probably 75% of her
fur was gone and the revealed skin was thick, black
and oily with a lot of open sores. Upon closer inspection
I noticed the eyes weeping mucous, and two very infected
ears. Her nails appeared to have been never trimmed
and were very long and curved back in a circle. Her
nipples were still enlarged from a recent litter of
pups. I believe this little 14-pound darling has escaped
or been dumped from a puppy mill.
Right away I warned her rescuer that she was very
ill and could very well have to be euthanized. BUT
then Dani became very affectionate and gave me lots
of kisses. This young girl showed me she deserved
a chance if our rescue fund could swing it, and the
right adopter could be found. Tuesday morning Randy
and Deanna took her to see Dr. Terry Owen, an appointment
arranged by club member Nora Hackathorn. As before,
Dr. Owen has graciously offered his services at half
his normal fees for our rescue. Dr. Owen agreed Dani’s
condition was overwhelming and we will deal with the
most urgent needs first and not deal with spaying
her until she is MUCH better.
At that first visit she got a thorough exam and meds
for ears, eyes, and skin, special shampoo and conditioner.
She also received a rabies vaccination and had her
nails cut. I had previously got her started on a diet
based on fish and potatoes, a step often taken with
highly allergic dogs. She is also taking a multivitamin.
From a dental examination Dr. Owen guessed her age
at five. After a week of good food and medicine, Dani’s
westie spunk returned, she slept less and played more.
At her two week re-examination Dr. Owen administered
more vaccines, continued most meds, and ordered another.
After that visit her new “mom” Connie
took her home to meet her new westie brother.
Connie’s female had passed away last fall and
she has been searching for a new companion. Of course,
her male westie is neutered, a blessing as Dani is
still not strong enough to be spayed and her next
heat could come before the surgery happens. We have
committed rescue funds for that surgery and all the
medications she will need, along with vet visits for
many months. Right now it looks as though we have
enough money to do this, but pleas consider sending
a donation to help.
Checks can be sent to Carolyn
Bales, the Club Treasurer, or myself. Connie has
a camera to take weekly pictures of her progress,
and I’m hoping she will attend the June picnic
so you can all see what a darling she is.
Chris Schriber
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