Peppy (a.k.a. Pepe)

Early in August we got a contact from a family in Cleveland who wanted to give up their 15 month old male westie.
Pepe was originally an impulse purchase from a mall pet store by an hispanic family, hence the name Pepe.  That first family had no experience with dogs and he proceeded to tear up furniture and soil the floors.  After a couple months with that family he was given to his next family, who did provide some training. However, there were a few problems in that situation.
First, there was an electric fence and the big bulky collar which goes along with it. He was not happy outside with the possibility of being shocked if he made a wrong move.  So he stayed near the house and dug a lot of holes and barked at neighbors.  Next, the eight year old boxer who was already in the family did not like him and often picked fights with the little guy.  We know what damage terrier jaws can do.  The vet bills to patch up the boxer were mounting. So the family tried to keep them separate which resulted in a lot of crate time, or outside time destroying the garden.
Number three, he was being fed a quality food, but it was the senior diet for less active dogs which the boxer ate, and Pepe was very thin with sparse soft fur.  The family had not socialized him much and it was a big surprise at our visit that he was so afraid of strangers that it took him probably 45 minutes before he would approach us, even with treats.  I've never before visited a home with westies when they did not demand immediate attention!   That day we brought him home with us for what we figured would be a short stay for some training, socialization, nutrition, and vet care. Although he had had all his recommended innoculations and been neutered, he had never been tested for heartworm.  The club rescue funds that you all donate have covered that test and happily he was clear and is now on preventative.   Five weeks have passed, and he's still here. We've changed his name to Peppy because of his high activity level.  He has gained weight and confidence.   He's learned about pack behavior and cuddling, something he had missed before. He's ready to move on, we're quite ready to let him go, but the right home hasn't come along.

UPDATE: Pepe was adopted on October 1, 2006. Thanks!