One Little, Two Little, ... Ten Little Westies!!!

A month ago today, September 2, 2007, Gordon and I traveled three to four hours to another part of the state to pick up six West Highland White Terriers from a breeder who was getting rid of her Westies because they were no longer producing enough puppies to be profitable.

We were the closest Westie Rescue volunteers to pick up the dogs, all between four and six years of age. 

The breeder would allow us to come to her location on that one day only to pick up the dogs.  Needless to say, we dropped everything and high-tailed it to the location.

When we arrived, the breeder told us there would be seven Westies, instead of six.  Number seven turned out not to be pregnant, and she was no longer wanted by the breeder. 

Papers to release the dogs to the custody of Westie Rescue were signed; the dogs were loaded into the back of the van in three little "pup tents", and I climbed in to comfort the little tykes during the ride back home.  (The story of those first hours and days is a whole 'nother fun story!)

When we were close to the farm, the little dogs had settled down enough for me to make an accurate count of noses and tails.  There were EIGHT Westies in the back of the van!

We had been blessed with an eighth Westie with a bad eye infection (that required immediate surgery).  You will be hearing what a true blessing that one-eyed Daddles has been!

The breeder must have been afraid we would refuse the injured Westie which is why it was sneaked into the van without our knowledge.  She obviously did not understand what Westie Rescue is all about!

The little dogs were only known by the tatoo number in their ears!  They did not have names! 

In the hours riding home with the little treasures, I gave them names that fit their little personalities.   By the end of the trip, those little dogs KNEW and responded to their respective names! (I am still amazed at their intelligence!)

Please try to imagine bringing eight love-starved, non-house-trained, very intelligent and energetic little Westies into your home.

With Annie and Mackie, we were home to TEN Westies for a couple of weeks! I was in puppy-loving Heaven! *grin*

As a farm-based home that has had as many as seven indoor/outdoor or under-our-feet English Shepherds at any given time in the past 15 years, we "thought" we were prepared for the invasion of six, seven, nay, EIGHT little white dogs.

Snicker, Guffaw, Ha, Ha, Ha, Chortle, Laugh, Cackle ... fade into a coughing fit .

Bottom line:  The past 30 days have been the most fulfilling I can remember in a long, long time.  Rescuing these little treasures and seeing six of them adopted so far has been the most worthwhile use of my time in many, many, many a year.

I wish for the talent of Erma Bombeck to be able to convey to you the mirth and energy and drama of the last 30 days!

I promise you will be hearing more about Daddles, Lillibeth, Charlotte, Lara, Happy, Emily, Melody and Elvis!  I'll also be sharing the reactions of Annie and Mackie (the previous adopted rescued Westies) and Kelly, Belle, Sunny and Daisy (the long-suffering English Shepherds), and the not-so-happy Rosalie, the rescued Siamese-mix.

Photo 1:  The Joy of Real Grass:  The eight rescued Westies had lived on concrete slabs the past four to six (or more) years of their lives.  Their first steps on the farm were a delight to observe as they rolled in the grass and ran all over the fenced back yard sniffing.

Photo 2:  Who is Whom?: With haircuts that reminded one of Jack Russell Terriers or Schnauzers or some blending of styles, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the little dogs until we got color-coded collars on them! Add to that the fact that they were in perpetual motion! This series of photos were taken in the first moments the little dogs were on the farm.

Photo 3: Eight Tails instead of Seven:  I counted incorrectly. There are actually eight tails in this photo!  See if you can find all eight!

Photo 4: Charlotte:  With literally her first few steps on the farm, Charlotte walked directly to my uncle, Charles, and sat on his foot.  She did not look for a spot to "do her business".  She did not drink any water.  She staked her claim on my uncle!  We continue to be amazed at this little dog's obsessive love for Unc!

Photo 5:  Lillibeth:  Lillibeth immediately chose my husband Gordon.  Remember how Nancy Reagan looked at her husband Ronald Reagan with those puppy-dog eyes of admiration?  Well, that is just how Lillibeth behaves toward Gordon 24/7.  She even cries when he leaves the room or the house!

Photo 6: Daddles and Elvis after surgery:  The first day our veterinarian was open after we picked up the Rescued Westies, we had them all in for exams and heartworm, lyme and ehrlichia tests and vaccinations and rabies shots.  The day after that, Elvis and Daddles were fixed, and Daddles had her damaged eye operated on.  We still don't know if Daddles will regain any sight in that eye, but it does not matter.  Daddles chose me (like Charlotte chose Unc and Lillibeth chose Gordon).

You just won't believe the transformation in these little white dogs!  More photos to come as I can squeeze in a little photo editing time.

Comments

[TERRI BRUCE]

iam loking for a little white terreier because they are loving and cute and small and i love to u have one very much

[Patty]

Oh my God, are you fostering all of them?! Penny, you and your husband totally rock!!! This is so funny because earlier today I was reading a dog board I've been posting to for years and thinking how most of us there feel the same about rescue (something to do) and breeding our dogs (don't do it) and how I wished I would see that message spread to other boards and blogs where dogs were not always the subject. You now, as a way to educate people. And now I come to your blog and see this. You just made my week! :)

[Junie Moon]

They are all gorgeous and what a blessing you rescued them--the poor little things. This was an eye-opener as I did not know breeders treated animals like puppy-making machines. The fact they didn't even have names is a clue to their care. Good for you in helping them--this really makes my heart full.

[Vickie Claflin]

Penny, You are a doll! It's wonderful when these little guys leave paw prints across your heart. I'm also glad to see that Annie and Mackey are thriving on your farm. I can't think of anyone more loving than you to have adopted them.

I would like to respond to Ann Washburn's comments about breeders. Penny got the ten Westies from a puppy mill, not a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders never mass produce, rather, they strive to perfect the breed (both in appearance and health). We need to educate the public that when they buy a dog from a pet store, they are supporting puppy mills. Reputable breeders never sell their dogs retail. Take a look at www.capitalpaws.com to access many links that will teach about the differences between puppy-mills, back-yard breeders and reputable breeders who show their dogs and breed only the champions.

Love to you Penny and the work you do for our little Westies.

Vickie Claflin, Maryland Westie Rescue

[Anne Burton Washburn]

Wow, they are SO CUTE! I love how they are working to become part of your FAMILY . I also love how they loved the grass. I can't imagine someone keeping them on concrete!!

Anne

[Anina]

Wow! What fun. Why would someone just dump a bunch of cute little dogs? This is why I don't buy from breeders, just people who raise puppies from their pets in their homes.

[Jenna Z]

A Saint, you are a saint! Anyone involved with rescue has a special place in my heart but to take in 8 at once, you deserve a medal!

[rlbates]

Wow, I love my dogs (well only one left now), but I can't image caring for so many at one time. Still they are so cute! Good for you!