West Highland Herald
Transcription
West Highland Herald
Westie Rescue, Inc. SPRING 2012 West Highland Herald For the love of Westies Presidents Message www.HelpWesties.org Inside this issue: Toby’s Story Continues 2 CTA Catalog Ad 3 CTA Catalog Ad 4 Thank You Volunteers 5 Westie Rescue Alumni 5 Event Calendar 6 Highland Finds 6 Spring Safety Tips 7 Daisy Dishes 8 Alumni News 9 Snoopy 10 The West Highland Herald is published several times a year by Westie Rescue, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization run solely by volunteers for the welfare of homeless West Highland White Terriers (Westies). All donations to Westie Rescue, Inc., are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Comments, inquiries, and suggestions welcome! Send to [email protected] Earlier this year we held a fundraiser to sell lines for placement of an Ad in the catalog for the Columbia Terrier Association all Terrier Show. The show was held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland on Friday, April 20, 2012. Thanks to many of you we were able to fill two (2) pages in the catalog. For those of you that were unable to attend the show and see an actual catalog we have reproduced the list of names as they appeared in the ad. (see page 3) We would like to thank volunteer, Donna Magruder, for stepping in for our Corresponding Secretary, Lynda , who had a fire at her home in March. We are thankful that she and her Westie escaped from harm. We wish the family the best as they begin to rebuild and look forward to seeing her soon. Karen Spalding, President Super Pet Expo Submitted by Mary Ann Kalwarski Spring is in the air! And March brought the Super Pet Expo back to Chantilly, Va. Our volunteers enjoyed another fun filled weekend meeting the Westie’s and other breeds along with their owners. With the weather being so nice, it was a packed house all three days. My Annie made her appearance on Friday evening, working the Kissing Booth and welcoming visitors at the booth. Zoe’ took center stage on Saturday and wowed the crowd. She graciously accepted all compliments and head scratches provided by the visitors. Our volunteers happily chatted with everyone stopping to ask questions and/or make a purchase. It was nice to see and greet several Westie’s and their owners from previous years. Vendors came prepared with every imaginable item for your dog to be a prince or princess – day and evening outfits; homemade treats and food; soft, fluffy beds or round cuddly ones; decorative collars and harnesses; strollers for tired dogs; and toys, toys and more toys. For the human at the end of the leash, there were prints to decorate your walls; photographers to take family shots; flags and figurines for your yard; magnets for your car and shirts for you to wear. We hope to see you next year at the Super Pet Expo!!!! PAGE 2 WEST HIGHLAND HERALD Toby’s Adventures SPRING 2012 Submitted by Mary Ann Kalwarski Toby’s back on the adventure trail. A few weeks ago, we took a weekend trip with friends. Of course they have Westies, not to worry. We loaded up their van and drove to Maryland for a weekend of fun and more Westies in Ellicott City. Naturally, I had 3 times as much luggage for Toby, Kayla and Annie than for myself. This would be Toby’s first time staying in a hotel and I wanted to make sure he would be comfortable. I had some concerns he’d be anxious in the strange surroundings, but he took everything in stride – including the elevator rides! Westie Rescue, Inc. Post Office Box 187 Bluemont, VA 20135 540-554-2963 www.HelpWesties.org Email:[email protected] Board of Directors Karen Spalding President Mary Ann Kalwarski Treasurer Lynda Zoller Corresponding Secretary Sherri Salamone Recording Secretary Roger West Board Member Saturday was perfect for a walk around the grounds at the country club before attending Yappie Hour with other rescued Westies. As usual, Toby had to introduce himself to the lady Westies. While catching a few rays on the patio the Westies all dug into some “doggie ice cream”. Later, while we humans were at dinner, Toby, Kayla, Annie visited with Mystic and Daisy in their room. The TV was tuned to Animal Planet and we found empty biscuit wrappers, water bottles and de-stuffed toys upon our return. We’ll let you use your imagination about the party as the Westies aren’t telling! Sunday, the weather changed dramatically. Rain, rain, more rain and cold sent us inside for the Parade of Rescues. Twelve Westies proudly presented themselves on parade. This was Toby’s first parade and he had a blast. He really is in his element when he’s in the company of other Westies. Annie, well, she’s an old pro and showed them all just how a Princess works the line. The weekend was a great time for all and another successful milestone for Toby. We are looking forward to more fun times away. Stay tuned. We may be visiting your city soon. Matching Gifts How To Double Your Donation To Westie Rescue Without It Costing You Double! Did you know that literally thousands of companies will match their employees charitable donations to non-profits? Sometimes they just don't make it very well-known to their employees. Chances are good that yours does too! It’s typically a simple form that you can acquire from your business office or from your company headquarters website. You merely fill out a small section, send it along to us with your donation and we take care of the rest! Many of our donors use their companies matching gift program to elevate them to the next category in our Partner in Rescue program throughout the year! Don’t miss this opportunity to double your donation by inquiring with your company business office today! The Westies will be glad you did! PAGE 3 WEST HIGHLAND HERALD SPRING 2012 April 20, 2012 Columbia Terrier Association Catalog Ad Proudly Owned by a Rescued Westie: Maggie Mae, owned by Alan & Carolyn Lumb Tucker, owned by Alan & Carolyn Lumb Molly, owned by Dr. Stanley Andrews Cupid, owned by Alison Kerester & Robert Nolan Kelsey, owned by Beth Zemble & Phil Rosenzweig Jack, owned by Beth Zemble & Phil Rosenzweig Emmy & Daisy, owned by Dianna Huddleston Katie, owned by Edward & Leslie Goldenberg Sophie, owned by Joan & Tom Christensen Annie, owned by Mary Ann Kalwarski Toby, owned by Mary Ann Kalwarski Kenzie, owned by Randy & Susan Williams Loki, owned by Jerry & Marilyn Jensen Buddy, owned by Chris & Jean Gardner Daisy & Mystic, owned by Don & Durie White Rocky & McKenzie, owned by John & Maryann Yania Ivan & Grisha, owned by Greg Greiner & John Heizer Molly, owned by Peter & Liz Myers Ellie, owned by Betty Thornton Riley, owned by Linda Kaserman Snowball, owned by Sondra Kalinsky Chloe, owned by Gail & Phil Reese Marshie, owned by Katelynn Wood Emma, owned by Kimberly Wood Brodie, owned by Andy Canter Maggie, owned by Andy Canter Molly, owned by Dee Smith Tucker, owned by Nini & Lyn Goodwin Daisy, owned by Nini & Lyn Goodwin Mish, owned by Joan & Don MacNair Max, owned by Bill & Mary Jane Wildberger In Honor Of: Callie, made by Alison Kerester Bronco, made by Brice Verdier Duncan, made by John Kemp Killundine Westies, made by Brice Verdier Abigail Rae, made by Kelly Tharp Daphne Gentry, made by Brice Verdier Charlie, made by Jess & Jane Lockaby Suse, made by Brice Verdier Rose, made by Jess & Jane Lockaby Bailey, made by Jesse & Cathy Archer Chanel, made by Mary Ann Kalwarski Westie Rescue, Inc., made by Dee Smith Karen Spalding, made by Wood Family Chester & Ruby Guild, made by “Riley” McDuff, made by Cathy & Mike Hughes Sammy, made by Andy Canter Phoebe, made by Bob & Kirsten Hills Asta, made by Bob & Kirsten Hills Molly, made by Bill & Mary Jane Wildberger Krystyna Locke, made by Westie Rescue, Inc. All My Westies, made by Karen Spalding Riley & Rose, made by Bruce & Barb Lobach David Sobolak, Sr., made by Mary Ann Kalwarski All My Foster Westies, made by Mary Ann Kalwarski All Westies Great & Small, made by Marianne & Dana Bean Westie Rescue, Inc. made by Beth Zemble & Phil Rosenzweig PAGE 4 WEST HIGHLAND HERALD SPRING 2012 In Memory Of: AW, owned by Nancy Hill Molly, owned by Brice Verdier Brier, owned by Brice Verdier Frosty, owned by Kathy Chenault Scottie, owned by Donna Magruder Tibby, owned by Donna Magruder Prancer, owned by Diane Kelley Chelsea, owned by John Kemp Baylee, owned by Dee Smith Snuffy, owned by Dr. A. E. Dodson Fred, owned by Cathy & Mike Hughes Mona, owned by Nini & Lyn Goodwin Abby, owned by Amy & Jeff Fitzhugh Angus, owned by Jess & Jane Lockaby Charlie, owned by Jesse & Cathy Archer Ivee, owned by Katelyn & Mike Gaumer Clyde, owned by Bruce & Barb Lobach Molly, owned by Jane Lyle & Carol Walker Mandy, Muffy & Sara owned by Karen Spalding Ernie, owned by Beth Zemble & Phil Rosenzweig Nessie of the Neuse, owned by Don & Jo Shiffler Ceilidh A’ Creag,CD,RA,NA,NAJ, owned by Cindy Hintz Finnegan, owned by Nancy Hill Truffle, owned by Diane Kelley Millie, owned by Don Dant Mysti, owned by Jane Ferguson Mattie, owned by Sondra Kalinsky Nikki, owned by Mary Ann Kalwarski Fred & Lucy, owned by Flo Tull Doozer, owned by John Kemp Maggie Mae, owned by Dee Smith Holly, owned by Gail & Phil Reese Daisy, owned by Bob & Kirsten Hills Millie, owned by Nini & Lyn Goodwin Willie, owned by Jess & Jane Lockaby Parker, owned by Jess & Jane Lockaby Chanel, owned by Don & Durie White Maggie, owned by Bruce & Barb Lobach Dylan, owned by Roz & Randy Rosenblatt Fergus, owned by Jane Lyle & Carol Walker Oliver, owned by Greg Grenier & John Heizer Marty, owned by Alison Kerester & Robert Nolan Westie Rescue Supporters: Beth Zemble & Phil Rosenzweig Regina Van Doren Dee Smith Missed Deadline: Patricia Featherston Sondra Kalinsky The Verdier Family Gail & Phil Reese Marianne & Dana Bean WEST HIGHLAND HERALD PAGE 5 SPRING 2012 Thank you for Showing Your Support for Westie Rescue January 2012—May 2012 Volunteers In Honor of Sherri Salamon Roger & Jane West Mary Ann Kalwarski Karen Spalding Bob Spalding Donna Magruder Lynda Zoller Doruss Stephens Liz & Peter Myers Don & Durie White Margaret Zoller Charles MacCampbell Sharon Breighner Flo Tull Debbie Carvelli Kristine Smith, made by Pamela Walters Molly, made by Dee Smith Gift Cards (Target, PetSmart etc) Forever Stamps In Memory of Dasuquin Joint Supplement for small dogs Belly Bands Volunteers for Events Volunteers to provide Foster Care Interceptor or Frontline Wish List Chloe, made by Dr. Leslie Hayes Bonnie & Heather, made by Oksana Stowbunenko Gandalf, made by Pamela Walters Daisy, made by David Middleton Donated Services Caring Hands Veterinary, Bristow, VA Loudoun Veterinary Services,Purcellville, Virginia Storage Trailer, Bob Spalding Dr. Micki Armour, TLC, Leesburg, VA, In Kind Donations Kuranda Bed, Allison Kerrester Canine Inhaler, Sherri Salamone Dog Food, Karen Spalding Prescription Medication, Karen Spalding I.D. Tag, for Snoopy & Oscar, Mary Ann Kalwarski Dog Food, Mary Ann Kalwarski Westie Volunteers “Annie” Kalwarski “Zoe” Spalding “Andy” Tull Westie Rescue Alumni Association The Westies listed below have been rehomed between January 2012 - May 2012 Westies Proudly owned by Location Max Oscar The Burns Family Weidman Family Virginia Virginia Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, we would walk right up to heaven, and bring you back again. Wesley, loved by the Greene Family Wally, loved by the Harvell Family Shorty, loved by the Miller Family Schatzi, loved by the Bolar Family SPRING 2012 WEST HIGHLAND HERALD PAGE 6 Highland Finds… 2012 Pet Fiesta Saturday, May 5, 2012 10AM—4PM Reston Town Center Reston, Virginia www.gooddogz.org Whine N Westies Saturday, May 12, 2012 10AM-5PM Breaux Winery Purcellville, Virginia Whine N Westies Saturday, October 27, 2012 Barrel Oak Winery 3623 Grove Lane Delplane, Virginia Westie Rescue, Inc. COOKBOOK—Available at our on-line gift store…$10.00 includes postage or three (3) for $25.00 Visit our Website www.helpwesties.org for a variety of Westie items such as: T-shirts, sweatshirts, car magnets, garden flags and totes. "Once you chose hope, anything’s possible" - Christopher Reeve The Latest Events Submitted by Mary Ann Kalwarski If you were unable to attend our latest events, you really missed a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors with your Westie. Saturday, May 5, found us at the Pet Fiesta in Reston. The day was picture perfect …warm, no humidity and a gentle breeze. Of all the times we have done this event, this had the highest attendance. It was packed! We were visited by at least 20 Westies. All the dogs at the event proudly “strutted their stuff” as they walked the town center. It was fun to visit with the other vendors, rescues, Vets and other pet services. Andy, our “demo” Westie had a great time greeting all who stopped by our booth. The following Saturday, May 12, was a beautiful day at Breaux Winery for our Spring Whine N Westies. The event was well attended, and we saw a few Westies. Alumni, Dee Smith drove down from Chambersburg PA bringing her Molly to visit with us. Roger and Jane came out with their Cosmo as well. The winery was packed with dogs of all sizes, shapes and colors! There was a large and small dog contest with the House Band acting as MC’s. Fun was had by all…it was also warm…bordering on hot. Breaux is a beautiful, relaxing place to just chill out, visit and have a nice time. Our thanks to the staff for hosting Dog Days at Breaux! And please, next time….join us!! PAGE 7 Spring Safety Tips WEST HIGHLAND HERALD SPRING 2012 Courtesy of Michelle Sevigny www.dogsafe.ca 1. Keep cleaning products out of your dog's reach and do not allow your dog to walk on or lick surfaces that are still wet with cleaning products. If your dog does come in contact with these surfaces, they may experience skin irritation and some gastrointestinal problems. Most cleaning products are safe to use around pets if they are used as directed, including Swiffer Wet Jet and Febreeze, contrary to the urban myth that these products caused liver and kidney damage. If you suspect that your dog has ingested a quantity of a toxic cleaning product, contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment recommendations. 2. Do not dispose of old medicines in the garbage when cleaning out the medicine chest to prevent your dog from finding and ingesting them. Some human cold, allergy and sinus medications, especially those containing pseudoephedrine, are extremely toxic to dogs. Pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), as well as various prescription drugs can be toxic to dogs. According to Health Canada, it is best to return drugs to a pharmacy for proper disposal. 3. Keep poisonous plants out of your home and yard to ensure your dog does not ingest them. Common plants toxic to dogs include daffodils, rhododendron, azaleas, tulip bulbs, oleander, yucca plants and some vegetable garden plants such as tomato vines. Symptoms will vary depending on the plant ingested and may include vomiting, diarrhea, heart and nervous system problems, coma and even death. 4. Do not use slug and snail bait poisons around dogs that contain metaldehyde (eg. Corry's) which is sweet to attract slugs and also attracts dogs. If ingested, the product will affect the dog's nervous system causing twitching and tremors. Choose alternatives that are metaldehyde free and labeled safe for pets. 5. During renovation projects, guard paints, building materials and electrical cords. Most water based paints are low in toxicity for dogs but may cause some gastrointestinal problems if ingested. If paint gets on your dog's fur, do not use paint remover as could burn the skin, simply wash with a mild shampoo or cut the fur. Keep an eye on loose nails, screws, staples and other building supplies to prevent dogs from chewing and swallowing them. This could result in not only cuts to the mouth but a full airway obstruction. Watch electrical tools to prevent your dog from chewing the cords and receiving mouth burns or being electrocuted. PAGE 8 Daisy Dishes WEST HIGHLAND HERALD SPRING 2012 Submitted by Durie White My people recently attended a piano concert at the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts in Manassas. The piano soloist prefaced each piece he played with a tidbit of information about the composer and the composition. I was awestruck to learn that George Gershwin composed Rhapsody in Blue in his head while traveling from New York to Boston. The sound of the train’s wheels inspired the melody. If only the quotidian could inspire me to write a column of that caliber. Could my recent sojourn to our lake property in Thornburg provide such inspiration? The dogwoods were in full bloom, their petals wafting in the wind, white as a well-groomed Westie’s coat. I gamboled around, picking up a tick in the process (the Frontline my people use on us kept it from burrowing into my skin). While we were there, my female person attended an outdoor tea and garden tour at Agecroft Hall in Richmond. I’m told the tulips and other spring blossoms were gorgeous. Female person returned with a list of plants we may incorporate into our home garden, including variegated Solomon’s seal, anemone and crown imperial. A recent occurrence in my own backyard was a lesson in the cruelty of nature. A bluebird pair was caring for its five little nestlings in the bluebird box my people monitor for the Virginia Bluebird Society. An evil house sparrow invaded the box and killed all five chicks. My four-legged friends are often surprised to learn how vicious house sparrows can be. (Several years ago, a mama bluebird was decapitated by one while incubating her eggs). Our family is no friend of house sparrows. Stories about their dastardly deeds abound among bluebird box monitors. Sorry for the sad digression. To end on a more upbeat note, my sibling Mystic and I are eagerly awaiting the West Highland White Terrier Club of America’s Roving Specialty show in Maryland the weekend of April 2122nd (the event will have occurred by the time you read this column). Westie’s from all over the country will attend. Perhaps our paths will have crossed there. Ciao for now. Your dishing diva, Daisy Alumni News… Riley and Belle are doing great and love life in Hilton Head. Riley was diagnosed with Glomerulonphritis almost two years ago. But with the right food and meds he has yet to have any problems. They go to all vet appointments together—they are inseparable. Phylis Facterman—Hilton Head, SC Hi ! This won’t make it by the AD deadline, but if it does here is the form for one line. Plus additional for all the work you do. There will be a Match of the $50 from my Company I work for—TransCanada in the coming weeks. Marianne Bean PAGE 9 WEST HIGHLAND HERALD SPRING 2012 Alumni News Dear Karen, Eleven years ago I called to inquire about adopting a Westie from your Westie Rescue. Talking with Karen started our amazing journey into the life of a Westie. Once our family was approved for adoption Karen worked her magic on finding one to fit our family and what an amazing fit she found for us. We adopted Schatzi. Schatzi’s history was a bit of a puzzle but went something like this: She was born in Germany, became part of an American military family along with her sister, they made their way to America, she had a litter of pups (unsure how many), for some unknown reason Schatzi, her pups and sister were put into an animal shelter. There Schatzi, adopted by one family and sister and pups another, found herself alone. But that family took a drastic life change and Schatzi once again found herself heading to another home. This time, greatfully, Schatzi found herself in the hands of Karen from the Westie Rescue. Now comes our family, the Bolars. This would be a fit for life. I prayed for a pet that would be crate and obedience trained, joyful, friendly and a lap dog. God truly shined down on our family and gave us a pet that was all of these and more. I must add that most of these characteristics are not very typical of Westies. Our Schatzi was all of this and more. She knew she had found a place and family that was all hers, forever. Schatzi loved everyone and everyone loved her. As one of my Uncles said, “Schatzi always has a smile on her face”. Just this last year she was diagnosed with a collapsed trachea, which the vet said was most likely caused by her puppy years training on a leash and collar. As she aged renal failure became a common problem. With much sadness and many tears Schatzi passed. It will take some time for our hearts to heal from this paralyzing loss, but we as a family are more than thankful for the heart of Karen and Westie Rescue, Inc and being on spot with the placement of Schatzi with our family. Our love for her went and continues to go beyond human and animal. Schatzi was a member of our family. Charles, Becky, Lauren, Carmen and Christopher Bolar Bay City, MI Dear Karen and Westie Rescue, 5/13/12 It is with great sadness that we write to tell you about the passing of our beloved Shorty. We rescued him (or was it the other way around) 4 years ago when he was 11. We knew that in rescuing an older dog we might not have a lot of time with him, but he gave us everything he had in those 4 years. He was an absolute joy to have around. He was one of the rare Westies that very rarely barked, although he could when he wanted to! He loved to have us chase him to get his stuffed pig, around and around the coffee table until we caught him and then we would throw and he would bring it back over and over until he got tired. He trained us very well!! We were always amused by how much he hated getting wet and would run into the living room to rub his face back and forth on the carpet to get the “wet” off! These and the many others are the wonderful memories that will carry us through our missing him. A little over a year ago Shorty was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which we tried to treat pretty aggressively with chemotherapy treatments. It held off the cancer from spreading until around October, when it started to spread again. In November he started having difficulty with his breathing and was “coughing” a lot, which was treated with an inhaler for dogs. He really did not like have to have his inhaler! He responded very well to that and did not seem to be having any other difficulties until about 2 weeks ago when he started having trouble catching his breath during walks and sleeping a lot. He then started not wanting to eat and we had a bad feeling we knew where it was headed. On Monday, afternoon, May 7th, we noticed that Shorty was having a very hard time breathing and that evening we took him to the emergency room. It was then that the vet told us that Shorty was in congestive heart failure and we knew that since he held on for so very long for us it was time for us to do the right thing for him. He is now over the Rainbow Bridge with no pain or suffering and someday we will see him again. We were so lucky to have had such a special friend with us for so long as he had to give. Thank you for bringing him into our lives and making us that much richer for having him with us. Sincerely, Rebecca, Tim, Zach and Jordan Miller Springfield, VA SPRING 2012 WEST HIGHLAND HERALD PAGE 10 WESTIE RESCUE, INC. P.O. BOX 187 BLUEMONT, VA 20135 To help us cut mailing costs, please let us know if you are receiving more than one newsletter or if you are moving. If you no longer wish to receive the West Highland Herald, please return your mailing label to the address printed above. Snoopy By: Karen Spalding Snoopy found himself in a frightening situation earlier this Spring. His owner left him with a friend while moving. Being the good boy that he is he settled in awaiting their return – as did his caregiver. Week after week went by and no one returned for him. When it became apparent that they were not coming back his caregiver had to make a decision. She was not permitted pets where she lived and the clock was ticking before notice was given that she “had” a pet. Hard as it was, she had to release him to a local shelter. We were contacted shortly after that because it was determined by staff that his lack of social skills and shy nature would make him unappealing to visitors at the shelter. Oh boy, were they wrong! He has an endearing personality and loves to play. Yes, he is a little shy – but hello, if you were left, and then left again with strangers would you not be uneasy about new people around you! One can only imagine this poor little guy watching as boxes were packed up, loaded into a vehicle and then he is driven to a place where nothing is familiar and his person leaves and NEVER returns. Thank goodness for the case workers at the shelter who knew he needed a place with the special volunteers in our program that would provide him with the encouragement and care he needed while he waited for a FOREVER home. Snoopy was treated for an ear infection and inter-digital yeast on his feet. He is fine now and looks forward to meeting his new family in a few weeks.