I have been given a brand new life and a pretty name too.....Emily. And, above all, I am very thankful to WR of CA.

I was referred by Animal Control who reported an owner for animal neglect and cruelty. I was not 'abused' per se, but I was willfully neglected, Vet care was withheld and my health deteriorated while under the 'care and ownership' of my previous military family. But each day here with my foster family, which I am so thankful for, I am becoming a healthy and happy little Westie again. For all of my short life, 3 years to be correct, I was left out in a back yard. I slept in a big dog house with another big dog. My little body was covered with fleas and they took a toll on my skin and fur. My previous family did nothing to prevent fleas nor obtain Veterinary help when it was obvious I was suffering. I wasn't taken to a groomer, to the Vet's office, never had medication for my numerous ear infections, wasn't given immunizations (at least from 7 months of age), wasn't licensed, fed terrible stale dry kibble which was kept in a huge pan out in the back yard.

My owner took me to the local animal shelter thinking he was going to let me be 'turned in' and they indicated I would be euthanasia due to my terrible skin condition and the owner would receive a fine for animal neglect and cruelty OR they would reduced the fine if my owners would give me up to WR of CA. Guess the family thought giving me up to WR of CA was a bargain......but for me, it was a God sent blessing! The shelter knew they could not help me get better and I looked so bad that no one would adopt me either. My little body had been ravaged by years of fleas, itching, biting and scratching. See, there were fleas everywhere, even when a WR of CA volunteer came to pick me up, I supposedly had had a bath......but I had 9 fleas when I arrived at my foster Moms. Into the bath tub I went immediately at my foster Moms. Then right after that I was taken to a really nice and gentle Veterinarian. He took one look at me and stated my foster Mom "had her work cut out for her". I was shaking, I still smelled even with a bath, had secondary Steph infection all over my body and was more than a little unsure just what was happening as this was a big change all in one day. I was transported to my foster Mom's place by two nice WR of CA volunteers; Diane and Carin. They told me things were going to be better now and you know they are!!!

I am on antibiotics for my ears, they have responded to flushing, cleaning and medication. The Vet couldn't get a scope into one of my ears due to swelling and infection. I am being washed with medicated shampoo and exfoliated with a natural bristle brush every day. At first I was unsure as to why I had to have a bath EACH day, but now I have new skin coming to the surface. I am loosing all the 'dead' black smelly skin now and I feel soooooo much better. I don't itch any more and I don't have even one flea. I have new clean bedding each day which is 100% cotton and washed in baby detergent so it is gentle for my new skin. I am on the Westie Diet and I absolutely love it. I eat the whole big bowl, which makes my foster Mom smile. Yum, yum! I have been crate trained, I live inside now in a flea free clean house but I will let my foster Mom know when I need to go outside. I hadn't ridden in cars prior, but I now know I like to go 'bye-bye' in the car, can walk on a leash well. I usually walk with another male Westie here at my foster Moms. There are other doggies too, but sometimes I don't like them barking at me so I growl. My foster Mom corrects my behavior and I am sorry. Gosh at 16 pounds I couldn't do much anyway! My foster Mom, just shakes her head, and mumbles something like......how could any person be so neglectful to allow this to happen to such a sweet loveable little girl. I give her kisses, I like her lots!

I am up to date with all my shots; Rabies 3 years, DHLPP, Bordetella, Corona. Fecal test was positive (dah!) have been treated, ear medication is working and am on antibiotics for my Staph infection. I would do well in a home with no small children (8 years old or under), a gentle home perhaps that I am the only doggie (that suits me!), I am housetrained, can use a doggie door and enjoy sun bathing in the back yard. Adoption will require: continued feeding Westie Diet, positively NO FLEAS and monthly flea medication required, continued crate training, and possible obedience training.

I will have a photo soon posted I need to look my best don't ya know. Please open your home and heart to me.....I promise I will love you too! Emily