We get questions almost daily about adopting Westies, Westie behavior, and Westie health issues. Here are some questions that we see most frequently, and some of our responses. We do not claim to be animal trainers. The opinions stated are based upon our experience with more than 150 Westies. Likewise, our comments about health issues are based upon health issues that we have experienced with rescue dogs. However, you should always consult your veterinarian if you have a Westie with health problems.

 











 

 

Health Issues
Puppy Mills
Multi-Dog Homes
  Pet Stores Fatal Fungus

 

Do you have a puppy I can adopt, or can you tell me where to buy one?

We rescue Westies, we don't breed them, so it is very rare for us to have a puppy available. Given the horrible pet overpopulation in the United States and the puppy mill situation in Missouri, we do not recommend that anyone purchase a puppy. Purchasing a puppy condemns another dog to death.

However, if you must have a puppy, we recommend that you contact a reputable breeder; get references; and check out the dog's parents and pedigree before you make a purchase decision. Westies, like all dogs, are prone to genetically transmitted diseases and many of those diseases do not show up in the dog until it is older. Common genetically transmitted diseases in Westies are Addison's Disease, Cushing's Disease, White Shaker Dog Syndrome, Westie Lung Disease, entopic ureters, Leggs-Perthe, Kartenger's Syndrome, hip dysplasia, kidney disease and allergies. top

How will I know if I have found a reputable breeder?

To find a reputable breeder in your area, please contact the West Highland White Terrier Club of America.
A reputable breeder will screen you as closely as you screen him/her. They have devoted a great deal of time and effort into producing a healthy, quality, puppy and they will not sell their puppy to just anyone. Do not be put off by this screening. The more concerned the breeder is about the future of the puppy, the more likely it is that they have paid careful attention to the adult dogs and their puppies. A reputable breeder will also be willing to give you a number of references - other people who have purchased their dogs. Follow up with these purchasers to make sure that they are satisfied with the condition and temperament of their pet. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with a pedigree showing the blood lines of your puppy. And, a reputable breeder will provide you with a health guarantee on his/her puppy. If a breeder will not allow you to see the puppy's parents; or if the seller is selling the puppy for "a friend", leave immediately and look elsewhere for a puppy.

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Should I send in an application now, or wait until you have a dog that I want?

Please send in your application now. Many of the dogs we receive are matched with homes within a week or two. We use pending applications to make our placement decisions. Most of the dogs that we receive will never be posted to PetFinder or CritterConnection, so you will not know about their availability.

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Will my rescue Westie be healthy?

Yes. Before we place a dog, it is spayed or neutered; given all of its vaccinations; had any necessary dental work and a liver and kidney screen is run to make sure that there are no hidden problems. We also begin treatment for parasites such as worms and ear mites. However, because most of our dogs are placed quickly and because worm and ear mite treatment may take a month, some dogs may need some follow up care to insure that worms and ear mites do not continue to be a problem. If we have a dog with long-term special needs that we cannot correct, that information is disclosed so that potential homes can decide if they want to take on the added medical or treatment for the special need.

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I don't live in your area. Can I still get a Westie?

We frequently place dogs outside Missouri. We have a transport network that can help us move dogs. However, our ability to transport long distances is limited. We will occasionally send a dog by air, but we prefer not to do that. Adoptive parents may fly in and pick up their dogs and take them back as airline carry-on, or they may arrange ground transportation. Transportation costs, including a crate charge, must be paid by the adopting family. We are located 20 minutes from the Kansas City International Airport and close to both Interstate Highway 70 and
Interstate Highway 35.

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How many dogs do you rescue and where do they come from?

In 2001 we rescued 87 dogs. 45 came from commercial breeders. 23 came from shelters. 19 were owner surrenders.

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Why do you ask for a donation?

It costs $250 to $500 to get a puppy mill dog healthy enough to be adopted. All adopting homes give us an adoption donation, but that donation is usually not enough to cover the dog's medical expenses. Any amount you are able to donation will insure our ability to continue the work of saving Westies from the streets, shelters and puppy mills and getting them into homes where they will be loved as deserved.

It costs $250 to $500 to get a puppy mill dog healthy enough to be adopted. All adopting homes give us an adoption donation, but that donation is usually not enough to cover the dog's medical expenses. Any amount you are able to donation will insure our ability to continue the work of saving Westies from the streets, shelters and puppy mills and getting them into homes where they will be loved as deserved.

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How will you spend my donation?

WRM is a not-for-profit corporation. This means that all money received must be used to further the corporate purpose of caring for homeless dogs. It also means that no profits, if there ever are any, can benefit any individual.

Although not-for-profit corporations are allowed to hire employees and pay salaries, WRM has never shown a profit and pays no salaries. All money received is used to rescue, provide medical care for, and re-home dogs.

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What can you tell me about a rescue dog's personality?

We will do a personality assessment on a dog after it has been in foster care for a period of time. We pass all of our observations along to adopting families.
It usually takes a week to two weeks for a Westie to relax enough for us to observe its "true colors". During the first few weeks that a dog is in your home, you may also notice that its behavior changes as it becomes more comfortable in its new surroundings.

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