Iris's Story

We brought Iris home on June 12 from Missouri. She was terrified, but still ran up to give kisses before darting away-many, many times. She excels in many areas- she actually "tinkles" on command, and has mastered "down", "no" and the word for her fleece toy "baby". We are still working on potty training, and have found she has a nifty little stubborn streak when we are on our walks. If she wants to smell something, NOTHING will get in her way. It is amazing though, to see a dog go from walking without dropping her nose to the ground once- to smelling absolutely everything. She follows Clyde's lead on most things, and is very affectionate. Every morning, or when I come home from work, she takes my hand in her mouth to "love me". She also does the same thing with her own foot in the morning- she is loving herself~ She is eating well, and we hope to put a pound or two on her in the next few months.

I am so glad to have Iris as a part of our family. After the trauma she has endured, she deserves a loving home and a sense of peace. I hope that all the rescue dogs can find a family to call their own.
Robin, Brookfield, IL

UPDATE

We just celebrated Iris' 7th week with us. She is such a joy. Her personality is really coming out - what a character! She loves to help with cleaning and laundry by bringing me anything that might be on the floor. She knows that there are 2 cabinets where things for dogs are stored, and when asked, can run to the correct cabinet for either a "greenie" or her "dinner". Happily, she has put on almost 2 pounds and is building some well needed muscle mass. She received very high marks at the vet for her introductory visit, and he was impressed at how well her hernia was repaired. Westie Rescue takes GREAT care of their charges!!

Iris loves her walks, and is now becoming very friendly with the neighborhood children, who all watch out for her. They all know her story by heart, and instruct any new child EXACTLY how to approach her. I think they've all adopted her too. She also loves her big brother, Clyde, and spends most of her "downtime" by his side in the yard or in their big bed. But most amazing of all, she is by my side constantly. As I write this, she is under the computer desk snoozing. As long as she knows where I am, she is fine, but if she's not sure, she tears around the house with "baby"-her fleece toy- until she finds me. Then she has to greet me with kisses and hops for at least a few minutes, and then all is well again.

Kevin and I are so happy to have Iris in our lives. She completes our little family.