Margie's Story

August 10, 2009

Dear Westie Rescue, Hi, it’s Margie! Remember me?

I was adopted by Rita and Mary Halpin back on September 11, 2004. Well, I’m turning 12-years old today and wanted to give you my annual update. It’s been an eventful year. Four days after my birthday last year my Daddy Tom died suddenly of cardiac arrest. He was 90-years old and had been married to my Mommy Rita for 62 years. This sudden loss was really hard on her, but I did my part to help Mommy cope with her grief. She said I gave everything back to her and more that she gave to me when I was adopted almost five years ago. She was never alone as I was her constant companion and really helped her get through this difficult year. In March we moved to Independent Living together. Mommy said I was a “non-negotiable” and she wouldn’t even consider a place that wouldn’t let me come along with her – after all, I’m a senior citizen too! Well, I’m a big hit here since there aren’t many dogs. The other seniors call me Maggie, Marjorie or “the dog that doesn’t bark” (as there’s a yappy poodle on the 4th floor, they really appreciate my good manners). Every day I go for two walks. I even have my own patio where I hang out during the day and the residents come by and pet me. After my time in the puppy mill, I’m really living the good life.

In February, Mary became aware of a bill in the Illinois General Assembly called “Chloe’s Law.” This is a bill that would regulate dog breeding and get rid of puppy mills in Illinois. I wrote a letter to my state senator and representative, and the two co-sponsors of the bill telling them my story and asking them to support this bill. I even offered to go down to Springfield to testify. The state senator co-sponsoring the bill called Mary, but we haven’t heard anything lately. You may have heard we had this goofy governor in Illinois who was impeached. He left the state in a mess and we are trying to get out of debt and pass a budget, so I think Chloe’s Law is on hold right now. I’ll keep you posted.

Like a lot of older folks, I’ve had some health issues. My vet thought I might have Addison’s Disease, but we ruled that out with a blood test – thank goodness! Since I would have needed a monthly shot if I did. He also noticed that I have an irregular heartbeat – something to do with the “sino-atrial node” not working properly, so I had to see a veterinary cardiologist. He did an electrocardiogram and an ultrasound on me. Since I don’t have any clinical symptoms (like fainting) they are just going to monitor me. If I start to have symptoms, there’s medication I can take or I could even get a pacemaker. I don’t think Mommy likes the pacemaker idea, but Mary says we’ll do whatever is necessary to keep me healthy.

I think my heart must be pretty good because on Father’s Day I had a close encounter with a coyote and didn’t even flinch. We were visiting my Daddy at the cemetery and didn’t know there were a group of coyotes that live there. When Mary walked away to visit another gravesite, this coyote came up and began screeching at Mommy and me. When Mary heard all the noise she ran back, scooped me up and tossed me in the car. We think the coyote may have been protecting her babies. Didn’t she know that after all I went through at the puppy mill, I would never hurt another mother’s little ones? No more trips to the cemetery for me.

That’s all for now. I’ll write you again next year. In the meantime, keep up all the good work you do. You made such a difference in my life.

Love and licks,
Margie