Meet all the Westie Rescue of Missouri Volunteers!

Willie

Barb

Barb lives in Illinois and has been married to her wonderful DH for 36 years. They are the proud 'parents' of Trudie & Willie. Willie is their WRM rescue baby and his story can be read on the Success Pages.

Barb got into rescue while posting on AOL's WHWT board. She is a founding member of The Westie Connection. Barb writes and illustrates the Trudie and the GurlieGurl Friends stories...about Trudie and all the gurlie Westie and their trials and travels across the globe sans their stinky brudders. Barb also heads up the raffle part of the annual TWC picnic and auction that is held in Chicago every June. 

Trudie

Janie, Tom,
Chip & Milligan

Janie

Janie lives in Alabama. Janie became involved with rescue when she saw on the AOL Westie Board where a Westie boy named Chip had bitten a child and was in danger of being PTS. When she saw that face she knew he had to be HER'S. Tommy, her husband, agreed and the rest is history. Both Janie and Tommy now have two WRM rescues. Mulligan came to live with them in March 2003. Janie does not foster due to the fact that she is far away from WRM's home base and because her Chip can be mean to other dogs. Instead, Janie does the brochures and the holiday cards that WRM sends out. Janie also does follow-up calls on the families that adopt through WRM offering assistance to any problems or concerns. Janie is a big cheerleader for the group. In her 'spare' time, Janie loves to read nonfiction and mysteries. She plays golf as they live on a golf course.

Carl & Oreo

Mountain

Carl

Carl, a retired Fire Captain, lives in Missouri and is a true hero in the eyes of Westie Rescue of Missouri. Carl spends ENDLESS miles driving across Missouri every week to assure the safe passage of all different breeds of dogs and cats for ALL rescues. Carl drove one leg of the first "Westie Express" taking Jellybean to her new home, and has driven in almost every Westie transport that we have had in the last three years. Carl has also spent hours upon hours working at the shelter. WRM has affectionately named him Unca Carl for his devotion to the cause. There has never been someone so genuinely dedicated as Carl. Carl shares his life with his St. Bernard named Mountain. Carl actually has 4 dogs and several cats. 

Luann with Annie,
Scooter, Rockey
and Jewell

Luann and Bill

Luann

In 1999, I received a call from a rescue friend telling me that there was a Westie in the Kansas City, Missouri shelter. The Kansas City shelter is "high kill" and dogs that end up there don't have a good chance of being adopted. So, I went to the shelter and picked up this little girl, who I named Lacey. Having gotten Lacey home, I soon realized that I had nothing to do with her. I tried contacting individuals in Missouri who were listed on the Internet as Westie rescue people. I got no response. So I turned to AOL Westie board to find Lacey a home. The folks there recommended that I contact Mid-Atlantic Westie Rescue. Although Mid-Atlantic didn't have a home for Lacey, they did have a lot of good suggestions and Lacey was soon placed in the Kansas City area with a couple who had Westie experience.

My experience with Lacey caused me to start Westie Rescue of Missouri to help Westies in Kansas City area. In 1999, we opened informally. In 2000, we incorporated and received our shelter license from the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture. In 2001, we received our 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. In 2002, we moved into our dedicated shelter building. Since 1999, we have rescued over 400 dogs and assisted in the rescue of many others making WRM one of the largest rescue groups in the U.S.

Luann and her husband, Bill along with her son Aaron, have cared for many of the Westies who have come into WRM in the Missouri. Luann and Bill share a 5 acre farm with 5 resident dogs, 4 horses, and various foster dogs.

Luann maintains the paperwork for WRM but she does so much more!!

Angie

Angie has lived in Illinois all of her life. For the past 20 years, she has been married to Rob. They have four terriers; Chewy (Yorkie, who rules the Champaign area), Gracie (Westie), Riley (Yorkie) and Chance (Westie).

Like so many others, Angie got into being owned by a Westie, by purchasing Gracie from a local breeder. However, being owned by a Westie requires training the owners properly. So Angie, also being a techno-geek, searched the internet for someone to guide her. She located Luann of Westie Rescue of Missouri. The rest, as they say, is history..............................

One of Angie's first rescues is pictured to the right so you can see that Luann had LOTS of work to do! But Angie was a quick study and has become totally involved in rescue work. She functions as a placement specialist and transport coordinator. She serves as the backbone for PR and does short-term fostering. Angie and Rob, however, failed at their second attempt at fostering----and Chance now lives with them as a forever family member--an occupational hazard it seems. Angie is proud to report that the County of Champaign has banned pet stores and puppymills and the state of Illinois is working to improve the rights of animals within the state. In her other life Angie works as a Real Estate Agent (now that is a real estate lady photo if ever there was one).

Her hobbies include writing, reading and discovering great vacation spots across the US. She loves spending time with her family, friends and furbabies. 

See the Westie
purse in the
background!

Eileen and her
Westies

Eileen

Eileen lives in Illinois. It all started thirty years ago when a co-worker's husband took a job transfer out of the country. They were not able to take her 3 year old Westie, Andy. Eileen loved him before she ever met him. Saying YES. when they asked her to adopt him, was easy. Andy was a joy and that made sure Eileen was hooked on Westies forever more. (Actually, it began earlier than that as seen in this photo of Eileen as a child - please note the small Westie purse Eileen toted around town.)

Shortly after Andy came into her life, so did her husband Loy. "Love me, love my dog's" is Eileen's motto, and that all worked out perfectly. Since being blessed with Andy (the furry white fat kid), there was Angela (princess puppy), Robbe (boo boo bear) and now Westley (the bestest boy ever) and Tinka (the Wild Child). 

Becoming involved with WRM happened around the time Westie Express was first created and Eileen volunteered to do transports. The rest is delightful history and she is proud to be a part of this outstanding network of dedicated and caring people. Eileen's most memorable rescue involves 11 year old Lil Louie aka Elmo who was adopted by one of Eileen's dearest pals.

Pam & Maggie

Winston

Pam

Pam resides in Illinois. Pam has helped WRM in many areas and has even taken her adopted Westie to the WINNER'S CIRCLE! When asked how Pam began her 'career' in rescue she replied: I have two furbabies, Winston and Maggie. Maggie is a WRM alumni, I adopted her in 2000. We are very active in doggie sports such as agility, obedience, earthdog and some tracking. We have done some flyball too. I got involved in rescue when I was looking to add another westie to my family and I had some correspondences with Luann at WRM in 1999 and 2000. Once I adopted Maggie and had two people that helped get her from Kansas City, MO to near St. Louis, MO I had to repay the favor of helping with rescue transport. Not long after that WestieExpress was started by Luann. I helped transport Jellybean, the first westie to ride the Westie Express to her forever home. Jellybean stayed overnight at my Mother's house and was a wonderful houseguest for Mom! I have helped with transports, fostered, done home checks, picked up owner release westies, etc.

Nancy

Nancy

Nancy lives in New York. Here is Nancy's tail/tale of working with rescue.

Well, I've been an animal enthusiast for as long as I can recall. When I was growing up I wanted to be a vet, but couldn't handle animal suffering, so I became a nurse and decided to be the best furmom ever. I'm a very rich canine mom ~ a bazillion kisses from my fur babies. I come from a large family, so my "children" are in the thick of the family loving and fun (and many times the center of it). We live in Long Island NY. My oldest westie, Dutchess, is a therapy dog, and has some wonderful healing talent, as well as her CGC. We are currently working on her Earthdog abilities. She had a sister named DeeDee; we "got her" from WRM and she rescued US!!!! Our time was very short together and while much was done to assure her quality of life, no medical interference could heal what the puppymill's lack of care in breeding had done. Her disabilities were slowly destroying that wonderful Westie-tude and in my Munchkin arms I held her and wished her a happier and healthier life without me - but assured her she would never be out of my heart. Puppy mills are NOT our friends ~ my soap box!, but it's made a lifetime impact on us all ~ Dee Dee was our little pumpkin head. As time helps heal, WRM helped us add another baby sister for Dutchess, Daramir! WRM put me in touch with Laura who heads the Louisiana Westie Rescue and the rest is history! Daramir will NEVER know a mill, thank goodness, as her mom was rescued into the loving arms of Louisiana WR before she was born. Clever little mama hid her pregnancy from those awful millers!! Now we are under a perpetual 'weather watch' as the 'little white tornado' (as all westie parents enjoy) brings new life! They have an older sister, Munchkin, a C-A-T hehehe. Well, let's say SHE is the Queen. 

Dee Dee

We love hiking and walking, going to earthdog practice (when we can FIND them), gardening, and of course ROAD TRIPS! We get to go and see the snack givers EVERY weekend, you know KIDS! The best is when mom says pajama day and we snuggle up in bed. 

One day, I got an email from Greater Washington DC group~ Capital Paws for assistance in helping a transport on Long Island to Maryland. I've been "in" ever since with Capital Paws and WRM. From transport, scouting Petfinder's, pulling from shelters, helping families in need and to fostering, I'm there for my westies!

I have 2 most touching foster stories that impact me as to why I do this. The first was Saddie, who was so sick with Malezzezia, neglected in her grooming and infected ears. All she wanted was loving. She was frail, and well not to good smelling. But, it was a long drive and didn't want her stressed any more than she was. I cradled my arm around her and stroked her the whole 4 hour trip while she laid in the passenger seat, head resting on my arm. She looked up at me with these loving and grateful eyes (I tear thinking about her) as we drove together to her new LIFE, forever, one of love, friendship and no fear. An angel.

Munchkin

My other most memorable foster, Henry (aka Connor), was recently. This poor little 2 year old was left in a shelter before the holidays . He was adopted by a nice family, but there were allergies and he couldn't stay. They thought they would find him the perfect home, but that one didn't work out either. For weeks, I stayed in contact with all the people. When the last family (3rd) didn't work out for him, they finally let WRM step in and boy did we! Within 48 hours, the perfect forever home was waiting for him!!! It's a match in heaven for all of them in his new home ~ human and fur! What a wonderful holiday gift for this wonderful little man. He had the best house manners one could ask of from a visitor too. I still keep in touch with his new mommy and things are great. That's what we do!

Dutchess and Darimar

Kris

In late summer of '03 I knew the time was drawing near for my 1st westie Wendy to leave me. Knowing that our 2nd, Maggie, wouldn't be a good only child the search began for our 3rd. I found WRM on the internet and there looking for a home was Jake. He was quite the mess but I knew the moment I saw him he was to be mine.

After adopting Jake from WRM in 2003, Kris joined the volunteers in the spring of 2004. Little did she know that adopting Jake would change her life FUREVER! Kris resides in central Iowa with her DH, Tim and is owned by 3 westies, Maggie, Jake and Mickey, who is a Tilly's Tree Award recipient.

Sarah and Alan

Sarah and Alan live in the Illinois. They live with their two Bichons, Tommy and Simba. Although they currently own two Bichons, Sarah’s love for the West Highland Terrier led her to Westie Rescue following their adoption of Simba at 10 years old in 2005. They are currently active in Westie, Bichon, and Cairn rescue. A piece of Sarah’s history in her love for the Terrier can be found in her email name in that Tiska was her childhood Westie. Alan did not grow up with dogs but after dog-sitting a Bichon his life with dogs began. Once introduced to the Terrier he quickly grew to understand Sarah’s love for the breed and they soon began an active life in rescue. They have a special interest in the senior dogs and actively sought to adopt a senior when they adopted Simba. They found a truly special bond that a senior dog with a new chance can give. 

Their first foster was a dog that had spent his whole life breeding in a cage. He was a transport that ended up staying with them and wiggling his way quickly into their hearts, and once he was adopted, he was the first of many that have come through their doors. Each one has brought something special to their lives, and although there is a sadness when each one leaves, the joy that comes from helping a dog and a family find each other keeps them letting each one go with a smile. 

Carol

My name is Carol and I have been married for over 30 years to a wonderful and understanding guy named Herb. I reside in Iowa. I have 4 grown children, 3 granddaughters, and a special needs great niece who we have guardianship of.

I discovered WRM in 2001. I adopted our sweet Princess (8/18/01). I fell in love with second hand dogs. I started fostering for WRM I think in 2001. Noodles was my first foster that I flunked fostering 101. I have had many wonderful westies go through here and fell in love with each and every one of them. In October 2006 I started fostering Toby and soon I flunked fostering 101 again. He has been a challenge and a gem all rolled into one. He is such a gentleman for 13 years old.

I'm a stay at home homemaker. I visit my Mom in the nursing home and spend time crocheting, knitting, and keeping company with 5 wonderful westies. We are happily owned by Petey, Princess, DJay, Sassy, and Toby. Life can't get any better than that.

Beth, Tyce and Faith

Jaxon's second birthday celebration

Beth

Beth has lived in Central Illinois all her life. Acquiring her first terrier mix (Tyce) in '99, she knew she had found the perfect fit for her attitude, personality & lifestyle! What a difference from the retrievers she had grown up with!! Tyce went everywhere with Beth, including work - so it was obvious to all that the two of them were inseparable.

After researching, browsing the Internet, reading books, etc., Beth decided to add a Westie to her family in 2005. She purchased her Princess/Tomboy Westie Faith from a breeder in IL. She absolutely adored the Westie breed and by the springtime of 2008 decided to contact WRM and find out what rescue is really all about! She began volunteering and quickly found herself immersed in the wonderful, rewarding world of rescue & fostering! Beth says she feels like she has already made life-long friends with group members and loves being a part of such a warm & supportive community.

Sadly, Tyce went to the Rainbow Bridge in July of '08. Although she continued to foster, Beth was not prepared to meet the likes of Jaxon. She knew that it would be silly to say that she would never get another dog, because of course she would, but the time would have to be perfect and it would have to be clear that it was meant to be. After picking up the little guy with no name who had been set to be put-to-sleep in a KY shelter, Beth agreed to have him vetted but not foster. Imagine our surprise when she called to say that she had gone to visit him during his hospital stay at the dogtor....(actually it wasn't a surprise at all!!) and that she would indeed bring him home to foster. Needless to say, Beth suffered foster-failure in October of 2008 when Jaxon (yes she named the puppy!) came home from the dogtor and fit into her household as if he had been raised with Faith and had lived there his entire life!

Beth fosters & transports, as well as maintains our WRM Facebook page. She also places our Red Dingo Tag orders.

Beth works as a manager for an excavation company, and enjoys spending her time with her furkids and taking photographs!