Arnold's Story
Adopted by Dawn and her son, Andrew in Illinois, Ava and Arnold were both older Westies that came out of the same mill that Annabelle came from a Puppymill of over 700 dogs! Having never been socialized with humans, both Arnold and Ava have also shown the true Westie spirit and has adjusted nicely to life with love and devotion showered upon them!
Andrew has taught Arnold many tricks and the two have become fast friends. Ava while still a bit shy, is all about being treated like a Princess. It takes special families to open their hearts to such neglected and many times abused animals, but Dawn and her son never once hesitated at adopting not one - but TWO Westies from WRM.
UPDATE June 2, 2005
Sad day today. Arnold was diagnosed with end-stage lymphoma. X-rays of his lungs reveal an unbelievably quick progression and without a spleen it has been hard for him to fight. Chemo at this point, or even before would have extended his life to some extent. Although I was told that the mass on his spleen was benign, I had read enough to know that the conversion to lymphoma would not be unlikely. The x-rays looked horrible and I can not believe he is as active as he is. Dr. Manwiller said maximum a month.
He seems comfortable, active and happy, eating well, and has gone crazy because we have every baby animal in the world living in our yard. Definitely a terrier. But I see him wearing out more quickly and resting more frequently. We just want to keep him comfortable and spoil him.
Here is is today on "squirrel alert" and of course looking for a cookie after all that work.
Dawn
UPDATE June 19, 2005
Sweet Arnold
Thank you to everyone who has called or written to us about our sweet Arnold. Arnold died this morning with Ava and me by his side, he was not alone.
Like all dogs that have come through our house, Arnold touched our hearts and made us laugh. We will remember Mr. Arnold as a vibrant, lovable terrier with Bear by his side and one that was full of kisses. We will miss our brave boy.
We loved sharing his silly stories with you all and feel lucky to have had him in our home.
Dawn, Andrew and Ava