winter 2011

Inside this issue:

Toby’s Story Continues 2

2010 Donors continued 3

Thank You Volunteers 4

Westie Rescue Alumni 4

Event Calendar 5

Highland Finds 5

Pet Health & Safety 6

Daisy Dishes 7

Alumni News 8

Alumni News continued 9

Rusnak—Dechow Family 10

West Highland Herald Westie Rescue, Inc. Celebrates 10 Years!

WINTER 2011

The West Highland Herald is published several times a year by Westie Rescue, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization run solely by volunteers for the welfare of homeless West Highland White Terriers (Westies). All donations to Westie Rescue, Inc., are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Comments, inquiries, and

suggestions welcome!

Send to [email protected]

Westie Rescue, Inc.

www.HelpWesties.org

Presidents Message On behalf of Westie Rescue, Inc., thank you for caring about our continuing efforts to provide assistance to rescued Westies and education to those that own them.

Your donations, whether large or small, are being put to good use providing veterinary care, the purchase food and supplies for the rescued Westies.

Join us in making a difference one Westie at a time.

With my sincerest appreciation,

Karen Spalding

President

Gold Paw Donors

Debra Billy Jess & Jane Lockaby Ann Ball Andrew Canter Lyn Musgrove Judith Cooper James Johnson Donna Magruder Kevin Rusnak Matthew Shepard Geoff & Cynthia Reynolds Don Dechow Kitty Johnson Philip & Beth Rosenzweig John Kemp Brice Verdier Krystyna Locke Ed & Lee Zinn

Donated Services Loudoun Veterinary Services, Purcellville, Virginia

Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Centreville, Virginia

Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Bristow, Virginia

Corporate Donors TransCanada Pipeline USA ltd

Elizabeth C. Clark Foundation, LLC

Oracle

2010 Partners In Rescue

Westie Rescue, Inc.

Post Office Box 187

Bluemont, VA 20135

540-554-2963

www.HelpWesties.org

Email:[email protected]

Board of Directors

Karen Spalding

President Glenda Pearsall

Vice President Mary Ann Kalwarski

Treasurer Donna Magruder

Corresponding Secretary Roger West

Recording Secretary

WEST HIGHLAND HERALD WINTER 2011 PAGE 2

Toby’s Holiday Adventures Submitted by Mary Ann Kalwarski

After a relaxing summer, all of us were happy to have cooler weather for our morning and evening walks during the Fall. With the arrival of the Holiday season, Toby, Kayla and Annie tried their best to get their paws into all the Thanksgiving and Christmas activities.

Toby’s adventures continued with a trip to our local Pet Smart for Tricks Training. He seemed pleased that his favorite obedience instructor, Joyce, would be teaching the class. She is wise to his little quirks and quickly had him in hand. Toby soon learned to give paw, wave and do a high five. For a dog who doesn’t like to have his paws touched, he was quite willing to put his paw out for a treat. He was also trained to roll over (he wasn’t too thrilled about that) and to go around objects on command. He’s a smart little Westie and quickly figured out that it was easier to take short cuts--either under or over the object. That’s my Boy!

As part of his training session, Toby was taught to crawl along the floor and under objects, perform a “bow” and jump through a hoop. He also learned to “dance” on his back legs and did quite well prancing around in a circle. After mastering each individual trick, Toby then learned to perform several tricks in succession and proudly displayed his new talents for all the other dogs and their owners.

Each day is a new learning experience for Toby and there will be more adventures to come.

To be continued in future issues...

Home 4 the Holidays On Saturday, November 6, Westie Rescue, Inc. participated in the 7th annual Home 4 the Holidays event at Reston Town Center that was hosted by GoodDogz.org. The event featured over thirty (30) animal rescue organizations promoting responsible pet ownership and adoption during the holiday season. Dogs available for adoption were there to greet the crowds. Pet related boutiques were also present featuring the lat-est in fashion and accessories for the well out-fitted pet.

At our booth we had with an assortment of brochures, adoption information packets, Westie-Opoly games, holiday cards, sweatshirts and toys. Rescue Westie’s, Chloe and Maggie were at the booth to welcome visitors. Even though the weather was chilly, we had many visitors that were interested in either adopting a Westie or sharing stories about their Westie’s.

Submitted by: Carolyn Lumb, Event Co– Chair

Silver Paw Donors Bronze Paw Donors Dale Cheal & Jane Bockenek Stanley Andrews Jolene Shiffler

Katherine Chenault Jules & Lyn Bacha Terry & Janice Snyder

Austin Dodson, MD. Wyont & Marianne Bean Dee Smith

Melissa Eckert Dove Coggeshall Bruce Taggart

Paul & Sue Klinefelter Monica Crimmins Betty Ann Thorton

Mary Ann Kalwarski Andrea Deninger Vera Torrence

Stephen & Sinenart Lundberg Katherine Evans Regina Van Doren

Alan & Carolyn Lumb Rebecca Faughn Don & Durie White

Sally-Ann Merwin Patricia Featherstone Mary Jane & Holly Wildberger

Don & Angela Minnick Loren & Jane Ferguson Martha Womack

Andy & Kayla Midgette David & Stella Forbes Catherine Zelner

Roger & Patricia Plaskett Leslie Goldenberg

Ken & Lynn Reid Jami Granger

Florence Tull Sharon Hiltz

Joanne Wilhelm Diana Huddleston

Betty Wingate Michael & Cathy Hughes Jesse & Cathy Archer

Jerry & Marilyn Jensen Debra Banks

Harry & Sandra Kalinsky Marilyn Fenyes

Kim Kidwell Jan Ferguson

Dave & Laura King Arthur & Thelma Gourdier

Kathryn King Sherry Gryder

David & Irene Leizer Robert & Kirsten Hills

Barbara Lunsford Sarah Holmes

Debra Morrison Alan & Alisa Isenberg

Peter & Elizabeth Myers Diane Kelley

Debra Noone Duke Miles

James & Marilyn Payton Nancy Miller

Robert Matt Pockrass Michael & Linda Sheaffer

Donale & Margaret Righter John & Maryann Yania

Frank & Sherrill Ringley Wilson & Kathleen Wyatt

In Kind Donations Donna Magruder Krystyna Locke Mona Reinhardt Diane Kelley

Rick & Glenda Pearsall Mary Ann Kalwarski Shannon Timmeny Cheryl Holfeld

Gary & Cindy Mester Katie Wyatt Patricia Featherston

Bob & Karen Spalding Janet Minter Cartridge World, Centreville, VA

Betty Wingate Carolyn Lumb Barrel Oak Winery, Delaplane, VA

Roger West Barbara Lobach Weber’s Pet Super Market, Chantilly, VA


Volunteers Koss Family Roger & Jane West Mary Ann Kalwarski Karen Spalding Bob Spalding Glenda & Rick Pearsall Donna Magruder Betty Wingate Flo Tull Carolyn Lumb Lynda Zoller Margaret Zoller Doruss Stephens Pete & Elizabeth West Heidi Nichols Jan Synder

In Honor of… Wallace, made by Jan Ferguson Fergus, made by Jan Ferguson “Girlie”, made by Ann Ball & Friends

In Kind Donations Medication—Betty Wingate Dog Food —Karen Spalding Stamps-Patricia Featherston Dog Food & Supplies- Donna Magruder Harness, Collar/Leash set—Pat Little ID tags & Stamps—Donna Magruder Harness, Misc. Items—Roger West Misc. Westie Items—Betty Wingate Misc. Gift Items —Mary Ann Kalwarski Bandana’s—Katie Wyatt Baskets, DVD’s, Candy—Karen Spalding DVD’s, Popcorn, Candy—Carolyn Lumb Pens, Notepads—Cartridge World Sample Fromm’s Food—Weber Pet Store Mary Kay Products—Cindy Mester Kuranda Dog Bed—Diane Kelley Kuranda Dog Bed—Cheryl Holfeld


Thank you for Showing Your Support for Westie Rescue October 2010—January 2011

Westies Proudly owned by Location

Chloe Faughn Family Virginia Duffy Silverman Family Virginia Cupid Nolan Family Virginia Andy Flo Tull Virginia

Westie Rescue Alumni Association

The Westies listed below have been rehomed between October 2010—January 2011

Donated Services Caring Hands Veterinary, Centreville, VA Caring Hands Veterinary, Bristow, VA Loudoun Veterinary Services Purcellville, Virginia Bob Spalding—Trailer for storing our Property Gings Kennel, Leesburg, VA

Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, we would walk right up to heaven, and bring you back again.

Casper, loved by the Cochran Family

Highland Finds…

Available at our on-line gift store…..$30.00

Embroidered Sweatshirt available in Red and Navy.

Visit our Website www.helpwesties.org for a variety of Westie items such as: T-shirts, sweatshirts, car magnets, garden flags and totes.

Coming Soon...more items to celebrate our ten year anniver-sary. Be sure to check our website in the next few weeks for special purchases.

Must haves for any Westie fan.


If you are interested in volunteering for one of the following events contact: [email protected]

2011

Super Pet Expo Friday, Saturday & Sunday

March 18—20 Dulles Expo Center Centreville, Virginia

www.superpetexpo.com

Pet Fiesta Saturday, May 7, 2011

10AM—4PM Reston Town Center Reston, Virginia www.gooddogz.org

Westie Rescue, Inc. 10th Anniversary

On Sunday, October 24, 2010, Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Virginia hosted the Westie Rescue, Inc. board, the invited alumni, volunteers, and other Westie owners. We had beautiful Fall weather for the celebration in the Virginia Piedmont. Barrel Oak Winery is a dog friendly winery and they welcomed us with a complimentary wine tasting. Picnic lunches were enjoyed as were the lovely views. We held a raffle with several gift baskets that were quite a hit. We met old friends, made new friends and welcomed two new volunteers. A good time was had by all.

Submitted by Carolyn Lumb, Event Co-Chair

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Pet Health and Safety

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet

• Alcoholic beverages • Onions, onion powder • Avocado • Raisins and grapes • Chocolate (all forms) • Salt • Coffee (all forms) • Yeast dough • Fatty foods • Garlic • Macadamia nuts • Products sweetened with xylitol (sugarless gum and candy) • Moldy or spoiled foods

Warm Weather Hazards

• Animal toxins – toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions • Insecticides • Blue-green algae in ponds • Outdoor plants and plant bulbs • Citronella candles • Rat and mouse bait • Swimming-pool treatment supplies • Cocoa mulch • Fly baits containing methomyl • Compost piles • Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde • Fertilizers and lawn products

Medication Do NOT give any human medications without first consulting with your veterinarian. Common examples of human medica-tions that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include: • Pain killers (ex: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aleve) • Vitamins • Cold medicines • Flavored medications (ex: Rimadyl, Baytril) • Anti-cancer drugs • Diet pills • Antidepressants

Cold Weather Hazards • Antifreeze • Ice melting products • Liquid potpourri

Common Household Hazards • Fabric softener sheets • Trash/garbage • Mothballs • Electrical cords • Rat and mouse bait • Pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

If You Think Your Animal Is Poisoned… In spite of your best efforts, your animal may accidentally become poisoned. Being prepared can save your pet’s life. Know your vet’s pro-cedures for emergency situations, especially ones that occur after business hours. Keep phone numbers for your veterinarians, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and a local emergency veterinary service in a convenient location. The National Capitol Poison Control Center Animal Poison Control will charge for a phone (D.C.) will try to respond to questions regarding animal poisoning. consultation for both clients and hospitals. Phone consultations are free of charge. 202-625-3333 800-548-2423

Courtesy of Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Ashburn, Arlington, Centreville and Bristow, Virginia



Mystic Muses Submitted by Durie White

Daisy is experiencing writer’s block and asked me, her sib Mystic, to muse for the West Highland Herald. So here is one of my infamous Canine Karaoke columns, inspired by my sib Chanel, who loves to vocalize. Please bark to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “When You’re Young at Heart.”

Merry tails it is true

Mean you’re nature’s not blue

When you’re fun and bark.

Put a vibe in your voice

Though some folks you’ll annoy


You can croon and make noise

And growl at your toys

You can roo and rejoice

Be you alto or bass

And life gets more exciting with each bark and bay

And fun is either in your life or on its way.

Don’t you know there’s no dearth

Of enjoyment and mirth

When you’re fun and bark

You’re a stitch, you’re a star

You are way above par


And if you should orate

And be put in your crate

Give it time, just you wait

Later bark and berate.

And here is the best part

It takes a real art

If you are among the very fun who bark.

Alumni News… Hi Karen & Glenda, I just wanted to take a minute and update you on Chloe's transition into the family. Once we picked her up we headed to my son and daughter-in-laws house where Rodney was meeting us for dinner. Kevin and Melanie have two cats; Hobie and Oli-ver. Chloe walked over to the cats and sniffed nose to nose with them and walked away to investigate her surround-ings. Disaster averted...Chloe is cat friendly! This was a relief that the introductions at our house would go well. She did well through the visit and Kev and Mel think we got a gem (or maybe a diamond in the ruff...no pun intended). After dinner we headed home. As we entered the house Murphy was there to greet us and all was good there! He is very tolerant of her puppy antics! Chloe spent a good amount of time sniffing her new surroundings and didn't seem to care about the cats. We brought out the toys you gave us and she went shopping in Murphy's basket of toys and by the end of the evening she had the basket emptied and had played with them all. She loves to beat them on your ankles as you walk to make them squeak. As the evening past and it was time to go to sleep she was like the little kid that fought sleep because they were afraid they were going to miss some-thing. Once we dimmed the lights and crawled in the covers she and Murphy picked their spot and settled in. I honestly think after such a big day she was exhausted. She has had a few potty mistakes in the house which we expected; we regularly take her to the back door, ring the bells and reinforce going outside to do her business. I think this process will take a little time but she is smart and should catch on pretty quickly. Sunday went well as I was home all day with them. Murphy, Chloe and I took a road trip to PetSmart were we got her a new coat and a gate for the bedroom door (she likes to roam the house at night). We also met Rodney in Shirlington for frozen yogurt and headed home. We spent a quiet day at the house and once Rodney got home from work he took Murphy and Chloe on their first walk together. She does very well on the leash and seems to like to go with the boys. She wants someone with her in the backyard whether it's me, Rodney or Murphy. She loves to sit on the step outside in the backyard and look at everything. She is a very sweet pup and we are honored that you chose our home for her to live. I have attached a couple of pictures we took over the weekend and will definitely keep in touch! Thanks again!! Rodney, Becky, Murphy, Chloe and the girls!

Hi Karen, Tess is now 9 years old. The last six years have gone by incredibly fast and we still have lots of fun with Tess. I thought you may get enjoyment out of the TV watching dog. I have not seen a dog quite so involved in TV as Tess. She watches it with great interest. We are watching the dog show together and she barks at the dogs and loves it. Our first Westie who was a beautiful girl and passed away was not a TV watcher so I am intrigued by this. I hope she remains in good health and we have her for many more years. She is a real joy. Thank you for bringing her into our lives. Sheila Donnelly


Hi Karen, October 30, 2010 Wallace is doing great and loves living in Estonia. The weather here is perfect for dogs - mild summers and winters, although quite a bit of rain in non-summer seasons. We've traveled all over this small country and the dogs draw crowds everywhere we go. Attached are a few pictures of Wallace from recent weeks - in his favorite sleeping position (belly up, teeth showing, so cute), on a dog bench on the island of Hiiumaa in Estonia (Wallace is in front, Kady is behind), and at a lighthouse on the island of Hiiumaa with Kady and I (Wallace is on the right). He's my best buddy, always by my side. I'm so thankful to have him! We'll be moving home to the U.S. in the spring, our 3-year tour is ending quite soon. I must tell you - I've been shocked by the Eastern European mindset. They LOVE dogs, no doubt about it, but they think ster-ilizing pets is selfish of the owners. I've had a number of people stop me to croon over the dogs, and then ask if they've had puppies. When I tell them they are both 'fixed' so that it can't happen, they always ask why and just refuse to accept the fact that it's better for everyone (and even healthier for them, cancer rates go down considerably in dogs, I read recent-ly). Their dog shelters are overflowing, but people refuse to admit it or accept it here, turning a blind-eye to the sadness of it, and keep letting their dogs procreate. It's a hard reality to accept, coming from a neuter/spay and rescue community in the U.S. A number of Americans in our embassy community have rescued dogs from local shelters and volunteer at the shelters. It's absolutely heart-breaking, as it is at home in the US, to see so many great dogs without a home. So, just wanted to share that with you, thought you might find it interesting. Thank you again for all that you do for Westie Rescue. I wish I could volunteer more to help, and plan to when in the No VA region again. In the meantime, I will be sending a donation soon, in honor of Wallace's birthday today (or at least the date we've chosen to celebrate as his day). Best, Jessica

Hi Karen,

Just read the Herald. Congratulations on your 10 years of great service to Westies! You'll be getting a cash donation ($250) from Don and I next week.

Cassie (Girlie, as we call her since she's deaf and can't hear us anyway) has turned out to be a very special dog. After some very challenging first months where she spent a lot of time running from us....she has turned into one of the most affectionate dogs either of us has had. We added a rescued white schnauzer last year and so now there are 4. All white....

Thanks again for the good work you do for Westies...attached is a recent pic of Girlie..err Cassie...she's on the far right in the group shot.

Kevin Rusnak/ Don Dechow

Could you drop me a receipt email or letter for the donation after it arrives for my favorite tax man. Thanks


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WESTIE RESCUE, INC. P.O. BOX 187

BLUEMONT, VA 20135

Kevin Rusnak & Don Dechow Family Cassie

winter 2011

Documents

rescue westie rescue

westie rescue alumni

behalf of westie rescue

smart little westie

highland finds

alumni news

tobys adventures

rescued westies