rescued westies

The River City Westies all-volunteer rescue program assists in rescuing surrendered, stray or abandoned Westies; obtaining Westies from local animal shelters; and assisting Westie owners in recovering stolen or lost Westies. Our rescue program has been active for over a year, and serves central Virginia.

 

surrendering a westie

If you would like to surrender your Westie or know of a Westie in need, please contact us for detailed information.

 

westies in foster care

Fenway ("Fenny") - 2 Years

Fenway was surrendered to rescue because he does not make the best choices when it comes to interacting with little people, dogs and other types of furry friends; and his owners are not able/willing to dedicate the necessary training required to make Fenny a part of the family. To read more about Fenny, click here.

 

westies available for adoption

George - 3 Years

George is an active Westie boy who is looking for a home where he will receive all of the attention he demands, and all of the exercise that he requires! To read more about George, click here.

If you would like to be considered to adopt George, feel free to contact us. No phone calls please.



We encourage you to visit Petfinder.com for a listing of available Westies through other rescue organizations.

 

rainbow bridge

Jack - 5 Years
Jack was surrendered because his family could no longer care for him.

update; 09/30/09 (Rainbow Bridge) Jack was a very sick Westie boy - suffering from severe atopic dermatitis on 95% of his body; severe eye, sinus and skin infections; and several other serious underlying diseases that had gone untreated for a long time - further complicating his ability to respond to treatment, and recover. River City Westies, along with Veterinarians, worked tirelessly to get Jack over the hump; but in the end, the obstacles were more than this sweet, Westie boy could overcome. Rest in peace.

 

westies that have been adopted

Jack - 10 Years
(In cooperation with The Midlothian Animal Clinic) When Jack's owner passed away, Midlothian Animal Clinic contacted River City Westies for assistance in finding Jack a loving, forever home. River City Westies was happy to partner with the Midlothian Animal Clinic, and provided the following services: Coordinating and overseeing foster care; accepting applications - including interviews, home visits and reference checks; facilitating the adoption, and providing follow up with his new family. To read more about Jack, click here.

update; "Adopting Jack has been a very heartfelt experience for us. We lost our beloved 11 year old Westie, Mac, in September due to Diabetes. When we learned about Jack - (10 years old; battling EPI; and having lost his very loving owner who had taken excellent care of him), we couldn't help but think of our Mac - and what might have happened to him at his age, and with his illness, if we had not been there to take care of him. So, we wanted to give Jack the same kind of loving and caring home that he had always known. As it turned out, from day one Jack adopted us - including our rescued Westie June, as his new family! Jack is doing great...he enjoys playing with his Westie sister June; trying to catch squirrels; barking at the birds; and going for very long walks! We look forward to many happy years with Jack!"

Snowball - 8 Years
(In cooperation with Maryland Westie Rescue, Inc.) Snowball was surrendered to rescue because his owners were moving to a condo and could not keep him. River City Westies was happy to assist with Snowball by coordinating and handling surrender to rescue; coordinating and overseeing foster care; and referring potential applicants.

update; 01/30/10 "Snowball ("Brodie") is a love! I changed his name to one more befitting a noble Scotsman - he seems to like it and comes when called! Brodie really enjoys being here, and misses me when I leave to take the trash out! I get lots of kisses upon return, and as soon as I sit down he is right there on my lap! This distresses his little Jack Russell brother, Baxter; but with one on one side of me, and one on the other side of me - they settle right in and happily share me! They both enjoy my bed, so we sleep this way too; and I wouldn't have it any other way! They both love being brushed, and each will wait patiently for the other to be finished! I know I spoil them but they ask nothing in return except for good food and lots of tender loving care! Brodie loves to play ball with my 4 year old grandson when he visits. He gets so excited about having someone throw the ball or toy for him, and always brings it back and puts it in my grandson's hand. Brodie is a wonderful, loving addition to my home and I look forward to many years of enjoyment with him. Thanks so much for the opportunity to give this loving little one a forever home!"

2009

Scruffy - 12 Years
(In cooperation with Maryland Westie Rescue, Inc.) Scruffy was surrendered to rescue because his owners were moving to an out-of-state retirement community; and they could no longer afford to care for him upon retirement. River City Westies was happy to assist with Scruffy's adoption process by providing transportation; foster care; applicant referrals - including interviews, home visits and checking references; coordinating transport to his new home; and follow up with his new family. To read more about Scruffy, click here.

update; 12/31/09 "Scruffy has settled in really well, we're happy to say! He loves his "comfort" and we often find him sitting on the most comfortable cushion in the house! He loves to go for walks and he has his own unique way of telling us - either by taking our hands in his mouth and leading us, or by going to where his leash is kept and looking hopeful. He walks very well, and that has spurred Skye (his Westie sister) to walking much better. He also loves his food and can't wait to eat when I prepare it...I'm happy to know he likes my cooking! We are happy to have given Scruffy a forever home!

Bailey - 8 Years
Bailey was surrendered to the local animal shelter because her owner no longer wanted her. Because of her age, and the extent of her medical condition, the shelter contacted River City Westies to ask for our assistance. After meeting with the shelter and seeing Bailey's condition, it was determined that Bailey's best chance of recovery, and adoption, was to be placed in our care. Bailey was very sick, and her prognosis was grim. Bailey suffered from Severe Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca ("KCS" or "Dry Eye"); Severe Atopic Dermatitis on her neck and paws; Ear, Skin & Eye Infections; and Sinusitis. Much to our amazement, Bailey responded very well to all of her treatments and far exceeded our expectation of recovery - let alone a very positive long-term prognosis! Bailey received full lab work; specialized treatment for all of her infections (eye; sinus; ear; skin); specialized skin treatments for her Atopic Dermatitis; deworming; up-to-date vaccinations; and heart worm & flea preventative tests/treatments prior to being rehomed. To read more about Bailey, click here.

update; 10/15/09 "Bailey is the perfect little lady. We've nicknamed her "Bug" - as in 'cute as a little bug.' We can't understand how anyone could give this love-bug away! She is like Velcro for now, which is usually the case; however, she doesn't mind staying with anyone. My Dad has her sit on his lap in "THE CHAIR" -- All the Westies want to be in it! The "boys" (Jerry & Casey) are adjusting, and she likes to follow them. All is well."

Buddy - 7 Years
Buddy's family was being transferred abroad, and could not take him with them. They asked River City Westies to help them find a new home that would continue to give Buddy the same amount of love and attention (basically, spoil him!) that he had received his entire life. River City Westies worked closely with Buddy's family, for many months, to help find an acceptable home - accepting applications, interviewing candidates and performing home checks on their behalf; then referring potential candidates to them. In the end, the thought of giving up Buddy forever was more than they could handle, so his 'human' grand-mum stepped up and offered to give Buddy a loving home until his family returned to the US.

update; 09/15/09 "Buddy has adjusted well to his new home in sunny, southern California! We know that he misses his family, and they miss him terribly! But, a few times a week they talk (well, Buddy barks!) on Skype! Buddy has just about figured out that his mom and dad are not in the monitor. This is good, as we have already had to replace it twice! Thank you for all that you did to help find Buddy a new home, and for all that you do for these whacky Westies!"

Berkley - 10 Years
Berkley's family believed that he would be better off in a family with less dogs where he would receive the attention that he so deserves; as well as a calm, quiet environment to live out his golden years. River City Westies worked closely with Berkley's family to identify the right home, and helped to facilitate his adoption.

update; 05/31/09 "...Berkley is a great dog! He is fitting in wonderfully, and we both love him already. Isn't it remarkable how quickly you can fall in love?" " ...thank you for keeping us in mind, and helping to bring us together."

update; 06/02/09 "We are all doing great and adjusting to the new member of our family - and he to us. He seems to be having a ball and is the most energetic "old man" ever. We should all be so fit at seventy!!"

Hamish ("Hamie") - 15 Years
Hamish's owner was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and admitted to in-patient hospice. River City Westies assisted Hamie's owner/family during this difficult time by providing a safe-haven for Hamie, as well as regular visits to see his owner for over three months. Upon his owner's passing, Hamie went to live with his extended family in North Carolina.

update; 04/31/09 "...and, we cannot thank you enough for all that you did for Hamie, Dad and our family during such a difficult time, and we are forever grateful!"

Crickett - 4 Years
Due to physical limitations from multiple surgeries, Crickett's owner could no longer care for her. Crickett had become overly protective of her owner, and this severly impacted the ability for her owner to receive in-home nursing care. Cricket received a vet check and extensive socialization and training prior to being re-homed on a working, family farm.

update; 5/31/09 "Crickett is doing great, and she has been the perfect addition to our family, and working farm! She has adjusted to "country life" fairly easily (who says you can't make a country gal out of city girl!); and she stays busy from sun-up to sun-down by surveying the perimeter of the property; alerting us when visitors arrive, and keeping the farm free of vermin - she is definitely in her element! We continue to work on her training and socialization, but have accepted her for the Westie that she is! Thanks for all that you do to help Westies, like Crickett, find the perfect home where they are accepted and loved with all of their quirks, and are able to thrive!"

2008

Dottie - 2 Years
Dottie (a.k.a. "The Escape Artist") was surrendered because her family could no longer handle her disappearing acts, and they were not financially prepared to make the necessary modifications to provide a safe, secure environment for her to be left off-leash and unattended for hours at a time. Dottie received a vet check, up-to-date vaccinations, spay and dental cleaning prior to being re-homed.

update; 12/27/08 "What can I say about Dottie except that I can't imagine life without her - she is a perfect fit! The first couple of weeks were a bit of an adjustment as she spent quite a bit of time and energy seeking out an "escape route" (old habits die hard, I guess); however, she began to settle in when she learned there were far too many fun things to play with and interesting places to explore on the 'inside' of the fence. She has adapted to her new home with ease - quickly laying claim to her favorite, comfy chair (my chair!) and scoping out the perfect window for squirrel watching! There is never a dull moment, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for bringing Dottie and I together." --

Baxter - 5 Years
Baxter was surrendered due to allergies - which his family could no longer afford to manage. Albeit a difficult decision, they felt it was better for Baxter to be re-homed with someone who could afford his treatments and continue to manage his allergies, rather than stop treatment and have him suffer. Baxter received a vet-check, allergy shots and other skin treatments prior to being re-homed. 

update; 12/27/08 "...and, we are happy to report that Baxter's allergies are under control, and he is happy and thriving in his new home! Even though his curious spirit and high energy keep us on our toes, we just adore him! There is not a day that goes by where he does not makes us laugh - often to tears...he is so animated! Thank you for helping to bring this wonderful Westie into our lives! --

 

 

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