In Portugal, where we live, itโs not common to find Westies in rescue shelters. Because we really wanted a Westie, we got Sami, our puppy, from someone that had several puppies from her own Westie. EIf youโre living near a rescue shelter and you donโt want to buy a Westie but adopt instead, check out some of the rescue shelters in the area to find out if theyโve abandoned Westies.
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Should You Get Abandoned Westies from a Rescue Shelter?
You might have to wait months or even years until the rescue shelter gets abandoned Westies, as theyโre hard to come by. So if youโre willing to wait, this guide is for you. Since adopting not just a Westie, but any abandoned dog is a huge responsibility โ bigger than just getting a puppy from a breeder โ because theyโve been rejected and hurt, ensure youโre ready to take it on.
General Information to Consider before Getting a Westie
Whether you adopt a rescued Westie or get a Westie from a breeder, use this general information to decide if a Westie is the right dog for you:
1.ย Westies with Small Kids
Itโs not like Westies donโt get along with small kids, they do, especially if theyโve grown alongside them. However, they can also mistake the actions of a small kid for an animal, resulting in them growling at them. Even though the chances are less, they may bite.
Otherwise, Westies are an excellent family pet. I suggest if you have a small child and no experience with Westies, train your dog to get along with your child.
2.ย Westies with Other Pets
This dog breed has been bred to hunt small animals, such as ferrets, hamsters, birds, rabbits, and more. Oh, and cats are their biggest enemies. They see a cat and a chase ensues. Does that mean you shouldnโt get a Westie for this reason?
Absolutely not! You can still get one, just closely monitor their interactions with other animals, or better yet, keep your small animals out of their reach. More importantly, train your Westie to love your cat as much as you love her. Before you know it, theyโll be doing everything together.
3.ย Westies Know Magic
Westies are well versed in magic. One minute they are there and another minute, they are gone. Poof! In short, theyโre escape artists. Why do you think Sami is with me all the time? Most of the time, heโs on a leash and if heโs not, I ensure he never leaves my sight. I donโt need him escaping on me anytime. When I go on a walk with him, heโs on a leash and I hold on to him tightly because if he sees a squirrel, there he goes!
4.ย Westies and Health Conditions
Westies are prone to food allergies, cancer, skin conditions, and diabetes. However, this isnโt true just for Westies, but all dog breeds. Youโll have to pay special attention to your dog, regardless of the breed you get.
For instance, if your Westie has rusty paws, heโll be more likely allergic to their food. If you uncover any symptoms of an illness, take him to the vet. Itโs important to pay special attention to your petโs medical needs because you donโt want to catch something when itโs in its later stages.
5.ย Westies and Grooming
I take Sami to the groomers for his haircuts, and youโve probably seen Westie owners give their dog wacky and cool haircuts. However, there are some grooming measures I take at home, such as keeping his coat clean by bathing and brushing him, cutting his nails, brushing his teeth, and cleaning his ears, as theyโre likely to develop an ear infection. I recommend going to your vet to learn how to groom a Westie at home.
Is it still a yes to getting a Westie? If it is, do you still want to get a Westie from a rescue shelter instead of from a breeder? In that case, you need to know the difference between a rescued Westie and a Westie you get from a breeder.
How Are Rescued Westies Different?
When youโre getting a rescued Westie, know that their personalities have already been shaped. They know their likes and dislikes. For instance, you have cats at home, but the rescued Westie didnโt live in a household with cats; hence it may take time for him to adjust to other pets.
Therefore, you need to consider these special circumstances you may encounter with a rescued Westie before you apply for adopting one with a rescue center near you:
1.ย Rescued Westies May Have Medical or Behavioral Issues
Most of the Westies that rescue centers save suffer from medical or behavioral issues. If youโre getting a rescued Westie with a medical problem, you might have to get him treated for life. Other medical conditions may require you to bath them frequently for several months or years. If youโre bringing home a Westie with special needs, youโre making a financial commitment to care for them their entire life.
2.ย Rescued Westies May Have Been Abused or Neglected
Rescued centers rescue a lot of abused and neglected Westies. If you get an abused or neglected Westie, youโll have to pay special attention to them, helping them cope and overcome the trauma they experienced before.
Some Westies may have never even ventured outside the home or worn a collar. Others may be afraid of people or animals. Youโll need a lot of patience to care for an abused or neglected dog and will need to commit yourself to train and reinforce behavioral standards.
3.ย Rescued Westies Arenโt Free
Most people who want to get a Westie cannot afford a purebred Westie, which is why, they turn to rescue shelters to get one. However, rescued Westies are neither free nor cheap. Theyโll ask you to make a financial contribution if you want to adopt a rescued Westie.
Since youโre getting a rescued Westie, youโll also be paying for his medical and dental treatment as well as grooming, especially if he suffers from a medical issue. Moreover, rescued Westies with a behavioral problem require a trainer, which also can add up to the costs. If you think you can afford to get and care for a rescued Westie, seek rescue shelter out.
Whether you get a Westie puppy or get one from a rescue shelter, one thing theyโll both need is endless love and care.
You forgot to mention , they are .ostky one person dogs I had one in a past life and she prefered my wife to me tolerated me that is all sti u really love the dog