Westley
Anxious Little Warrior Finds Peace
Please note: The dogs in ODH's Final Refuge care are not adoptable due to medical reasons and all are in permanent homes. Your sponsorship supports the veterinary expenses for these dogs - and we thank you!
Westley, 6 pounds, and his best friend, Buttercup, 3 1/2 pounds, both about 12 years old, came into the shelter as strays. The shelter was anxious to keep the duo together, so Old Dog Haven was contacted.
It was clear that the abandonment had deeply affected nervous little Westley. Due to his age, he had already started to lose some of his eyesight and hearing. Then, being left on his own in a big, scary world, with only Buttercup at his side, was almost too much for him. In addition, allergies and stress had him constantly licking and scratching. Fortunately, his first vet visit, five days after his arrival, was able to provide him with some relief. An injection helped relieve the itching. Wes only had two teeth left, one of them jutting oddly out of his mouth. A couple of gentle wiggles from the vet removed it. And he has started medication for his arthritic hips.
Some things take much longer to heal, though. Westley’s first few nights were spent cuddled in his foster mom’s arms, shaking in fear. He was always on alert, always on guard. Often, you would see Wes perched on the edge of the bed or couch, vibrating with anxiety, waiting for the next disaster that might befall him. If he was unable to find her, he would run around in the house, looking for her, terrified he had been abandoned again. Even something as simple as a sneeze would have him running in fear.
Slowly, though, Westley has started to relax. More often than not, he curls up next to his foster mom and snoozes rather than look for danger. His little body no longer vibrates with fear, and he’s learning that he doesn’t have to stand guard anymore. While he may always be a sensitive soul, Westley is finally discovering what it means to feel safe. Thanks to Old Dog Haven, this anxious little warrior has found his peace—and he will never be abandoned again.
Westley and Buttercup
Westley is sponsored by:
- Jennifer Cobb of Bellevue, WA (02/28/2027)
- Joni Bories of Otis Orchards, WA (02/28/2027)
- Marilyn Caldwell of Seabeck, WA -in memory of Tia and Lexi (02/28/2027)
- Elmer Strueh of Portland, OR (02/28/2027)
- Mary Abercrombie of Bellingham, WA - in memory of sweet Chispita (03/31/2027)