by Lee Juslin

Enzo was near death when he was dumped in the woods. Fortunately a woman walking through those woods, found him, and just as fortunately for Enzo, his rescuer called Sunshine State Westie Rescue (SSWR).

Aggie of SSWR immediately took little Enzo to their vet where he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, an ear infection, a very bad skin infection, dry eye which had made him blind, and on top of all that, Cushings Disease. The vet was very frank with Aggie and told her that Enzo might not survive the night because he was so desperately ill on so many fronts.

Enzo after being rescued

“He not only survived the night,” said Aggie, “but he began to respond to medication and treatment. Some of his eye sight came back, though he still has about an eighty-five percent loss. His skin and ear infections improved, but I don’t think he’ll ever get all his hair back, and his Cushings is under control with regular medication.”

Enzo has been with SSWR for about a year and a half, and in that time, he has blossomed. Determined to be about eleven now, Enzo does not act his age. He plays ball by sound, especially enjoys squeaky toys, and he always walks with a bounce in his step.

Enzo post grooming

Aggie says he is a real joy. He loves to cuddle, and although at first he stuck close to Aggie, he has become more independent often nestling in his favorite chair in her living room basking in the sun. He gets along well with Aggie’s other dogs, and at cookie time, he dances for his cookie, especially if he feels Aggie is slow in handing them out.

Aggie does not feel that Enzo is a good candidate for adoption because he has a number of health issues that need constant monitoring, and his Cushings medication is fairly expensive. In addition, changing the environment for a dog with limited sight, especially an older dog, could make for a difficult adjustment. But, that’s okay with Aggie. “He’s just so much fun. He never walks anywhere; he always has this happy little trot. And, his cookie dance makes us laugh every day. We’ve even nicknamed him Cookie Monster.”

You can learn more about Sunshine State Westie Rescue on their Facebook page. Volunteer, make a contribution, apply to adopt a rescued Westie, or sign up to be a foster parent which are sorely needed at this young rescue.

Check out more animal rescue & therapy animal stories in our Pets section.

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Lee Juslin is a free lance copywriter living in North Carolina with her husband, Scott, and her band of misfits: Tarquin, a Wheaten Scottish Terrier, and three handicapped cats. They can be seen on their website: Hampshire Hooligans. She owns I B Dog Gone, a small embroidery business and is the author of the Nurse Frosty books for children and Frosty’s Story: Tales of a Therapy Dog. She supports a number of national and regional terrier rescue organizations.