by Lee Juslin

Dallas, a ten-year-old Westie, was surrendered by his owner to Lone Star Westie Rescue (LSWR). His family had come to Texas some years prior, and when his owner had to move to a senior apartment, she could not take Dallas. As is so often the case, no one else in the family wanted him.

Dallas came into rescue with severe skin issues, dry eye, ear infections, and significantly underweight at only eleven pounds. On the positive side, Dallas is, according to Karen from LSWR, the perfect dog. He has no fears or anxieties, is laid back and loves everyone. His only problem is that he wants to eat everything in sight, but Karen thinks this has to do with his not being fed enough or on a regular basis.

Dallas

Once into foster, Dallas was taken to a vet who prescribed daily medical baths and a special diet. As he began to improve, Dallas went to a first time foster family where he blossomed. The retired couple had no other dogs in the house so they lavished Dallas with love and attention including daily walks.

When it came time to find a forever home for Dallas, Karen’s boss who had flown down from company headquarters in Minnesota, saw Dallas on the rescue’s webpage. He and his wife had lost their Westie and decided they wanted to adopt a senior Westie. Sweet Dallas caught their attention.

Arrangements were made for Dallas to meet the couple, and it was love at first sight all around. They made arrangements to adopt Dallas and fly him back with them to Minnesota. Although airports and planes were a new experience for the little Westie, he behaved beautifully.

Dallas and his new family

Once home in Minnesota, Dallas began to adapt to his new parents and his new home. Karen says he is being fitted for a custom coat and booties for the colder climate, and during the day when his parents are at work, he stays with “grandpa” who dotes on him. Dallas wants for nothing and even has his own fishing dock, but Karen says he hasn’t caught anything yet.

Dallas is one of those happy ending stories that shows us how important rescue is. The volunteers at LSWR went the extra mile for a senior dog who, once he was vetted and shown love, had a lot of love of his own to give.

Rescues like Lone Star Westie Rescue invest a lot of money and effort to rescue dogs and get them ready for adoption. Often rescue is the last hope for some of these dogs. Monetary donations, even in small amounts, are always welcome.

Although Dallas has found a forever home, there are many other Westies waiting to find theirs. To make a donation to Lone Star Westie Rescue, volunteer, or apply to adopt a Westie rescue, visit their website: Lone Star. Follow them on Facebook: LSWR

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.