| Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West | | | | with new dog from the moment it arrives in your |
| Highland Terrier rescue dog. By electing to adopt one | | | | home, just as you would with a puppy. At the very |
| of the rescued Westies, you are giving an older dog a | | | | least, you will need to train your Westie into your |
| chance to find a loving new home | | | | expectations, and out of his old ones. Do this gradually, |
| In many ways, this is simpler than going through the | | | | to avoid causing even more stress. |
| arduous process of training a westie terrier puppy. | | | | Adopted dogs that have been abused or neglected |
| However, there still are steps you will need to take. | | | | may need continued veterinary care. If you are willing |
| Westies that have found their way into rescue | | | | to take on the extra commitment of caring for this kind |
| shelters sometimes have special needs, if only an | | | | of dog, you should be prepared for the extra expense |
| owner who is patient and understanding of the way | | | | and lingering health problems. Find your veterinarian |
| the dog might grieve for its previous family. People | | | | right away, and keep in close contact with him or her. |
| who volunteer keep the dog's needs foremost, and | | | | After your Westie is settled into your home, you may |
| are choosy about the homes in which they place | | | | still expect at least one last home visit from the |
| rescued terriers. Expect an application process, an | | | | organization that provided your dog. Westie rescuers |
| interview, and probably a home visit before you will be | | | | are determined that the terriers will be well placed. In |
| approved to take home a dog. | | | | many cases, you can turn to them for advice that will |
| Westie rescue organizations need funds to pay for | | | | help make the adoption process a joy for both you |
| food and veterinary care while the dogs are waiting | | | | and your dog. |
| for placement, so most charge an adoption fee to | | | | (Disclaimer: Any information contained in this site |
| cover these expenses. Additionally, you will be required | | | | relating to various medical, health and fitness conditions |
| to have the dog spayed or neutered, if it has not | | | | of Westies or other animals and their treatments is for |
| already been. | | | | informational purposes only and is not meant to be a |
| Many perfectly behaved Westies find their way into | | | | substitute for the advice provided by your own |
| rescue. However, the stress of change, long stays in | | | | veterinarian. You should not use the information |
| kennels, and grief at the loss of an owner, may make | | | | contained herein for diagnosing the health of any |
| even the best Westie forget some of its good habits. | | | | animal. You should always consult and check with your |
| Do not allow your adopted Westie dog to behave | | | | own vet or veterinarian.) |
| badly because you feel sorry for it. | | | | I do hope that you have found the article of use to |
| West Highland White Terriers, and all dogs, crave | | | | you. |
| routine. Establish a firm, consistent discipline and habits | | | | |