Pamela Caras Rupert, daughter of the late Roger Caras, lives in northern Baltimore county with her husband, Joe, daughters, Sarah and Hannah, and mother, Jill. Their farm is a haven for rescues, including horses, donkeys, cows, cats and dogs (including 3 Westies). Since moving to her parent’s farm, another rescued Westie, McGregor, who officially belongs to Jill, Pamela's mother, spends every night in bed with Pamela and Joe. It appears that MacGregor is making some changes in his plans. Pamela and her daughters travel throughout Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania to American Quarter Horse Association shows, along with their own quarter horses and their beloved rescue Westie, Binx. Pamela is the sales director for a major health sciences publisher traveling between her offices in Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Also traveling with Pam is Angus her mother Jill’s first Westie, a birthday gift from her father after they met and fell in love with Pam’s Binx. He is not a rescue and was told that he couldn't march in the parade but he is here as an ambassador for Westie Rescue.
Arie Angie Gittles
Arie came into rescue from New York in April of 2002. He had lost much of his fur due to a severe case of Malasezzia Dermatitis, had infections in both ears, and ultimately developed Demodectic Mange from his weakened immune system. At almost 4 years old, he was a very sick little boy. As you can see today, he is recovering nicely and is full of Westie-tude! In August, he officially became the newest member of the Gittles family.
Mitzi Angie Gittles
Mitzi is pleased to be making her third appearance in the National Parade of Rescues. Mitzi was given up because she couldn't be housebroken. The reason was simple. Her previous owners used invisible fencing and failed to provide the proper training. Mitzi was shocked a number of times and became terrified of walking on grass since she associated grass with pain. So, she preferred to relieve herself "in" the house to avoid having to go outside. That behavior wasn't appreciated in the "new house", so Mitzi had to go. And here she'll stay!
Jake George & Jane Patrick
Jake, 7/5/85. At 26 lb. is the heavy weight. We have exercised him to where the vet says he is not overweight...just large. He likes to parade a toy or two in front of his brother to see if he can start a tug of war or a game of chase me-chase you. He is equally fast as his smaller brother when they chase squirrels to the nearest tree. Jake, unlike most Westies, does not give lickey-kisses. He does like to cuddle, but because he is so large this is left to when I lay on the floor after a play session.
Corky George & Jane Patrick
Corky, 7/5/85. At 23 lb. (large for a Westie) is most alert to yard intruders. Often is found standing on the wicker settee by the large back yard picture window searching the yard for crows, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits. Upon a sighting he barks an alert to his brother, Jake and they go quickly to the door waiting to be let out. Both dogs have come to love finger carrots.
Binx Hannah Rupert
In 1995 when my daughter Hannah was visiting my parents in NYC, she and Binx found each other in the adoption center at the ASPCA and was adopted by Hannah. He is an 8 year old purebred Westie, the center of our lives, deserving of a whole parade of his own! . Binx travels everywhere with his family, particularly enjoying traveling to horse shows and spending time in the swimming pool. At home he gets along famously with horses, cats and a wide variety of other dogs.
McGregor Jill Caras
"McGregor", formerly Riley, came to Thistle Hill Farm from Connecticut at 4 months old in 1998. He settled in with 10 dogs and numerous cats with no trouble. He particularly loves children. His days on the farm are spent in constant activity with 2 other westies and 3 Jack Russells.McGregor officially belongs to my mother but since we moved to my parents farm he spends every night in bed with me so I guess he is making some changes in his plans.
Mandy Karen Spalding
Mandy was 10 yr. old when she came into rescue on Christmas eve 1999. A divorce caused major changes in her family, Mandy was tied out on the porch for long periods of time. Just recently volunteering for Westie Rescue of Greater Washington, Mandy became our first foster dog. Upon arrival, her ears were full of dirt, and she had gone deaf from years of ear infections left untreated. Angie Gittles called to see how Mandy was doing informing us that she had located Mandy's breeder - a responsible breeder - who immediately expressed concern for Mandy's well-being offering to come and get her! Overhearing our telephone conversation, my husband shouts, "tell her she has a home?" After coordinating efforts with the breeder and the rescue group, our first foster Westie never left! Mandy has adjusted to her life with us and to her deafness. We communicate using hand signals that she has come to understand.
Alfie Kathy McNulty
Alfie who is 1 1/2 years old was given to Southeast Michigan Westie Rescue and adopted by the McNulty's in 2001. He loves to be held and carried around like a baby. His favorite fun time is to play with sister Phoebe, to see who can get the ball first. He brings love and laughter wherever he goes.
Phoebe Kathy McNulty
In 1999, Phoebe was a filthy, starving, stray, begging for food at a deli. It took three days to coax her into the rescuer's arms. She is probably about 5 years of age. Phoebe's favorite past time is playing in water and she has own little kiddie pool. She loves to play and has a smile for everyone.
Finnegan Kathy McNulty
In 1998, Finnegan was turned in to Southeast Michigan Westie Rescue. At 8 years of age, Finnegan came to live with the McNulty's in Pennsylvania. Finnegan loves to go for walks, eat, and get lots of tummy rubs. Finnegan has had Addison's Disease for 11 years, which is in remission. He just celebrated his 12th birthday yesterday will still accept belated Birthday gifts.
MacKenzie Sharon and Michael Bojcik
Hello, my name is MacKenzie Bojcik (pronounced boy-chick). I am a six year old Westie male. I'm originally from Staten Island, NY but I now live in Pompton Plains, NJ. I was rescued on August 21, 2002. I am very affectionate and love to snuggle with my new mom and dad. I also love chewing on bones, looking out the window, trying to chase squirrels, and running around the house when I get the "zooms".
Lucy Vickie Claflin
Lucy is a special-needs Westie with a pancreatic disorder. She cannot digest her food without the aid of a special enzyme taken prior to eating. She was surrendered to the Westie Rescue, Inc when her family gave birth to human triplets. I adopted Lucy when she was 1 ½ years old and, through my love of my pup, I became an active volunteer with Westie Rescue, Inc.
Dougal Vickie Claflin
One month after adopting Lucy, on a retrieval run for Westie Rescue, Inc, I collected Dougal (4 year old male) from the Humane Society in Baltimore. He and Lucy affectionately nuzzled each other through the crate openings on the drive back to College Park. He was surrendered by his family for chronic urination in the house. The vet determined that he had what amounts to Doggie-Gout and was placed on a special low-fat diet.
Reba Anne Pyle
Reba was one of a pair of Westies that was supposeded to be delivered to me for rescue. The owner arrived with Reba say that they had decided to keep the male. Since Reba was used to being in a multi-dog household, and since I was looking for a companion for my Tibby, I decided to keep her as my own little girl. Known affectionately around the house as "the wild woman," Reba's wildness was originally the result of the fact that she had been taught NO manners at all. Now, her wildness is the result of nothing more than pure, unrestrained enthusiasm - she gets so excited about anything and everything that she "forgets" her manners. In other words, Reba is Westie through and through! Life is a pure delight having Reba as part of my family.
Shana Carol & Kenny Sanger
Shanna came to her forever home with Carol and Kenny Sanger at the tender age of 11. That was 3 1/2 years ago. With a Lauren Bacall-like bark and 'dowager empress' attitude, this indomitable little gal brooks no nonsense from the five other Westies, a Golden and a Pomeranian who are her sometimes-unwilling subjects. She has had three surgeries for bladder stones, is on a special diet and needs drops twice a day for dry eye, but in Shanna's world, she's still every inch a puppy
Alfie Sylvia Diaz and Catherine Schneider
Alfie came to us through a groomer friend who encountered him at work. His owners divorced and he was kept by the husband who was never home. He spent most of his days outside alone. He had many bad habits including territorial issues causing him to want to bite. He also had 2 bouts of IBS and may have a history of the disease. Alfie has been with us for almost 2 years and has become the sweetest boy.
Piper Bonnie Sampson
Piper came to me from a woman in New Hampshire that had bought her to "teach her 12 year old daughter responsibility." She had not had her shots, was not spayed, had to be shaved to the skin because of matting and never having been brushed or groomed and was terrified of being held...I'm convinced she was dropped or thrown. I had wonderful home lined up for her, but for 3 days, I cried every time I even thought of never seeing her again. My Haggis and 'Neeps loved her from the start. I knew she was special. She is the dog of my heart and I cannot imagine my life without her.
'Neeps Bonnie Samson
'Neeps was seen being tossed out of a car with another dog. The woman who witnessed it got her and took her to the shelter where she was recognized as being a Westie, although filthy black, matted and very neglected. I was discovered that she had heartworm. The treatment almost killed her, but she made it through. She is the grand old lady of my 4, and her dignity and good manners are always evident. It took 9 months for her to approach me to seek affection. Now, she can't get enough of it. She is a steady, constant in my life, and my time on earth is better because I share it with her.
With special thanks to:
Microphone - Bob Ernst
Tote Bags courtesy of WHWTCGW
Scarves courtesy of Westie Rescue, Inc. (WHWTCGW) made by Karen Spalding
