Dilemma - what shall I do? Re-homing a Westie

[merciasounds]

Lady going blind is moving into a residential nursing home. Her daughter, (whom I've seen grow up from 7 onwards) Came over to me just to tell me about her mother, and to ask if I would have her Little West Highland terrier, Kiltie who is 4 years old. She can't have her as she lives in a privately rented flat and the tennancy states no pets, plus she's out of the flat 12 hours + some days and it wouldn't be fair to the dog. The dog is a timid little thing, but friendly enough, all my lot are big, Labs, retrievers, German shepherds, and so I thought my parents would like her as they've had Westies before - but they have big dogs too, same as mine and working dogs as well. Do you think Kiltie would fit in - I'd hate to traumatise the animal as she's led quite a quiet life just being with an elderly lady. Neither my dogs or my parents dogs would hurt her, they're all used to kids and cats and rabbits - I hate to think of Kiltie being put in the dogs home though!

[LoftyLottie]

She'll be fine, bless her. Go on take her on! You know you want to. Poor little dog.

[merciasounds]

I do want her I do!!

[ladybirder]

Westies are feisty little dogs. At 4 years old she'll have the time of her life with your lot. Does she know your dogs? Take her - go on you know you want to.

[LoftyLottie]

Yes they are feisty, she will probably become top dog. Take her, take her, take her. Just think of her poor sad little face if she has to go to a dogs home :o(

http://2.bp.blogspot....s400/westie%2Bmhr.jpg

[merciasounds]

Ohhhhh.....this is torture - what to do!! I really want to have her - She doesn't know my dogs, they will probably lick her for goodness knows how long...

[LoftyLottie]

Seriously, she will adapt. Lots of love and cuddles and gentle handling and she will be fine.

Why not have her for the weekend and see how it goes!!

[rosyherb]

we had a quite robust boxer (sweet natured) and the 'quiet' local westie soon put him in his place. just keep an eye out... whos to say that a rehoming centre wouldnt do the same?

[ladybirder]

She will hold her own have no fear. Just introduce them to her gently and as LL says she will probably be top dog in no time. Come on MS it's a no brainer.

[merciasounds]

Well.....that's it - guess who's the proud new owner of a West Highland Terrier? - Elaine is bringing her basket/dog bowl and toys over as I'm typing this. My lot are in the garden, with the patio door open, I've put her in there........she's in the doorway looking out....Jet my black lab has had a sniff and said hello....they're both wagging tails....

[ladybirder]

Oh brilliant. Congratulations. I bet the old lady is relieved as well. Oooh how exciting. Now we want hourly updates please. Well done. Have a medal. XX

[LoftyLottie]

Yeahhh. Hooray.

Updates please for the next few days.

[merciasounds]

One thing that made me say yes, (as well as being adorable!) this home the lady is going to, if you phone them up before you go and let them know, you can take a pet in to see the residents - they say it helps the 'patients' in there so I can take Kiltie in to see her - Kilties outside now, trying to bite a football and chasing it around! - she looks happy enough!

[kat1]

Your wonderful mercia.

[ladybirder]

How nice that Kiltie and her now previous owner can keep in touch. I hope that happens to me if I'm ever in the same position. Nice to hear some good news.

[woofgang]

lovely story with a happy ending big ups to mercia

[merciasounds]

Awe Kat1 - as ladybirder said, it was a no brainer really she's adorable - when I get my new phone, i'll post a piccy of her.
Elaine was telling me, at this nursing home they encourage the patients who can to take part in all sorts of things, they play 'WII' games, and have painting classes, bridge and whist nights - and have film nights too. I said book me a bed!!

[LoftyLottie]

Kiltie will love her new life with you and your dogs Mercia. Probably have far more fun then ever before. She is one lucky pooch!! Bless you.

(Cheese and wine party called for to celebrate!!)

[albaqwerty]

Awww Mercia. I'm glad you took her. I had a sneaky suspicion you would. :)

[merciasounds]

I've just phoned my hubby (he's in Germany at the moment) and told him he'd got grilled lobster tails and then garlic fillet steak with red wine sauce all the trimmings and then cherry pie and clotted cream ice cream for pud - (his fav meal) - his first words to me were:
"What have you done?!"
He's fine with it -

"Oh is that all, shame for Mrs ____ though" he said. So I'm pleased about that!


Kiltie is running around the garden with the rest of the gang and loving it by the looks of things!

[ladybirder]

LOL sounds as if you two understand each other.