Q. Why would anyone give up such a cute dog?
Those of us in Westie Rescue often hear this question. People give up Westies because of:

• An owner's death or illness,
• Children leaving school to go home for the summer
• Families moving somewhere that does not allow dogs
• Household members allergies to dogs (possibly not the first pet they acquired to test this situation)
• Job transfers to foreign countries with long quarantine periods.

The most common reason is that the owner either does not or never did have time for the dog. Therefore, the dog developed behavior problems from the lack of attention or training. As a result, the Westie becomes homeless and is, if it is lucky, given up to a breed rescue or shelter.

Q. What other colors do Westies come in?
Scotties are not bred in a white variety. Scotties can be  seen in a medium cream color but never in true white. If the terrier is white, it is a Westie. And Westies, as their name indicates, are only allowed to be white.

Q. Do Westies get along with children?
Regardless of the breed, whether a dog gets along with children rests primarily upon the parents of the children / owners of the dog. Any obedience-trained dog will reside successfully in a home with children prepared for the experience. Prepared children are guided by their parents on how to humanely treat an animal and are supervised at all times by an adult during their interaction with the dog.

Westies, in general, make good family pets. That said, it is good to note that small dogs tend to be nervous around toddlers who run toward them, pat them roughly on the head, or pull their fur, ears, or tail.

Our program does not place Westies in families with children under 7 years old. It has been our experience in placing dogs that once most children are of school age they are able to fully comprehend the reasons and cautions for humanely caring for an animal. The squealing and giggling of a young child can remind the Westie of its prey and lead him to make a mistake like biting the child.

Q. Do Westies get along with cats?
We have received less than a handful of Westies in a year that are good with cats. Westies are not usually placed in homes with cats in order to protect the safety and well being of the cat.

Q. What is Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond?

Westie Rescue helps homeless Westies through:

• Pickup and Transportation
• Medical Care and Rehabilitation
• Temporary Fostering
• Placement and Adoption
• Public Awareness
• Participation in national rescue efforts

Q. How can I help Westie Rescue of Orange County & Beyond?
Westie Rescue is an all-volunteer group that exists totally on donations of people who love the breed and care about Westies in need. All of this work is done by volunteers and funded by donations. 

  Westie Rescue of OC

  9151 Atlanta Avenue, #5006

  Huntington Beach, CA 92615

Q. How can I apply to adopt a homeless Westie?
Go to our "Westie Rescue Adoption Form" and fill out the entire application.

Q. Is there an adoption fee?
Westie Rescue OC asks adoptive parents to make a donation of between $250.00 and $450.00 to defray the costs of medical, transportation and fostering for the next dog that comes through our system.

Q. How much should I budget to take care of a Westie?
Westies often have allergies to wheat and soy as well as to airborne allergens. To keep them in optimal health, they require food that is sold in pet supply stores but not in the grocery stores. They also frequently need antihistamines to combat symptoms of hayfever and other allergic reactions.

To keep your Westie comfortable, you should count on having him or her professionally groomed four to six times a year and on visiting a vet twice a year to keep up immunizations. Count on a budget of $400.00-$700.00 per year to keep your Westie healthy and happy.