WRNT is a 501 (c)(3) Corporation
FAQ
How long does it take to process my Adoption or Foster Application?
Essentially, the application process is complete upon entering your information into our database. Normally, we have every application ready for access within a 24- to 48-hour period. We are an entirely volunteer-based organization, so this time may change - but usually we're fairly quick in getting new applicants into the active process.
How long do I have to wait for a Westie?
There is no real answer to that question - at least not one measured in days or weeks. When we have a dog who needs a Foster or Forever home whose needs align with your desires, we will contact you. Usually, when we have an available dog, we'll either call or email all those applicants who are suitable for that dog. Remember, our goal is to meet the dogs' needs first, matching them to the best environment. Most Westies in the WRNT program have already been through an awful lot of trauma - emotionally and often physically - and it is their needs we have to consider first.
How much does it cost to adopt a Westie?
We ask for a $350.00 donation for most adoptions facilitated by WRNT. In 80% of our adoptions, this amount is far less than we spend to rehabilitate and return them to health. Any amount you wish to donate over the minimum request is very much appreciated, and is eligible for favorable tax treatment as WRNT is a registered 501(c)(3) NonProfit organization.
Westies and Children
As a general rule, Westies are not recommended for families with small children or small visiting grandchildren younger than 8 to 10 years of age. Granted, there are exceptions to every rule. The exceptions are dependent on three things: the individual dog, the individual child or children, and the level of supervision provided by the parents or grandparents. This applies to all dogs, but it is even more crucial with certain breeds, such as the terriers.
One major reason Westies are surrendered to rescue or shelters is because of issues involving small children. The noises and movements of infants, toddlers, and young children can elicit the Westie’s intense prey drive and critter instincts. Examples of triggers include crying, squealing, high-pitched voices and running through the house. These behaviors can cause a Westie to chase, bark, growl, and nip at a child’s hands or feet. The Westie may only want to play, but his play behaviors and sounds can scare a small child.
Westies may also perceive a small child as a lower-level pack member and try to dominate or correct the child for what the Westie perceives as inappropriate pack behavior. Westies have a relatively low threshold for having their hair, ears and tail pulled; being stumbled over or fallen or stepped on; hugged tightly; being hit; and above all, being kissed on the face. These normal child behaviors often elicit a warning snap (not intended to make contact) from your Westie. The dog does not intend to inflict harm, he is speaking dog for "not so hard, or not in my face." However, if the child has his or her face in the dog’s face, unintentional contact can occur. Even if there is minimal or no actual contact, when parents see a dog snap at their young child, it is frightening and unacceptable. You cannot blame the parents for their reaction, but you cannot blame the dogs for their natural and instinctual reactions either.
When Westies seek refuge under or behind furniture, or retreat to their beds or crates, children will go after them to make them feel better or because the children still want to play. This is a prescription for disaster! Dogs perceive this as a threat or being cornered, which is always dangerous with any dog. Their initial reaction is to bare their teeth and growl, which is the dog’s way of saying, "Please do not come any closer." This is a normal reaction when dogs feel cornered or threatened. If the child continues to encroach, the dog will give a warning snap to back the child off. If the encroachment continues, the dog is left with no other option but to bite.
Another possible source of trouble between children and Westies involves food. A child eating or reaching for food on the floor is often more temptation than a Westie can handle. The Westie may have no intention of biting the child, but they are going for that piece of food, which can inadvertently involve fingers and faces. Extreme vigilance and complete supervision is absolutely essential with any dog and child, especially a Westie.
Beth Bowling of Liberty, Ohio, a member of the West Highland White Terrier Club of America (WHWTCA), got her first Westie, Max, when her sons were 4 and 5 years old. Her second Westie, Betz, joined the family in May 2002. Bowling has responsibly integrated the Westies into her home with young, active boys. Her initial and continued success is directly correlated to understanding what owning a terrier and having small children truly means, along with maintaining constant and responsible vigilance. "The main thing I keep in mind is the terrier prey drive and their natural propensity to chase critters," Bowling explains. "Even though my sons, Kyle and Christopher, are now 6 and 7, I still watch Max because he can become overexcited when the boys start running through the house being loud. Betz is sound sensitive and can be overwhelmed by all the commotion. My boys understand how to behave around their Westies. However, I never forget that boys will be boys and Westies will be terriers! I never want these two realities to collide! At these times, I take Max and Betz to another room."
Even if your children are always appropriate with their Westies, their playmates may not be. "When the boys have friends visit, I want the Westies to meet them," Bowling says. "After the initial interactions, I take Max and Betz to the bedroom because my boys and their friends will become very loud and active. I do not want to restrict their play and fun, nor do I want to subject my Westies to activities I know may stress Betz and overstimulate Max. We have not had an issue, but only because I do not allow a situation to culminate."
For children 10 years or older, Westies can be marvelous playmates. Their energy levels will be a good match. Of course, parents should always be vigilant with their children and any dog. Adults should never leave a young child unsupervised with any dog. Always watch for signs that the dog needs to be left alone. Adults should ensure the children do not engage in activities that can cause the dog discomfort, pain, fear or a sense of being threatened, which can lead to the dog reacting with instinctual reflexes. When kids just need to be kids and if their dog is reactive to these situations or stimuli, make sure the dog is in another room.
—Deb Duncan
West Highland White Terriers magazine, part of the Popular Dogs Series, published by BowTie Inc.
How does fostering for Westie Rescue of North Texas work?
Fostering is an integral part of the adoption process. Sometimes we are able to do a "home-to-home" placement, but most dogs we receive require at least a brief period of foster care. This gives us an opportunity to get more insight into the Westies personality and needs, and helps us in a successful permanent placement.
Dogs remain in foster care for different amounts of time; between a few days and up to several months for Westies with significant health problems. Once they are ready for permanent placement we match that Westie with the prospective adopters we have on file so we can obtain the best match.
If you would be interested in fostering, please fill out the regular Adoption Application. There is a question on the first page asking about fostering. Once we receive your application, we will get in touch with you about setting up a time when we can come meet you and your pets, to see what type of foster Westies would fit in well with your family.
What if we adopt a Westie and he ends up not fitting in with our lifestyle or other pets?
We strive to place every rescue Westie in his or her "forever home", but things don't always work out as planned. If, at any time, you decide your adopted Westie is not going to fit in with your family, lifestyle or other pets, we will take him back. In fact, when you complete an Adoption Agreement you must agree, if you ever decide to give up your Westie, to return them Westie Rescue of North Texas.
We want you to love your Westie as much as he's going to love you, so if it doesn't work out, just let us know!
Do you only get purebred Westies, or do you also get Westie mixes?
Besides purebred Westies, we also get a number of Westie mixes. Depending on the dogs' circumstances, sometimes we place the dog in foster care like a purebred Westie. Or, if they are in a safe shelter environment, we send out e-mails to people who have completed adoption applications that specified they would consider a Westie mix. This e-mail will describe where the dog is located, and whatever information we know about them from the shelter.
Will my adopted Westie need any type of shots or vaccinations immediately after I adopt him?
No, when we take a Westie into our program he is given the shots necessary to bring him up to date, including bordatella (kennel cough), is checked to make sure he is Heartworm negative, and is spayed or neutered, if required. We will also give you that Westie's records that show when all this was completed so you'll have it to share with your vet.
We suggest after you adopt a Westie from us you take him to your vet for a check-up and visit, but he won't need any vaccination shots or injections at that visit.
Can dogs treated for heartworms get heartworms again?
Yes, If you don't keep them on heartworm preventative. Since heartworm preventatives are safe, effective and affordable there is no meaningful or practical reason any dog should ever get heartworms.
Is this dog 100% housebroken?
No, Just because the dog is housebroken here doesn't mean you won't have a problem at your home. All dogs need to be supervised as they first enter your home. They need to be shown which door is the correct one for outside potty and if they've never used a doggy door before, how to use one. We also recommend with a male to put a belly band or diaper on him for the first day, to prevent marking of his new territory. That way all his marking are in something that can be disposed of as opposed to your walls and furniture. This way you can also scold him when you see him raise his leg.
Do Westies shed?
No. Not anymore than we as humans shed. All animals shed to some degree, however, since Westies don't get a winter coat shedding is not typically a major problem. Of course, a dog that is well groomed and bathed regularly will shed even less!
Where can I find a good Westie Vet?
You can go where WRNT goes for all our Veterinary Care. Go to our Veterinarians page on this site and you'll see information on A&B Animal Clinic, The Colony Animal Clinic, Highlands-Eldorado Animal Hospital, Josey Ranch Pet Hospital and West Creek Animal Clinic. While many Veterinarians are familiar with Westies and the ailments that are common to them, WRNT has found the vets we work with to be especially mindful of the emotional and physical trauma visited upon many of the Westies we care for. No matter which Veterinarian you choose, it's imperative that you treat your Westie's health with the same seriousness you have for your own well being. After all, a Westie is not a toy, it's a living, breathing being - worthy of your concern, your time and your best efforts.