WILL ANGEL GET A NEW BROTHER? MAY 2018
Because of Angel's medical issues, she cannot be adopted out yet. However, she and Daisy2Legs are constantly at loggerheads, which increases the tension among the others and they all want to join in the fight (having added Gipsy to the pack, we now have seven dogs). Also, with that many dogs, we could not give Angel the constant love & affection she demanded (and believe me, she knows how to DEMAND attention). At Jackie's suggestion, we searched for an FTA (Foster to Adopt) or permanent foster home for Angel, until her medical issues were resolved and she could be adopted. Jackie posted on Facebook; we soon received an application from Peggy C., on the east coast of Florida SOME OF OUR CONVERSATIONS On 14 May, Peggy writes: Andréa, thanks so much for the update on Ms. Angel. Will her vision cause her to have problems navigating stairs? Can she navigate flat surfaces ok? I have had Westies for a long time and am pretty familiar with how to overcome the skin issues if they occur. I love to hear that Angel's are diminishing. And my princess, Ms Tinkerbell, was blind and deaf toward the end of her life, so I am very experienced at carrying Westies, helping them get through some of those difficulties with baby gates, etc. Yes, Ms. Angel is a princess. Thanks for loving those pups! Angel is just adorable. Your MINI CAIRNFEST photos were great. My heart is totally into adopting another Westie, but of course, I always budget and have to consider costs involved as I have lived through colon cancer surgery, two cataract surgeries, thyroid cancer, enlarged heart decompression, blindness & deafness with my fur babies. That is all minor compared to the love that is shared. We can't make up for other humans who give up their pets after so long, but we can make the final chapter very comfortable and fun. Tri-level townhouse. But access from all levels. Sunrise on the beach, only a block away Mostly we take walks thru the neighborhood. We know everyone and all their dogs. On 15 May, Peggy writes: At Jackie's suggestion, I did leave message for Dr. Leah [Hathaway] to discuss Ms. Angel. I think it is helpful to get her perspective on the long-range potential issues for which I should plan based on her current condition. (like a guessing game, almost). I received all the reports and photos. Because I am not a medical expert, I did send to my nurse friend to review (also mother of three Westies - two older rescues); I know at that age things start to not work well and have experience in that area. On 15 May, Dr. Hathaway writes: I just got off the phone with Peggy and she was so sweet and wants only what is best for Angel. I was honest with her regarding our unknown causes for her anemia, previously low protein, new irregular heart beats, etc. She of course wanted to know the future with her health (but who doesn't ), but was understanding with that fact that no one can tell which direction her values will head over time. I let her know we were planning on regrouping with her values and possibly an echo sometime within the next four weeks or so, so she may wait until those results/trends come back to decide on whether she will adopt Angel. On 16 May, Peggy writes: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak with Dr. Hathaway. Her recommendation was that we wait until after the next four-week check up to consider adoption, due to some unusual lab results and some unknown with the irregular heartbeat. Do you think she clings to you because she doesn't feel well and is trying to communicate that? My Westie experience is that they are not lap dogs - independent, hunters normally. Andréa writes: A thought that Jackie had was that Peggy could be Angel's FTA (Foster To Adopt) . . . I think Peggy's home for Angel would be better than mine: only two dogs, many walks thru the day, playing on the beach, someone who knows Westies better than I do.
On 17 May, Peggy writes: Mr. Jellybean - my flower child . . .
JB disgusted at being dressed!	Peg & JB at Halloween 2017
	We spend Christmas in Virginia and it gets cold! Ms Tinkerbell (@RB) & Mr. Jelly Bean
This one brings tears . . . two Westie seats, but JB feels secure sitting with his sis, Tinkerbell. Miss that baby. 
Isn't he a handsome little fellow?
No, I'm not spoiled . . .

A HOME VISIT . . . AND A GROOMING