Reba's Rescue Story

Reba came into rescue February 22, 2008 from the Blue Mt. Humane Association in La Grand, OR. Reba's owner was involved in a fatal traffic accident. She left behind a grandson with special needs and Reba.

I called the shelter & talked to 2 sweet girls, & was told that Reba was a Scottie... a 52 lbs. Scottie. We were sent a picture that was so vague we actually could not tell what we were seeing so John Moreno decided to make the run for rescue.

John arrived late in the evening where I was waiting to foster this big girl. Reba was one of the largest Scots we had ever seen. However, it was too late at night for guessing about what else was in her genes other than Scottie so Reba became my foster rescue and so the story begins.

Reba was Vet checked by Dr. Cleveland and found to have Cushings disease. After some trials with another medication, Reba was put on Trilostane twice day. Reba is now on her way to being a normal dog again. She is losing weight, has a good step to her gate now, and can get up and move at a faster pace.

Reba was a very sad dog when she came to our home. She was in mourning for 2 1/2 months for her previous family. She missed her people so much. Subsequently, as we worked with her care and health issues, she started to feel better and is now a happy girl with a big heart and a great wag in her tail.

Reba will have to stay on Trilostane all her life. One bottle is $121.50 and lasts about 50 days. Reba also has skin issues, that are all cleared up now, but she may have to be on an antibiotic. Reba will have to have blood test's every few months to check on her cortisol levels to make sure she is getting the right amount of Trilostane each day.

Reba has been in Rescue for 19 months and is doing wonderfully well. She is sweet natured and kind, has her very funny moments when she rolls over huffing and puffing for belly rubs, and she does a little jig at the door to go for her walk that she enjoys each day. She walks slowly, and has a bit of trouble with her back hips and it is hard for her to climb or descend more than 2 or 3 steps at a time but as of yet this does not slowed her down. Reba has a brave and true heart and is a true love and lover. She loyally gives her love and affection and wants so little in return.

Reba's weight is an on going struggle. It goes up & down, & she is always on the look for food. Having Cushings, Reba may never achieve her normal weight but we keep trying.

Reba needs sponsors to help with her continuing medical issues. Please find it in your heart to help dear Reba stay well for what ever time she has left. She so deserves it.

Thank you all.
Ilene Vogel, Reba’s Foster Mom
Aberdeen Scottish Terrier Rescue.

POTTOMUS GOES CRUISING

Another example of a rescued Scotty-made-good, here we have a photograph of Pottomus maintaining a watchful eye on the Roche Harbor Marina in the San Juan Islands. His adoptive parents, Phil and Leslie Oaks, say Pottomus spends the day sitting on a rug over the hatch cover at the bow of their boat, making certain life at the marina is proper and within reason. Pottomus is probably a celebrity at the resort, no doubt the center of attention where ever he goes.

Pottomus came to ASTR several years ago from the state of Utah with a reputation of being 'ungroomable'. At that time he refused to tolerate brushes or clippers or the hands that hold them. Time and thoughtful training has since turned that problem around, allowing Potto to cut a striking figure while wearing a spiffy international orange flotation device at the bow of the boat. One lucky dog!

BLUE-EYED TWINS EMMA AND TRIXY

Last summer ASTR got a call about three Scotties needing to be rescued from a home in southern Oregon. I was lucky enough to get the assignment so I immediately jumped in the car and started driving. On arrival I learned that one of the females was pregnant and soon to have pups. By the time I was back in the Portland area, I had seven Scotties in the car, four of them less than an hour old. Had ASTR delayed in responding to the call about Scotties in need, the entire episode might have gone very differently.

Please meet Emma (on the right) and Trixy, two beautiful little Scotties that, I am told, have beautiful personalities to match. The photo is courtesy of Kai and Misty, the new adoptive parents.

QUEENIE, A PACK LEADER WITH A BITE!

I am very saddened to announce the passing of our alpha-pack leader "Queenie" last week after a long struggle with renal failure. Despite extensive testing and many medications (and her voracious appetite), Queenie just couldn't keep food or water down anymore. Eventually, she let us know.

Queenie came to us from a senior rescue organization in central Oregon. Abused and neglected, Queenie survived her previous owner though her brother did not. She was missing one ear and deaf, and essentially blinded by cataracts, but Queenie never failed to let our other five Scotties know who was boss. We never really knew how old Queenie was, but being mostly Corgi with a strong dose of Scotty, she lived way beyond 15 years.

Club members followed the story of Queenie, making inquiries about her progress and bringing her toys. Not many dogs survive the existence she had prior to coming to Aberdeen Scottish Terrier Rescue. We want you to know she seemed to appreciate all that was done for her. Even during some of her last days she seemed to smile and play like a puppy. For us, Queenie is what rescue is all about.

POTTOMUS UPDATE

We are happy to display that 2007 ASTR scotty "Pottomus" has adapted well to his new family and environs outside Washougal, Washington. Adoptive family Phil and Leslie Oaks have submitted a photograph that shows Potto standing at his regular post, apparently co-existing with his wild neighbors. Pottomus came to rescue during the winter of 2007 with a reputation of being hard to get along with. Time has proven he only needed understanding and the patience of a loving adoptive family.

Mr. Tegan

Mister Tegan has come to us after living in a Beaverton backyard for four years. Not very well socialized and a bit stand-offish, he always folds his ears back when someone brings out the camera.

Tegan has become the perfect lap dog for watching television. His internal clock is more accurate than my watch when it comes to knowing time for dinner. And no one 'aroos' or yawns like Tegan. We are really lucky to have him with us.