Three Breeders Share Why They Support The Westie Foundation of America

Summer 2004, NEWS

Alice Shepard - Paddyhill

When the Westie Foundation of America began in 1997, I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that I was certain could work miracles in improving the health of our beloved breed so I became a Founder of the Foundation. It was easy to pay my pledge as I considered it to be a monthly bill, just like the electric bill or mortgage payment, and so, for about the same amount as two entry fees a month, I was able to become a Founder. Now, seven years later, I have been asked to relay my feelings about an organization that I expected to eradicate all medical problems affecting our breed immediately.

I believe the Westie is a breed that has been relatively free of major health problems throughout the years. Oh, yes, the Westie has received a bad rap on skin problems from vets and pet owners alike but responsible breeders have long worked to eradicate that problem. Remember that many of us participated in a study during the 1980s by following a specific protocol on a pregnant bitch and her resulting puppies; I believe there was a three-year follow-through on all puppies participating.

Many of us remember also the CT [Copper Toxicosis] concern of the late 1980s and CMO [cranio-mandibular osteopathy] has, of course, been around for years. However, responsible breeders among us did not breed any Dick to every Jane but rather studied pedigrees and the dogs in the backgrounds of those dogs and bitches we planned to breed in order not to introduce those problems.

But in the 1990s we started hearing about Addison's and Cushings and Legg-Calve-Perthes and how these diseases affected our dogs. CMO continued to be a major concern despite its small incidence and atopic dermatitis continued to have a major presence. And with the new millenium came IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) as well as increased instances of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the breed.

Through pledges at various levels and fund raising on several other fronts (a raffle for the last two years and WestieGifts), the WFA has raised enough money over its short period of existence to fund research projects approved either by the Canine Health Foundation or the Morris Animal Foundation in most of these diseases, plus others. Despite our support - and the support of organizations similar to ours - I am not aware that there has, as yet, been a major break through in any of these diseases although several studies have been completed to the researcher's satisfaction.

I am disappointed that there has not been a 'quick cure' for specific diseases but the cure for polio in humans did not happen overnight. We are at the mercy of the research community. If a researcher has no interest in disease X, there will be no proposal forthcoming for research in that area.

We are lucky that researchers on two continents have expressed an interest in IPF and that the WFA is willing to pay the entire cost for the project as no other breed has been affected by this as has the Westie.

Where does the Foundation go from here? They must have the support of the Westie community and that support should start with the breeders. A new fund-raising campaign is now underway. I am continuing my monthly pledge because, despite the lack of a success story that can tout the good that has been done, I still have faith.

Sandy J. Davis - Lanarkstone

When Wayne Kompare asked me if I supported the Westie Foundation, I wondered why? What Westie owner or breeder in their right mind would not support it?

The work that the Westie Foundation funds will enable all breeders to care for and produce better, healthier Westies whether they are companions, conformation, or event competitors. Thirty-five years ago when I bought my first Westie, breeders had very little information about health issues in our breed. We planned breedings with males and females that we thought would be complimentary, those breeders who were very clever, or lucky, produced quality animals with no health problems. But some were not so lucky, and often we did not understand the why of the health problems we created, or the best way to treat those Westies with the problems.

The Westie Foundation is helping all of us, breeders & owners, to take better care of our Westies, and to plan breedings so that we can avoid problems. Much of the newer treatment for Allergies is a result of work done by researchers looking for better ways to treat the problems in our breed. Work is now being done on Legg-Perthes, CMO, and other problems that plague our breed. I hope that every breeder gives new owners of Westies information about the mission of the Westie Foundation and encourages their support so that all Westies can benefit from their work.

Dawn Martin - Dawn's

I became a founding member of the Westie Foundation back in the early days. I feel the future of our breed will be better left for the still to come generations, once genetic markers for diseases are found. The Westie Foundation can and is providing a medium for the exchange of genetic disease information. The more we learn and share the better the future will be "for all Westies." If you stumble across a genetic problem in your breeding program, please step forward and speak up. We can only learn by sharing information.

It is my hope the Foundation will begin collecting DNA swabs from Westie with known genetic problems, for now and for future research. By starting now we can include DNA swabs of sires, dams, siblings, and other relatives. A DNA Westie data bank, so to speak. Something we can bank on for the future of Westie with open registration. Open registration can and will make the exchange of information available to all interested parties. The time to begin is upon us. Will you accept the challenge?