With a heavy heart, we are sad to announce that sweet little Bernie passed away on 1/09/25, at home surrounded by her loving family.
From the beginning, Bernie was being treated for Malassezia dermatitis, a skin condition that Westies are prone to. In October 2024 she started developing growths on the right side of her mammary glands, chest and side, which we were related to the skin condition. Her dermatologist checked them knew they were not related to the skin condition being treated. He did a biopsy off a shoulder lump. It came back as lymphoma. On follow-up, the size of the mammary tumors had increased significantly, and the doctor recommended removal. Bernie had a full right-side mastectomy, and the results showed a malignant cancer. A doctor from UC Davis was consulted and concluded it was likely a histiocytic sarcoma, a rare, aggressive cancer that affects a dog's immune system. The doctor also opined that this and the lymphoma, the less common T-cell lymphoma which affects the skin, may have explained why her skin was not getting better.
Although the mastectomy was a success, tumors quickly started to grow on her back, neck, and on the left side of her tummy. Bernie's last visit to her doctor was on 1/2/25, and he immediately noticed the slow deterioration of muscle mass. The doctor said to keep her comfortable and give her anything she wanted. That is what her foster family did. They adopted her so she would no longer be a foster, but a family member. They felt her to be a family member all along, just wanted to make it official. Throughout this, Bernie remained her sweet, loving self, but by 1/5/25, she was unable to walk without assistance. She enjoyed stroller rides through the park, up until her last sunset on 1/9/25.
We want to give a heartfelt Thank You to Bernie’s family. They did such a tremendous act, one few would take on, of opening their heart and home to this sweet, deserving girl and her medical issues, without any hesitation. T
Welcime Rigley! Rigley is a 1.5 year old female pug weighing in at 19lbs. She was an owner surrender due to her owners work schedule change. This beauty is a sweet and friendly girl and is good with humans of all ages. She does have a little spitfire in her. She is great with other dogs but has not been around cats. Can be very playful with other playful dogs or respect those who just want to relax and nap all day. Rigley loves to nap on laps or shoulders, is great on walks ( she has a cute little wiggle to her walk) and is potty/pad trained, but you have to show her where to go outside consistently until she goes on her own. This cutie is crate trained, but for bedtime, she prefers to sleep right next to her human. She is up to date on vaccines and microchipped, but due for her spay surgery soon. Once she has had her surgery, she will be ready for her forever home and family.
Max is an approximately 2-year-old, neutered male. He weighs in at about 45 pounds and is long and tall. Max loves to cuddle and give kisses. He’s a family-friendly pet who loves to be the center of attention. He enjoys long walks, playing with his toys, and the company of other dogs. He would also be okay with being the only dog in the house, provided he gets lots of love and attention. While being in his foster family’s care, he has learned basic commands. He knows how to go potty outside as well as on potty pads, but is still a little rough around the edges. He could easily be trained to use a doggie door. He is very treat and attention motivated and is easy to train overall.
Max has lots of energy and is still working on eliminating his desire to jump on humans. He just needs consistent and firm reinforcement. His foster family includes small and large children, both of which he does well with, but would do better with older children. Max is a dog requiring supervision if he’s around smaller children. Although very friendly, sometimes he forgets his size when playing with toys and young children. His favorite game to play with other dogs and humans alike is, “tug of war,” and he is quite good at it!
Max is a fun-loving, empathetic, and cheeky younger dog, with many years left to love and play. He requires a person or family with lots of love to give, time for walks, and firm & positive training reinforcements. If he’s exercised, he can be left alone during the day for his person/family to work and return home. In his foster home, he has been left alone with his other dogs for the duration of a workday. He is a happy camper playing with his friends and getting his regular walks. If you are interested in adopting or fostering Max, please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 951-708-0626.
"Sending love and paw prints your way this Valentine's Day! 🐾💖 Consider opening your heart and home to a rescued friend. Every adoption creates a love story that lasts a lifetime. Happy Valentine's Day from our furry family to yours! #AdoptLove"
Wishing 2024 will bring blessings and good health to all and happy homes to our furry friends. Happy New Year!