TulsaPets Magazine July 2022

20 TulsaPets • July / August 2022 O n a lovely sum- mer Saturday, my family and I drove up to Tulsa from Norman to visit Okla- homa Westie Rescue. I hoped to meet this ador- able Westie mix known as Palomino. I learned she had been rescued twice and returned — once because the family had other dogs that simply would not accept her, and once because the family had small children (not the best fit for terriers). The third time was a charm … she and I were meant for each other. I renamed her Paloma (“white dove”). Paloma has since met and befriended sev- eral dogs and even a cat or two. At the time, I had a couple of kitty roommates. Paloma fell in love with these furry, four-legged friends, especially when it was bedtime. The newest addition to our growing family is Minnie, a mix of Pit Bull and Boxer. This was not an easy transition for Paloma, but now they are great friends and sisters. Amazingly, Paloma is the alpha dog. Paloma’s favorite thing to do is curl up under the blankets and sleep for hours. On occasion when she gets too hot, she peeks her nose and paws out. If it weren’t for Paloma, I don’t know where I would be in my life. She has been by my side through so many incredible highs and lows and continues to bring sunshine to me every day. Truthfully, she has rescued me! I sincerely believe that all the time in the world would not be enough time with Paloma. Thank you, Oklahoma Westie Rescue, for all that you do for these sweet pups. TRANSFORMATION by Sherri Goodall I too have been blessed with several West Highland Terrier res- cues. I will never, ever forget the moment when the “curtain lifted” on one of my rescue Westies from a puppy mill. For days, she had lain on the floor just watching me. She didn’t know what grass was; all she knew was a wire cage. I loved on her constantly, with little response. One evening, I put her on the ottoman at the foot of my chair while I read and watched TV. Suddenly she leaped onto my lap and started to lick my face as if she were going to eat it. The curtain had lifted! Trust, finally. Anyone who has rescued a pet from an intolerable, inhumane situ- ation will understand the moment when the curtain lifts. There can be no more gratifying moment. For more info, visit www.okwestierescue.com. Who Rescues Whom? Blessings Go Both Ways with Westie Rescues As told to Sherri Goodall by Mariah Gillespie Mariah Gillespie and Paloma. www.TulsaDogRun.com “Tulsa’s Only 5k Run for Dogs.” Thank you to our sponsors Presents Saturday, October 8 • 9:00 a.m. A charity event to fund Parkside’s Food Pantry and Patient Assistance Program No dog? No problem Costume contest for pets and owners Participation medal for dogs USATF Sanctioned/Certified