This week, meet cheeky, bold – and hairless – Westie Jay.
Currently in the care of the RSPCA, a volunteer at the charity said: “He is true to the Westie temperament; a real character indeed! But he is also very affectionate.”
Jay has been well cared for from a puppy (the RSPCA has a full medical history) but has had skin and allergy issues his whole life; unfortunately, a common problem with the breed and no doubt bad breeding, the RSPCA said.
Sadly, his elderly owners suddenly became ill and could not take care of him. He found himself at the Leicester branch of the RSPCA into foster and was then networked over to the Macclesfield branch as he was not good with cats.
Jay needed veterinary care upon arrival and continues to do so. He will need ongoing care: eye drops for dry eye, which is permanent; steroids and possibly antibiotics on and off; he has a cream massaged into his skin daily – which he loves – and more recently he’s had to have a mousse treatment for his paws. He is partially sighted, too – at nine, nearly 10, he is getting on a bit! He has been neutered and is fully vaccinated and was already microchipped.
An RSPCA volunteer said: “Jay can be rather vocal, especially when you’re on the phone or something – ‘How dare you forget about me’ he says! He can also give the impression he’s bigger and harder than he is, with the occasional grumpy growl. But he’s a real softy with quirks, that’s all.
“He does have accidents in the home but he’s massively improved. With someone around all day, he’ll need very regular visits to the garden and walks to help with this: easily managed!
“Dust mites are an issue, and this is the real problem: hard floors are best, as carpets can make him very itchy: they are a serious harbourer of dust mites. He is also fed Tails grain-free fish dog food, which he loves and is best for his skin and allergies.
“For all these reasons, as he’s very much a hands-on dog, he will need someone with the energy and confidence to look after him.”
Jay is currently being fostered in Macclesfield. The RSPCA can process adoptions but there are some strict protocols to follow at the moment. To log an interest, call 01625 669 620 or email rehoming@rspca-macclesfield.org.uk
