Westie Rescue Network, Inc. (WRN) has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming Westies in Colorado and surrounding states since 1991. We are a Colorado based 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer organization responsible for saving the lives of almost a thousand Westies since our founding.

The majority of dogs in our program are relinquished by their owners for a variety of reasons including, a new child in the family, allergies, divorce, illness, death, dog behavior problems or lifestyle conflicts. Other dogs are transferred to us from local and regional animal shelters. While the vast majority of our dogs are purebred Westies we occasionally receive Westie mixes.

The average age of a WRN rescued Westie in the last 5 years was 6 years old. We believe that these adult dogs make wonderful companions but also understand that many individuals who want to adopt are looking for a younger dog. Although we would love to rehome young dogs, the reality is that WRN receives fewer puppies and younger dogs every year.

When a Westie enters our program they receive a complete medical check up including vaccinations, spay/neuter, dental cleaning/extractions and microchipping if necessary. WRN may also perform any other tests, procedures including surgery and rehab if necessary before adoption.

All Westies are placed in one of our loving and caring foster homes where they can feel secure and loved while allowing us to evaluate their behavior and temperament in order to help us make the best placement. Our foster homes provide valuable information to our adopters to help make the transition from foster home to forever home easier for the rescued Westie (and you).  We do not have a shelter/kennel where our dogs can be viewed. See the FAQ section for more information.

Our adoption fee has remained at $425 for over 10 years. A portion of this fee may be waived depending on the dog's age and health.

If you are attracted to Westies because of their adorable appearance please be advised that their looks can be deceiving.  The West Highland White Terrier was originally bred to hunt and kill vermin in the Scottish Highlands.  They are a tough, hardy, independent and tenacious breed. Westies make a wonderful companion for those who appreciate and are charmed by the terrier temperament but are not a good fit for the person who wants a gentle-natured little dog primarily for cuddling.  For more information about health, temperament, and behavior, the West Highland White Terrier Club of America maintains an excellent website at www.westieclubamerica.com. It will help you assess whether or not a Westie is the right dog for you.

Please be patient - We often receive more qualified applications from very fine homes than we have Westies to place, and it usually takes a year or two to match the right person with the right dog.

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a dog licking your face.

Ben Williams