West Highland Terrier Owners..???

[mamajoan]

We had to put our 10 year old Scottish Terrier, Jack, to sleep two weeks aga. It was very sad. He was such a happy guy right to the end. He was diagnosed with multiple, huge cancerous tumors. The decision was to put him to sleep before the pain got unbearable. On his last day, I took him to Mc Donalds for breakfast .. he enjoyed several sausage biscuits.. and then for a drive in the country so he could stick his head out the window and smile at the cattle. Then I took him to the Vet. They were very kind and allowed me to stay with him as they did the injection. I stroked him as he left this world. It was quiet and quick.. but I cried the entire day. We miss him, he was truly part of our family. His companion, Bridget... our 4year old Scottie is very lonely. I think she would like to have another dog around too.

I would like to get another Scottie or perhaps a Westie.
I am searching Rescue sites at this time.
Are there any Westie owners out there who can share some insight on owning a Westie? I am accustomed to having dogs with personality. Bridget is an accepting, friendly dog.

Thanks so much,
Joan

 

[Karel]

I'm sorry to hear about your dog, Jack. We lost our Golden Ret. over a year ago and I still miss him so much.

We have a Westie puppy now. They are great dogs, very study and sociable. I never thought I would own a small dog but there are definitate advantages. He gets along with other dogs and visits his Westie friend on a regular basis. I was afraid that being a terrier, he would be very hyper but he's rather calm, esp. for a puppy. We crated him for awhile but now has free roam of the house. He's great with kids, affectionate but not overly needy.

What else would you like to know?

 

[lizdotcom99]

He is incredibly cute and very freindly. He was a puppy mill dog, so he came with a lot of problems.....but I would not have it any other way at this point. He is 12 and still going strong. One thing you might want to know...westies bark a lot!!!! At least the 2 I know do. They also seem to be prone to skin allergies. Please feel free to PM if you ahve any questions....I love to talk about my furry baby!!

Liz

PS... Sorry for your loss! I can't even imagine how you must be feeling. {{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}

 

[Jockaroo]

Joan,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am the Momma to two wonderful Scotties and can only imagine your pain. Scotties are the most precious and special dogs around. I know your decision for Jack was difficult -- bless you for your courage not to let him suffer.

My female Scottie is a rescue. Her original owner passed away and left her homeless. We adopted her from an SPCA. She is a wonderful little dog, but has some issues. But in the two years she has been with us her personality has blossomed. Rescue is a wonderful way to go! There is no better feeling.

I have a friend who adopted a Scottie through a Westie rescue (she had a Westie first). This organization is Wee Beasties and they are in Virginia I believe. My friend had a wonderful experience with the folks here. And yes, her Scottie has had some issues (both health and behavior) as well. But she is so loved in her new home.

Several Scottie/Westie rescues are listed on the internet, but some have long wait lists. We found our little girl through Petfinder on the internet. She was only posted for a few hours.

From everything I have observed and been told about Westies, they are very similar to Scots, but slightly more laid back. I do know that female Scotties do not always get along with other females. You may want to consider a male Westie (or Scottie -- if your heart will let you).

Bless you. And good luck finding a baby who needs your love.

-Jockaroo

 

[mytmouse]

MAMAJOAN,

So sad for the loss of you Scottie . We are lucky enough to have what I lovingly call Salt & Pepper. Our male Scottie (Shandy) is ten years old, our baby girl Westie (Chanel) is three years. We just took Shandy to the vet to update his shots. There have been some changes in his behavior which have surfaced just recently (confusion, not wanting to be groomed, etc.). We discussed this with the vet and believe it or not he said that alot of what he is experiencing is MENTAL HEALTH. It seems our little boy is losing his mind, still has his personality though!!! We are sad at the thought of probably losing him in the future, especially DW. Shandy follows her wherever she goes, they have become quite attached in his senior years.

We had a Westie(Toto Marie) before we bought Shandy. Sadly, we lost her to ovarian cancer at the young age of three . If you get a female and do not plan on breeding her, getting her fixed as a pup will lessen the changes of her getting ovarian cancer(a trait of the bloodline).


We just love our little Chanel, she has quite the personality(another trait of the bloodline). She is VERY active, and loves to play. I sincerely believe she has added years to Shandy's life. WE had her fixed as a pup, and she just celebrated her 3rd birthday . You would not be disappointed with a Westie, especially if you have children. My DD(10) and DS(7) just love thier dogs, especially Chanel.

If you do purchase a Westie, make sure he/she does not come from a "puppy mill". I check with our vet and he recommended several local breeders. If you are looking for an older Westie, then see if there are any local Westie rescue foundations in your area. I highly recommended getting a Westie as a puppy. Seeing their individual personalities grow and mature is part of the fun of ownership .

HAPPY HUNTING

 

[Patricia]

Add me to the list of Westie Lovers. Our Minnie is an 8 year old Westie with plenty of love and personality. She has been a wonderful family member to all of us. She is tolerant of the kids, happy, easy going, doesn't need too much time or attention, but welcomes it when we can give it to her and loves other dogs. I have dog sat for quite few friends and Minnie loves it when we have company. Plus there is no shedding and no barking ( but I have heard that male Westies bark a bit). I really can't say a bad thing about her. I won't tell my kids this but I really would love another one!

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your last day with him was lovely and I hope you are feeling better. Best of luck on your search for a new family member.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think a westie would be a good compliment to your left over scottie. Go to the AKC web site and see if there is a wetie rescue listed there. Also search for the West Highland Club of America site. I am not sure rescue is necessarily the best way to go with terriers when you own an older one, but a male will probably work well if you can find out about his background.

(I am an Airedale breeder, and groomer, so terriers are my expertise.)

 

[mamajoan]

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KINDNESS.

Bridget is a true Scottie.. "B".. Female.... she was the boss with Jack.. even tho she is a little girl .. only 12 pounds. She came to us via a private owner but originally came from a puppy mill.

AIREDALES are my FAVORITE Large dog breed! I find them stunning! I always read your posts about dogs Diane as you are very knowledgable. I have learned a great deal from your posts. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

It is interesting to note similar characteristics of dog breeds. I know that Scotties are supposed to be "aloof and one person dogs" but both of our Scots are very social and people lovers...
I am interested in a Westie as I the research and dogs I have had contact have shown me that Westies are the ultimate in "Happy dogs"!

I will be patient in finding another dog for our family. After Button's died, it took a year to find a companion for Jack. Bridget was worth the wait. She and Jack immediately took to one another becoming instant friends. I will continue to use Rescues and maybe look for a private owner.

Thank you all for sharing your pet experiences. I sure do appreciate it!
Joan

 

[aangel0]

Hi there,

We have 2 wonderful westies- Zack and Ellie, both 4 years old. They are both very smart, but have very unique personalities. They are very friendly, don't shed, rarely bark (unless the doorbell rings), and they are the best of friends. They enjoy their daily walks, but don't require tons of attention. They enjoy when you play with them (especially hide-and-seek and keep-away with their toys). They are not lap dogs though- they don't like just sitting around They will occasionally snuggle up with us when they think we are asleep, but other than that, they'd rather play than snuggle

Let me know if you have any questions! I have pictures of them up if you are interested:
http://www.alannaangel.com/Gallery/albums.php?set_albumListPage=2

Good luck with your decision!
Alanna