THE UK'S ONLY WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER MAGAZINE TM
I SSU E 19, VOL 1
THE MASTER BREEDER
Meet the Great Grandson of Colonel Malcolm!
Whiskey the Westie: Why this therapy dog helps saves lives at a UK Hospital
INTERVIEW:
Dr Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib on The Forever Dog
NEWS
The latest canine updates including Crufts 2022
MA RCH 2 0 2 2
ISSN 2634-4149
Community
New raw feeders give feedback on making the switch from kibble
HEALTH
Does Your Dog Look drunk? Find out about Wobblers Disease.
ACCESSORIES
Doggy-Inspired Gifts for Mother's Day
BEHAVIOUR
The impact of the brain-gut connection on your Westie’s life
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Westies & Besties - March 2022
I’ve been a senior Editor for over a quarter of a century now and it’s probably fair to say that I’m not ‘star struck’ very often. However, this all changed a few weeks ago on my zoom call with Dr Karen Shaw Becker and Rodney Habib! Their honest and open conversation about the numerous topics that worry and affect dogs and their owners was liberating to say the least. No pretence or PR spin, no unicorn promises, just common sense, science, and facts about what we can do to improve the longevity and quality of life of our dogs. Did you know their new book, The Forever Dog, is the only dog book in history to make it onto the International Best Seller’s list? Well, you do now, and for what it’s worth it absolutely deserves to be on that list. Have a read of my interview with them about feeding fresh ingredients, how young upcoming vets may be the long-awaited open-minded change that many dog owners have been longing for and how big corporates are now buying out fresh ingredient family-owned businesses as they perhaps jump on board with the idea that fresh food is naturally the best for our canine pals.
Kim Latham Editor
@WestieBestiesMag
Our Westie, Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer!
WE LC O M E
EDITOR’S NOTE Publisher – Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road | Cardiff | CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Columnists Mark Randell Faye Andrews Rachel Bolton Design Vavoom.co.uk Front Cover Image Supplied by shutterstock_1186660714 Printing Cambrian Printers Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the “Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by Cambrian Printers. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westie & Bestie logo/ masthead are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publishers accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials, in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All pictures have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the ASA. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert.
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS March 2022
4
6-9 NEWS
10-13 HEALTH
14-17 BEHAVIOUR
The latest updates affecting your canine pals and the lastest news from Crufts 2022
Faye Andrews talks Wobblers – a disease that makes your dog look drunk!
The brain-gut connection from a dog behaviourist’s point-of-view
18-19 HEALTH
22-29 FEATURE
30-31 ACCESSORIES
Joe Nutkins explains the importance of regularly worming your Westie
An interview with Dr Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib on The Forever Dog
Doggy-inspired gifts just in time for Mother’s Day
Westies & Besties - March 2022
CONTENTS
32-35 FEATURE Owner Lesley Bloomfield explains why her Whiskey the Westie is a welcome therapy dog to her NHS Hospital
36-41 Q&A
42-47 COMMUNITY
50 REVIEW
We track down the Great Grandson of Colonel Edward Malcolm, Master Breeder of the West Highland White Terrier
Sue Makepeace, Founder of the Westie Advice Group talks to raw feeding newbies on their fears and progress
The Pawfect Bag for your Westie walks
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N E WS
Crufts Boasts 91 West Highland White Terrier Entries FANS OF THE WORLD-FAMOUS DOG SHOW WILL FINALLY GET TOGETHER THIS MONTH AFTER LAST YEAR’S EVENT WAS CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19.
D
og lovers the world over will rejoice in the return of Crufts this year, following the cancellation of the show in 2021 due to the pandemic. This year’s event will welcome over 20,000 dogs, taking part in a wide variety of competitions and displays over the four days of the world’s most famous dog show, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham on 10th - 13th March.
• Working: Bernese Mountain Dog – 140
The show is also set to be another exciting event, with over 200 pedigree dog breeds in contention for the famous Best in Show trophy, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on the evening of Sunday 13th March.
• Pastoral: Border Collie – 253
The number of breeds competing at Crufts continues to grow, adding to the diversity of the event, with the inclusion of a new breed – the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog – which will compete in the Imported Breed Register classes at the show for the first time with an entry of two dogs. History will also be made when Hungarian Pumis compete in their own breed classes for the first time (31 entered) and Harriers (21) return to the Crufts breed ring after a gap of 124 years!
• Toy: Pug – 223
Leading the field with the largest individual breed entry is the great family favourite, the Golden Retriever, with an entry of 458 dogs. This is just ahead of the Labrador Retriever (456) which held the crown at the last Crufts, held in 2020.
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In total, more than 16,000 dogs will be competing for just seven places in the show’s finale (including 1,843 dogs from overseas), representing each of the individual groups. The highest number of dogs in a single breed set to compete in each group is as follows:
• Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 306 • Hound: Whippet – 382 • Utility: Dalmatian – 202 • Gundog: Golden Retriever – 458 This year has seen an increase of 40 per cent or more in the entries for the Irish Water Spaniel, Sloughi, Lowchen (Little Lion Dog) and Canadian Eskimo Dog compared with 2020. In contrast, the Turkish Kangal Dog and the Foxhound have drawn just one entry apiece, which highlights the fact that the show is a true celebration of all dogs, from the well-known to the highly unusual. As well as the breed class judging which leads to
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDIT Yulia Titovets and The Kennel Club ©
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Other highlights of a busy programme taking place in the Resorts World Arena are The Kennel Club Dog Hero Award, formerly known as the Friends for Life competition, which celebrates those dogs in our lives that provide lifetime service, support, love and devotion, and the final of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts. Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “Crufts offers something for everyone and this year looks like being no exception. Visitors to the show will be able to see dogs and their handlers taking part in a variety of activities and displays and we would urge anyone looking to buy a puppy to visit the ever-popular Discover Dogs area where they will be able to meet the breeds up close.
Marie Burns with Devon, Best in Show 2016
“There is no getting away from the fact that the entry is lower this year, but we live in uncertain times and Crufts is just pleased that it is able to stage its world famous event once again. It must also be acknowledged that Crufts is the only show in this country for which dogs must qualify and there were fewer opportunities to achieve this in 2021, not just in the UK but also in the many other countries which under normal circumstances add significantly to the international flavour of this event. “Of course, Crufts would not be Crufts without our exhibitors. We thank everybody who has entered the show and look forward to welcoming all the dogs and their owners, who make Crufts such a wonderful event, whether it is those who have been loyally returning year after year or those who are experiencing the show for the first time.”
Tom Mather with Crufts BiS 2020
PHOTO CREDIT OnEdition The Kennel Club ©
International Junior Handling Comp 2018.
PHOTO CREDIT Yulia Titovets and The Kennel Club ©
Best in Show, visitors will be able to watch some of the world’s finest dogs and handlers in action across a range of disciplines including agility, obedience, heelwork to music and flyball. The Obedience Championships for dogs are on Saturday, with bitches on Sunday. In Agility, the Small and Medium Championships are on the Thursday, with the Intermediate and Large Championships on the Sunday.
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N E WS
Mending Broken Hearts on Valentine’s Day HUGO THE GREAT DANE, DAVE THE CAT, AND GOLDEN RETRIEVER POPPY, ALL RECEIVED CARE FROM THE CARDIOLOGY TEAM
T
he cardiology team at Davies Veterinary Specialists (Davies), near Hitchin in Hertfordshire, celebrated Valentine’s Day last month by recalling some of the heart-warming cardiology cases they have treated. “The collaborative nature of Davies, together with the dedication of our veterinary and nursing team have helped us to transform the lives of many patients needing specialist cardiology treatment,” said Davies’ Head of Cardiology Lara Barron. “By physically mending our patients’ broken hearts, we have also been able to give piece of mind to their owners by successfully treating their fourlegged loved ones.” Great Dane Hugo was referred to Davies for an episode of fainting. A thorough cardiac examination was performed including an ambulatory ECG recording (Holter monitor), which recorded the electrical activity of the heart continuously while Hugo was performing his normal daily activities at home. Hugo was diagnosed with an abnormal rhythm called ventricular tachycardia, which can cause fainting or even become life threatening. In Hugo’s case, this rhythm was the result of dilated cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease in large dogs. Hugo was prescribed medication to control his rhythm, prevent further episodes of
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“By physically mending our patients’ broken hearts, we have also been able to give piece of mind to their owners by successfully treating their four-legged loved ones.”
fainting, and support his heart function. Hugo was a very nervous boy at his initial visit but with gentle handling by the team at Davies he has become more tolerant of his repeated Holter fittings. Hugo’s owner Tina Gale from Steppingley in Bedfordshire said: “Hugo and I were on a walk when he suddenly collapsed. Being only four and, I thought, perfectly healthy, I was so shocked! He was referred to Davies by my vet as they suspected a heart condition. “Hugo is terrified of everything not just vets, which makes him anxious and unpredictable, and with his size makes things difficult for all concerned. But everyone at Davies was so kind patient and helped us so much. I knew staying overnight would be
Westies & Besties - March 2022
And no better time for our cardiology team to remember this than on Valentine’s Day.”
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such a trauma to Hugo, so they managed to get all tests done in time for me to take him home the same day.
Dave
Dave’s owner Lorenzo Capacchione from Hitchin said: “Ever since Dave was a kitten, he has been a strong-minded, independent boy who loved to be the boss in the house. When he became ill, he lost all that spark and was a shadow of himself. Thanks to the team at Davies, he is back to his old self, ruling over his pet siblings and charming all us humans. The whole family are very grateful for all Davies have done.” Poppy, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever was brought to Davies to investigate an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. At her visit, Poppy had a complete work up to determine the state of her heart, including echocardiogram (heart scan) and blood tests. In Poppy’s case, the team also performed a Holter monitor (a 24-hour mobile heart rhythm monitor). Poppy’s abnormal rhythms were identified, and she was started on medication; her energy level has improved, and she is back to her old self at home.
Tina & Hugo
PHOTO CREDIT Brittany Gale Photography
Dave the cat was treated by the cardiology team at Davies as an emergency when he was struggling to breathe. He was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common heart disease seen in cats, which had progressed to heart failure. Monika, a member of the cardiology team, removed the fluid within Dave’s chest and treated the fluid in his lungs. He was discharged on oral medications and recent rechecks with Lara have shown that his heart failure is currently well controlled. Although HCM is a progressive disease and Dave will need continued care from the team, he has been able to regain his excellent quality of life at home.
PHOTO CREDIT Lorenzo Capacchione
“His cardiologist was brilliant, researching different medications that would help with this condition and giving me the choice of which I would prefer. Hugo is so beautiful and a massive (in more ways than one) part of our family. He has the biggest heart filled with love for us and I am so, so grateful to the cardiology team at Davies for helping to mend it.”
“As a team we have really enjoyed looking back at some of our recent cases,” said Lara. “As a vet the greatest reward is to be able to restore a pet to good health and reunite them with their owner.
Poppy Cassidy
PHOTO CREDIT Carole Cassidy
Poppy’s owner Carole Cassidy from Welwyn Garden City said: “Poppy is the love of my life. It means the world to me to have her full of life again.”
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H E A LT H
Does your Westie Resemble a Drunken Sailor? WOBBLERS, CERVICAL SPONDYLOMYELOPATHY, IS A DISEASE OF THE NECK THAT CAN OCCUR IN SMALL DOGS
Above: Faye Andrews
BY FAYE ANDREWS HUMAN & CANINE OSTEOPATH
C
ervical Spondylomyelopathy, or more commonly known as Wobblers Syndrome/ Disease is a disease of the neck, and although it is more commonly seen in large and giant breeds it can also occur in smaller dogs. As the name suggests, Wobblers gives the appearance that the dog is drunk! Sadly though, unlike us having one too many the night before, the symptoms of Wobblers are progressive. What is Wobblers? It is a genetic disease that causes spinal cord compression via a narrowing of the spinal canal (the canal houses the spinal cord) due to instability within vertebral segments. It is thought that Wobblers, whilst genetic, is also contributed to by puppies growing too fast, so it is very important to monitor the diet to prevent rapid growth. As the spinal canal narrows the spinal cord gets squeezed. The spinal cord gives rise to the nerves that supply the muscles and organs, hence why the dog develops a drunken appearance. Symptoms usually show up before the age of
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three years, but symptoms may emerge later in life, these consist of: • Progressive weakness and uncoordinated gait (ataxia) first seen in the pelvic limbs (hindlimbs) and may progress to the thoracic limbs (forelimbs) • Loss of muscle mass in the rear legs and over the shoulder blades • Toenails may become worn due to dragging of the forelimbs • Lameness or stiffness in the forelimbs • Neck pain or stiffness • Partial/complete paralysis
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will be needed to view the specific area and severity of the spinal cord compression. MRI scans show up the soft tissues of the body such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and vertebral disc unlike an x-ray.
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1688606896
H E A LT H
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H E A LT H
PHOTO CREDITS shutterstock_712232911
As the name suggests, wobblers gives the appeareance that the dog is drunk! Sadly, though, unlike us having one too many the night before, the symptoms of wobblers are progressive
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Westies & Besties - March 2022
Non-surgical: Pain management • Restricting activity for several months, although this runs the risk of muscles weakening further by not being used as much • Anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation of the spinal cord and nerve roots
and 20% will have a reoccurrence of Wobblers. Those dogs that are treated medically (nonsurgical) will require management for life. The treatment may change as symptoms progress. Sadly, though only roughly 25% that are treated without surgery will remain stable, so progression of symptoms is extremely likely.
H E A LT H
There are two options depending on the severity of the condition:
Whilst surgery may sound daunting, the outcome is generally pretty good, but it is dependent on a number of factors: • Type of spinal cord compression • Number of spinal levels compressed
Non ambulatory (unable to walk) dogs should be given soft bedding and turned regularly to prevent bed sores, fluid around the lungs and compression of the heart and lungs from the constant laying position, and bowel and bladder may need to be manually emptied and on a regular schedule. Manual therapy such as Physiotherapy/Osteopathy/ Chiropractic’s may contribute to maintaining muscle mass. Exercises may be given to the owner to do at home to keep the muscles strong, these will be targeted and specific to each case.
Weight and age So, next time you’ve had one too many on a night out and start behaving temporarily like a drunken sailor, spare a thought for those dogs where it is permanent. Faye Andrews qualified in human Osteopathy in 2002 from the British School of Osteopathy. She then completed a Masters in canine Osteopathy from the European School of Osteopathy in 2018. Faye currently runs her own clinic in Surry alongside teaching both human and canine Osteopathy.
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_295225982
Surgical: Surgery consists of fusing the vertebral segment or segment in the neck that are unstable and causing the compression. After surgery activity restriction MUST be complete and consistent for two to three months to allow a successful fusion. Around 1-5% of dogs that are treated surgically have significant complications related to surgery
• The duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis (the longer the signs, the more damage has been done and therefore less improvement may be seen)
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B E H AV I O U R
The Gut-Brain Connection in Dogs
IN OUR JANUARY EDITION, DR PAUL BOLTON EXPLAINED THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION. THIS MONTH, JUSTINE SHONE REVEALS HOW THIS CAN IMPACT A DOG’S BEHAVIOUR
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veryone has heard the saying “go with your gut instinct.” This could not be a truer saying! This is because everything starts in the gut, and it is the same for dogs just like humans. Have you ever had a gut feeling or butterflies in your stomach? These sensations emanating from your belly suggest that your brain and gut are connected. What’s more, recent studies show that your brain affects your gut health, and your gut may even affect your brain health. The communication system between your gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis. The gut is known as the second brain because so many of the neurotransmitters used by the brain and nervous system are created in the gut, it is estimated that up to 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Behavioural issues Dog behavioural problems like anxiety and aggression can have many causes and an out of balance gut microbiome may be one of them. There have been plenty of studies done on how the food we feed children affects their behaviour, this includes sugars and refined carbs that creates over-aroused cranky children. Yet when it comes to dogs the commercially processed food we feed them and the role it plays in the gut is one of the most overlooked topics related to behaviour
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Above:Justine Shone
problems in dogs. The gut microbiome has links to areas of the brain that affect mood behaviour, this also could potentially include responses to fear, anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity, obsessivecompulsive disorder, self-mutation, separation anxiety. So why should this happen if we feed processed foods to our dogs? These high in sugar processed foods lead to the release of bacterial toxins called lipopolysaccharides that normally hang out safely in your dog’s gut, but when they enter the blood because of the high fat processed foods they become toxic. The lipopolysaccharides destroy the brain cells that make the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, these are the so-called happiness hormones, and lack of these hormones can have a significant impact on your dog’s behaviour. So, improving your dog’s gut health can ensure the production of neurotransmitters. How to improve your Westie’s health So, let us look at some of the ways you can support your dog’s gut to improve their health, behaviour problems, and skin allergies. Let us consider the number of chemicals that you are putting into your dog’s body. Kibble dog biscuits
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_2027637038
B E H AV I O U R
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PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_348030353
B E H AV I O U R 16
The gut microbiome has links to areas of the brain that affect mood behaviour. This also could potentially include responses to fear, anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-mutation, separation anxiety
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_134491526
B E H AV I O U R
tend to be high in carbs, low in protein and can be packed full of harmful chemicals. Dogs should be fed a biologically appropriate food diet. It is only in the last 100 years that we have started feeding kibble but what has not been considered is the fact their digestive system is still the same as it was thousands of years ago, dog’s stomachs are not designed to digest grain. Raw food diets are now becoming increasingly popular with dog owners and there are many health benefits that come from feeding dogs raw food including, superior joints bone health, strengthening the immune system, improved skin and softer shinier coat, superior dental health, reduced stool volume and odour, enhanced reproductive health, reduced body odour, reduced allergies, in some cases reduced hyperactivity. Are you over-vaccinating? Another way to help your dog’s gut microbiome is to do titre testing instead of over-vaccinating, which upsets the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut. Please note I am not saying do not vaccinate, I am saying you should get a titre test to check for immunity, if your dog has immunity then it does not need vaccinating. In dogs, you can titre test for parvo, distemper, and hepatitis. Provide filtered water instead of chlorinated if you want to avoid toxicity in the gut, give your dog fresh, filtered or spring water, it will not have the added dangers of chlorine or fluoride that is in tap water. Omega 3 fatty acids are important to your dog’s health in ways you never expect. Higher
levels of omega 3 fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play an important role in the healthy functioning of the brain, heart, joints, skin, eyes, immune system, and DHA can also help with reducing anxiety in dogs. Probiotics play a key role in your dog’s gut microbiome because they are beneficial bacteria that colonize your dog’s gut. They help restore and maintain a healthy microbiome. Prebiotics are indigestible fibres that feed the probiotics to make them more effective, anything you can do to support the gut and its beneficial bacteria will support the immune system. Try to ease your dog’s stress because chronic stress can affect your dog’s gut, it disrupts nutrient absorption and makes the gut lining more permeable which can cause a leaky gut. Many ways to help your dog relax include teaching them settling exercises because it is important your dog learns how to switch off and relax, sleep is very important, calming music, plugin pheromones, calming herbs such as valerian root and L- Tryptophan, Thunder shirt or wrap, desensitization techniques, counterconditioning, massage, Tellington T- Touch, and enrichments puzzles. If you do have a dog with behavioural issues, then addressing gut health is also important for your dog’s wellbeing. For more information on Dog Behaviourist, Justine Shone, visit: JP Holistic Nutrition www.jpholisticnutrition.com
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H E A LT H
Worming Our Dogs
CONDUCTING A WORM COUNT EVERY FEW MONTHS SHOULD BE PART OF OUR REGULAR HEALTH ROUTINE FOR OUR WESTIES
Above: Joe Nutkins
BY JOE NUTKINS ACCREDITED DOG TRAINER
D
o you worm your puppy or dog regularly with wormers from the vet, pet shop, or online? Worming tablets are designed to affect worms already in the dog’s system, rather than preventing them from occurring. Alternatively – or in addition to - one may prefer to use natural anti-worming remedies such as crushed pumpkin seeds, grapefruit juice or furry rabbit ear chews. These help by either making the digestive tract unpleasant or impossible for worms and parasites to live in, or by cleaning the digestive tract in the case of rabbit fur as the fur removes excess food and parasites as it passes through. Worms can cause a number of internal problems for dogs of all ages, especially for puppies who are putting everything they find in their mouths to investigate or dogs who love to pick up and carry sticks on walks or play with items in the garden. Items left outside that are chewed, licked, or picked up with the mouth have the potential of contributing towards our dogs having worm problems; slugs and snails crawling across toys or through water bowls left out overnight,
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picking up a stick on contaminated ground, eating animal faeces with worm eggs in. There are many ways dogs can end up with worm issues! Did you know by the time you spot worms when clearing up after your dog there is already more likely to be an internal infestation! Symptoms that there are worms in your dog’s system can include diarrhoea or sickness which can also include worms in, lethargy, bloated belly, itching their bum or trying to grab their rear end, losing weight, and even sometimes coughing. You can send off a sample of your dog’s poop for a Worm Egg Screening which will test for various types of worms and companies will email you the results so you can see what worms are present, if any! It is a really easy way to keep on top of your dog’s health and have peace of mind when the results come back clear or when you receive confirmation of what you need to work on if the results show any type of worm present. Your Vet can help you to help your dog.
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDIT Joe Nutkins
H E A LT H
I use Wormcount for my dogs and Westgate Labs for my Chickens; here is puppy Aero’s Wormcount results from this week. They test the same day that they receive the sample and email you the results which are very clear to understand. Vince the Vet also offers a worm count service.
IMAGE CREDIT Joe Nutkins
Worms can cause a number of internal problems for dogs of all ages,
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A DV E RTO RI A L
FISH4DOGS®
NEW FINEST FISH FLAKES THE FISH4DOGS BRAND LAUNCHES ANOTHER HEALTHY RANGE TO ITS FINEST COMPLEMENTARY WET FOOD Introducing Fish4Dogs® Finest Fish Flakes Three tasty flavours to complement your dog’s diet and get them back on a health kick in 2022! Each recipe is made using a combination of two tasty fish or seafood varieties served in a broth. Choose from Mackerel Flakes with Squid, Tuna Flakes with Anchovy or White Fish and Salmon. The Fish4Dogs® Finest Fish Flakes range in convenient 100g pouches (6 x 100g pouches in one shelf-ready box) acknowledges that dog owners in the main do like the convenience of a complete dry food, but worry their dog’s diet lacks interest and moisture, often leading them to add unhealthy extras. So, instead of adding table scraps that can often contain unexpected calories or ingredients not suitable for a dog’s diet, by slightly reducing the amount of kibble and adding a topper of Fish4Dogs® Finest Fish Flakes, dog owners can be assured their dog is maintaining a healthy lifestyle with no hidden extras, whilst benefiting from added omega 3 in their diet, known for its anti-inflammatory
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properties, helping with coat and skin condition, mobility, and cardiac health. As with all Fish4Dogs® products, Finest Fish Flakes are formulated without any chicken, beef, pork, or lamb, perfect for dogs with intolerances to certain proteins. Fish4Dogs® Finest Fish Flakes are made from grain free recipes with natural ingredients and contain no added artificial colours or flavours. Fish4Dogs® Finest Fish Flakes are the third addition to the brands’ complementary wet food range during the past six months, as the brand responds to consumer research identifying dog owners are looking for a more visual, healthy solution at mealtimes. Fish4Dogs® products are available to purchase directly online at www.fish4dogs.com and at all good independent premium pet food shops.
Westies & Besties - March 2022
A D V E RTO RI AL
PHOTO CREDIT fish4dogs
FISH4DOGS® FINEST FISH FLAKES ARE THE THIRD ADDITION TO THE BRANDS’ COMPLEMENTARY WET FOOD RANGE DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS, AS THE BRAND RESPONDS TO CONSUMER RESEARCH IDENTIFYING DOG OWNERS ARE LOOKING FOR A MORE VISUAL, HEALTHY SOLUTION AT MEALTIMES.
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F E AT U R E
Striving for More Time with Our Dogs KIM LATHAM TALKS TO DR KAREN SHAW BECKER AND RODNEY HABIB ON INFLUENCING YOUNG VETS, FRESH FOOD DIETS, AND THEIR NEW BOOK, THE FOREVER DOG
I am a pet parent, and I learnt the hard way that feeding raw food to a dog from birth to death does not make that dog live until they are 30 Rodney Habib
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Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDITS Planet Paws Media Inc
F E AT U R E
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F E AT U R E
W
ith a combined Facebook audience of nearly six million people on their pages, one could be forgiven for wondering if the recent global publicity following their new book, The Forever Dog, the first ever number one book on dog health to hit the New York Times bestseller list in the history of books, might have changed their down-to-earth personalities even just a little. But in a recent zoom call, Dr Karen Shaw Becker and Rodney Habib remain just as friendly, passionate, and caring as their millions of loyal fans will attest. In fact, they were joyfully shocked by the roaring success of their first book, The Forever Dog, which was translated into 13 different languages before the book even hit the market. On the day of release, their book sold out in just 90 seconds. “We’ve heard from our incredible publisher, Harper Collins in the United Kingdom, that our book made The Sunday Times best seller list over in your end of the world and we’re the only foreign authors to make the list. I thought like maybe 10 people would buy the book and that those 10 would be bought by my mother,” said Rodney Habib, Founder of Planet Paws, the most popular pet health page on Facebook. Appealing to Young Vets The pair have certainly had a whirlwind of a year which included turning up at dog parks and handing out books to dog owners and young vets. “Dr Karen Becker and I were trying to figure out how to pay it forward in a world where we couldn’t travel so we were just going to our favourite dog parks and we were putting out tables and benches and we took all the books we could get and put them out in libraries and parks and the vet students were going to the parks to get the books but they were gone so fast so we surprised some and turned up with loads of books and that was very well received in the vet community and that is of course because of Dr Karen Becker and her brilliance in talking back to her fellow peers”, said Habib. It is suggested to Dr Becker that it must be very satisfying knowing The Forever Dog is potentially broadening the minds of young vets and
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providing them with a new way of thinking. “Of course, we would like the next generation of dogs to be healthier and personally for me as a veterinarian, the best gift I can give the next generation of veterinarians is less stress, more options, healthier patients. How can I contribute my one little bit into the ocean of my profession? I can help new vet students currently understand that our profession has the highest rate of suicides, we have the least number of nutritional options, we are working off an archaic reactive system of waiting until our animals get sick before we do anything. We are not using food as medicine. If I can touch on all those points, I can improve these young doctors’ quality of life, their quality of practice, their ability to practise medicine excellently but most importantly they will have healthy happier patients because they’re doing things different. That’s the best gift I can give my profession”, said Dr Karen Becker, the most followed veterinarian on social media who is embraced by millions of pet lovers around the world. A Life of Longevity and Wellbeing One of the things that strikes a chord with readers of The Forever Dog is that Dr Becker and Rodney Habib have stayed true to their own voice. There is no patronising preaching or boring narrative. You can clearly hear their own voices talking through the pages as if you’re having a cup of tea and a chat with friends. “It was part of our plan, says Dr Becker. In fact, when we talked about who do we want to reach with the book, the biggest challenge I think we had was first of all, either you love me or you hate me, there is no in between, either you’re all in or you can’t stand either one of us, or both of us, and we wanted to write for those people. We wanted to write for our critics because we know they’re out there, the naysayers, there’s no science, this book doesn’t have two legs to stand on, so we wanted to write for the people who were saying, where’s the research, and most importantly we really wanted to think about the 21-year old who just got her first Westie from the pet store (not the best place to get a Westie or any dog,) and in turn we wanted to make sure that she understood the
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDITS Tucker’s Tails.
PHOTO CREDITS Ceeco Tarzan
PHOTO CREDITS Planet Paws Media Inc
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PHOTO CREDIT Planet Paws Media Inc
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“So, Rodney and I were very focussed on writing in a way that invited young first-time pet owners in to not feel intimidated or overwhelmed, while at the same time, knowing that half our audience would be PHDs and researchers and people who were saying I need more than what you’re writing for her, so, yes, the tone was intentional and we wanted it to be relational, we wanted our voices to come through, we wanted people to know there are people on the other side of the book who were typing, typing, typing. We wanted people to see our hearts, but we also wanted people to see the hard-core science, so we meshed it altogether and we tried really hard not to make it an intimidation”, said Dr Becker. Fresh Feeding Fans of the American and Canadian authors will already know how passionate the pair are about feeding fresh, natural ingredients to pets, so when asked if they thought huge pet food manufacturers of kibble are starting to become old-fashioned in their approach when it comes to marketing their dog food products, here’s what they replied. “It’s already happening,” said Habib. “Mars just bought Nom Nom (www.nomnomnow.com) now a fresh food company for US$1 billion because of the movement that people and pet parents are making. The largest manufacturer in the entire world who has told people for decades and decades to never feed fresh foods to pets. It has purchased its first fresh food company because of demand by pet parents so change has come”, he said. “I knew it would happen”, said Dr Becker, “partly because I formulate commercial diets so all my little family-owned companies are being approached by giants so I could see this coming 10 years ago and they’re like guess who called me and I said, ‘oh, they’re going to have to call
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depths and breadth of what she just did, not in a guilt way, but in the way that the onus is on her as a guardian to now pick up the pieces of a puppy mill Westie and make a life of health, longevity, and wellbeing for a puppy that has no voice and no choice.
you because they can’t go back and make their own fresh food under their own label because they’d be throwing their core products under the bus and they can’t do that’. All they can do is buy up good pet food companies and that is exactly what they’re doing. Now, that’s a different set of scariness but the fact is, ultimately, will it result in people having better options for feeding their dogs, better quality food worldwide? It will!” she said. It is put to Dr Becker that the purchase of Nom Nom by Mars could potentially have a knock-on effect in years to come on the current sponsorship of veterinary conferences and could influence the way vets are taught about nutrition. “So, of course all the multinational conglomerates are going to have to come together in some back room because they’re the people feeding money to veterinary schools in terms of their programmes, sponsorships, and free vet food and they’re not going to offer free ultra-processed food over free fresh food because they can’t bash it when they’ve just bought fresh food companies. Quit bashing a type and a new category type of feeding that you’ve just purchased. This purchase alone is going to shift the conversation in veterinary schools because money has the ability to shift perspective pretty quickly, so we are going to watch this unfold. It will be very interesting”, she said. And is appears this isn’t the only thing that might shift the direction of the industry in the coming years. “I think the biggest change we’re going to see is microbiology”, said Habib. “That’s what’s going to shift this industry. Because any time somebody said, ‘prove it’, you have such a hard time proving it, right? You have the microbiology, and now you can look under a microscope and without a shadow of a doubt you can see this shift. Even in the Mars purchase, I was reading, the scientists were saying they started to see a shift in raw food because Nom Nom now is the only company, very cleverly, that was funding studies (of fresh food,) and hopefully this inspires more companies to fund studies because its only Mars and Purina and these big companies that are funding studies
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and it becomes very hard to shift an industry because nobody, no farmer is going to go out and grab a carrot and say here’s US$2 million prove that this carrot is better! Nobody is going to do that, right? But these companies now, hopefully, will create a small mould to show how to invest a bit in your company, invest in research, they were showing feeding ultra-processed food and then feeding Nom Nom which is a lightly cooked diet, and looked at the difference in the bio of the dogs. Science is going to shift it,” he said. Dr Becker agrees. “We need lifetime studies, but it’s millions and millions and nobody is ever going to do that. Here is a little research on raw food and a little research on ultra-processed food and let’s track them for the next 50 years. We’re a long way off that. But health research is front and centre and incredibly telling so the beautiful part about using microbiome research is while it doesn’t take the place of lifetime studies it is an amazing stand-in for it as it allows very intelligent companies trying to reposition their products. It allows them to start a conversation and then diversity the SKUs and offerings when it comes to the types of foods that they’re selling and marketing. The conversation is going to have to shift very quickly, and I’m so interested to see how that happens because that’s the beginning of fresh food not just being accepted but now being actively marketed by some of the biggest companies around the world,” she said. The Defining Moment With so much knowledge between this animal welfare couple, fans around the world have waited for years for a book to appear. “We were talking about writing the book for a couple of years, but we never pulled the trigger. In my mind, we could make a video and talk to 100 million people so why on earth would we waste our time with a book? But Dr Becker was coming up and literally getting into her car, flying to the airport, flying from the airport, getting onto a stage, talking to so many people, getting back into her car, and doing it over and over and it didn’t seem like it was going to happen. We were able to pull ourselves together eventually. I think it was the pressure from pet parents who
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were like for the love of God please write a book along with the publishing houses. Typically, you have beautiful writers who are gifted and talented like Dr Becker that want to write and go to the publishing houses and who say look I have an idea, but this was something where Harper Collins said to us ‘there has never been a book like this of its kind and we want it so please just write it and put it out in the world’”, said Habib. Firm Favourites “When I went about trying to figure out how I was going to write about these massive concepts, I was using a 19-year old in my brain that I had a fictious relationship with that was young and wanted to learn and who was hungry for knowledge but had no knowledge right now, and I asked myself how could I help her understand in a way that was not belittling or degrading but which got the concepts across in a way that she could implement them. She wants to do best for her dog so how can I help her do little things, just one step a day in a way that will allow her to feel empowered without being overwhelmed. I like my section on how to choose foods because I believe it crystalises the book down to some basic concepts that every pet owner needs to be aware of. We should know how to choose basic foods regardless of brand, regardless of processing, how we choose the foods that we have is important, and to also develop a food philosophy. Even when writing it, it caused me to go back and rethink about how I’ve evolved from when I was a pre-undergrad when I was a wildlife biologist, I thought differently about food then than when I become a vet. When I was a young veterinarian, I had a different food philosophy than now at 50. So, for me, food philosophy was a big A-Ha moment but the entire section on how to choose foods for me is my favourite part of The Forever Dog. Ultimately, every pet parent wants their own dog to live forever, but quality of life perhaps needs to be looked at along with how long our dogs are living. “My favourite part of the book was definitely the breakdown of what it would take to get a dog to live forever, right? Because longevity is a good
Westies & Besties - March 2022
30 Yrs Old Maggie
PHOTO CREDITS Brian McLaren
balance between health span, how well you live and lifespan, how long you live. I am a pet parent, and I learnt the hard way that feeding raw food to a dog from birth to death does not make that dog live until they are 30. And a lot of other raw feeders have experienced that themselves. I remember sitting down with a lot of good, illuminating veterinarians who told me that ‘you feed your dog raw food and they’ll live forever’ and it couldn’t be any further from the truth. You can lock down your nutrition, have the best nutrition in the whole world but if your environment is off, if where you live is off, if your neighbour beside you is spraying stuff, if you live in a household with chronic stress, it’s like, hey man, if you think you’re just going to go out and buy raw food and your dog will live to be 30 you’ve got another thing coming. You’ve got to check off these four boxes! I think that’s the big one for me”, said Habib.
Buksi 27 Yrs Old
PHOTO CREDITS Ilona Kádárné
The Forever Dog is available from all good bookstores and costs £16.99.
PHOTO CREDITS Steve Hetterscheidt
Augie 20 Yrs Old The World’s Oldest Golden Retriever
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ACCESSORIES
The Gift of Giving MAKE SOME SPECIAL MEMORIES THIS MARCH WITH THESE FABULOUS DOGGY-INSPIRED GIFTS
Michelle Keegan Quilted Teddy Lined Dog Coat – Olive Very Keep your pooch warm and cosy in this lined, green-coloured coat as we head into Spring. £22 www.very.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Very
Engravable Dog Tag Necklace SEOL GOLD Share the love with your Westie by having his or her initial engraved on your very own dog tag necklace. £69.95 www.seolgold.com PHOTO CREDIT SEOL GOLD
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Dog Toy Storage Two Stripe Paw Oliver Bonas
Tassel Rope Dog Lead Oliver Bonas
Keep all you pup’s toys in one place with this stylish storage holder from Oliver Bonas.
Keep your best pal safe and looking sharp with this long, secure lead from Oliver Bonas.
£32.50 www.oliverbonas.com
£19.50 www.oliverbonas.com
PHOTO CREDIT Oliver Bonas
PHOTO CREDIT Oliver Bonas
Westies & Besties - March 2022
ACCESSORIES
Feb Love Potion Radley London Show how much you care with these fabulous heart-shaped stunning Westie bags from Radley London £229 www.radley.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Radley
Sept Air Pods Cover Radley London Chill out on your walks with these bright and beautiful ipods which come with a handy little keyring chain so you never forget them. £22 www.radley.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Radley
Mum Hanging Dec Next This cute wall decoration will liven up any home with its unique little wooden paw print. £6 www.next.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Next
Love heart crossbody Radley London This striking pinkycoloured satchel-style handbag from Radley London will make other dog-owners green with envy while you’re out on your daily walks. £169 www.radley.co.uk PHOTO CREDIT Radley
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F E AT U R E
How Therapy Dogs Help Patients, Their Families and Staff WHISKEY THE WESTIE PROVES A CALMING INFLUENCE AT QUEEN ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL
Above: Kim Latham
KIM LATHAM CHATS WITH LESLEY BLOOMFIELD, WHISKEY’S OWNER
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Tell us the story of Whiskey the Westie I retired from Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust in 2020 and wanted to do something rewarding with my pet, Whiskey. I had seen other Pets as Therapy dogs working in the hospital and thought this would be a great way to give some comfort and joy to patients, their families, and staff. Whiskey has been supporting children and young people with mental health problems and Safeguarding concerns plus adult patients who have had a stroke or who are in rehabilitation. He helps those patients who are often scared and vulnerable. Whiskey mainly works on patient, Consultant or Allied Health Professional (AHP) request, this is different from how other PAT dog’s work.
Whiskey has been to the Pathology Department at the hospital to provide much needed support to staff after what has been an extremely demanding and challenging two years due to the Covid -19 pandemic.
Recently, Whiskey was instrumental in assisting a young patient who was needle phobic and very sick. The patient was critically ill at Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA), but unable to have the urgent lifesaving treatment needed as they refused a canulae. Whiskey arrived within minutes of being called and helped to calm the patient and enable her to receive the lifesaving treatment safely.
Whiskey assisted a young child with a Barium Meal investigation (Specialised X Ray). Whiskey was able to provide distraction, comfort, and joy. She walked him to the X ray dept, and he was allowed in the X ray room while she was prepared for the procedure. Once completed, she was excited to take his lead and walk him back to the main entrance. This young girl was relaxed, happy and smiling despite a procedure that wasn’t very nice.
Whiskey has prevented young people from getting a Mental Health Section to stay in hospital and assist children going to the operating theatre. Whiskey has also assisted stroke patients to walk for the first time after their stroke and to bring some love to patients who miss their own dogs whilst in hospital. Whiskey brings normality back to these patients for a short while especially while visitors have been restricted from visiting their loved ones.
Westies & Besties - March 2022
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Whiskey has been supporting children and young people with mental health problems and safeguarding concerns plus adult patients who have had a stroke or who are in rehabilitation. He helps those patients who are often scared and vulnerable.
PHOTO CREDIT Queen Alexandra Hospital
PHOTO CREDIT Lesley Bloomfield
Lesley Bloomfield, owner of Whiskey.
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It has been really busy, especially over the last year, and it’s great to be able to take a minute out and wind down by seeing Whiskey. I think therapy dogs are a great way to help staff wellbeing and make work feel more homely”.
PHOTO CREDITS Queen Alexandra Hospital
Alyssa Horne, Medical Lab Assistant at Queen Alexandra Hospital
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Westies & Besties - March 2022
How difficult was it for Whiskey to complete the training to become a therapy dog? He found it easy as he had already received bronze, silver, and gold puppy training certificates. How important do you feel therapy dogs are in hospitals? Immensely important. They bring so much comfort and joy to patients, their families, and staff. He brings some normality back into unfamiliar surroundings that often means pain, loneliness, and anxiety for people. How do patients respond to Whiskey the Westie? Whiskey puts a smile on everyone’s face. He smiles himself and that alone brings joy and happiness. Staff are on the floor at his level making a fuss and welcoming him. Whiskey can help people feel ‘special’. He remembers those he knows; he searches for patients and staff that he remembers to say hello and grab a cuddle, belly rub or a reward/treat. Whiskey does tricks so this is also a great distraction for those patients who are anxious or scared.
How do other medical staff react when they see dogs like Whiskey on the wards? Whiskey’s visits have been led mainly by medical staff request. One of the paediatricians at Queen Alexandra Hospital has seen the benefits that Whiskey brings first-hand and uses his skills and comfort to assist those patients in her care who require additional help. Junior doctors in the Stroke wards also welcome his visits to support vulnerable adult patients. It is obviously very important that the dog feels relaxed and has a good experience too. What have you learnt from Whiskey in this regard? Whiskey knows what he needs to do when he visits the hospital. I am with him all the time and that provides reassurance and relaxation. Once we put his tabbard on and walk into the building he knows why he is there. Whiskey knows he gets rewards, treats, cuddles and love from patients, their families, and staff. Whiskey smiles at those he knows and searches out staff or patients he has seen. He enjoys his visits and loves being popular and famous!
PHOTO CREDITS Lesley Bloomfield
Do you think we will see more dogs visiting patients in hospitals in the coming years? Yes. There has been a lot of publicity recently
how dogs can assist with vaccination (Covid) and to reduce anxiety to those who fear flying providing a presence at airports. So, dogs can use these skills in hospitals for a variety of scenarios i.e., patients who are scared going to the Operating Theatre, having invasive investigations or treatments i.e., chemotherapy or just being admitted to an Intensive Care Unit.
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How old is Whiskey? Whiskey is 11 years old, and we’ve had him since he was a puppy.
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Q & A
Clans, Castles, Pipers and West Highland White Terriers IT’S OVER 90 YEARS SINCE THE PASSING OF COLONEL EDWARD MALCOLM, MASTER BREEDER OF THE WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER. WE TRACKED DOWN HIS GREAT GRANDSON, CHIEF ROBIN MALCOLM, 19TH LAIRD OF POLTALLOCH, CHIEF OF CLAN MALCOLM BY ALEX GRIFFIN
But that was the motivation apparently for us, that a working terrier wouldn’t be shot by mistake if it was white.
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Westies & Besties - March 2022
Q & A
PHOTO CREDITS shutterstock_698626678(landscape), The Kennel Club Library (above)
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Q & A
Have you had West Highland Terriers yourself? Yes. The breeding was continued after the Second World War because the head game keeper James Wills and his wife Barbara were interested in the breed. But when they retired, they moved from the kennels taking, I think, one pet with them. But that was really the end of them. I think my father continued to have one at the big house. It was the runt of the litter, a very small one, undersized. And that was the last West Highland White Terrier here. Funnily enough I do get inquiries every now and then. I had a, I think it was last year or the year before, there is a West Highland White Terrier club in Japan. I don’t know if you know if they exist or not. Well, they had a special vehicle that was, sort of, should we say, plastered with West Highland White Terrier propaganda, and they arrived here to look around and I raised it with the present owner of what had been the kennels, for them to have a look around. We looked after them alright. Do you get a lot of West Highland White Terrier owners visiting from outside of the UK? Occasionally. They bring their pets back to see their roots, sort of thing. Very occasionally. Certainly, less frequently now then used to be the case. Were there any West Highland White Terriers around your area at the time? I think there’s none anywhere near where I live. I think the nearest breeder is in Kintyre, near Campbell town. I know a couple got married in our church and they live in Monte Carlo now and they wanted a West Highland White Terrier, so they got one from Campbell town, and I think it rules Monte Carlo. (laughs). Anyway, they get around. Can you tell us of your family’s involvement breeding the West Highland White Terrier? I see you have got a story here (we showed Robin our March 2021 edition which features a history interview with the UK Kennel Club), which is plausible, but what I was told was that Cairns were working dogs and they were used to flush foxes out of stone Cairns, by Cairns I
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mean heaps of rocks, and not a Cairn terrier. And on one occasion, one of the dogs was shot by mistake, because it was brown and white, and my great grandfather said, well, the way to stop this in the future is to breed White Terriers, and then they won’t get shot by mistake. And so, we set about breeding, trying to breed and fix the breed of White Terriers and one or two other places did the same. I think a relative of the Duke of Argyle at Roseneath did the same. But that was the motivation apparently for us, that a working terrier wouldn’t be shot by mistake if it was white. It must have been devastating for your great grandfather, as it was one of his favourite Cairns he shot, as the story goes. Now that’s not recorded. Was it the Campbells of Roseneath who were breeding a similar White Terrier at the same time as your great grandfather? Do you know what prompted the decision to combine both the Poltalloch Terrier and Roseneath Terrier? Yes. I don’t know. I think the club was formed in 1905 and they were West Highland White Terriers. I don’t think it was a case of, well I suppose the owners of various kennels must have got together and said, let’s get our breeds properly recognised, so that we can show at Crufts and that kind of thing. Because I was asked to sort of do the prizes at the centenary show, and I can’t quite remember when that was, I think it was about 15 years ago. Yep, it’s quite something seeing the best part of 100 West Highland Terriers in one gathering. The noise was something appalling. It just needed one to start barking, all the rest would. It was like one of those Mexican waves around a football stadium. One would start the whole lot going. There certainly is no other breed like a West Highland White Terrier, is there Robin? There isn’t. Well they used to, as long as the Wills family were in residence at the kennels here. The West Highland Terrier continued. I remember a slightly wicked thing to do, but we had a coach horn at the big house, which was possibly a mile from where the kennels were. And I found aged
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1056532916
PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_2021345963
Q & A
Yep, it’s quite something seeing the best part of 100 West HighlandTerriers in one gathering. The noise was something appalling. It just needed one to start barking, all the rest would. It was like one of those Mexican waves around a football stadium. One would start the whole lot going.
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Q & A
10, that if I blew it in the direction of the kennel, I could get all the Terriers barking. (laughs). You still currently live on the Paltolloch estate. Could you tell us a bit more about it that and Duntrune Castle? It’s the land we have had for generations. I’m the 19th Laird, you might say. Your family’s history goes back to the 12th century? Well, the Castle itself yes, goes back to the 12th century, but it was a Campbell stronghold until they overextended themselves, the Campbells of Duntrune, unwise investments, that sort of thing. And sold out to the Malcolms who lived nearby. We had landed Jamaica and were making quite a lot of money at that time. You know I’m talking 200 years ago. Could you tell us about the Duntrune Castle Piper? Well in the old days, there was always a garrison here and there would have always been a piper and the story of the piper goes that the Campbells were always converting this castle and it changed hands quite a lot between the MacDonalds and the Campbells. But there was one time the Campbells had it or took it and they killed all the MacDonalds that they could find, but they spared the life of the piper, because they didn’t have a piper themselves and he said that he would play for them if he got to live. So that was the deal and time then went on, but he obviously hadn’t lost his allegiance to the MacDonalds and he got word that the MacDonalds were going to attack the castle, which is what happened and I think he was meant to leave the gate open or something like that, but the Campbells sort of rumbled what was happening and the MacDonalds had to go away again, but the Campbells realised that their MacDonald piper was doing his best to betray them, so they chopped his hands off and that’s the legend. Our handless Piper. But what they did find apparently about 100 years ago when they were doing up the floor in here in the castle, they did find a skeleton without hands in what had been under the
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floor in the guardroom, the main entrance. So, I suppose everybody entering the castle would be told that you’re stepping over the Piper, who sort of betrayed the place, like a, you don’t do any betraying yourself kind of thing. Talatry warning. And that’s put people off ever since? Not from visiting but I do tell them, Mind where you step. (Laughs) You live in a beautiful part of the world, and you have cottages that you rent? Holliday cottages, yes. They do quite well. There is a good photograph I think that is in all West Highland White Terrier literature of my great grandfather sitting on a rock in front of one of our holiday cottages, with quite a lot of West Highland Terriers sort of all over him. I think there was a calendar done at the time and it had 11 West Highland Terriers in it. I have never found a photograph that had more than eight in it. What does the West Highland White Terrier mean to you and your family? Well, we haven’t had them/any here for a very long time. Once the Wills family retired and then died, they were the ones who kept the Terriers going here. And when they were no more the Terriers were no more. I am sure that you and your family are very proud to be associated with the West Highland White Terrier Breed? Oh yes!
All black & white images were published in 1911 in a book called, The West Highland White Terrier: A Monograph by Holland Buckley and are amongst the earlier dogs and breeders. The Breed Club was founded by Colonel Malcolm in 1905 and the breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1907 and therefore images from before 1911 are contemporary with Colonel Malcolm and the early years of the Club. With thanks to the Kennel Club Library for allowing us to publish these images.
Westies & Besties - March 2022
PHOTO CREDIT The Kennel Club Library
Q & A
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COMMUNITY
Food Glorious Food
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM KIBBLE TO RAW FOOD? FIND OUT FROM THESE PET PARENTS.
Above: Sue Makepeace
BY SUE MAKEPEACE, FOUNDER OF THE WESTIE ADVICE GROUP
I was a volunteer with a Rescue center at the time and my sister had adopted one of our Westies, Barky Charlie, as he was affectionately known. The Rescue arranged for a registered behaviourist to visit to see if she could shed any light on why Charlie was very anxious and unable to focus as this was causing bad behaviour in the home. The first thing she suggested was to put him on a raw diet. It did help Charlie to a certain degree. He still had a few issues that could never be corrected but were managed well. He did live until the grand old age of 13 years, and he had a really happy, healthy life. Understandably my sister hadn’t heard of a raw diet for dogs so we talked about it and decided that I would do the research, read the books, and we would start our dogs on raw food together. I
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I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but the positive changes in our dogs was incredible. Martha, my little 1-year old rescue bitch was hyperactive and found it hard to focus, she calmed down and was certainly more able to concentrate and train. One of the first things I noticed was her eyes, they started to sparkle, her coat became thicker and
Westies & Besties - March 2022
Sue Makepeace with Martha and Merlin
I started feeding our dogs raw food around 10 years ago and so talking to others that were about to make the switch made me think of that time again, the changes I saw in my dogs and how I came to start feeding raw too.
began by reading The Honeys Natural Feeding Handbook by Jonathan Self, I then read Works Wonders by Dr Tom Lonsdale, both mind blowing little books to start with. I then felt I needed something a little more technical, so I read Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr Ian Billingshurst, followed by Raw Meaty Bones by Dr Tom Lonsdale, all great books packed full of good information. The Honeys Book is still my go-to guide.
PHOTO CREDIT
After reading Dr Nick Thompson’s article, ‘Do I Need a Nutritionist?’ in the December issue, I felt it would be beneficial to talk to some raw feeding newbies, to discuss their fears, and more importantly why they made the switch to raw feeding in the first place. I also wanted to find out what their Vet thought of the move.
When I speak to members of the Westie Advice Group (aka, WAG) about putting their westies on a raw diet the first thing they talk about is how nervous they are about doing it and they always worry about the bacteria and whether it will
make their dogs ill or make their family member ill. This is usually followed by a worry of getting things wrong and a concern that they will not give their Westie the correct amount of nutrients. Occasionally, they are worried about the cost. They are also concerned about the reactions of an anti-raw feeding Vets.
COMMUNITY
just gleamed in the sun, in fact she came second in a shiny coat contest. My other dog was Merlin who was a 6-year-old rescue who had suffered for most of his life with a skin condition caused by a yeast overgrowth. I put him on a raw diet and the changes were phenomenal. Within months his skin was clearer, the itch subsided, and his coat thickened, no more ear infections, he looked just fabulous.
I decided that I would have a chat to a few members of WAG that had recently made the switch and were complete novices. I just wanted a bit of a different insight into how they felt about making the switch, and what their feelings were after they had made the change?
Rachael from Northumberland, with Fergus 6 & Skye 6 (Skye is an overseas rescue) Rachael decided to switch both of her dogs to a raw diet after Fergus was suffering with digestive issues and a skin problem. Rachael conducted quite a lot of research and decided it was worth a shot for the sake of Fergus’s health. Her main concerns were whether it was just a myth that raw food was better for the dog’s health in the long run. The price was slightly more than she was paying for their food and her friends thought she was being cruel to the dogs for feeding them raw food and not cooking it. Her Vet was also very anti raw and said the health benefits were an untruth/myth and that it was a way of raw food companies of making more money. He also said the bacteria in raw food would make the dogs very unwell. So, who is correct? And are the benefits of raw feeding really a myth?
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Rachael Bury
Both dogs are loving their food and are doing very well. The poo is tiny, and practically odourless. In Rachael’s words, raw feeding is the “best thing she’s ever done for her dogs”.
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Rachael telephoned around her local Vets and found a supportive and knowledgeable young Vet. (Always worth a phone call if you aren’t happy with your current Vets).
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Susan from Moray, Scotland with Daisy 21 months & Poppy 7 months Susan decided to make the switch for her westies after reading about a fresh/raw food diet for her dogs right here in Westies & Besties magazine, and from reading information provided on WAG. Daisy was suffering from itchy paws and occasionally suffered with blocked anal glands.
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Susan MacGregor
She says she is delighted with the positive changes in her dogs. Both girls are loving their food and clear their plates. Daisy isn’t itching as much, and she seems to be a much calmer and focused dog. She’s much less reactive and more able to concentrate. Susan says he has ‘absolutely no regrets in making the switch to a raw food diet’. She has happy healthy dogs that are thriving.
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Her main concerns were that the Westies would not take to the food and that a raw diet would not provide enough of the correct nutrients. Susan hasn’t had to discuss food and nutrition with her Vet but would be more than happy to let him know that her dogs are thriving.
Tessa made the changes when Deni was the grand old age of 14 years as he started to have a skin condition. She had already dabbled with a premade raw, but this proved to be a bit hit and miss with Deni. She decided to go down the DIY route. Deni loved his food, canned sardines in oil were one of his favourites (great omega 3), he had them all his life. Tessa devised recipes using tips from WAG and it was an easy transition for him. Deni even let the family cats share a bit of his raw before nudging them to one side so he could finish it off. He was always very generous with his tripe kisses and Tessa still misses them. At first Tessa was concerned about bacteria as Deni was a grazer and with raw it was gone in an instant so no worries there. The price was never an issue as Tessa compared the cost with premium processed foods and raw was comparable. Her Vet was also fully onboard with a raw diet if it was balanced, and Tessa had done her research. Deni showed his love and gratitude for his scrumptious meals by licking his lips and sharing his smelly belches. He was a happy healthy old fella in the last 17 months of his life, his eyes sparkled, and his fur was amazing. He never quite took to chicken feet and was known to hide the odd one in Tessa’s shoe. RIP Deni, you certainly were one lucky little Westie.
Faye Meacham
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Tessa Paterson
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Tessa from West Berkshire with Deni (Dirty Dawg) who passed away at the grand old age of 15.5 years. It’s a slightly different story here but I just wanted a story about an older dog being switched to a raw diet. It’s not always the youngsters that benefit from changing.
Faye from Cannock & Bobby aged 10 years Faye is one of my favourite converts, she sat on the fence for a very long time. In fact, over the last few years, we have had several conversations about raw food, but it wasn’t until the end of last year Faye actually fell off the fence and went for it. Faye changed Bobby to a raw food diet after analysing what she was feeding and discovered the ingredients were very poor quality and the price was premium compared to a well-balanced raw food diet. Bobby had also developed sores on his back and his tail. Faye’s main concern was that she didn’t think she would be able to understand exactly what to feed Bobby. I explained that there were excellent quality well balanced raw dog foods on the market, so we decided to opt for Jack Wolf Raw Dog Food. Bobby also has sardines in oil (fabulous omega 3), soft boiled eggs, watermelon, pears, the odd carrot, dried sprats, chicken hearts and as a special treat a bit of cheese. Faye was also very concerned that Bobby wouldn’t like it, which of course he did. A Vet wouldn’t be able to scaremonger Faye into changing Bobby back to processed food. He is living proof that a fresh raw diet is always a good choice for dogs of any age. She is over the moon she eventually fell of the fence and changed Bobby to raw. Can’t wait until his next visit to the groomers, the last time he was really sore and not looking and feeling great. The groomer is going to be amazed at the positive changes in Bobby. Faye really wishes she had listened to us years ago and made the change then as Bobby is healthy and looks fabulous, he’s now thriving and not just surviving. She is now converting all the local dog owners, friends, and relatives to switch their dogs to raw diet. 45
Arlene McBean
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So, the moral of the story is that everyone has a different reason, a different experience but always the same positive outcome.
Arlene from Glasgow & Rosie aged 9 Arlene had seen so many positive success stories on WAG and wanted to give it a go. It took her a year of reading posts and watching in the background before she plucked up the courage to take the plunge. Her main concerns were that Rosie wouldn’t take to the food and it would cause digestive upsets. She isn’t worried about speaking to her Vet about raw food, hopefully Rosie’s general health will speak volumes. Rosie has so much energy. she’s more like a 5-year-old than a 9-year-old. She’s now calmer and more focused. She loves her Jack Wolf Raw Dog food, and Arlene is gaining confidence by the day as to what else she can add to give Rosie a different eating experience, which every dog deserves. So, the moral of the story is that everyone has a different reason, a different experience but always the same positive outcome. It’s not scary at all, just read a couple of books on raw feeding and give it a go. Chat to others that feed their dogs raw, ask lots of questions, its easy and so satisfying seeing your dog enjoying their food, and you as an owner seeing the joy on their faces and the little dance they do at mealtimes.
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WIN WIN WIN
Supplied by Honey’s
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WIN A COPY OF THE HONEY’S NATURAL HANDBOOK FOR DOGS BY JONATHAN SELF
List five of the benefits of raw feeding as mentioned by the pet parents in this story. Email your answers to info@westiesandbesties.com
Terms & Conditions: This competition is open from 1st March and closes on the 31st of March 2022. The first email we receive with the correct answers will be chosen as the winner. Westies & Besties Magazine will request the address of the winner in order for us to post the prize. This competition is open to subscribers of Westies & Besties Magazine only.
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REVIEW
Review PAWFECT BAGS
Above: Kim Latham
EDITOR’S RATING
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s any Westie owner knows, between walking the dog, carrying a coffee cup, holding on to your hat and keeping the poop bag at arm’s length, a leisurely wander can turn into a bit of a stressful event at times. Well, not anymore! The creative team at Pawfect Bags have come up with a fantastic solution for just £29.99 - a bag with all separate compartments – one of which will carry your poop bag until you reach a bin! This fab bag has a long strap so you can carry it easily across your body (without getting tangled up in your pal’s leash,) and freeing you up to enjoy a countryside bramble with your best pal. The bags come in an array of 7 funky colours too, so it doesn’t look like a walkies bag at all. The bags are waterproof and rigid enough to take on all the elements that UK weather can throw at us but flexible enough to hold all your worldly walking necessities. What’s more, for each bag sold, Nick, the owner of the company, who is an ex armed forces veteran of 22 years donates £1 to charities, Walking with the Wounded, Combat Stress, and Support Dogs, and you can choose which charity your money goes to at checkout. It’s a win, win!
Question: What does Nick say the first and second compartments of the Pawfect Bag can be used for on his website - www.pawfectbags.co.uk
Terms & Conditions This competition is open from 1st March 2022 and ends on the 31st of March 2022. One entry per household. Entries must email the correct answer to info@westiesandbesties.com. The first correct email answer will be chosen as the winner. We will request the winning entrant to supply their postal address in order to post the prize of a Pawfect Bag.
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