Westie - A day in the life of a West Highland Terrier dog

This is an informational record of our life with West Highland Terrier dogs. We also hope to share what we learn or tips while training our Westie.

Name:
Location: United States

Friday, March 31, 2006

Covering holes

Whenever you have a puppy around, you will usually have holes at some point. Today was hole filling day. With two 4o pounds bags of top soil, all of the holes were filled. Some of the holes were little where he had be eating bugs, some were fairly big where he had dug.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Ice cube treasure hunt


This afternoon when Zach was playing with an ice cube, he dropped it in his water bowl. I saw Zach drinking and bobbing in his bowl. Next he started pawing at his bowl, foot inside and pawing. I got up to see if I could retrive his ice cube. I had to laugh out loud because it had melted and Zach could not figure out what had happened.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Noticed a bump on Zach

This morning while scratching Zachary, I felt a bump. It was located midway between his chin and his neck on the underside. I was unable to tell what it was with his fur. After giving Zach a bath and two of us looking at the area, we decided it was a bug bite. My concern was to make sure it was not a tick, which can cause problems if not removed. Since it does not seem to cause Zachary any pain, we will do nothing.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Tax deduction for fur kids

Am I the only one who thinks that pet owners should be able to make our fur kids tax deductions. It is at this time of year when I wonder why this is not possible. We have vet bills, food, shelter, grooming, daycare, classes and costumes for each pet. Maybe someday 'all' kids will be tax deductions. Just a thought................

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Monday, March 27, 2006

Day in the backyard

Brown Ibis
Another Flat ball
"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Zachary went nuts...


This geese decided to get close to the backyard fence so Zachary went nuts..... It flapped it's wings and Zach barked and almost went through the screen room. The life on our ever changing pond brings new sights and sounds to our Westie puppy.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Looking towards pond


Zachary enjoys spending time on the back porch and today was no exception. Here he is looking towards the drying pond, watching the birds.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Friday, March 24, 2006

Tough day for Zach

Zach's Mom had surgery on her foot this morning. When we came home Zach did not know what to think of her bandaged foot. He wanted to play with the velcro straps on her soft shoe.
She will be wearing the bandage for a couple of days, so we will see how he behaves.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Rain water pond almost dry

The rain water pond behind our house is almost dry. The poor birds are trying to get all the fish and water they can before it goes completely empty. Zachary loves all the bird activity, sinc he loves chasing all the birds.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Update on vacuuming

When Zachary was little, like most puppies he would chase and bark at the vacuum cleaner. Now he likes the vacuum and it is a positive experience. Anytime he hears it, he will run to where I am and wait for his treat for being good. Yes, if he does not chase and bark while I am vacuuming he gets a treat. I have found it is easier to reinforce good behavior that I want to see repeated.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Zachary's bunny


We have spotted a bunny in the backyard, Zachary still has not seen the little guy. Actually he is a pretty big bunny and tame. I am not sure what Zachary would do, so we will try to keep them from meeting eye to eye.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Monday, March 20, 2006

Happy to be home

As the tech was bringing out Zach he saw me and pulled as hard as he could. He almost ripped out the shoulder of the 100 lb tech. He was pulling so hard that I said just let him go and he will come to me. Well she let go and he ran and ran in circles around me. Most of the day he would not let me out of his sight, if I went to a different room so did Zach. When he was not following me, he was sound asleep. Zachary is happy to be home and we are happy to have him home.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 19, 2006

1st night away from home

Zachary went to the kennel to stay, since we were going away for the weekend and were not able to take him. This is the first time he has not been with us and it felt strange. I kept thinking I need to go walk Zach and then remembered he is not with us. I will pick him up tomorrow morning, I miss my baby boy.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yaho0.com

Saturday, March 18, 2006

Pine cones as play toys


Zachary loves playing with and chewing pine cones.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Friday, March 17, 2006

Sleeping on my lap

One of Zachary's favorite things to do, is to lay on my lap while I am tying away at my computer. Sometimes he falls asleep and his head will fall. When that happens, I catch his head and try to put it back on my lap. Sometimes it ends up stuck in my hand or his head laying on my arm. I don't type as fast with one hand as I do with two. Also my leg sometimes falls asleep from Zach's weight. When Zach started this habit he was 3 pounds, now he is 18 pounds. Usually my leg will fall asleep and I will have to lay him on the floor beside me.
I have to admit, it is pleasure to have my baby boy laying on my lap. He will always be my baby boy, no matter how old or how big he grows.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 16, 2006

30 Reasons

30 REASONS WHY IT'S GREAT TO BE A DOG
1. No one expects you to take a bath every day.
2. Your friends never expect you to pay for lunch, dinner or anything else for that matter.
3. When it's raining, you can lie around the house all day and neverworry about being fired.
4. If it itches, you can reach it.
5. And, no matter what itches, no one is offended if you scratch it in public.
6. It doesn't bother you if your favorite television show is a rerun.
7. You can wear a fur coat and no one thinks you're insensitive.
8. April 15 means nothing to you.
9. People at drive-through windows never charge you for treats.
10. Your friends don't think less of you for passing gas.
11. A rawhide bone can entertain you for hours.
12. No one gets mad if you fall asleep while they're talking.
13. As an adult, it's OK if you haven't "amounted to anything" except being a dog.
14. The older you get, the more people respect you.
15. You can sleep late every day.
16. If you grow hair in weird places, no one notices.
17. You never get in trouble for putting your head in a stranger'slap.
18. There's no such thing as bad food.19. You don't have to worry about good table manners.
20. Someone else combs your hair.
21. People think you're normal if you stick your head out thewindow to feel the wind in your hair.
22. You're always excited to see the same old people.
23. Having big feet is considered an asset.
24. If you gain weight, it's someone else's fault.
25. Everything smells good to you.
26. A garbage can is a fast-food stop.
27. No one tells you to wipe your nose because it's wet.
28. No matter where you live, you own the place.
29. Your mate never complains because you whine.
30. Puppy love can last.
 
I enjoyed so much I wanted to share.....
"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Carrying things in his mouth

Zacary loves carrying things in his mouth. When we were out walking this morning he found a stick and carried part of our walk. Tonight he carried a paper flyer that was on the sidewalk, for a half block. I get the biggest kick out of watching him, he is like a little kid.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

2 speeds

Anyone else every notice that puppies have 2 speeds. First speed is one hundred miles an hour and getting in to everything. Second speed is crashed, sacked out, sleeping. Maybe when Zachary is a year old we can see a speed somewhere in the middle.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Monday, March 13, 2006

Pine cones and weeding

Zach loves being outside, so I brought him out with me to help. Now his idea is not always the same and my idea. I picked up pine cones, while Zachary took the cones out of my pile to chew on them. All the weeds I pulled were well played with by the time they made it to the yard waste can. Both of us came inside tired and thirsty.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Look out geckos

Zachary has become faster and has started catching geckos. These lizards are no longer safe in Zach's backyard. So far he a caught 2 today and the day is still young. He is so proud, prancing with the poor little guy in his mouth. He mainly plays with them and does not eat them. Unfortunately, they are no longer alive when he is done. Look out geckos, run for your life!

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Back to basics

Zach and I have been working on tricks and have forgotten about basic commands. We are going to try to do both starting tomorrow. Zachary has gotten bigger and stronger and decided he does not need to listen as much. It is time for me to step up my game and be top dog.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Friday, March 10, 2006

Zach did not want to come inside

Tonight Zach just did not want to come inside. He got a scent of something in the yard and keep trying to track the scent. As much as I tried called, he would not come inside. After 45 minutes, he gave up the hunt. That terrier in him, would not let him give up.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Zach's birds are frisky

Spring is in the air and all the birds on the rainwater pond have one thing on the mind. Each time I take Zach outside we see some birds mating. Soon there will be lots of little birds and no water since the pond is drying. Today Zachary ran back and forth from side to side as one of our neighboors was feeding the geese. The group of ducks came over to get fed but, were chased off by a duck that hangs with the geese. At one time the geese and ducks hung out together, but no longer.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Ice cube playtime

Zach had the best time playing with ice cubes this morning. I had gone in to get an ice cube for a drink and Zach heard the freezer door open and came running. He loves ice cubes, so I gave him one. Well he batted that poor ice cube around so much it finally melted. I gave him another one and this one split in two when it got knocked into the metal on the sliding glass door. I laughed at him because he could not decide which piece to play with. He would run from one to the other, playing with both.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Zachary is 18 lbs. now

We went to the vet to get Zachary's nails clipped. While we were there, I had him hop on the scale. Zachary is 18 lbs. now, Wow! I knew he felt heavier.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Monday, March 06, 2006

Why Dogs Don't Live Longer Than People

I think we all can learn from the following story.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year- old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the
familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Eating bugs

Zachary has started a weird habit of going after bugs. He will watch the grass and bite at grasshoppers and crickets. He is a strange little boy sometimes. He will them eat them, well at least he is getting protein.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Friday, March 03, 2006

Zach now able to weave thru 3 legs

At first, I was not sure how I was going to get Zachary to continue through 3 legs in a row. He has been doing 2 about 90% of the time without prompting. When I introduced the 3 legs, he freaked and just stopped. I did not know how to get him back on track. I tried something that worked. After he completed the second leg I said weave, well it worked. I guess the light bulb went on for him and he went through without resisting. Zach and I will continue training with the extra prompt, I hope to be able to drop this at some point. I am glad we were able to work thru this roadblock.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Bird Watching

The stormwater pond behind one of Zachary's house is drying, from lack of rain. Many birds use this large pond as a water source. Also since other ponds and lakes are drying too, more birds are here to get water and food. Zach is having a blast watching Egrets, Wood Storks, Ibis, Hawks and last but not least his ducks and geese all trying for the same fish.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Zach still loves walking

Zach loves walking. For two days we did not walk and he was antsy and just restless. This afternoon we went walking and he was so happy, tail wagging the whole way. When we came back, he rested and is calm tonight.

"Happiness is being loved by a Westie puppy"
zacharys_fan_club@yahoo.com

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