Kimble....a small tribute to a big personality! (West Highland White Terrier)

Member Name: B_O_M_B_A_

Product:	West Highland White Terrier
Date:	21/07/08 (130 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything about them

Disadvantages: Nothing

Westies were originally used as rat catchers but have since come a long way and are now a very popular choice for potential dog owners. They are both intelligent and athletic, always eager to get out and have a run, and can actually pick up some good speed considering their size.

I recently lost my Westie to old age, her name was Kimble. I still remember the first day we got her, I was 7 years old and had recently lost our cairn terrier Duffy. We went to a breeder who had 2 cute 10 week old Westie's to purchase. One was hopping around like mad whilst the other sat quietly in the corner.
My mum decided to go with the quiet one which at the time cost £400. She was slightly more expensive because her Grandad was a crufts winner and so she was a pedigree... For the first few weeks she was very timid, didn't dare go near anyone or anything and was still finding her way around the house. Within a few weeks however she was following my mum around everywhere, even into the bathroom while she had a bath and wouldn't leave until my mum had got out!

She loved the beach and although she pretended she was brave, she wouldn't dare go into the water without someone else. She also loved to bark at the cats in our garden, but as soon as you opened the door so she could go and get them she would turn around as if to say 'Aren't you coming?'
At around 9 Years old she was diagnosed with Diabetes which meant she had to receive 2 injections a day and regular blood samples every month (£90), which cost quite a lot (£0.50 each). However she had become part of the family, probably above me and my brother in the hierarchy, at the end of the day what is a little bit of money for 15 years of enjoyment and companionship.

She was a very intelligent dog, barking at the cupboard her lead was in if she wanted a walk or scratching the TV to pieces if a dog dared appear on it, very amusing. She was very well behaved and if you said bed time she went into her bed, waited for a little bit of ham and then would sit quietly until you shook her bed in the morning to wake her up, or occasionally you would be awoken by a little yap.

They are very easy to look after, as long as they are fed two times a day, washed once every two weeks to keep their soft white coats in good condition, and occasionally trim their little skirts they are quite happy, o and the odd walk every day...

She later turned blind which she lived with for around 2 years, but soon the diabetes became too much and stopped eating. I still remember the day me and my dad took her to be put down. Although he claimed he didn't care for her much he had to leave the room when the injection went in...I took one last picture of her and then her head lulled onto my arm. I don't mind admitting I had a cry.

If you get one you wont regret it, they are always happy and will cheer you up when you are sad. We loved Kimble and you will love yours.

Summary: Always happy and bright!