Lovely Lily

I feel that yesterday’s entry had somewhat of a negative vibe. It was something I felt that was interesting and important that I wanted to share. Maybe even make life a little easier for consumers as well as retail employees. However, I think today I need to write about something on a lighter, brighter note. So what’s a better time than now to write about my dog Lily?!

Lily is a west highland white terrier. My family got her from a breeder when I was seven years old. Lily was born in Fresno, California. This is quite far from where I live so my family agreed to meet the breeder half way which happened to be at Six Flags Magic Mountain. It’s pretty neat to get your dog outside of a theme park. When we went to get Lily we saw the whole litter and chose Lily because she was the biggest and the calmest of the group.

As Lily grew up she remained timid and sweet. Lily not only cuddles with people she’s familiar with but even people that are new to her. She is just the sweetest! Lily has the most patience I’ve ever seen in any animal. I think this might be because when we got her we still had a cat and the cat sort of bossed Lily around. Lily will put up with anything. She’ll let anyone pick her up and she’ll wear ridiculous outfits without complaint!

Lily is one lucky dog as she hasn’t had very many health concerns. There are quite a few skin related issues that westies have in their breed and Lily hasn’t had any of them! She sometimes gets ear infections and I have to give her medicine for it. The terrier in her makes her get super excited and she’ll run around like crazy. Two years ago she broke a tendon in her leg and had to have a massive surgery. It was quite worry some to put a ten year old dog through such an extensive surgery.

But Lily was such a trooper through the whole thing! I think there may have been minor brain damage from the anesthesia. Lily seems a little dopier than she was before but it only adds to her charm.

Lily is now twelve years old but she still acts like a puppy. She loves car rides and long walks on the beach. Lily is so well behaved. I can leave the door open and she won’t run off. She’ll wander around the front yard or follow me. She knows quite a few tricks but after her surgery she doesn’t seem to understand what sit means. She still knows how to speak, roll over, shake hands and do beggy paws .

West Highland White Terriers as a breed are good dogs. They are non-shedding dogs. Westies need to be washed with whitening shampoos to keep their coat from turning yellowy. These whitening shampoos are typically blue.Their bark is much deeper than other small dog breeds. Lily hardly ever barks but I have known other westies that do. West Highland White terriers range from about 15-20 pounds. (Lily weighs 17 lbs)

Westies originated in Scotland however they are different from the Scottish Terrier. Scottish Terriers do come in both black and white but their body shape is a little bit different. Westie’s have a more rounded head and have a little bit longer legs although the two are quite similar. Other names for the West Highland White Terrier include Poltalloch Terrier,Roseneath Terrier and White Roseneath Terrier.

Lily is my best friend and can always cheer me up.