Westies & Besties - December 2021 by Westies & Besties Magazine

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Westies & Besties - December 2021

04/11/2021 09:22:19

We’ve got some great interviews for you this month and some important advice from our experts. Clare Palmer reveals the Christmas stuff you really need to keep away from your Westies…and the healthy foods you can feed them as a treat while Jan Russell explains how to win the war against ‘Westitude’ when it comes to a fussy-easting dog. Dr. Nick Thompson replies to a reader worried about taking the plunge into raw feeding while I have a chat with new crime-fiction author Madeleine Eskedahl on her first novel, Blood On Vines – in which, one of her characters is based on her own Westie! We hear from Tammie Fox, owner of the precious Pumpkin the Westie and what a story she has to tell! Award-winning artist, Jean Pritchard joins us too – check out her beautiful artwork on pages 42-47.

Publisher – Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road | Cardiff | CF14 5LZ

I can’t quite believe that we’ll soon be heading into 2022. What a year it has been! With all of its ups and downs I still realize that I have the best job in the world – I get to look at your Westies each and every day! So, thank you all for your support and encouragement – we appreciate each and every one of you. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

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.

Kim Latham Editor

Our Westie, Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer!

@WestieBestiesMag

WE LC O M E

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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 IMAGE CREDIT shutterstock_1059542087

December 2021

6-7 NEWS

8-9 NUTRITION

Taking your Westie to the office could soon become a happy reality

Dr Nick Thompson talks to a reader who has concerns about raw feeding

10-11 NUTRITION

12-17 FEATURE

22-26 COMMUNITY

Jan Russell unveils her plan to get fussy-eating Westies…eating!

Clare Palmer explains the many dangers of Christmas for our canine pals

Pumpkin the Westie has stolen hearts around the world. Owner Tammie Fox tells us her story

Westies & Besties - December 2021

CONTENTS

30-35 FEATURE

36-39 COMMUNITY

Crime-fiction author Madeleine Eskedahl reveals why she based one of her book characters on her precious Westie

Carol Smith of Scottish Keepsakes explains why she rebranded her company in a bid to highlight more of her Scottish heritage

42-47 CREATIVE

48-49 RECIPE

50 COMPETITION

Award-winning artist, Jean Pritchard, unveils her wonderful Westie paintings

Daniel Tomer of Chefs & Dogs shows us how to make a healthy holiday treat for our best pals

WIN a copy of Madeleine Eskedahl’s crime-fiction novel, Blood On the Vines

N E WS

Dogs Could Soon be Part of Everyone’s Working Lives FANCY TAKING YOUR WESTIE TO THE OFFICE?

n recent weeks, many workers have faced the inevitable post-pandemic return to their workplace. But what happens to the 12 million dogs in the UK who now face being left home alone? A recent study found that 54% of pet owners would consider quitting their job if their employer didn’t allow them to take their dog to work. But with many employers not fully understanding the implications of having a dog in the workplace, the National Pet College (NPC) has launched the unique Dogs in the Workplace online course, aimed at equipping employers and employees who want to share their working space with dogs in a responsible and safe way. There are many benefits to having dogs in the workplace, including improvements in colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing, stress reduction due to the human/animal bond, improved staff morale and the need to take regular breaks away from the screen with their dog outside in the fresh air. To deliver confidence to both management and other team members that dogs in the workplace is a positive step for the business to take, the NPC’s online training portal will guide learners through a six-step process to allow them to overcome the challenges and develop a positive, dog-friendly culture.

FACTS 12 million dogs in the UK face being left home alone as owners return to the office The ‘Dogs in the Workplace’ course will facilitate six-step process to sharing workspaces with dogs Training and accreditation could lead to many more dogs being part of everyone’s working lives

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_756068014 (1)

N E WS

With separate modules for the employer to develop a suitable ‘Dogs in the Workplace’ policy and for employees to ensure their dog is a suitable candidate to have in the workplace, the courses will ensure sensible and robust procedures are put in place to protect the business, other workers, clients and ensure the welfare of dogs themselves. In addition, employers will be supported in developing a ‘doggy code of conduct’ and suitable risk assessments, while owners will be provided with basic dog behaviour guidance to enable them to undertake the ‘goodness of fit’ behaviour evaluation.

these benefits – including productivity, employee morale and attracting new talent – and with the right training, will be suitably equipped with the tools to ensure that dogs are integrated into the workplace smoothly and with consideration to other staff and the dog’s welfare.

Supported by the Pet Industry Federation, the comprehensive National Pet College training could lead to many more dogs becoming part of everyone’s working lives.

“The National Pet College is the first education provider in the UK to recognise the need to deliver training in this subject and provide accreditation that will ensure both employers and employees feel confident about having dogs in their place of work.”

Vicky Skinner, National Pet College’s Head of Education, commented: “We have long been aware of the benefits of having dogs in the workplace, be it as companionship or as therapy. Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of

“The demand for dogs in workplaces has increased significantly since lockdown ended, and we believe that soon, dogs could become a permanent fixture in many offices, supporting their owners with wellbeing and enhancing the work/life balance.

Further information about the courses can be found online at www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk

NUTRITION

Do I Need a Nutritionist? DR NICK THOMPSON REVEALS HIS RESPONSE TO A WORRIED WESTIE OWNER CONCERNED ABOUT RAW FOOD

Above: Dr Nick Thompson

Dear Nick, I am anxious about changing my Westie onto raw food. I need some guidance, please? Do I need to contact a dog nutritionist? Thanks.

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1919858183

Hayley, Essex

Westies & Besties - December 2021

NUTRITION

Dear Hayley, I guess the answer to that question is: if you want to, but it’s not essential. Let me explain. If raw feeding were dangerous and difficult, then I’d say yes, you need professional guidance, just as you take your car to the garage because you have no idea how a carburettor or clutch works. But the good news is that raw feeding is neither risky nor complicated if you understand a few basic guidelines. You manage, I assume, to feed yourself without needing professional help? Everyone I’ve ever met was nervous when they first started feeding raw, so you’re not alone. Almost everyone looks back on their first days feeding their dog real raw food and thinks, ‘why didn’t I do this years ago?!’ The dog-owning public has been disempowered by forty or more years of propaganda from the ‘dog food’ corporations. The brain-washing subtext from these billion-dollar companies is ‘we will take responsibility for feeding your dog. We are the experts, and we know all the mysteries of nutrition, so you don’t have to. Leave it to us’. Most people go along with this because it appears to make their life easier. I’m all for an easy life (so I can study more about food and nutrition), but most people get drawn into the falsehood that feeding dogs is complicated. The problem is that science now tells us that feeding any creature, including humans, on ultra-processed food for extended periods (more than 1-2 days!) can lead to ill health and metabolic damage. So, to expand on my first sentence - you can talk to a nutritionist if you’re unsure how to feed raw, but there are other options, too. The easiest and cheapest option is to talk to trusted raw food companies (Google a phone number). They are generally very knowledgeable and experienced and more than happy to help. Most will give advice whether you use their foods or not. Find a company whose service you like, whose ethics match yours and whose pricepoint doesn’t pinch your pocket. Remember - you usually get what you pay for. The other alternative is to do lots of reading before you start. I would suggest these books might be helpful. In no particular order, look at: • Jonathan Self’s ‘Honey’s Natural Feeding Handbook for Dogs’ • ‘Real Food for Dogs and Cats: A Practical Guide to Feeding Your Pet a Balanced, Natural Diet’ by Clare Middle • Caroline Griffith’s book ‘The Best Dog Diet Ever’ • A little more technical but equally valuable is Dr Karen Becker’s ‘Dr Becker’s Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats: Simple Homemade Food’. Good luck, Hayley. You and your Westie are embarking on a wonderful journey. A trip involving health, delicious food, and an infinite array of nutrition possibilities.

D r N ic k T

hompson

NUTRITION

Why Won’t My Westie Eat? HOW TO DEAL WITH A FUSSY WESTIE WHEN IT COMES TO MEALTIMES IS A TOPIC THAT CROPS UP TIME AND TIME AGAIN

Above: Jan Russell

BY JAN RUSSELL

ne of the questions we get asked most in our Westie Advice Group on Facebook is “why won’t my Westie eat?”

It’s distressing to watch your dog or puppy turn their nose up and walk away from their food time and time again. One of the first things to do is check that there is no physical reason for the behaviour which could involve blood tests; parasite checks and general condition checks if you are at a real loss of what to do. I always ask what the dog is being fed. If the answer is the same food every day, then it’s clear the dog could be bored of it, or he simply doesn’t like it!

We talk to our dogs when we are worried about them and most of us get stressed when they won’t eat. We communicate and pass this message on to our dogs – unintentional as it is. Therefore, if we are stressed, they become stressed. Westies are a breed that are particularly susceptible to this. I literally try to remove the stress element and convince the dog that I don’t actually care if it eats.

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Jan Russell

I always recommend a fresh varied diet with at least four or five different proteins in it. Once you have decided on a good diet it’s usually a question of beating the Westitude.

NUTRITION

SO, YOU’VE MADE UP YOUR ENTICING DINNER THEN WHAT?

• Put it on the floor

• Time five minutes

• Don’t say a word!

• Walk back in and if its still there pick it up (no discussion!)

• Don’t even look at them • Put it in the fridge • Walk away to another room

This has been known to go on for four days but usually by day two you will see a more positive result. If you don’t get this under control a Westie will “play” you for the rest of their lives and it isn’t

• That evening do exactly the same thing again

something which is healthy for them or you. If you have a dog which is just fussy this will work a treat. If you have a dog that has been sick it’s a different matter altogether. A digestive enzyme and a good probiotic are excellent additions to your dog’s diet when they are eating well.

PHOTO CREDIT Jan Russell

• Don’t be tempted to peak!

Above: Clare Palmer

CHRISTMAS MAY BE A TIME OF JOY AND GOOD-WILL BUT THIS COULD QUICKLY CHANGE IF YOUR WESTIE GETS A HOLD OF SOME HUMAN DELICIOUS DELICACIES THAT ARE DETRIMENTAL TO CANINE HEALTH BY CLARE PALMER

h, Christmas. The house is stocked to the brim with all your favourite things. From fabulous foods and drink to plants and Christmas decorations but many items, according to Blue Cross, are a serious danger to the health of Westies.

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Josep Monter Martinez from Pixabay

F E AT U R E

December Dangers

F E AT U R E

5 THINGS TO KEEP AWAY FROM YOUR POOCH •A rtificial sweeteners are a danger at any time of year but during the holiday season xylitol may have a bigger presence in your home than usual as it can be found in many of the sweet treats we consume. •C hocolate – even in small quantities, chocolate can be a real danger to your canine pal and can result in an emergency visit to your vet if eaten. •G rapes, currants, sultanas, raisins Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies need to be stored away from your dog.

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_521038906

•N uts can cause vomiting, pancreatitis and diarrhoea. •A lcohol – you might be planning on getting tipsy on your favourite tipple but keep your glasses out of reach of your bestie.

PHOTO CREDIT 165106 from Pixabay

F E AT U R E

Winter Plants Holly, Mistletoe, Christmas trees, Poinsettia, and Ivy – can all cause stomach upset, over salivation, and internal damage from sharp pins or prickly ends.

which is marketed for chewing and teeth cleaning, but also with the potential to damage your dog’s teeth and cause internal blockages and choking. Some packaging has a choke warning attached in small print.

Dog treats - Jingle bells or alarm bells? All year there are a selection of dog treats in chain stores that are best avoided for numerous reasons. Christmas brings even more choice and it’s easy to feel bombarded by them. Their attractive packaging in Christmas stockings, imitating mince pies and turkey drumsticks can be bewildering and could make you believe they’re tasty and nutritional. Be cautious of ‘treats’ such as:

Rawhides aren’t supposed to be eaten and are only meant for chewing, but many dogs attempt to eat them, why wouldn’t they? A lot of chewing can make the rawhide stringy and almost like a chewing gum texture, and pieces inevitably break off quite easily. If large pieces are swallowed, they may get stuck in the oesophagus and/or other parts of the stomach, which can cause internal damage and may possibly lead to surgery for removal of the obstruction and internal repair. If gone undetected, an obstruction could possibly result in death.

Rawhide According to Rodney Habib of ‘PlanetPaws’, rawhide chews are a by-product of the leather industry, and they’re made from the inner layers of cow and horse hides. The hides go through several processes to turn them into the shaped chews that we buy in supermarkets and pet stores. Many chews are made by gluing several layers of hide together making a firm rawhide

Gravy bones The Dog Listener’ states that these popular and unassuming little treats have a whopping 343 kcals per 10, they are said to have one of the largest caloric amounts in popular pet treats. They also list many other treats that are deemed to be of poor quality.

Westies & Besties - December 2021

F E AT U R E

5 CHRISTMAS HAZARDS TO WATCH OUT FOR • Wrapping paper - Any wrapping paper eaten is likely to cause staining of the mouth. Even though this will look alarming it will cause low toxicity. However, there is still a danger of it causing a blockage if ingested. • Christmas decorations - Decorations are mostly made of foil, plastic, or paper and if ingested could cause a blockage. None are particularly toxic; however, some decorations are made from glass so would pose more of a risk if eaten. • Candles - considered to be of low toxicity but ingestion could potentially block the intestine or cause your dog to choke. Always have candles at a safe height from your dog.

• Cigarettes - Nicotine is toxic to dogs, and cigarette butts are especially dangerous as they can be easily discarded in gardens - so it’s important not to leave any ashtrays in reach of dogs over Christmas and check outside areas before allowing your dog outside. Nicotine replacement patches and e-cigarette refills can also pose a risk.

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_523477543

• Silica gel - Considered to be of low toxicity, however, make sure these little sachets are collected up to a safe place, as they do tend to fall out of the packaging of various new items.

F E AT U R E

If you are worried that your dog is in distress from something it’s eaten, consult your veterinarian but always look out for warning signs such as: • Lack of energy • Drooling • Panicking and frantic behaviour • Pawing at the mouth • Repeated swallowing • Refusal to eat • Vomiting • Gagging • Regurgitation • Diarrhoea, with or without blood • Fever

Which Christmas leftovers can I give my dog? Providing your dog is healthy and is not allergic to the following foods, it is safe to give them a small treat at Christmas but be mindful that giving your dog lots of new and possibly richer food, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, which won’t make a very merry Christmas!

• Signs of pain • Turkey meat without gravy (no skin or bones)

Before you can say ‘Santa Paws’ numerous not-so-healthy items are hanging in the stores ready to be bought. We all know how our pets get lots of treats from family and friends for Christmas (and why wouldn’t they?), so please ask your friends and family in advance to make good choices for dog treats, choosing 100% natural options such as fish sticks, pizzle sticks, rabbit ears and sprats. Above all, it’s important to be extra vigilant with your dog over the holiday season. We all know they will try and find scrounging opportunities, investigate new items brought into the home, take advantage of new visitors giving them treats, and give you the ‘hungry’ look at the dinner table. If you suspect your dog has ingested anything it shouldn’t have, seek help by contacting your emergency vet immediately.

•G reen beans / Brussel sprouts / Parsnips / Carrot / Peas / Swede • S almon including the skin (fillets or cooked in spring water are preferable to smoked salmon) • Lamb meat (without bones or fat) •S crambled egg without milk or butte • Yogurt (but check the ingredients and don’t feed if xylitol is listed as this is toxic to dogs)

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_748990672

F E AT U R E

A DV E RTO RI A L

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG IS DEVELOPING AN ALLERGY

BY DR SUE PATERSON MA VETMB DVD DIPECVD FRCVS, VETERINARY DERMATOLOGY SPECIALIST AND DIRECTOR OF VIRTUAL VET DERMS LTD

Sue with her labrador, Thornton

The first thing to consider when deciding if a dog has an allergy, is what we mean by an allergy? An allergy is an abnormal response of the body to something that is normally completely harmless. In a dog, allergy commonly affects the skin, but can also affect other organ systems. Some dogs with an allergy can show signs of a runny nose, watery eyes and some will show signs of wheezing, however most of the signs are directed at the skin. Common causes of allergy in the dog are pollens, foods and house dust mites. However, a dog can develop an allergy to almost anything, ranging from something in their diet to venomous insects like wasps or drugs such as antibiotics. Whilst in most dogs these substances pose no problem, in animals that develop an allergy their immune systems recognise them as a foreign substance and produces a reaction to them which results in clinical signs. Reactions to things such as drugs are thankfully uncommon and because the reaction tends to occur immediately after the administration of a drug, there is generally little doubt that the reaction, which may be itching, the development of a rash or hives, has been caused by the drug. Similarly, after an owner has seen their dog react to a bee sting by developing a hugely swollen face, most owners (and hopefully their dog) undertake aversion tactics in the presence of a potential “stinger”.

These sudden onset allergic reactions can often be very dramatic but because there is an obvious inciting factor that can be identified, they can be avoided on subsequent occasions. So, whilst the dog’s allergy to the drug or insect sting still exists, avoidance of the trigger prevents future episodes. The more difficult allergies to identify and manage are those to environmental allergies, usually referred to as canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and to food. Where environmental triggers are the cause of allergy there may be a seasonal trend in the development of clinical signs but because the onset of symptoms can be very insidious, occurring over many weeks and months, it can be almost impossible to spot if a dog is reacting to house dust mites or a pollen. Similarly, because most dog food contains a wide range of proteins, carbohydrates, additives and flavourings, pinpointing that a reaction is to food and narrowing down the potential food allergen can be really challenging. Lots of things can mimic an allergy, so jumping to the conclusion that because your pet is itchy, they must have an allergy, can be a little dangerous. It is really important to be completely sure that your dog does have an allergy before you embark on therapy. In people, allergy follows a fairly well-defined course. Atopic disease in people can manifest as skin disease (eczema), asthma or hay fever. Many

Westies & Besties - December 2021

A D V E RTO RI AL

”

PHOTO CREDITS Dr. Sue Paterson

“

SOME DOGS WITH AN ALLERGY CAN SHOW SIGNS OF A RUNNY NOSE, WATERY EYES AND SOME WILL SHOW SIGNS OF WHEEZING

A DV E RTO RI A L

LOTS OF THINGS CAN MIMIC AN ALLERGY, SO JUMPING TO THE CONCLUSION THAT BECAUSE YOUR PET IS ITCHY, THEY MUST HAVE AN ALLERGY, CAN BE A LITTLE DANGEROUS.

children that develop eczema will grow out of it, but there is no evidence to suggest that a dog will grow out of their allergy, meaning that allergic dogs generally need a life time of therapy. Important things that you and your vet should rule out before diagnosing an allergy include infestations with parasites such as mange mites and infections both of which can lead to an animal becoming really itchy. (We will discuss the investigation of allergy in a future edition). As a dermatologist I always take a really detailed history about a pet when I am investigating their skin signs. There are numerus little clues from the history that can help me home in on the fact the dog is suffering from an allergy. The first factor is of course the breed of dog. As we discussed in the last article the Westie is one of the breeds that is predisposed to developing both food allergy and CAD. However, the Westie is also prone to developing a range of other diseases such as mange and ringworm, so just because a vet is presented with a Westie with skin disease doesn’t mean it has an allergy. Reports of a sex predisposition in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) are inconsistent. Large studies tend to suggest that both sexes are equally prone to developing disease (Favrot, 2010). The typical age of onset of dogs with CAD is six months to three years, making CAD a disease that develops in young animals. Therefore, when I am presented with a Westie that is thought to have developed CAD at six or seven years of age, it is more likely to be caused by something

other than a reaction to environmental allergens and I would want to eliminate other causes before diagnosing CAD. Food allergy like CAD often starts in young dogs and can certainly start in young puppies in fact the minute they are weaned. However, food allergy can start at any age so the age of onset is not as useful where signs are caused by something the Westie is eating. I have already suggested that the development of signs is slow with an environmental or food allergy. Unlike a reaction to a skin parasite which starts often overnight, allergies take weeks to develop. However, any evidence of a seasonal trend can help give a clue to an underlying trigger. Pollen allergy obviously starts as pollen levels start to rise. Dogs can be allergic to tree, grass or weed pollens. Where irritation starts in the spring, then trees are a potential cause, where signs start during May, grass pollen may be implicated and where signs start in June/July weed pollen is a more likely trigger. House dust mite allergies are only really seen in animals that live inside. The more access they have to soft furnishing and the bedroom the more likely they are to develop signs if they are allergic to house dust mites. In addition, a further clue to a house dust mite allergy is that signs commonly get worse as central heating goes on in the late autumn/winter and dogs can improve dramatically if they are put into kennels whilst their owners are away on holiday. So as a dermatologist the key factors that raise my suspicion of an allergy is that other causes have been ruled out, the onset is insidious, it may show seasonal trends, and it is a young dog of a predisposed breed that tends to live inside. In the next edition I will discuss in more detail the clinical signs associated with an allergy Reference Favrot C. et al. A prospective study on the clinical features of chronic canine atopic dermatitis and its diagnosis Vet Dermatology, 2010, 212, 23-31

Westies & Besties - December 2021

COMMUNITY

Pumpkin’s Paw Prints PUMPKIN THE WESTIE HAS CAPTURED THE HEARTS OF DOG OWNERS EVERYWHERE WITH HER PLAYFUL PERSONALITY AND FEISTY LITTLE WESTITUTE IN THE WAKE OF PERMANENT PARALYSIS. HER OWNER TAMMIE FOX REVEALS THE JOURNEY SO FAR… BY KIM LATHAM

We will never know what really happened to Pumpkin. We can only imagine. It actually breaks your heart that something like this could happen to such an innocent animal.

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Tammie Fox

COMMUNITY

PHOTO CREDITS Tammie Fox

Pumpkin & Smiggle

Westies & Besties - December 2021

Tell us about how you came to be the owner of Pumpkin. Pumpkin was surrendered to a local dog rescue called, Breeds in Need. Her breeder didn’t want her due to the problems she had. Breeds in Need contacted me and asked if I would be interested in fostering a young puppy with back leg problems. Nothing prepared me for the shock I got when I first met Pumpkin. I was an emotional wreck. Her injuries were far worse than I had realised. I fell in love with her instantly and wanted to help her. How old is Pumpkin and what health condition does she have? Pumpkin is currently 20 weeks old. She came into my care around two months ago. After undergoing several scans, we are now aware of how severe her injuries are. Pumpkin is fully paralysed from the waist down. She has no feelings or sensations from the waist below and she will never walk. Being fully paralysed also makes Pumpkin incontinent . Have you had Westies before or is Pumpkin your first? Pumpkin is my first Westie. I do however already have a female Jack Russell called Smiggle who is fantastic with Pumpkin - they have a really good bond, it’s really beautiful to watch. Dog lovers around the UK have fallen in love with Pumpkin and have generously donated money to your Go Fund campaign to help her. How much has been raised so far and how does it make you feel? It’s not just the UK, people from all over the world have fallen in love with Pumpkin. The generosity, support and kindness has been phenomenal. It’s absolutely mind blowing, extremely overwhelming. My family and I are so grateful to everybody that has helped Pumpkin. We managed to raise just over £7,000 pounds. This money went towards an appointment with one of the world’s top veterinary specialists. How will this money help Pumpkin? The money we raised paid for Pumpkin to have x-rays, cat scans and an MRI. The money has also

been put aside to pay towards the costs of intense hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. You recently visited one of the world’s leading veterinary clinics. What was the outcome of the visit? Pumpkin had an appointment with one of the top veterinary specialists to receive her treatment. Unfortunately, the results of her scans were shocking and extremely upsetting. The scans revealed that Pumpkin’s back had been broken. It had then been left without veterinary treatment and had fused itself back together in a mangled mess. It is beyond surgery. The scan also revealed that both of her rear legs had also been broken and left without veterinary treatment. Both legs now have grown deformed, in fact they are the opposite way round. The veterinary specialist said that this was the worst case of a spinal injury that he had seen. The only explanation he gave was that this was caused by extreme trauma. Pumpkin was not born like this; this was not a birth defect. We will never know what really happened to Pumpkin. We can only imagine. It actually breaks your heart that something like this could happen to such an innocent animal. My heart breaks everyday when I see Pumpkin unable to walk. I wish there was more that I could do but we love her and me and my family are determined to give her a normal happy life. Pumpkin has new wheels – who donated them and how does this help Pumpkin’s quality of life? The charity Winston Wheels donated a set of wheels to her. They are the smallest set of wheels I have ever seen, and they are still a little big. With her being so small she doesn’t use them everyday. We’re also grateful to the charity for helping us and they have agreed to help us for the rest of Pumpkin’s life. Describe Pumpkin’s personality. Pumpkin is amazing. She is so determined; nothing gets in her way. She is full of personality and character. Pumpkin loves a cuddle and loves wrapping up in a warm fluffy blanket. She loves to play just like any other puppy. She is always playing with Smiggle and tries her best to keep up with her. Pumpkin also loves our four cats! I also

have two children and she loves playtime with them too. She is extremely close to my 4-year-old son Ziggy.

PHOTO CREDIT Tammie Fox

We ended up adopting Pumpkin, we just fell instantly in love with her. It’s hard to remember life before she came into our lives and the last few months have been a rollercoaster. Pumpkin is not the easiest of puppies to look after and some days I feel that she is harder than a newborn baby. But we absolutely adore her, and we are rewarded by watching her grow and being happy. Pumpkin is booked into our local vets to be assessed and to talk about her future treatment. Her hydrotherapy and physiotherapy have also started. I closed the original Go Fund Me page when we realised Pumpkin would not be having surgery. I donated

£1,554 pounds to Breed’s In Need the rescue where she came from. They will use this money to help other dogs in their care and future dogs that will be in their care. Caring for Pumpkin will be ongoing, and we are not sure what the future will hold, so for this reason I have set up a new go fund me page to help towards any costs of equipment or veterinary treatment she will need. I was also encouraged to set up an Amazon wish list. The response to this has also been incredible. Both Smiggle and Pumpkin have received some lovely gifts from all over the world. I cannot thank people enough; I am so grateful. Honestly from the bottom of my heart thank you to everybody. Not just for donations but for the support, the encouragement, and the love.

Westies & Besties - December 2021

COULD AN ELIMINATION DIET BE JUST WHAT YOUR DOG NEEDS? PHOTO CREDIT shutterstock_1476003032

THE POWER OF GOOD QUALITY PROTEIN AND A FRESH, NATURAL DIET

Itch, skin complaints, digestive disorders, teary eyes…….. As a dog owner, perhaps you have a nagging feeling those unwanted symptoms your dog is suffering with are caused by what he or she is eating. Whatever the sign, the chances are you may be right.

digestive issues (GI issues) such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and wind. Yet, symptoms can go far beyond the digestive system and present in the form of skin conditions, itch, joint pain, stiffness, energy depletion, teary eyes, recurring ear infections, even depression and anxiety.

Food is fuel; we all know this. Yet finding the food that helps your dog thrive is not always plain sailing. Just like humans, a dog’s body can respond to different types of foods in varying ways. In the case of food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities, the body determines certain types of food as invaders and resorts to defence mode, triggering an immune response in the form of inflammation.

It’s now widely accepted that the gut is at the centre of health and well-being. When the gut environment is imbalanced, it simply may not cope well with certain foods; unfortunately, a trip to the vets will often result in prescribed medications that, whilst tackling the symptoms, doesn’t resolve the source of the problem. Once the medication is stopped, symptoms often re-appear. The key is to uncover the root cause - identify the trigger, remove it, and give the gut the time and support to heal.

Inflammation is the body’s natural method of protection, which is a necessary part of survival, but the inflammatory response is designed to switch off once the threat has passed. In the case of food intolerance, if the food triggering it is not removed, the off button is never activated. This may then lead to systemic inflammation (continuous lowlevel inflammation), which can manifest in a range of symptoms. Whilst it’s possible for a dog to have a food allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance to any given food, the most frequent culprits for dogs are beef, chicken, dairy, eggs and grains.

Since there can be a range of possibilities as to what food may be triggering symptoms, it can be tricky to establish exactly what the culprit is. So, where do you go from here to support your fourlegged bestie? Well, this is where an elimination diet comes in; one of the best approaches dog owners can take to pinpoint the offending food. The great news is elimination diets aren’t as tricky as they may appear to be. Yet, they do require precise planning and preparation, so here is our step by step guide to help you.

Many people associate food intolerances with

A D V E RTOR IAL

When should I begin an elimination diet? It may be time to turn your attention to the food bowl if you have ruled out other common causes such as: Environmental toxins - floor cleaners, • shampoos or air fresheners etc Seasonal/ outdoor allergens • pollen,grass,weeds,mold • Parasites such as fleas, ticks or mites Medications - including flea and worm • treatments In our experience, switching from a highlyprocessed diet to a natural raw diet is a simple step that can improve symptoms for some dogs. As such, we would always recommend switching to a raw food diet in the first instance; if symptoms persist, then try an elimination diet. What is an elimination diet? As the name may suggest, an elimination diet is simply the process of removing certain food groups or proteins from the diet to determine whether they are the cause of the unwanted symptoms. By switching your fur friend to a raw food diet (provided you choose a reputable producer), you will already have eliminated the non-species appropriate food groups such as grains, dairy and eggs. Once at this stage, the recommended approach is to eliminate one protein or meat type for 2- 4 weeks whilst monitoring the symptoms to assess any improvements. Tip - don’t forget to make sure treats don’t contain combined proteins and come from the same protein source as the food. Also, check ingredient labels in detail; some ‘complete’ meal recipes contain oils from different protein sources than the meat (such as salmon oil) The ideal products are often referred to as ‘single protein’ on product descriptions and labels. If in doubt, always check with the food producer or retailer. How long does an elimination diet last? There is no set time; each dog varies. At ProDog, we suggest 14 weeks is the average length of time to plan for.

What food should I feed? As mentioned above, the first step is to switch to a diet as close to nature as possible. Start with finding a quality raw food supplier, or gaining nutrition advice from canine nutritionists or holistic dog experts should you decide you would like to DIY your raw recipes at home. At ProDog, we recommend carrying out an elimination diet using our 80:10:10 range or Exotics range of foods. These options don’t contain the vegetables or oils often used in complete meal recipes that are known to cause intolerance for some dogs. We advise steering clear of starchy vegetables and feeding leafy greens such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and asparagus (the darker, the better). Green vegetables are extremely low in natural sugars and, as such, are far more supportive of a healthy gut environment . Feed no more than 10% of these on average and blitz the greens in a blender or finely chop as dogs struggle to break down the cellulose wall in veggies and therefore won’t absorb the nutrients eating them whole. Although having said this, feeding zero vegetables is also perfectly acceptable for the short period you will be carrying out an elimination diet. As mentioned previously, chicken and beef are known to be problematic for some dogs, so we advise these are removed from the diet immediately. Start with less commonly farmed meats such as rabbit, turkey, duck or salmon. ProDog Exotics range is created specifically for dogs with sensitivities to more commonly farmed meats, formulated using ‘novel proteins’ venison, wild boar and pheasant; they also contain green veggies and plant-based oils. Through the process of feeding one protein for 2-4weeks, you will become very familiar with which your dog responds better to. At this point, you can try introducing chicken and beef; the symptoms will likely have decreased significantly; as soon as a food that is a trigger enters your canine companion’s system at this stage, it will be very obvious. How do I monitor the changes? Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to keep track. Record the date you start feeding a particular protein, plus any change to symptoms, does the severity decrease or increase etc.? If things get significantly worse after you start with a new

Westies & Besties - December 2021

protein (meat), please stop and switch to another meat. There is no need to continue for 2-4 weeks if it is very obvious the food is a trigger. Can I do an elimination alone, or do I need help from a pro? If your dog has been diagnosed with health conditions, we would always advise you to seek advice from a pro-raw vet or qualified canine nutritionist. You can choose to go it alone if your dog is healthy (aside from the suspected food sensitivity symptoms), but you may still feel more confident with specialist support. At ProDog, we have nutrition advisors and feeding experts on hand to assist with questions or provide support and encouragement. How can I be sure my dog is getting enough nutrients if he or she isn’t eating a varied diet? Don’t panic; dogs are adaptable. They have evolved on a prey diet, meaning their ancestors’ food consisted of whatever animal they could catch or find; for several days or weeks that may be one particular species. Provided the food you are feeding is from a reputable producer, made

with good quality ingredients and with verified production methods, then your dog will be fine. Don’t forget, this is a process for a limited time with the end goal of helping your dog lead a healthier, happier life. What happens after I have finished the diet? Hopefully, once your elimination diet is fully complete, you will be super clear on which foods and protein types your bestie thrives on. Some owners decide to continue without ever reintroducing the problematic protein types and eliminate them entirely. Some try to re-introduce them after a long enough period (often a year) and a gut reform protocol using probiotics and digestive enzymes if required. The good news is that it’s not necessary to re-introduce something that could be a trigger food when there are plenty of other options to choose from. For guidance and support ProDog feeding experts are available seven days per week; contact us via the contact form on our website, Facebook or Instagram direct messaging.

F E AT U R E

The Three Muskateers CRIME FICTION AUTHOR MADELEINE ESKEDAHL TALKS WESTIES, WINERIES AND WRITING FOLLOWING HER FIRST BOOK, BLOOD ON VINES

“

What I love about the Westie breed is that they are little Napoleons, small in stature but with masses of confidence and personality in spades

Westies & Besties - December 2021

”

PHOTO CREDIT Madeleine Eskedahl

F E AT U R E

orn and raised in Sweden, Madeleine Eskedahl made the move to New Zealand in the early nineties. Always an avid reader and a keen writer, she waited until her children were older before taking the plunge and writing her first novel in the Matakana Series, Blood On Vines. An exciting newcomer to crime fiction, Blood On Vines is due to be followed by a second novel, Rings On Water at the end of 2022. What is it about Westies that make them such a special breed in your view? What I love about the Westie breed is that they are little Napoleons, small in stature but with masses of confidence and personality in spades. The fact that they are highly intelligent and can communicate with a look, a head tilt or the tap of a paw makes them such a joy to be around. They can be stubborn and bossy and know what they want, but also incredibly loving, immensely loyal and the best companion and family member you can have. I find it difficult to ever say no to those big brown eyes and cute nose. For The Three Musketeers, complete with “Westitude”, sloppy kisses and lots of demands, Harry (13,) Archie (12) and Jemma (16) complete our family, something I’m truly grateful for every day. Your character McTavish is based on one of your own westies. Was it always your plan he would feature in it, or did you realise he should be in it while already writing the book? McTavish is a stubborn little dog who I knew was going to be in Blood On Vines from the start. In the parts of the book that he features his personality comes through loud and clear. I had a lot of fun writing about him, drawing on a combination of personalities and traits from my own dogs.

Your Westies come from Maureen Murphy of Whitebriar New Zealand. What makes Maureen a good breeder in your opinion? Maureen’s reputation as one of the premier breeders in New Zealand is second to none. She has a commitment to excellence, her dogs are wonderfully structured, fantastic temperament and character. You kindly took part in a recent Westie Advice Group auction where you auctioned a “Name Your Westie Character” for your next book. How well received was this and how did this idea come about? I have belonged to the awesome Westie Advice Group for many years. When I saw the auction, I thought perhaps I could contribute in a fun way to raise some well needed funds for veterinary bills for Westies in need etc. There was so much interest and lots of bids for the lucky winner to “name” their Westie. In the end we raised more than £500 on this item. I’m truly humbled and so excited to be able to include a special Westie or two in Rings On Water, the next book in The Matakana Series. Where can people buy your book? Blood On Vines, the first book in The Matakana Series can be purchased through your favourite independent book shop, Waterstones, WH Smith and on Amazon to name a few. What have The Three Musketeers taught you about life? Like my children, life is about so much more than just yourself and the day to day, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Madeleine Eskedahl

F E AT U R E

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Madeleine Eskedahl

F E AT U R E

“

Like my children, life is about so much more than just yourself and the day to day, and I wouldn’t change it for the world

You waited until your children were grown to fully immerse yourself in writing. What does it take to write a successful book? What inspires you? How do you ensure your imagination stays active and that you don’t get writers’ block? The most important thing in my opinion is to read widely and write from the heart. Try not to overthink things. Let the words flow. It doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect from the start. It’s easier to edit a full page than a blank one. Write a book that you would like to read, you’ll find there are lots of people just like you. My inspiration comes from spending time in beautiful Matakana wine country with its miles of untouched coastline, eateries, galleries, and some of the most stunning white sandy beaches in New Zealand. The region’s boutique wineries showcase a diverse range of grape varieties

”

reflecting a unique sense of place, climate, and community. The Three Musketeers are my constant companions and love exploring the region and having fun. As for my imagination and thought process, my mind is constantly ticking over, I’m always mulling over a current plot line or finding new ones for future books. Harry, Archie, and Jemma are a huge part of my creative process. They sleep under my desk during the day, but also make me take breaks and of course take them for walks. To get outside and get fresh air with the dogs is great for the thought process and problem solving. The Three Musketeers really are my muses.

COMMUNITY

Celebrating the Heritage of Scotland Home of the West Highland White Terrier CAROL SMITH OF SCOTTISH KEEPSAKES REVEALS WHY SHE REBRANDED HER COMPANY TO INCLUDE HER FAMILY HERITAGE AND THE MAGIC OF HER HOMELAND How and when did Scottish Keepsakes come about? In my previous business (Caring Keepsakes), I trialled a Scottish selection as an extension to the existing core range. It was an immediate hit with customers!

Which part of Scotland are you based? Our workshop is in Dundonald near the beautiful Ayrshire coast. Troon, Prestwick, Irvine, Ayr, and Kilmarnock are within easy reach.

Carol with Bonnie & Isla

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDIT Carol Smith

I am passionate about my Scottish heritage, and with family connections to kilt-making, Scottish/ Burns singing and reciting plus a love of all things Scottish, so I decided to re-brand to ‘Scottish Keepsakes’ concentrating on providing unique, quality hand-crafted gifts with Scottish themes.

PHOTO CREDIT Carol Smith

COMMUNITY

Brodick Castle

COMMUNITY

Are you a Westie owner? Yes! Our two rescues, Bonnie, and Isla have been with us now for almost seven years. Before that, we had another Westie, Beth, who we had offered to doggy-sit for an older friend to allow him to go on holiday. Unfortunately, he became ill on his return and, sadly, passed away. So, a 2-week obligement became a 4-year adoption! We didn’t regret it for a second. Your products are hand-made and are inspired by Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, culture, and history. How easy/difficult has it been to market these products overseas? There is a huge global Scottish diaspora - ex-pats, ancestral connections and simply ‘Scots-at-heart’. I would say, if anything, because of the Covid-19 restrictions on travel to the UK, it has increased international online demand for a ‘wee piece of Scotland’. I stock outlets all over Scotland, but this has obviously been severely affected for almost two years now. However, with increasing interest from overseas retailers, I’m now stocking shops in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

PHOTO CREDIT Carol Smith

Your Westie products are a huge hit – tell us about how these came to be. Are your Westie gifts one of your best-selling ranges? I really wanted to design some Westie products to help ‘give back’ a little to UK Westie Rescues. Isla was the inspiration for the first of our products…. the cute little lapel pin. We now have wooden and rock slate coasters, ‘lucky’ sixpences

for Christmas, memorial hanging hearts for those who have sadly lost a Westie. We will have our Christmas mug from next week. All purchases of our Westie products will generate a donation to a UK Westie rescue. We’ve already raised more than £500 through auctions and donations to help with re-homing, fostering and vet bills for those most in need. How difficult has it been for your business during the pandemic? It certainly has been a challenge! We had just taken the keys to our workshop five weeks before lockdown happened in March 2020 and lost most of our shop orders overnight! So, it was a case of broadening our target markets, looking further afield, online, and developing products that we felt would be appreciated by customers who couldn’t visit loved ones in person. We offer an international shipping service and can include a personal message to the recipient. A bonus of this change in direction was that we were able to make a donation to the NHS from the sale of our Angel pins. What are your plans for 2022? Any new products on the horizon? We are working on new designs all the time and hope to expand on our ‘Outlander-inspired’ range as well as a couple more Westie designs. We’ll be back exhibiting at the SECC (Glasgow) Trade show in January 2022 where we hope to re-connect with our old stockists and meet some new ones. ‘Normality’ surely must resume soon!

Carol with Bonnie & Isla

Westies & Besties - December 2021

COMMUNITY

WIN PRIZES FROM SCOTTISH KEEPSAKES! A new Christmas Mug & coaster set ‘Have Yourself a Westie Little Christmas’ 1 x rough slate coaster 2 x Lucky Sixpences ‘Have Yourself a Westie Little Christmas’* 2 x lapel pin badges (1 on ribbon and 1 on tweed)

HOW TO WIN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS AND EMAIL YOUR ANSWERS TO INFO@WESTIESANDBESTIES.COM 1.WHERE WAS THE PHOTO OF BONNIE AND ISLA TAKEN? 2.WHICH OF THESE SOUNDS IS A WESTIE MOST RESPONSIVE TO? A: THE WORD ‘NO’? B: NEXT DOOR’S CAT MEOWING? C: CHEESE BEING UNWRAPPED?

COMPETITION RULES: THIS COMPETITION OPENS ON 1ST DECEMBER 2021 AND ENDS ON 31ST DECEMBER 2021. THIS COMPETITION IS OPEN TO UK RESIDENTS ONLY AND ONLY ONE ENTRANT FROM EACH HOUSEHOLD IS PERMITTED. THE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL BY WESTIES & BESTIES MAGAZINE. IF WE DO NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO OUR EMAIL WITHIN 48 HOURS, WE OBTAIN THE RIGHT TO GIVE THE PRIZE TO A RUNNER UP. THE PRIZES WILL BE SENT TO THE WINNER DIRECTLY FROM SCOTTISH KEEPSAKES. BY ENTERING THIS COMPETITION ENTRANTS AGREE THAT WESTIES & BESTIES MAGAZINE CAN PASS ON YOUR DETAILS (NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS AND POSTAL ADDRESS) TO SCOTTISH KEEPSAKES IN ORDER FOR THE PRIZES TO BE SENT OUT.

A DV E RTO RI A L

WESTIE’S LEGACY OF LOVE FOR HUNGRY CHILDREN Writing children’s picture books has proved the perfect way for Westie fan Alison Page to combine her twin passions -- for her much-loved family pet, Corrie, and for the work of Mary’s Meals, a charity which provides school meals for hungry children in developing countries.

adventures of a love-able and high-spirited terrier - just like her. As well as keeping Corrie’s memory alive, the stories ensure a wonderful legacy. Alison donates money that she makes from sales of the books to Mary’s Meals, supporting its

“Mary’s Meals provides a healthy meal each day in school for children who really need that nutrition,” explains Alison, who also volunteers as the charity’s Isle of Arran Ambassador. “Children’s life chances can be hugely limited by poverty and factors from climate change to disease - but by providing a meal in a school setting, Mary’s Meals ensures that there is always an incentive to learn, and that children have the

PHOTO CREDITS Alison Page

The author’s West Highland terrier, Corrie, died last year, but lives on in Alison’s popular Corrie’s Capers stories, because she was the inspiration for the series of three heart-warming books which follow the

activities in 19 of the world’s poorest countries -- and she has already raised £13,000.

Westies & Besties - December 2021

A D V E RTORI AL

Started in the village of Dalmally in West Scotland - not far from Alison’s home island - Mary’s Meals now feeds more than 2 million children worldwide. It has gained support from high profile figures including Hollywood star Gerard Butler and tennis coach Judy Murray, and helped many young people, from countries as far afield as Haiti and Syria, to complete their education and move on to bright futures. It costs just £15.90 for Mary’s Meals to provide its daily meal in school for one child for a year - so normally buying one of Alison’s £7.99 books enables Mary’s Meals to feed a child for six months. This Christmas though, thanks to a generous group of donors, Mary’s Meals has a festive ‘Double the Love’ campaign, doubling the value of

all donations made from now until the end of January 2022. If you buy just one of Alison’s picture books over the next few weeks, you will get a beautiful gift for yourself or the little person in your life AND pay for a hungry child’s school dinners for an entire year. Though lockdown prevented Alison from visiting schools to talk about her work, in the months since Corrie died, she has been busy raising awareness about Mary’s Meals online and in other ways. She still misses her dear dog and the adventures they had together though.

“I feel very fortunate that her memory will live on through my Corrie’s Capers picture book series. It’s not quite the same as having your precious pet though, is it?”

Corrie

“Corrie was such a huge part of my life for all of her 15 years,” says Alison. “Whenever I came home from walking Corrie, my husband would ask: ‘Well who did you meet today then?’ Nine times out of ten I could tell you the dog’s name but not the owner’s!”

If you buy just one of Alison’s picture books over the next few weeks, you will get a beautiful gift for yourself or the little person in your life AND pay for a hungry child’s school dinners for an entire year.

For information about Mary’s Meals, go to www.marysmeals.org To order Corrie’s Capers books, go to www.westie.scot/shop

IMAGE CREDITS Alison Page

energy to focus when they do get to class.”

C R E AT I V E

The Eyes are the Window to the Soul

You’re an award-winning professional wildlife artist. How long have you been painting and was it always on the cards that you would do this for a living? I have painted since I was about 10 so that’s over 40 years. Of course when I first did it I was just messing around. Then I started to think seriously about drawing and painting when I started 6th form college. I was told in my A level art lesson that I would never do anything with art! So, I decided I wanted to go to Art college. I did Scientific and Technical Illustration and absolutely loved every minute of it. Then after college, getting married and raising a family took preference. I taught watercolours at the local college for years, but I didn’t really start painting seriously until about 10 years ago when I saw other artists work posted on the Internet. I have westies myself, so it was always on the cards that I was going to paint them. I am part of the Westie Advice Group on Facebook so when I started advertising my pet portraits, I got some interest from them.

PHOTO CREDIT Jean Pritchard

THE WORK OF ARTIST JEAN PRITCHARD IS GAINING MOMENTUM AS MORE AND MORE WESTIE OWNERS TURN TO THE AWARD-WINNING PAINTER TO CAPTURE THEIR BELOVED PUPS ON CANVAS

Above: Jean Pritchard

Westies & Besties - December 2021

IMAGE CREDIT Jean Pritchard

C R E AT I V E

AlfieMoon

C R E AT I V E

IMAGE CREDITS Jean Pritchard

Bailey (above) Bear (below)

Westies & Besties - December 2021

IMAGE CREDIT Jean Pritchard

C R E AT I V E

Archie

C R E AT I V E

Charlie

Rosie

Ella

Tilly IMAGE CREDITS Jean Pritchard

Tilly

Barney

Westies & Besties - December 2021

C R E AT I V E

When did you start painting West Highland Terriers and how difficult is it when you’re copying a photograph? Talk us through the process. It’s hard to bring someone’s Westie out on canvas and get the true personality. I won’t work from reference photos that are no good. That is not what I am about, and I don’t want something out there that I am not happy with. Of course, it would be ideal to take all the photos myself but that isn’t always possible so I have to work with a client to get the best photos they can possibly get. I am fortunate the doggy people take such a lot of photos! I do an underpainting in one colour first to try and get the personality of the dog. When I am happy with that then I start to add colour in thin layers letting the layers dry before adding the next. This takes a few weeks of adding and drying. Then when finished they are scanned in so I have a copy for advertising, then they are varnished. They are sent out unframed in my own personal box, so they look good for a present. You also teach art classes. What kind of people attend your classes? I have taught for many years and have only recently stopped my in-person classes as I haven’t got time to do them anymore. The zoom classes are made up of people from all over the world, some are beginners, but some are professional artists too who want to learn oils my way. I try and take the difficulty out of oils as I was brought up with watercolours and had to teach myself oils. We have our own private Facebook page where we can all post work and ask questions and suggest new materials, brushes etc…. it’s great! I have been totally overwhelmed with the way it has taken off and I love doing it. I only do one a week, so I have time to get on with commissions and wildlife paintings.

Your uncle was a well-known local artist. What did you learn from him? My uncle and godfather always encouraged me - he was a Lake District artist, T. Leslie Hawkes. But my style was totally different to his so he could only advise me so far. He taught me my first watercolours; I am the only one in the family to inherit his talent for drawing so I would like to take it as far as I can. What are your plans for 2022? I am looking forward to 2022 Art wise. I am in a gallery now so I hope I can get an exhibition of my own. An Art Publisher has picked my work up and is doing prints of it, so my work is going much further afield. My commission list has a waiting list of about a year which is brilliant. I have just invested in a very large easel, so I am hoping to get some big paintings done…I want to push myself with those. What inspires you and do you ever take a break to reflect on your work? Lighting inspires me, textures inspire me. I love the softness in fur which I am always trying to emulate. Trying to get the feeling of the subject actually there. I am always trying to do that. Eyes are my favourite thing to paint; you can get the soul of an animal in the eyes. What artists are you inspired/influenced by? Raymond Harris-Ching, David Kassan, Steven Townsend, Robert Bateman, to name a few, these are the painters I love. Realism. When I show at wildlife exhibitions, I still pinch myself that I am showing next to such great artists as Stella Mays, Eric Wilson and Michael Demain, Alan Hunt. These are artists I have admired for years each for their own style. When I came back into painting after many years after the introduction of the Internet these are the artists whose work I would spend hours looking at. For more information on Jean’s work visit www.jeanpritchard.co.uk Facebook: @jeanpritchardartist Instagram: @jeanpritchardwildlifeart

RECIPE

TURDUCKEN AFTER DINNER MINTS TREAT YOUR BESTIE TO A FESTIVE CHRISTMAS DELIGHT

PHOTO CREDITS Chefs & Dogs

BY DANIEL TOMAS OF CHEFS & DOGS

Westies & Besties - December 2021

PHOTO CREDITS Chefs & Dogs

RECIPE

Equipment: Mixing bowl Tablespoon Spatula Baking paper Knife Rolling pin Oven or Dehydrator Ingredients Chicken mince 250g Turkey mince 250g Duck heart & liver or duck mince 100g Mint - 10 leaves Kelp - 1 heaped tablespoon Method Place chicken, turkey, and duck all into a mixing bowl Thinly slice the mint leaves and add a heaped tablespoon of kelp powder to the bowl and mix Grab a sheet of baking paper and add the mixture from the bowl to the baking paper Add another sheet of baking paper on top and roll out till even and thin (3-5mm) Remove top sheet of baking paper and place in oven or dehydrator for 24 hours at 75°C or until dry and can be snapped easily . Finally, cut into bite-sized bits and store in an airtight container for up to six months. For more information on Chefs & Dogs visit: chefsanddogs.com.au

COMPETITION

WIN A COPY OF BLOOD ON THE VINES BY MADELEINE ESKEDAHL

HOW TO ENTER ANSWER THE QUESTION BELOW AND EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO INFO@WESTIESANDBESTIES.COM

WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF MADELEINE’S THREE MUSKATEERS?

Westies & Besties - December 2021

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