T H E U K ’ S O N LY W E ST H I G H L A N D T E R R I E R M AG A Z I N E
WESTIES & BESTIES ISSUE 5, VOL 1
JANUARY 2021
PRODUCT NEWS
ISSN 2634-4130
NEOSPOROSIS Do You Know the Symptoms?
The Latest Canine Innovations
HAILEY’S WHEELS
MENTAL HEALTH
How One Special Westie Helped Hundreds of Others to Live
How Dogs Help Deal with Depression & Chase Away the Blues
THE HERBAL DOG COMPANY
Powders & Potions that keep your Westie Healthy
UNDERCOVER COP! The Man Working to Stop Animal Abuse in Britain & Abroad
WESTIES & BESTIES’ BREED OF THE MONTH The Scottish Terrier!
Case Study
Is Canine Stress All in the Mind?
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Westies & Besties - Sept 2020
WELCOME
LET’S CHASE AWAY THE BLUES…TOGETHER! Happy New Year and welcome to the January edition of Westies & Besties magazine. Let’s be honest, January is usually a fairly miserable month for most of us as we move on from all of the celebrations and festivities (if you were lucky enough to have any!) If you suffer with depression, however, then the impact can be much more severe. Senior Writer, Chantelle Horton joins Westies & Besties to reveal how our beloved dogs help those living and struggling with mental health illnesses. Matt Pike, Founder of Australian charity, Hailey’s Wheels, also joins us this issue and tells us why his wonderful westie, Hailey, was the inspiration behind helping dogs all over the world by giving them wheels. We’re pleased to welcome Faye Andrews to our evergrowing list of columnists. Faye is a human & canine osteopath and will be teaching us about the symptoms of Neosporosis this month, a parasitic spinal disease that can prove lethal to our canine companions which follows on from our interview with Matt Pike. We’re bringing you a brand-new Crime column this edition written by Mark Randell. Mark was a Senior Police Detective for over 30 years and was responsible for serious crime and counter terrorism. He went on to use his policing skills to help animals around the world. Mark will join the Westies & Besties team by having his own column each month so be sure to have a read of his fascinating insightful stories. As we move into 2021 and whatever it has in store for us, we’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year. Stay safe, stay positive…and stay with your Westie.
K. Latham Editor
Our Westie, Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer!
Info@westiesandbesties.com
To subscribe to Westies & Besties Magazine visit: www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/subscribe
Publisher – Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road, Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com Senior Writer Chantelle Horton Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Web Developer Rhys Davies Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com Design Kutchibok Ltd. Photography Front Cover Image by Shutterstock - Image ID: 102507092 Printing Warners Midlands PLC Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the “Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by Warners Midlands PLC. 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’s adverts.
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CONTENTS
INSIDE This Issue
08 OPINION
Vince the Vet shares a real-life case study of a dog who was wasting away before the eyes of her distraught owners before realising dogs have more in common with humans than ďŹ rst thought
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10 INFLUENCER
Meet Sam Grant, creator of the blog The Wee White Dug, who now has a following of over 137,000 fans as she travels around Scotland with her precious Westie, Casper
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16 CHARITY
Matt Pike, Founder of Hailey’s Wheels for Life, takes us on a journey of inspiration as he reveals his charity has supplied over 100 wheelchairs to dogs with mobility issues following the death of his beloved Westie, Hailey
CONTENTS
20 HEALTH
24 FEATURE
Faye Andrews, a leading human and canine osteopath reveals the dangers of Neosporosis, a devastating parasitic spinal disease
Chantelle Horton reports on the science behind how dogs benefit our mental health and how when it comes to beating the January blues, there’s no better remedy than our dogs
36 WESTIES & BESTIES’ BREED OF THE MONTH
38 NATURAL
The Scottish Terrier
30 CRIME
Mark Randell, an ex-senior police detective and now a specialist in international animal investigations, reveals why he turned his attention to helping animals through covert operations and why animals matter
Gemma Stokes, Founder of The Herbal Dog Company talks to Westies & Besties on the powders, tonics, and supplements helping to keep Westies healthy and allergy-free Image by The Herbal Dog Company
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ADVERTORIAL
Put the Spring Back in your Older Dog’s Step with Photizo Vetcare BY ANNA WEBB
The New Year is all about fresh starts and new opportunities both for you and your dog. This might mean shifting some extra Christmas pounds, or putting a spring into your older dog’s step. As the cold wet weather takes its wintry toll, many older dogs’ arthritic symptoms might have been exacerbated. Perhaps you’ve noticed him slowing down, being stiff and struggling to jump out of his bed? These signs are symptoms related to Osteoarthritis, which affects 80% of all Britain’s dogs, not just Westies, but their ‘besties’ too. What if you could put a spring back into his step, or help a musculoskeletal condition like a luxating patella / ‘slipping kneecap’ as well as just boosting his wellbeing? Many small dogs, but especially Terriers like Westies, Jack Russell’s, the Norfolk, and the Norwich are
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susceptible to kneecap issues. Often defined by an irregular skip in their step, it can be a sticky issue to fix in breeds that like to be on the go! My Miniature Bull Terrier, Prudence, has a slipping kneecap incurred after a clumsy tumble as a pup. She’s only five and I’ve managed the injury with help from Photizo’s Vetcare. My re-homed English Toy Terrier, Mr Binks suffers from Legg Calves Perthes Disease (LCPD), a common degenerative bone condition in small dogs and Terriers. The ball joint of the hip degrades at an early age. Vets are torn between it being congenital or an autoimmune issue. Either way, the condition involves a lack of blood flow to the ball socket, and its removal. Mr Binks is named the ‘one hip wonder’. He was diagnosed with arthritis (associated with LCPD)
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aged only 2.5 years when I rehomed him. Now aged nine he is extremely active and has no signs of arthritis or spondylosis. I was introduced to the Vetcare in 2014 by Animal Physiotherapist, Sherry Scott MBE. I used it to help my first Mini Bull terrier, Molly. As a non-invasive, pocket-sized device, it provides a natural solution to combat age related immobility. It was designed after years of research to help all musculoskeletal conditions using LED sourced red and near infrared pulsed light. It’s so easy to use as it’s set with pre-programmed 30-second doses of evidence based red light therapy. Creating a biological reaction, deep at a cellular level Photizo Vetcare reduces inflammation, promotes lymph flow, collagen production and not least encourages ATP production –
ADVERTORIAL cellular energy. Since its launch in 2013 Photizo Vetcare has been embraced by Vets, Physiotherapists, and healthcare practitioners nationwide as a powerful, noninvasive treatment tool. What’s great is that unlike other red-light sources like a laser, Photizo is safe to use, with no need to wear cumbersome eyewear. Photizo offers healing and pain relief in-between trips to your Animal Physiotherapist, Hydrotherapy or Acupuncturist, and works best when used daily as part of an on-going rehabilitation programme. Out in the field strained and bruised muscles benefit instantly after injury as Photizo promotes circulation to the affected areas, reducing pain and inflammation fast for speedier recovery. Several studies agree that one of the many biological effects of the
Vetcare is it releases endorphins and dogs instantly relax, enjoying the calming effects. It’s great for hyperactive dogs and helps them settle in line with the body’s need to rest and repair. I’ve also used Vetcare on loads of minor injuries like cut paws, insect bites, grazes and to reive Prudence’s one ‘itchy’ paw. It stimulates natural healing so quickly and reduces pain making first aid treatment so much more effective. Find out more about Photizo’s Vetcare here: www.danetrehealthproducts.com
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OPINION
IS STRESS ALL IN THE MIND? VINCE THE VET SHARES A CASE STUDY OF A BOXER CALLED BELLA WHO WAS WASTING AWAY BEFORE THE EYES OF HER TROUBLED OWNERS BY VINCE THE VET
Image by Shutterstock - ID: 443852653
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OPINION
Dr Vince MacNally
Thirty-five years ago, I saw a Boxer, who was steadily losing weight. The puzzling thing was, Bella was still eating normally, her diet hadn’t changed, there was no vomiting or diarrhoea, and no physical abnormalities, other than increasingly prominent bones. Investigations over several weeks proved fruitless. All the blood tests were normal. X-rays likewise. Stool samples had been sniffed, smeared on a slide, and stained, cultured on plates, and inspected for parasites - all to no avail. In short, there appeared to be no physical or physiological reason for Bella’s continued, steady decline. With no other avenues of investigation left to explore, an operation was performed to examine all the abdominal organs, in a search for any clues (this was long before the advent of MRI and CAT scans for pets). Once again, everything appeared fine. Before closing the incision, tiny full thickness biopsies of bowel tissue were removed from various points along the gut, in the hope that histology would reveal microscopic abnormalities that were not visible to the naked eye. A tense week followed before the laboratory report came back. Opening the envelope (no email reports then!) our hearts sank, the tissue samples taken were all healthy. We were well and truly at a dead end - until that is - new information came to light, which changed everything. Asking about Bella’s life before the problem began, we were told that for many years, three Boxers had
lived in the same house, all happily getting along. And then, the eldest one died. As old as she was, she was still ‘the boss’, who kept the other two in check whenever any squabbles broke out. Shortly after this, a battle of wills began, which was quickly won by the older bitch. Despite clearly being ‘top dog’, she would at intervals pounce without warning on Bella with venom, drawing blood, and continuing her attack until physically hauled away by her distressed owners. In the absence of any other explanation for Bella literally wasting away, and all attempts at stopping the bullying, the older girl was rehomed. Within days the difference in Bella was astonishing! Back was the mischievous sense of fun Boxers are renowned for. Playing became a passion again, and the more her mood lifted, the better her body condition became. Several weeks later she was mentally and physically back to her ‘old self’. As a young Vet, not long out of University at the time, I learnt three important lessons, not taught then during the BVSC course: Firstly, a pet’s mental and emotional state can profoundly affect their physiology and physical health - even to the point of causing serious illness (this was not widely recognised ‘back in the day’). Secondly, that sometimes it is not until after a pet’s mood or general demeanour has improved following the successful resolution of a problem, that it becomes clear just how anxious, stressed, or depressed they were.
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Thirdly, it is essential to consider chronic stress as a factor, whenever ill-health appears, even if it not the main cause of the problem, or signs of persistent fight/flight arousal are not obvious. Given that anxiety in one form or another affects the majority of pets today, as a result of the many stresses and strains of modern day living, providing ongoing natural relief is an essential part of any natural dog care regime. Clinically proven blends of botanical and mineral extracts which help to reset fight / flight reactivity and the gut-brain axis, can be highly effective in this regard. It is also important however, to also consider and address any specific underlying causes for particular types of stress, as in Bella’s case, which may include: • grief • persistent ill-health • past traumas (especially in rescue dogs) • diet (deficiencies of certain amino acids, vitamins, minerals, or trace elements for example, can negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis (HPA) and levels of balancing neurotransmitters in the brain and gut, resulting in an increase in stress hormones and the likelihood of problematic behaviours) • conditioning (the impact of upbringing and training) • drugs • family dynamics (human and canine) • home environment
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INFLUENCER
Blogs, Branding, and a Hardy Wee Westie SAM GRANT, CREATOR OF THE WEE WHITE DUG, TALKS TO WESTIES & BESTIES ON BUILDING HER BLOG, PROMOTING SCOTTISH TOURISM, AND CASPER, THE FEARLESS, CHEEKY WESTIE WHO MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE
How did the idea of Scotland with the Wee White Dug come about? The blog is a spin-off of my Instagram feed @bean_nighe. I started the feed in 2011 and once I found my niche, it became a Scottish travel feed, with the odd foreign trip thrown in for a bit of variety. When Casper joined the family towards the end of 2012, I started sharing photos of him on our travels. The photos were always a hit. The blog followed, so I could expand on the information I was sharing about the places we visited. Then, came Casper’s Instagram feed @theweewhitedug, which quickly overtook mine in terms of popularity. I then expanded further with a Twitter feed @theweewhitedug and Facebook page ‘Scotland with the Wee White Dug’. Each platform attracts a slightly different audience and helps me to reach a wide range of people. How long have you been writing the blog and when did you start? I published my first blog in December 2015, so Scotland with the Wee White Dug has just celebrated its 5th birthday.
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How much has your following grown since you started? It’s grown at an incredible rate, which still takes me by surprise. I’ve built a following of 137,000+ followers from scratch and it amazes me that so many people are willing to engage with my words and photos. It’s very humbling and a wee bit surreal. Tell us about your relationships with Scottish companies. I’ve met so many lovely people through my blog, ranging from those working in events, accommodation, visitor attractions and brands. It’s given me a great insight into the Scottish hospitality industry. I’ve made a lot of strong working relationships and there are some businesses I’ve worked with on a number of occasions over the years. Meeting the people who make Scotland a world class visitor destination is one of the things I love most about what I do. What impact do you think your blog has had on people wanting to visit Scotland? I often hear from people who say my blog had inspired them
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to visit Scotland, or one of the places I’ve featured in a post. I also hear a lot, about how the blog has helped people to plan their itinerary for a visit to Scotland. I think that’s great. I do what I do, because I love Scotland and travelling around the country, but it’s lovely to know my passion rubs off on other people too Tell us about your Westie. Casper aka The Wee White Dug is a typical Westie – he’s stubborn, fearless, loud, loyal and loving. He has a really cheeky personality and had brought so much fun and laughter into our lives. He’s a hardy wee soul too, who loves nothing more than a day spent in the hills. .
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All photos supplied by Sam Grant
INFLUENCER
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INFLUENCER
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INFLUENCER
Has the vision of your blog changed as it’s grown more popular? The vision of my blog has remained consistent throughout. It’s always been about showcasing Scotland as a wonderful visitor destination and sharing information about the history, language, customs and myths of Scotland. Back in the early days my travel was all selffunded and we went wherever we fancied. Now, the majority of my travel in Scotland is on assignment for the blog. The businesses who work with me, have fully bought into my travelogue style of writing. I’ll never share a blog that focuses solely on a hotel or self-catering property. It’s always about the accommodation and what there is to see and do in the local area. That’s always how I’ve written my blog and is what drew my followers to it in the first place. It’s a tried and tested formula that works. I do love the unknown element of our travels these days. I never know where our next trip will be and that excites me. I could be sitting at home in Edinburgh one day and in Caithness the next. How often does your blog come out? Where can people find it? I usually publish a new blog fortnightly, but that can vary depending on how busy we are on our travels. The blog can be found at www.theweewhitedug.com .
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CHARITY
Moving Around the World Matt Pike, Founder of Hailey’s Wheels for Life, takes us on a journey of inspiration as he reveals his charity has supplied over 100 wheelchairs to dogs with mobility issues following the death of his beloved Westie, Hailey
How receptive were people to your idea when you first launched Hailey’s Wheels for Life? Hailey’s Wheels for Life was started in October 2013. At that point Hailey had been gone just over a year, but the following that she had through her journey meant that friends across the Facebook world remained. We launched Hailey’s Wheels for Life and the reception was supportive and positive. We started a fundraising campaign for the first wheelchair recipient with great success. How old was Hailey when she got the disease? When you were first told about the disease were you advised to use a wheelchair or did you find that out yourself? Hailey was 11 when she was diagnosed with Neosporosis. The Veterinary specialists took several weeks to diagnose the condition, at that point it was too late for her to recover from the damage of the disease or respond to the medication available at the time. The specialists, like many, didn’t have a canine wheelchair option as a means of maintaining the mobility of a dog. I don’t recall exactly what led me on the path to a wheelchair, but seeing Hailey’s determination to continue her daily life, I searched the Internet for the best wheelchair on the market and one that would complement Hailey’s personality. It was the Walkin’ Wheels brand that I was impressed with, given its non-clinical design, easy adjustability and usability and they came in PINK!
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Westies & Besties - Jan 2021
CHARITY Where do the wheelchairs come from? How are they fitted for each dog? The majority of wheelchairs are Walkin’ Wheels brand. The custom wheelchairs for dogs requiring front wheels only, i.e. Double front amputee or dogs born without formed front legs come from Eddies Wheels in the USA. The Walkin’ Wheels brand is very adjustable, so multiple measurements for this brand of wheelchair are not required, just three basic measurements, height, length and weight. The rest can be adjusted by the owner with the click of a button. We ask for the wheelchair recipient to maintain contact with us after they receive the new wheelchair and send photos of the dog in the wheelchair so that we can assist them in fine tuning it for correct balance and comfort. For front wheels only, it is a little more technical and they are custom made to fit the particular dog.
I searched the Internet for the best wheelchair on the market and one that would complement Hailey’s personality. Images supplied by Matt Pike
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CHARITY Have the wheelchairs been sent/used outside of Australia? These wheelchairs go worldwide. Australia, USA, UK, South America, New Zealand, Eastern Europe, they go everywhere! How was your idea initially received by the veterinary community? As part of our model, we ask for a letter from the owners’ vet confirming that a wheelchair is in the best interest of the dog. Most vets are very receptive and embrace the idea. Can you tell us about the disease? Is it common or rare in Westies? Neosporosis is an internal parasitic disease affecting dogs, cows and horses predominantly. It is not a common disease and there is no vaccination or cure as far as I am aware. To this day it is a mystery how Hailey contracted it. It is not common to Westies per se, but it has been known to be carried by dogs causing them paralysis. How grateful have people been when they’ve found out you can help them? The greatest joy and the driving force behind Hailey’s Wheels for Life is seeing the happiness on the dog’s face and the joy on the owners’ face
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once they see their dog is happy and mobile. One of the best memories I have is of a little pug called Cooper. He was paralysed in his rear legs. He had a brother that was a Samoyed. They lived on a farm south of Adelaide. Little Cooper loved playing with his brother but couldn’t chase him. I took Hailey’s old wheelchair for him to try and the moment he was clipped in, he took off after the Samoyed across the paddock. Cooper was so happy and the owners were in tears of joy. That’s why we do it! How many dogs are euthanised in Australia because of this disease? I would not know. I can’t imagine there would be many. The disease is not particular to Australia. How proud are you of what has been achieved so far and what’s your goal for 2021? Helping dogs regain their independence is extremely rewarding. Also sharing the knowledge and creating awareness that there are options for an otherwise healthy dog is very important to us and seeing the results in Hailey’s name make us proud. What we do would not be possible without the courage, confidence and inspiration of Hailey.
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CHARITY
Hailey’s Wheels for Life is a charity – who do you work with? How do you make people aware/how do you educate people on this disease and how they can help their dog via your charity? Hailey’s Wheels For Life is not about awareness of neosporosis. Hailey’s Wheels for Life is about creating mobility for otherwise healthy dogs, an alternative to euthanasia and helping those people that may struggle financially to purchase a wheelchair. Haileys Wheels for Life has a Facebook page and webpage. People are welcome to stop by the Facbook page and ‘Like’ the page. Currently we have just under 4,500 “likes” on the page. The majority of fundraising is done by an annual charity auction through Facebook and donations from supporters through the donations point on our web page.
How many dogs have received a wheelchair from your charity? In excess of 100 wheelchairs have helped dogs in need since we started. You’ve helped many people who would otherwise struggle to maintain medical fees. Are dogs with this parasitic disease on expensive medicine? Or are they usually euthanised in your experience? I can’t answer the question regarding medical expenses for dog owners, but I can say Hailey’s Wheels for Life does not focus on the dog’s ailment, what we do is focus on giving any dog mobility regardless of the ailment.
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HEALTH
Faye Andrews
Neosporosis – Parasitic Spinal Disease FOLLOWING OUR STORY ON HAILEY’S WHEELS, WE INVITED FAYE ANDREWS, A LEADING HUMAN AND CANINE OSTEOPATH, TO TELL US MORE ABOUT THE DANGERS OF THIS DEVASTATI NG DISEASE
BY FAYE ANDREWS
All photos supplied by Faye Andrews
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HEALTH
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HEALTH
Neospora Caninum is a parasite first described in 1984, the dog picks up the parasite by eating infected material such as the afterbirth of an infected cow, contaminated food, water, or infected tissue. The parasite reproduces and develops in the dog’s intestines, making the dog a definitive host (an animal that a parasite requires to mature normally). It can be transferred from mother to foetus, trans placentally. Or a common way for the parasite to be spread is through the dog’s faeces. The eggs of the parasite shed into the dog’s faeces and if left in the fields are infectious for up to six months.
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Catching the Early Worm The dog typically does not show signs of infection and if caught early enough can be treated by medication. The parasite causes neuromuscular degeneration (degeneration of the nervous input to the muscles) which can lead to hindlimb paralysis. The outlook in puppies is not great and can often be fatal. In an adult dog it may exhibit the following: • Neurological signs (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) • Skin inflammation with sores • Inflammation of the liver • Pneumonia • Cardiac inflammation
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HEALTH
If the dog has hindlimb paralysis then the dog may benefit from a set of “wheels” to help get around and prevent dragging sores on the hindlimbs. However, hindlimb paralysis will cause other issues, most commonly overuse of the forelimbs Dogs in general put 60% of their weight through their forelimbs, meaning any overuse or overloading is likely to lead to problems with shoulders, elbows, and wrists along with cervical spine (neck) issues. These can range from muscular and ligamentous complaints to early onset joint degeneration (arthritis). It’s Not All Doom and Gloom The good news though is that there are plenty of specially qualified animal therapists (Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and Chiropractors) that can help your dog to compensate for the hindlimb paralysis and offload any areas of overuse.
If the dog has hindlimb paralysis then the dog may benefit from a set of “wheels” to help get around and prevent dragging sores on the hindlimbs
Faye Andrews is registered with the General Osteopathic Council and is a member of the British Osteopathic Association.
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FEATURE
Winter Westies for Wellness WHEN IT COMES TO BEATING THE JANUARY BLUES, THERE’S NO BETTER REMEDY THAN OUR DOGS. WE LOOK AT THE SCIENCE BEHIND HOW THEY BENEFIT OUR MENTAL HEALTH By Chantelle Horton
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FEATURE
Malgib Photography
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FEATURE
Whether you’re struggling with sticking to your new year’s resolution or paying off the Christmas bills – January can be a difficult month when it comes to mental health. But, there is some good news. As dog owners, we have a secret weapon in the battle to beat the blues – and it comes with a waggly tail! Studies show that spending time with dogs helps contribute to our happiness, reduce anxiety and stress, ease loneliness and much more. Claire Goodwin-Fee, Psychologist and founder of frontline19.com (a volunteer group offering free psychological support to frontline workers) specialises in working with trauma and PTSD victims. She says, ‘often people who have been hurt or through any kind of trauma have psychological barriers in place. They don’t trust other people – but dogs love us unconditionally, they don’t judge our personalities. They just kind of snuffle you until you let them in. They’re an invaluable therapy tool.’ And it’s not just in therapy that dogs are of benefit – they appeal to one of our most human of instincts – to look after something else. Claire explains, ‘from a psychological point of view, humans need to be needed. And dogs need us. They provide us with purpose.’ Owning a dog also brings many physical benefits. And while we may not always relish those wet, winter dog walks, your body and mind will thank you for getting out. Geraldine Joaquim is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist (mindyourbusiness.co.uk.) She says, ‘the first great thing about dogs is that you have to walk them, so even if you're not someone who loves exercise, they encourage
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you to bring some movement into your day. And even better, that movement is outdoors. So, you're in the fresh air, your lungs are expanding, you're getting the blood pumping around. You’re also connecting with nature, seeing the sky and noticing the seasons around you - and that connection to the world is fantastic for your mental health.’ Not to mention the social side of dog walks – how many of us have been approached by strangers wanting to stroke our westies? For anyone experiencing loneliness, this human contact can be a lifeline.
And whether you’re feeling lonely or stressed, there’s a reason why having a cuddle with your pup makes everything better. Dogs change our hormonal balance.
from a psychological point of view, humans need to be needed. And dogs need us. They provide us with purpose.
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FEATURE
Claire Goodwin-Fee
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FEATURE
Geraldine Joaquim
Geraldine explains, ‘being close to and stroking a dog releases oxytocin which is the same feel-good hormone we release when we fall in love. This is particularly useful when working with people with depression – which clinically is an almost complete lack of hormonal response. Dogs can help trigger this hormone release.’ Even more magical is the fact that our dogs then respond to this. Claire says, ‘dogs sensory glands are so much bigger than ours. There’s all kinds of research showing that they can smell illnesses like cancer and the hormones we release. So they can literally smell if we’re happy or if we’re sad. One of our most basic human needs is to feel seen and heard – so when we’re feeling sad and our dog comes and snuggles on our lap, we feel like they’ve really seen and understood us.’ While it’s fantastic that our westies are like wonder drugs when it comes to combatting the blues, there are ways to make sure our relationship with our dogs is as beneficial as possible to our mental health. Firstly, banish your phone from your walks. Geraldine explains, ‘in my previous, busy, corporate job I used to view the dog walk as a bit of a chore and I’d be checking emails and planning my to-do list as I walked them. But I gradually started to change that and really watch my dogs while we were out, take in my environment and see the fun
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my dogs were having chasing cones and sticks.’ Making the walk a more mindful experience means instead of spending the time worrying about how much you’ve got to do today or how much you snapped at your colleague yesterday, you’re totally in the moment – this helps lower blood pressure and reduces stress and anxiety. Finally, there are some brilliant behaviours we can learn from our dogs to keep us feeling happier too. Geraldine says, ‘dogs don’t hold onto anger. They feel in the moment and then it’s gone. We could all learn from this. They also don’t have massive expectations and they aren’t too worried about what other dogs think of them.’ And the final lesson dogs teach us? ‘They always stretch when they get up,’ says Geraldine. ‘They look after their backs very well.’ There’s a reason downward dog is one of the most fundamental and beneficial yoga positions. So in 2021, why not keep your new year’s resolution simple? For a happier and healthier life, hug your dog, walk your dog – and be more dog.
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FEATURE
Image By MalGib Photography
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CRIME
Why Anim MARK RANDELL IS A SPECIALIST IN INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL INVESTIGATIONS. AFTER A CAREER AS A SENIOR POLICE DETECTIVE SPECIALIZING IN UNDERCOVER AND BORDER POLICING ON SERIOUS CRIME AND TERRORISM, MARK TURNED HIS ATTENTION TO HELPING ANIMALS THROUGH COVERT INVESTIGATIONS. MARK NOW HELPS TRAIN OTHERS ON WHY ANIMAL ABUSE MATTERS. THIS MONTH, HE JOINS WESTIES & BESTIES MAGAZINE AS ONE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMNISTS.
BY MARK RANDELL
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CRIME
mals Matter
All images supplied by Mark Randell
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CRIME My late mother-in-law introduced me to Westies back in the 1980s, about the same time as I joined the UK Police at a very young age. I remember Tizzy (her Westie) well. She was a real character and had a wonderful individual personality. Going Undercover I served for 30 years in the police, mostly as an undercover Senior Detective responsible for serious crime and counter terrorism. I then turned my attention to using policing skills to help animals around the world, to try and prevent their abuse and exploitation. This 10-year journey has taken me to the Americas, Africa, and around Europe, meeting, and training law enforcement professionals about why animals matter to all communities and how their abuse has such an impact. Lucy’s Law Campaign As well as training, I’ve also carried on with my investigations and played a small part in the Lucy’s Law campaign, particularly in the early days when carrying out surveillance operations on London pet shops and puppy farms in Wales. Working alongside this team was a real highlight of my post-policing days. For those that have read the touching book about this campaign, page 162 mentions a meeting in 2014 where Dr. Marc Abraham, Philippa, Jenny, Linda, Julia and Sue and
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I met up at our offices in London. Marc is a good friend and is an inspiration. In 2015, I started a project in Athens, Greece to work with animal volunteers, police and prosecutors and focused on the link between animal and human violence. As you may know, Greece has very recently introduced a maximum jail term for serious animal crimes of 10 years. This can be compared with England and Wales’ current position of six months. In the Ukraine, where I have trained police in 10 cities from Russia to the Romanian border, serious animal abusers can face a jail sentence of eight years, years five to eight being awarded when the abuse is committed in front of children. As I am sure we all appreciate, witnessing abuse is one of the triggers that affects child development in a very negative way. With my undercover work, I had to learn about criminal motivation and understand why they do what they do. Abusers can easily switch from animal to human violence. Many serial killers start criminal life with animal cruelty, and there are highly researched links to child, domestic and elder abuse. Often, abusers will exploit the animal/human bond as they know the strength of feeling an owner has for their pet. This has been recognized in Scottish Domestic Violence Law, which recently included abuse of an animal as part of coercive behaviour potentially leading to a domestic violence charge.
Westies & Besties - Jan 2021
CRIME Scotland also just very recently increased maximum jail terms for animal cruelty to five years. So, with Greece at 10 years, Ukraine at eight and Scotland at five, you’d expect England and Wales to be equally tough, especially as a nation of ‘animal lovers’. Sadly, this isn’t the case. In 2016, a Bill was started in Parliament called the Animal Cruelty (Sentencing) Bill 2016. This stalled and was replaced with similar draft legislation. In May 2020, it was announced by the UK Government that England and Wales would extend penalties to 5 years but, for various reasons, this Bill is now being regularly delayed. This must change. Currently, Animal Cruelty is an offence that carries only a small sentence and so is heard in the Magistrates Courts, where punishments are restricted. Those that offend are rarely referred to Multi-Agency Public Protection Schemes and major opportunities are missed within public safety as a result.
I had to learn about criminal motivation and understand why they do what they do. Abusers can easily switch from animal to human violence.
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CRIME
The Naturewatch Foundation Over the next few months, I hope to be able to share some stories of undercover investigations with you, as well as more indepth revelations about tackling animal crime. My recent Ukrainian work with the remarkable charity Naturewatch Foundation has been a particular highlight and it is so encouraging for the future to see young police officers showing they understand the value of animals, of pets. When society sees animal abuse for what it really is, communities can become safer for animals, and people.
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CRIME
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WESTIES & BESTIES’ BREED OF THE MONTH
THE SCOTTISH TERRIER
Image: shutterstock_73699810
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WESTIES & BESTIES’ BREED OF THE MONTH
The Scottish Terrier or Scotty as they are more affectionately known, is one of ďŹ ve breeds of terrier that originated from Scotland, just like our very own West Highland Terriers. Just like the Westie, Scotties are feisty, playful and strong-minded dogs that are born to hunt but they remain loyal to their families just like their wee white cousins.
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NATURAL
A Long Line of Herbalists GEMMA STOKES, FOUNDER OF THE HERBAL DOG COMPANY TALKS TO WESTIES & BESTIES ON THE POWDERS, TONICS, AND SUPPLEMENTS HELPING TO KEEP WESTIES HEALTHY AND ALLERGY-FREE BY KIM LATHAM
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Westies & Besties - Jan 2021
NATURAL
All images supplied by The Herbal D o g Company
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NATURAL
“What we do isn't new. It is the same thing people have been doing for hundreds of years.” How did The Herbal Dog Company come about? We have been making lotions and potions for 35 years and descend from a long line of herbalists. Founder Gemma inherited her love of dogs and flowers from her nan and has spent years perfecting what she does. What we do isn't new! It is the same thing people have been doing for hundreds of years. Westies are prone to allergies. What advice can you give Westie owners with regards to your product ingredients that will help alleviate allergy symptoms such as itchiness/yeast/ear infections? The immune system is the first place to start. Our immune powder is best teamed up with a condition powder such as yeast and allergies etc to give a supper boost to get on top of allergy symptoms. Owners of a West Highland terrier should know
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that our dry shampoo can be effective for allergies, helping to keep particles off the fur. Dry shampoos combine effectiveness with convenience, and they are quick! There is no rinsing required, you just apply directly to your dog's coat to clean and deodorise. Ears can be a really sore part of allergies and our ear tonic not only relives the itching by soothing the ear cannel it can also help prevent further flare ups. Remember that too much bathing can dry out your dog's skin and lead to allergy flare-ups or itchiness. For this reason, dry shampooing is ideal in between a weekly full bath to keep the skin soothed had healthy. All of our products can be used on sensitive dogs, so just pick a scent you like.
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NATURAL
What makes The Herbal Dog Company different to its competitors? That would be the passion and experience of our team. What we do has been done for centuries - we are doing nothing new, but the key is we strive to do it better than anyone else. We are proud to use PCR plastic in our product packaging, which is manufactured from recycled household, commercial and industrial materials. We are big on helping too, with our close relationship with charities alongside Gemma being a trustee for the RSPCA. Your products are 100 per cent natural – how important is this element with your customer base? Have you found that dog owners are becoming more educated on what’s good for their besties? The answer to that is twofold. We believe from a consumer's point of view; the product's effectiveness is still the most important factor in a buying decision. However, pet owners are becoming more educated in deciphering what exactly is in the grooming products they are buying. This certainly plays into our hands as a purveyor of natural products.
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N AT U R A L NATURAL
Tell us about your bestselling product. At this time of year, with damp and mud coming into the equation, our bestseller is the dry shampoo. It doesn't just make pets dryer, cleaner and more fragrant in the autumn and winter, but it can also help to prevent colds. Health and wellbeing starts within – tell us about your dietary supplements, powders and tonics. We currently stock dietary supplements such as All Natural Complete Multivitamin, All Natural Super Food Supplement and All Natural Herbacare Gut Health Support Supplement. Our unrivalled range of powders and tonics includes remedies like Seasonal Soother All Natural Allergy Support Powder Supplement, and parasite solutions such as Natural Flea Spot On.
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Westies & Besties - Jan 2021
The UK’s Only Pet Friendly Artificial Grass Installers Keep Your Pets Safe
Why choose K9 Turf and not latex? K9 Turf is the UK’s only 100% pet friendly artificial grass. Unlike all latex grasses on the market, K9 Turf has a woven, quadrobined backing.The backing of K9 Turf is a specialist Pro Flow Urethane backing which speeds up the flow of moisture.The fast drainage system leaves your artificial lawn free from ammonia and the harmful bacteria from urine, unlike latex backed grasses that hold moisture and becomes impossible to remove. .
Not only is K9 Turf a high-quality artificial grass, but it is also paired with a 4 Phase Drainage System – Phase 1 – Creating the required subbase that will act as the drainage system for the K9 Turf.This is done by using a special granite dust which is a porous and durable material. Phase 2 – Installing the Pro Flow Urethane backed grass, featuring four different layers. Designed to eliminate ammonia and harmful bacteria due to the high drainage capacity. Phase 3 – Installing K9 Turf Zeolite Infill on the artificial grass.This works by pulling unwanted gases towards it, holding them known as crystallisation.They are then released by the sodium of rainwater and into the subbase. Phase 4 – K9 Turf Enzyme Cleaner is used to maintain the lawn.This is a high-performance enzyme cleaner, used to control toxic ammonia and other bacteria.
K9 Turf comes with 15-year manufacturers guarantee and an extendable 18-year guarantee.Your dogs can play outside all year round, safely, for over 18 years!
Contact: Tel: 03333582999 Email: sales@k9turf.co.uk
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