Dog's Name & Age
P.J. (P.J. stands for Pride & Joy) Sadly P.J. passed on 1/30/06
In a Word, My West Highland White Terrier Is…
Charming, Playful, Loving, Proud and Protective!
Best Characteristics of the Breed
P.J. was dependable and so loving. Those eyes - look into them and melt!
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
P.J. knew his mind for sure but always showed respect!!!
When, Where and How I Got My West Highland Terrier
An ex-boyfriend gave him to me for Easter back in 1993. He brought him home from a Breeder and this little white ball of fire followed behind him. He was the most adorable thing and I instantly fell in love! He was spoiled rotten from that point. We had a unique bond. He would sense if something was wrong. When I was pregnant with my daughter and sick, he would hop in the shower with me to make sure I was ok. The water flickering off his eyes! When my daughter was born in 1997 I thought he may be jealous, but no not at all. Actually looking back at photos. There he was next to her in every photo standing guard!
I'd Describe My Dog As…
P.J. was so much fun, loving, cuddly etc. He was very easy to train. He loved teddy bears to sleep with! Loved his toys - never chewed until one day I took them away -tired of looking at them and then he chewed my briefcase - big mistake. Very good boy! Loved opening his own presents! I could go on forever, not enough room. As far as health, as he aged he had a hacking cough-vet said post-nasal drip. As time went on he began to have seizures. I took him to another vet. She was beginning to investigate when on 1/29/06 in the wee hours I woke to sounds of him sounding like he was struggling to vomit. I took him to the bathroom to see what was going on. He began to convulse. My husband pointed out he had a bowel movement. I rushed him to Tufts ER which is around the corner from where I live. I found he had a large mass in his spleen. I had to leave him over night. The next morning they called me to advise that he had Spleen Cancer. I was advised it was rare in this breed. My option was immediate surgery which would only extend his life a few months or put him down. How do I make that decision for this wonderful little guy. I was devastated. I didn't have much time because he was hemorraging, so I did what was right to P.J. who had been so loyal all those years. He was a few months shy of his 13th birthday. I only wish I had other options. I stayed with him, actually my whole family did while he closed his eyes for the last time. It broke my heart to leave without him. I did have him cremated so he is here with us. However, to go back to the place where I walked in with a dog and walk out with a box was such a horrible pain all over again. I love & miss you P.J.
Memories of P.J. Being stuck at the campground just the 2 of us and riding out the storm in my camper and your comforting look!
You trying to attack Barney's tail at Tara's birthday party to protect her!
Running across the front lawn at warp speed and your hair flowing in the breeze
Dressed up as batman for Halloween-priceless
Saving me from a speeding ticket in your santa suit. When the officer came to the car and you walked across my lap in your Santa suit as much to say-look at me-you think you've got problems! He let me go.
When we saved your Christmas presents for last and you thought we forgot you - you went to the corner and pouted.
Boating with you in a rubber raft at dusk.
The way you waited to be tucked in and would not go to sleep until we tucked you in & kissed you
Advice
- These dogs are great with small children as long as you treat them with respect and raise them that way. If you rough-house with them and make them nervous they may tend to be more snappy vs lovers.
