Down South Westies Monthly Newsletter

What's New This August!

August 2, 2003

In This Issue:

1.      Way To Go, Chloe And Darby!

2.      In Line For A Pup!

3.      Why Do Old Firehouses Have Circular Staircases?

4.      From The Kids!

5.      My Westie Is The Bestie!

1. Way To Go, Chloe And Darby!

  Chloe and Darby completed their requirements as Pet Therapy Dogs.  Linda and Michelle visit a local Hospice Center where they have found a great opportunity to allow Chloe and Darby to be a big blessing to patients.  These terminally ill patients range in age from infants to senior adults.  A visit from Chloe and Darby help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. Their visits provide a welcome change from routine, and friendly doggie faces. People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with Chloe and Darby. 

A visit from Chloe and Darby offers entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs, and share with Linda and Michelle their thoughts and feelings and memories. The patients and staff look forward to their visits. Petting a dog can reduce a person's blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching, and turning.

The presence of Chloe and Darby makes it easier for them to talk to the patients. It gives them a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. Many of the patients had to give up pet ownership and they miss the casual acceptance a pet gives them. Chloe and Darby pay little attention to age or physical ability, but accept them as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit. The visit leaves behind memories not only of the visit, but of past experiences. It offers something for them to share.  Patients have a great time, but also, Linda and Michelle have an opportunity to be a blessing as well as receive a blessing!

2. In Line For A Pup!

So many of you are patiently awaiting a Down South Westies pup.  I have reminded you that our list is long and you will have to be patient.  Most of you are!  If you find your pup elsewhere, just be sure to let me know so I can go ahead and move the next person up the list. I can understand how hard it is to wait when you want a pup now.  There are a lot of good breeders who have great pups.  Just be sure you are comfortable with the breeder you are dealing with and know the pedigrees of the sire and dam.  Our pups have Champions in their pedigrees and have great temperaments.  You won’t regret the wait!

Link:  http://www.downsouthwesties.com/pedigrees.htm

3. Why Do Old Firehouses Have Circular Staircases?

In the old days, the horses that pulled the fire engines were stabled on the ground floor of the fire house and they figured out how to walk up a straight staircase!

4. From The Kids!

A father was at the beach with his children when his four- year old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore, where a seagull lay dead in the sand.  “Daddy, what happened to him?” the son asked.  “He died and went to Heaven,” the dad replied.  The boy thought a moment and then said, “Did God throw him back down?”

5. My Westie Is The Bestie!

We are offering  Down South Westies products as a unique way to "show off" your Westie spirit! Follow the link below to go directly to our Westie Store.  Our Westie products can be customized to show your pet, or other photo, on any of our unique products. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, tiles, coffee cups, framed portraits, posters, and more from our gift shop and we will put your pet's picture on your favorite product at no extra cost. You simple choose a product, email me your photo, and I will upload it to the site so you can place your order.

There is no additional charge for this service.

Link: http://www.cafepress.com/westiepassion