FIT FOR A KING

I’m sure many of you will be watching and enjoying the Coronation of His Majesty the King, King Charles III, this month, and it got me thinking about how we treat our Westies.

They rule our little palaces, they demand our attention (and their walkies), and they have us all jumping to attention at the first sign that they are about to be sick – how many times have you leapt out of bed because your bestie is making a strange but all too familiar noise?

This edition is all about doing things better to help our Besties live the longest and happiest life possible.

From sustainable cleaning brands that will have you ditching the household chemicals in no time if you haven’t already, to feeding our furry pals the best food and supplements on the market, to companies that help ease the minds of dog owners by vetting the everyday services we use to ensure our Westies’ lives are the best they can be.

We also have a feature on the importance of having a good partnership with our vets and why this relationship is so vital when it comes to the health and wellbeing of our dogs –and peace of mind for ourselves that we’re doing everything we can do as pet parents to look after them.

When it comes to royal feasts, it’s always good to remember that we are what we eat…and so are our Westies! Check out our story on how to check your dog’s weight as obesity can bring on a whole load of health problems that you and your Bestie really don’t need.

Don’t forget to have a read of our Community and Pup in the Press columns where you’ll get to see wonderful Westies from around the world and feel free to email us your Westie pics to info@westiesandbesties.com

Enjoy!

Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer

Publisher Westies & Besties Ltd

Fidlas Road, Cardiff, CF14 5LZ

Editor Kim Latham

Tel: +44 7496 310169

Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com

Commercial Director

Alex Griffin

Tel: +44 7496 310173

Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com

Front Cover Image

Image supplied by shutterstock_228799528

Design Jayden Ali

Printing

WPG Group

Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by WPG Group. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westies & Besties Masthead/logo is trademarked and 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/will not be held accountable for the accuracy of the information here therein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited articles or manuscripts in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All photographs have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Advertising Standards Authority. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert.

Readers are advised to see a fully qualified veterinarian before attempting to try any of the suggestions made by a contributor.

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The famous dog event is taking a break this year and the aim is to be back again in 2024.

Dog obesity is a dangerous thing and can contribute to the onset of illness. Learn how to check if your Westie needs to lose a few pounds and how to help him do it as we approach the summer months.

IN SAFE HANDS

A new platform for dog owners has hit the market. PetMe vetts dog walkers, groomers and other service providers so you can be sure you’re handing over your bestie to somebody that is qualified and legit.

SUPER SUPPLEMENTS

Giving supplements to your Westie can help with numerous ailments including joint pain.

THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

The relationship between a Westie owner and their vet is of vital importance. Sue Makepeace reveals her top tips on how to ensure you’re on the same page as your dog’s medical practitioner.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Follow the innovative brand that is creating dog accessories by recycling old fishing nets.

SPRING CLEAN

THE

We all know it’s through the stomach but do you know the difference between pre and probiotics and why you need to give your dog both to ensure optimal health and wellbeing?

FEEDING THE SOUL

Bone broth is actually good for both humans and canines as it maintains all the vitamins and goodness. Find out what Anna Bain has to say on this invaluable dietary component for man’s best friend.

Learn how to make your own natural cleaning products and ditch the household chemicals that are potentially harming our canine pals.

OUT & ABOUT

Our Community column this issue looks at a Westie Walk that took place on St. Patrick’s Day in California.

The Kennel Club has announced that the London Discover Dogs event will not be taking place in 2023. It will take a break for a year, with the aim of bringing it back with a refreshed and reinvigorated new look in 2024.

Discover Dogs has been a feature at Crufts since 1991 and will continue to be so. In 1996 it was brought to London as an additional event in its own right. The event grew in numbers and popularity over the years and moved location from Earls Court to London ExCel in 2015. In more recent times however, numbers attending the London event have declined and regrettably it sustained a significant financial shortfall in 2022.

Both at Crufts and in its standalone format Discover Dogs is very much seen as an important information tool for The Kennel Club – helping to educate prospective dog owners to find the right breed for them and also promoting responsible dog ownership and dog health, as well as showcasing pedigree dogs.

Mark Beazley, Chief Executive at The Kennel Club, commented: “It has been a tough decision to rest Discover Dogs in London for 2023, however, the pandemic and cost of living crisis has meant the event has suffered significant financial loss in recent years and it is therefore important for The Kennel Club to take the opportunity to look at the event and its objectives to see if there is a better way to meet these in the current financial climate.

“As always, we are indebted to the breed clubs that have supported the event with their enthusiasm and very much look forward to ensuring that Discover Dogs at Crufts continues as a showcase for the many benefits owning a pedigree dog brings. Visitor feedback consistently demonstrates that meeting the many different breeds of dogs and talking to experts is the main reason to visit the show. It goes without saying that we will be talking to the breed clubs and volunteers, who are central to the event, very soon regarding plans for the event going forward to gauge their views.”

The Kennel Club is delighted that all agility competitions – including the Crufts Medium ABC semifinal, Crufts Large Novice ABC semi-final, Crufts Intermediate Novice ABC semi-final, as well as The Kennel Club Starters Cup and Discover Dogs Small/ Mixi Pairs final – which have been previously held at Discover Dogs, will be held at The London International Horse Show in December 2023. This event already hosts The Kennel Club Agility Stakes finals.

Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director of The London International Horse Show said: “The Kennel Club Dog Agility has been a part of London International Horse Show for many years, and we are delighted to be able to welcome the additional agility classes to our programme. In 2023 the London International Horse Show is expanding its activity and the agility classes will be taking place in the new London Arena. Dog Agility is a firm favourite for our 70,000 plus audience and I know that this will only add to their enjoyment of visiting the preChristmas show.”

Further announcements on The Kennel Club Junior Warrant semifinal, National Junior Handler final and Scruffts heat that normally take place at Discover Dogs will be made in due course and news about Discover Dogs 2024 will be released later this year.

It has been a tough decision to rest Discover Dogs in London for 2023, however, the pandemic and cost of living crisis has meant the event has suffered significant financial loss in recent years and it is therefore important for The Kennel Club to take the opportunity to look at the event and its objectives to see if there is a better way to meet these in the current financial climate