Once upon a time, there were two Westies named Angus and Alfie. They lived together with two humans ironically named Mom and Dad.
Angus was an easy-going, gets-along-with-everyone kind of guy. Alfie was a "let’s-get-going, what-was-that-sound?" kind of guy.
They faced situations very differently. Two Sides Of The Bowl reveals each Westie’s reaction to common life situations.
HOME ALONE
Two Sides Of The Bowl reveals each Westie’s reaction to common life situations.
Dad wasn’t home. Something called “work.” It was a great day. Mom had taken them for a long walk to the park where they saw lots of squirrels. They came home, had breakfast, and were taking naps. The small thing on the table made a loud noise and woke them up. Mom was talking into the noise thing. Afterwards, she turned to them and said, “oiz9k[iqphitjotungeqjgff out.”
Alfie thought, “Oh boy, oh boy, we’re going out.” Angus thought, “Hm?, ‘out’ again so soon?”
Alfie started running around and yipping. Angus sat and watched Mom. He was looking for clues about what was going on.
Mom picked up some jangling things and her big sack. She turned to them and said, “yper-glwufogntbzfjejiri[ongeop”. Then she went to the front door and left. They heard the big can roar. She was going for a “ride” in the can but not taking them!
"We are Doomed!"
ANGUS
Angus jumped on the back of the sofa to watch Mom. Yep, she was going for a ride. He hopped down and walked to the kitchen. Yes, there was plenty of water and Mom had left some crunchies in his bowl. Alfie was here with him and Mom would be back soon. He’d take a nap until she got back.
ALFIE
Alfie had jumped on the sofa too. He couldn’t believe Mom left without him. His heart started beathing FAST. He checked all the rooms. Dad wasn’t here either. Where was Dad? Had Alfie been abandoned? He whined as he checked the rooms again and looked out the glass door and sofa window. He sniffed and dug at the door Mom went out. NO MOM! NO DAD! He ran in the kitchen and drank water …. lots of water. He ate his crunchies. He might never get more food. So, he ate Angus’ crunchies too. He checked to see where Angus was. Sleeping on Mom and Dad’s bed! In this dire emergency, Angus was sleeping?!! Then his stomach started feeling funny. Oh no, not “that.” Where can I do “that” where Mom will not be upset? Behind the big soft chair. Now with "That" event over, he felt better but he was very tired. So, he went to lie down beside Angus.
Snoozing away like little angels.
After her 30-minute trip, Mom came home and found both boys asleep on her bed. She was so glad neither of them had gotten upset by her sudden departure. The boys woke up and found Mom had come home. They danced around her and got lots of petting. Everyone went out in the backyard. It was a good thing because Alfie really had to pee.
Dad came home too. The boys and Mom and Dad ate supper. (Alfie: “There is more food!.”) Dad sat in his big soft chair and held the boys. One on each side.
Then, he yelled to Mom. What’s that smell? Mom came in, sniffed, and looked around. Sure enough, there was a big smelly pile of partially digested crunchies behind Dad’s chair. She told Dad that she had gone out and one of the boys must have gotten anxious and thrown up. They had not had any problems before getting Alfie. He must get very anxious when both of them were gone.
They decided they needed to work with him on his separation anxiety and scheduled a consultation with behavior specialist Jane Fink, terrier training specialist, who volunteers with Westie Rescue.
TIPS ON PREVENTION AND REMEDIES: Separation Anxiety - Jane Fink's Training Tips and Tricks