HeatherBee Scottish Terriers, Westies, Golden Retrievers & Poodles

18/12/2024

It’s cold with a snowfall warning. Everyone is staying warm and cozy. Lilly, a very pregnant Westie, less than a week away from having her puppies, has decided to claim the spot under my desk and stays as close to me throughout the day as possible. They all take turns snuggling with each other. ❤️💕🐾🐩🥰🦮⛄️

18/12/2024

This was an experience that meant a great deal to me. I attended a veterinary thermography course at the University of Guelph in Ontario. At that point I was still in naturopathic practice and my focus with the camera and systems was primarily on human breast, thyroid and other imaging useful for screening for risks of various health problems. Having the opportunity to experience how thermal imaging could help with animals was incredible. From early signs of lameness in horses, to screening for early changes in temperature in poultry and hog operations, and so much more, was kind of thrilling. I learned about research into bats and hybernation, how fur insulates sled dogs and polar bears in the arctic. It was an exceptional course.

16/12/2024

INVITATION TO SHARE
I am starting this thread with a photo of wee Maggie as an invitation for people who have, or have had in the past, the joyful experience of sharing life with a wheaten coloured Scottish Terrier. The overwhelming majority of people who contact me about a puppy are still wanting black Scotties. Even in the show ring black Scotties are still favoured and wheatens are viewed as somehow lesser dogs. IT ISN'T TRUE!!!

There is a reason these little dogs have the nickname 'Sweetie Wheaties' and I'm hoping those of you who understand why this is the case will please share your experiences!

16/12/2024

This seems to be a pretty amazing support service!

Our Seniors Program helps vulnerable and isolated seniors maintain the life-changing bond with their companion animals. 🐾❤️ Offering support like veterinary care, food bank services, and affordable adoptions, we’re here to ensure pets and their owners thrive together.

"My 13-year-old dog is going in for his 2nd dental surgery this morning. Patches mamma loves you and you are a strong boy today. And a huge shout out to the Calgary Humane Society for making this happen. I wanted to post an update on patches, He is recovering well from his surgery. The Calgary Humane Society was there to help me, they had so much compassion and handled my case with respect and dignity. I had called like a million times (really) for questions or what ever it was I wanted to know, and they were always there no matter what. This program was a life savor when my little dog needed help. Our fur babies are not just pets but are true members of our families. Patches is my world! Thank you to the team at the Calgary Humane Society. Kelly thank you all for being there for me and Patches and thank you to the donors you made having my dog a happy boy again. with lots of hugs.

- Erica and Patches."

For more information, visit our website: https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/community-services/

16/12/2024

I love what I do and the dogs I live with, but that has nothing to do with financial stability!!!

💰

12/12/2024

I am so happy to share these wonderful family photos of the Halt's and their two Scotties, Nora and Finley. Finley, the wheaten girl, is one of our pups all grown up now at 4 years of age. Gorgeous photos of a beautiful family. And for those of you wondering who did such a fine job grooming of these two it is Megan at Vada's Club K9 in Winnipeg.

10/12/2024

Here we go again. Right back into the deep freeze. ❄️☃️

09/12/2024

No hesitation to finish off the last meal of the day with these little Scottish Terrier puppies!

08/12/2024

These two wheaten coloured Scottie boys are 5 1/2 weeks old! They are all eating well now, playing, and giving affectionate kisses when we old them. Such a delightful age! ❤🥰🐾

03/12/2024

Brooke (Stanard Poodle) and Lilly (West Highland White Terrier) both appreciating milder weather today. 💕❤️🐾

30/11/2024

Ok, it isn't even December 1 yet! A week of this already and tonight even colder! Yes, I am complaining about the weather in Saskatchewan tonight.

28/11/2024

It's going to be such a busy Christmas this year. Kyrie and Murdoch's Scottish Terrier puppies will be eight weeks old on Christmas Eve.

At the same time, Lilly and Fin are expecting their litter of West Highland White Terrier puppies also due on Christmas Eve! Of course the due date is flexible but no matter what the hour of arrival is, there will be exciting comings and goings!

24/11/2024

Introducing your Puppy to Grooming

I was discussing how to make your puppy comfortable for grooming - especially with clippers so it becomes an enjoyable experience for them. I thought I would share some of what we discussed.

An experienced groomer 'should' have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves to make your puppy or dog feel more comfortable, with treats, calm reassurance, lots of love. You can help make the visit to the groomer more comfortable.

If you have an old electric toothbrush you areen't using, the buzz and vibration are at a much lower level than a nail dremel or clippers. When you groom him, take the toothbrush off and just kind of rub the puppy gently along his back, his legs, with lots of reassurance. Treats too. That will help him relax into the sensation without feeling threatened. I should clarify what I mean by 'when you groom him'. What I mean by that is in the evening, or at whatever point in the day you can, have in sit with you and just spend even 5 - 10 minutes with him brushing him. You don't need to spend excessive time with the device you use. The objective is to have him relax having it buzzing and touching him.

Also, there are gestures you can make that will help soothe during of all sorts of experiences. Your voice and your calm, loving reassurances of good dog! good puppy! good "name"! can make your pup feel really comfortable. Yawning is also a very important self-soothing behaviour for dogs. One of the things humans can do to help a dog feel safe and comfortable it to yawn quite visibly with them. Kind of even making that yawning sound. Obviously it can be a 'fake' yawn, but very visible. At the same time, the next self-soothing behaviour is making a kind of mouth sound the way you would imagine moving your mouth and tongue when you have just swalllowed something tasty, or you're imagining doing that. Using those behaviours in reassuring ways will help, and in all likelihood your dog or puppy will 'yawn' back - hence the 'self-soothing'.

~Note: The photo is of a 5 week old Scottish Terrier pup from a couple of years ago!

09/11/2024

This litter of Scottie pups is doing very well. Just over one week old, they are active, strong and vigorous. ❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️🐾❤️

07/11/2024

Everyone please meet Rusty. This is a lovely introduction provided by the person who is fostering him at the moment. If you are interested in adopting him, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Rusty was born February 12, 2024. He was returned to his breeder HeatherBee Kennels for no fault of his own. Rusty is 23.7kg(~52lb) and ___ inches tall. Rusty was eating Purina One+ large breed and has been transitioning to Inukshuk 26/16.

Rusty has shown no issues with my cats past being a bit too inquisitive but has taken getting hissed at or bopped without being phased. He has no issues with a young, high energy dog though he’s not sure of how to play. He was raised with a young disabled child and likely can handle a household with kids as well.

Rusty does enjoy playing with his toys including balls, laying near people, and daily brush sessions. He is a generally happy dog with a solid off switch.

This is not to say Rusty is perfect. He is an anxious dog who was raised to be very codependent with his human and it shows. He will whine if people are out of sight, has difficulty with loud, or sudden sounds such as barking, dropping heavy items, or the tv. Rusty will be stressed in the car and seems best if he’s in the back seat so he can see people. His anxiety shows by drooling, whining, and pacing.

Rusty has minimal training. He has no issues kenneling besides some whining (he is too large for a 36” kennel, he would need a 42” at minimum). He recognizes his name and has an unreliable sit. Rusty has issues of jumping and reportedly counter surfing, though he’s not done this with me.

We are working with Rusty on this and he is adjusting quickly to a louder household. He is gaining confidence but still has difficulty being on his own without people, even in a backyard.

He is a very gentle boy who loves people. He loves to cuddle and is eager to please those around him. Rusty’s lack of confidence and training comes from his previous environment, but a committed new home will have him thriving as a well trained, confident boy.

Rusty’s ideal home needs someone who understands building confidence with a dog, gives him the socialization and training opportunities he missed as puppy, and is willing to put in the work to provide him a stable home. Rusty needs a forever home that will be there for him and understands with good effort he will likely blossom into a happy, regular dog.

Rusty will go with his harness, toys, collar, leash, large dog bed, and any treats left from his previous home.

Feel free to message me about Rusty and if we agree he could be a great fit, I can also provide contact information to the person who is fostering.

06/11/2024

HUGO HAS FOUND HIS PEOPLE!

Headed for Manitoba, Hugo will be part of an extended family where his brother is already living the good life! Thank you so much to everyone who expressed an interest. I'm very happy with where he is going!

03/11/2024

UPDATE!!
This is the kind of situation that reminds people of the goodness of so many people. Two people volunteered to help and the person who is going to take Rusty immediately is driving down from the Saskatoon area tonight. Pick up will be late, but I trust Rusty will be in very good hands. Thanks to the loving kindness of everyone who responded!!!

I just received this message from a woman who has been home for a gorgeous chocolate brown standard poodle, Rusty. Rusty has been the potential service dog for a special needs boy with autism. I don't have any photos yet to share but he is almost identical to Aero who I just posted a photo of in the last 24 hours. They are full brothers. Rusty will need a home IMMEDIATELY. Please reach out if you can help. Rusty is in Saskatchewan, in a small community east of Regina. Here is what the owner sent me:

Hi Heather
I’m sad to announce I have been diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disorder!!! And I also am dealing with Long Covid. I’m in the hospital and have been for several weeks. My friend is taking care of my son and Rusty but she said she can’t care for both it’s to difficult. I don’t know when I’ll be home and right now I’m very weak! I sent my friend **** to help her but I’m sorry to admit I can’t physically care for Rusty right now… it breaks my heart I can’t even give him a kiss goodbye!!!!!!! I’m reaching out as I said I would in our contract if my circumstances change and I can’t care for sweet Rusty at this time and my prognosis is unknown at the moment.

I have very little service in my room but please let me know if you are able to pick up Rusty? He’s a wonderful dog and he’s fully paper trained he eats good he loves walks and running in the backyard!!! I just don’t know when I’ll be home or how strong I’ll be to continue his care… please give Rusty lots of kisses from me!!!