The Fergus Files (2024)

10/06/2024

Good Morning, Pals. Today is my birthday! I was born eight years ago today! Mum has always said how sad they were when their Sadie crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 14, 2016. And, that she believes that as Sadie was crossing the Rainbow Bridge, she looked back and saw me as a tiny puppy (at Country Meadow Puppies ) and chose me for her pawrents. I like that story, how about y'all?

Here is a literal snapshot of my life - in no particular order. Just me and my best pals, and me and my best hoomans.

Anyway, it's my birthday and I'm going to party!! Come party with me!!

08/06/2024

Today is National Bestie Day!! Mckenzie Howell, it's our day!! Happy National Bestie Day to my Bestie Westie!!!

30/05/2024

Good Morning, Pals! Mum and I cannot believe how long it's been since I last posted. To be fair, I have been super busy. I bet y'all have been, too!!

I spent almost three weeks with Mr. Joe and Ms. Nancy while Mum and Dad went to Florida to Mimi's house. Then Mum went to Ohio with Mimi for Mimi's brother's memorial service. And, Dad went to the NC mountains with his high school friend. (I know, I can't picture Dad in high school either!)

Then, when I got back home, and, yes, I had a blast with Mr. Joe and Ms. Nancy, we were busy, busy, busy. There was yard work to be done - my grassy area was a veritable jungle!

All of a sudden it was Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means...flags for our solders who never came home, hamburgers, potato salad, and lots of talking about family who have served our country.

We got some sad news that my buddy, Darby, passed away. He was sixteen and a half. He lived a long life and was adored by his pawrents, but it still hurts my little furry heart to know that he has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Run free, pal, run free.

Then, Ms. Carole came to see me and brought me a new lovey. It has lavender in it and it is very soothing. When I feel stressed out about being blind and walking into things, I just go lay by it and sniff it and I feel so much better. Here is a picture of me carrying it around. I had to show it the house so it would know where the important things are - like my food bowl.

And, every morning I have to help Dad eat his bacon. It's important for grown ups to share things, and I help Dad keep that skill up to date. He makes really good bacon!!

Anyway, that's what's been happening in my life. How about you? What's new in your life?

17/04/2024

Alright, Pals. Where were y'all this morning? I needed help, big time! Mum tricked me...again! She said we were going on a short explore. Yay, car time is always good. Well, except today. We ended up at the vet...and, once again, they stole my toes! Technically, my toe nails, but what's the difference? I needed those nails. Hey, Pals, what's up with that? Why do they want our nails? What do they do with them? Anyway, I was mad as fire at Mum, but I allowed her to give me a treat...to make her feel less guilty for torturing me.

28/03/2024

Oh, my dear dog! Mum and I just realized that we forgot to post about the Charleston St. Patrick's Day parade!! It was pawesome!! We marched with the Charleston Irish Historical Society, then after about two-thirds of the parade route we switched and walked with the Scottish Society of Charleston, Inc. We have to cover both of our favorite groups, ya know.

Then we stopped and spent some time with my favorite auntie, Auntie Charlotte at The Silver Vault of Charleston. Then we stopped by The Boutique of Charleston hoping to see my pal, Lily, but she and her Mum weren't there. Then we stopped at Woof Gang Bakery for a treat or two...and my hooman sister, Rachel, bought me an early birthday present!! I'm still getting used to them but Mum said that I will grow to love them. They are doggles!!

Then, over the weekend just passed my mum's college girlfriends were here. There were many treats for me and laughter for them! We played a lot of Farkle and a card game, Hand and Foot.

It's been a busy few weeks, so I'm glad that this week has been a bit quieter. We Westies need our beauty rest sometimes!!

17/03/2024

Oh, Pals, what a glorious weekend we had last weekend. I had to rest up much of the week because I had soooo much fun last weekend. My Bestie, Mckenzie Howell, and her pawrents arrived last Friday. We had the entire weekend together! Friday afternoon we played in my back garden and ran and ran (okay, so I walked slow!) On Saturday we went for a great walk in my neighborhood. Sunday was the BIG day!! We had an awesome Westie Pawrade!! About 35 Westies and cousins as well as loads of pawrents. It was EPIC!! My bestie and I road in our carriages...mine is called Bravecart! Then Monday, while we Westies rested up, our pawrents went to Port Royal and Fort Freeman. Then Tuesday my Bestie and her pawrents had to leave and go back home. Gosh, it was such a great weekend!! We are so blessed to call them friends.

08/03/2024

Hi, Pals! I know it has been a long time since I last posted. I'm really sorry but we have been sooooooo busy!!

In February, Mum and Dad went to the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia for a week and had a blast. Here is a picture from their balcony. Dad got warm for the first time all winter.

While they were there I got to spend time with my favorite people, Mr. Joe and Ms. Nancy. We had just the BEST time!! We went for walkies and drives. We played in their back garden in my new fenced in area - it keeps me safe when I am outside. We went to Roxbury Mercantile for lunch one day and then went out to Botany Bay. I love spending time with them.

Then the end of February Mum went to her mother's in Florida to spend a few days with her. I was on Dad Duty. I took great care of Dad and we had fun together. Mum had an ibis come visit at her mother's house - Mum said he was looking for a cookie. I told her that I would have shared my puppy cookie with it. Mum said that they cannot have cookies of any kind. Poor bird!

And...I can hardly contain myself...today is a special day...I am sooo excited!!!! Guess what day it is?! Can you guess? No, I bet not. (Mum is looking over my shoulder again and told me to stop tormenting you! She said that she will take my voice to text away from me if I cannot stop!!)

Okay, Pals, here it is: My WESTIE BESTIE, Mckenzie is coming today!!! Waa-Hoo!! I cannot wait! She and her pawrents are coming as soon as they drop off Norman at the kennel...cats aren't too big on travel and different homes, Mum says.

Boy, oh, boy! I am so excited! Mckenzie and I are going to run around my fenced area of the back garden. We are going to go on walkies together. We are going to have sleep overs together. We are going to play tug or war with my toys. It will be EPIC!!!

And, then...yes, there is more...on Sunday is the Charleston Westie Walk!! There will be about 35 Westies, plus pawrents, plus bagpipers, plus drummers. And, my human sister, Rachel, will be coming from California to spend time, and walk, with us!!

So much happened in February and now March is getting mighty busy, too!! Check back to see pictures of the Westie Walk next week.

And, if you are free on Sunday, we are meeting at Marion Square at 1:30 pm for a meet and greet before stepping off at 2:00 pm. Be there or be square!!

05/02/2024

After being away all weekend, I enjoyed snuggles with Mum. She always brightens my day... okay, except when she takes me to the dogtor and they steal my toenails!!

04/02/2024

Mum has been away this weekend visiting her college girlfriends. I'm on Daddy Duty for the weekend. Mum gave me a tiny silver fold-up phone that fits perfectly in my pocket. I feel very special. She told me to call her if Dad needs her or if I'm not sure what to do for Dad. So far we have been just fine, but I sure do like knowing that Mum is just a phone call away.

And, Mum made sure that the star and number one were raised on the keypad so I would be able to call her easily. After all, being blind makes it hard to see the numbers!

Have a great day today, Pals. I'll be "watching" out the window with my ears for Mum's car to come up the drive.

26/01/2024

Hey, Pals! Look who came to see me today! Ms. Gayle was our mail lady for years and then she retired. I went to see her at the fabric store where she works a couple of days a week, and she came to my house to see me. I love Ms. Gayle. Thank you for coming to see me, Ms. Gayle!!

25/01/2024

So...Mum and I were playing in my new safe area in my back garden. There are two pictures of the little fence. AND! Look at my new toy. It sounds like a bird 🐦 so I can find it when Mum scoots it across the floor in the house or tosses it in my safe area outdoors. Isn't that brilliant? Yay!!!

25/01/2024

Mum and I were chilling out this morning waiting for the sun to come out so we could go work on my new fence. Mum, Dad, and I are putting a little fence around my grassy area in the back garden so I can run around very safely. At first I wasn't so happy with it, but I think I'm going to really like it. Mum and I were running around in my "safe place" yesterday. Once I got used to the fence being there, I became quite bold!! Mum says that I am her brave and fierce Westie. I like that! What do you think?

19/01/2024

Hi, Pals! Guess what?!?! I tested negative for Cushing's disease. Isn't that awesome 😎!! So, to celebrate, Mum and Dad and I went for a walk. When I started to get tired, I hopped up in my Bravecart and we continued our walk. Life is grand!! Don't you agree?

16/01/2024

Hi, Pals. Mum just noticed that we never posted pictures of me with my Muffin's Halo. I love that thing! It helps me to feel much more confident when I am outside. Mum says that I look mighty handsome in my Halo. What do you think?

16/01/2024

Hey, Pals. Well, today marks two months since I went blind. It's still a scary world but I am starting to adjust. Today I am at my vet (Patrick Veterinary Clinic) to check for Cushing's Disease. It's an adrenal gland disease in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Cushing's can be a secondary issue for dogs with SARDS, so testing is a must.

So, I am spending the day at the vet, and having my toe nails taken (help Bestie!). I have my favorite blanket and my lamb chop, so Mum and everyone at Patrick Vet are doing everything they can to help me feel comfortable.

For those of you who have been wondering how I am, let me tell you that I am just fine. Mum and I came up with my new mantra: "I'm a brave and fierce Westie and I can do anything!!" What do you think?

I like to go for walkies around the circle, although, I still get tired easily so Mum and Dad are taking my "Bravecart" (stroller) so I can hop up in it when I get too tired to walk.

Mum thinks that I am sad a lot so she cuddles me and loves on me...don't tell but I love it when she does that !!! And, Dad is always getting down on the floor to hug me and love on me. And...I get treats, but not too many.

It was awesome to see my sisters and Bart, and to meet Gwen over the Christmas holidays. She was really nice. I didn't get to see Ms. Stephanie and Mr. John until the last day, but we had a wonderful reunion! And, they got to meet Ms. Nancy and Mr. Joe. The four of them had a nice visit.

Anyway, I think I had best go, the staff at Patrick Vet keeps looking at me typing on my phone. You would think they have never seen a "Furry Influencer" before! Check back later and I will let you know how it went today. Okay?

24/12/2023

Hey, Pals! Are you ready? Have you been good? Of course, you have - you're a Westie!! Santa Paws will be here tonight!! I'm going to bed early and sleep with both ears closed!! I cannot wait for Santa Paws to come tonight!!

Mum, Dad, and I wish for you and yours a very Happy Christmas and New Year. We love you guys!!

17/12/2023

Hi, Pals. Guess what? Today marks one month since I went blind. It's been quite a month. So many new things. So many things to get straight.

I spent two weeks with Ms. Nancy and Mr. Joe. They're my family, too, and Mum and Dad wanted me to feel as comfortable at their house as at our house. I had so much fun with them. They took such good care of me. When we went for a walk, they used a walking stick so I could tell where we were going and where they were. I thought that was so smart. Mum said it was brilliant!

I got home on Thursday and then Mum got home that evening. It was good to see Dad and then Mum again. It's been slow remembering my house after two weeks away, but I'm getting there.

Dad, Mum, and I went for a walk yesterday around the block and I found all of the mailboxes' "mail" that had been left for me. Then Mum and I practiced riding around the house in my new stroller. (Mum and I decided that we need a new name for my "wheels". Any ideas?)

We were outside today and it was overwhelming to be in my back garden without my leash on. I couldn't remember where things were, but Mum said I will get better at it each day. Tomorrow, Mum said we are going to put my halo on and go outside in my back garden. She said that that will help me to feel more secure.

Mum said that I am a very brave boy. But, I told her that sometimes I am very scared right now. She said being brave does not mean never being afraid. She said that being brave means to do what is right, to do what needs to be done, even when you are afraid. So remember, Pals, we are Westies, we always brave.

Here are a few pictures of the past two days. I hope you enjoy them.

05/12/2023

Hi, Pals! I've been a little slow in getting back to posting. Now I dictate to Mum and she types for me. She promised that she would type exactly what I say... y'all will have to let me know if you think she's adding her own commentary :) !!

Anyway, Mum's college girlfriends came down to help set up Christmas. (Mum has a tendency to go overboard... I'm just sayin!!) The house looks beautiful and Ms. Angie and Ms. Carole Hill did an awesome job!!

Then we had to take a few pictures. Mum said that she will have to figure out a way for me to understand where the camera is. Any advice, Pals?

I really am getting the hang of this dark world. Dad does not allow terminal cancer to define his life and I'm determined to not allow blindness to define my life.

I'm spending some time with Mr. Joe and Ms. Nancy and they take a walking stick with them when we go on walks. That helps me to know where I should walk. I think that was a brilliant idea they had, don't you?

My Aunt Kelly (Mum's sister) said that I needed a seeing eye monkey, that way he could sit on my back and guide me left or right...hey, maybe we could get a job at the circus 🎪 for extra pocket money. What do you think??

Thanks for all the love and support, Pals. You really touch my little furry heart ❤️. Love you guys!!

21/11/2023

Hey, Pals, look what came in the mail today for me!! Mum and Dad ordered it from Barks and Baubles (barksandbaubles.etsy.com). I love it.

The lady who owns the shop sent Mum and Dad a sweet note. I think they almost cried. She said that she has had three blind dogs and that it's a very special bond that forms between a blind fur baby and the pawrents.

Doesn't that just touch your heart?!?!

So, how do you like my new bandana?

19/11/2023

Mum and I had the best time making the icing for the cake. We made quite the mess but we didn't care!! I had icing all over me!!!

And then Ms. Lou Jean and Ms. Runette came over and looked at Mum's pictures from her trip. And everyone had cake...Dad had ice cream, too!

It was great fun!!

Here's a picture of us. How does the cake look??

19/11/2023

Wow!! Mum and I are just gobsmacked by all of the LOVE and support everyone has sent to us. I'm getting better at navigating my house, and Mum assures me that every day I will get better and better at it.

But, I have to tell you that making a cake is not easy when you are blind!! Ms. Lou Jean and Ms. Runette (two of my most special friends) are coming over this afternoon to love on me...okay, and to see pictures of Mum and Dad's recent trip to France. Anyway, Mum and I decided to make a chocolate cake for their visit. Well, let me tell you, I ended up with chocolate cake mix everywhere! All over the counters, the floor, and me!! But, Mum and I just laughed and laughed!! (Hopefully, Ms. Runette and Ms. Lou Jean will laugh if they find a bit of white fur in their slice of cake...)

Next up, we are going to tackle the chocolate icing! Stay tuned to see how that turns out!!

19/11/2023

My goodness what a week it has been. First, my dad is fine. This post is not about him except tangentially. We received some deeply sad news about me. I have been diagnosed with SARD (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration). I quickly went completely blind. It happened over just a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, Mum and Dad didn't realize it was happening. After all, I'm only seven and a half years old. Mum said that she cannot imagine living in darkness, but I am learning to.

We all cried for two days. We were all three so devastated. But. But, then we picked ourselves up and started learning all we could about SARD; about blindness in dogs. Surprisingly, there is much out there about dog blindness. Mum read me all of the research so I would be up on everything. We have ordered me a HALO, special gear that they wear that comes out around their heads so they don't run into things or damage their face or eyes. We also ordered a scarf that says that I am blind so others will know when we are out and about. Next up, we will have to order a stroller so I don't have to walk around in unfamiliar areas. Mckenzie is helping me with that.

We have discovered something called scent mapping for blind animals. You place a scent - one that is new to your home - where it is safe for your dog to walk along, and they learn to follow the scent and do not run into furniture or dangerous objects. Isn't that brilliant?! So, after talking to Nancy and Joe, our friends who keep me when Mum and Dad are gone, we have decided on sandalwood. What do you think? Would that be a good scent for him?
So, as always, we take the setbacks and learn what we can and then move forward. Whether that is about Dad's cancer or anything else happening in our lives...including me, and my new reality. The most important thing we can do is to learn to work through adversity. No one gets a pass on the hardships of life. So, we make the best of it. We learn to deal with it. And then, we live the best life we can. I will learn to live with blindness, and Mum, Dad, Ms. Lou Jean, Ms. Runette, and everyone will be there to help me. Everyone. Always.

29/10/2023

Hey, Pals, guess what? Mum and Dad are on a cruise in France and one of their new friends has two Westies!! Their names are Bonnie and Mac. How great is that?!?!

Have fun Mum and Dad!!

22/10/2023

My dad, Eddie Lucas, posted this on his page. It's me!! And, it's very true!! What do you say, Pals?

03/10/2023

Hey, PALS!!! Guess what time it is? Guess what time it is?!?!

It's almost time for the Charleston Westie Walk!! That's right! It will be on Sunday...yup, this Sunday! We will meet downtown at the fountain at Marion Square at 1:30 and then step off about 2:00...after we all get our glamour shots taken!! Then, we will march down King Street like the Westies we are, following our wonderful piper. We will stop at Woof Gang Bakery and have some water...and maybe a treat...then continue down King Street to Fulton Street, where we will end our pawrade!

See you there!!

14/09/2023

UPDATE: Sorry, Pals, I guess I didn't do a good job with information! The Fall 2023 Westie Pawrade will begin at Marion Square at the fountain at 1:30. Pictures and sniffs first, then we march down King Street to Woof Gang Bakery for a respite, then we continue down King Street to about Fulton where we end our Westie Pawrade. We will have a t least one piper! We hope to see you there!!

Dad sent out a reminder...like we would forget!

I'm trying to tell you not to miss the Fall Westie Pawrade in less than 4 weeks.....October 8, 2023. Hope to sniff you there.

27/08/2023

Hi, Pals. Well, guess what? Mum and I are a day late...what's new?! We want to wish all of our pawsome furry friends a belated Happy National Dog Day!! I hope you had a great one!! I sure did!! (Of course, every day is Dog Day at our house!!)

09/08/2023

Hi, Pals. Guess what? Today was my "Gotcha Day"!! I remember it well. Seven years ago, Mum and Dad came to Country Meadows Puppies in Due West, SC, and collected me to go to my FurEver Home. I rode in the car tucked up in Mum's lap. It was a long ride to our house, but I was so excited. I was ready to see my new bed and my new toys, and my new food dishes. Mum and Dad told me all about our home and back garden and my stuff as we rode the back roads home.

I love my pawrents so much and love my life with them. We have so much fun together! I'm glad we chose each other!!

(Mum will add my baby pictures as soon as she can find them! She had an issue with her computer a few months ago, and Mum and Rachel saved all of Mum's old pictures, but Mum cannot remember where they are right now! But, that's okay, she's a great Mum.)

03/08/2023

Hey Pals! Look what Mum and Dad posted today:

Mark your calendars for the Fall Westie Pawrade: Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at 1:30pm. Once again, this will be during the Second Sunday event on King Street. We will meet at the corner of King and Calhoun in Marion Square for a meet and greet and some pictures. Then we will take a wee walk down King Street to approximately Fulton St., probably stopping in front of Woof Gang Bakery to regroup and for a photo op. Since this will be just a few weeks before the Charleston Highland Games, any Scottish attire would be great to wear. We will have a piper or two, flags, door prizes, etc.
Mark your calendars and we hope to see you there. Any westies, scotties, cairns, Norwich terriers or other small Scottish terrier breed cousins are welcome to join us.

Eddie and Kaye

16/07/2023

Mum saw that my Westie Bestie, Mckenzie, had posted this. Mum says it's totally true... but I know that we can't help it. It's just our nature! (Hey, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!! 😁)

The Fergus Files

10/06/2024

08/06/2024

30/05/2024

17/04/2024

28/03/2024

17/03/2024

08/03/2024

05/02/2024

04/02/2024

26/01/2024

25/01/2024

25/01/2024

19/01/2024

16/01/2024

16/01/2024

24/12/2023

17/12/2023

05/12/2023

21/11/2023

19/11/2023

19/11/2023

19/11/2023

29/10/2023

22/10/2023

03/10/2023

14/09/2023

27/08/2023

09/08/2023

03/08/2023

16/07/2023

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