Geez, I forgot--Kelsie was born on July 24th, 2002. We brought her home on September 11, 2002. She weighed all of 2.3 pounds at the time. It seems like so long ago and then it seems like yesterday!

I am Cheryl and I have two wonderful westie boys named Alex who is 6 and Morgan who is 4.  Rich and I moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina almost 7 years ago and bought a gentleman's farm.  We have 3 horses, and had 23 cows, but we just sold all the cattle last fall - our herd was getting to big so we sold them all to a man who wanted to increase his herd. 

I worked in healthcare for 27 years and took an early retirement four years ago.   I've been busy since we moved my Mom in with us a 1 1/2 ago after my Dad passed.  Its been a joy having her around.  

My favorite place is Naples, Florida where we have a home.  My bucket list includes a cruise to Alaska, a trip to Scotland and Italy, a weekend in Charleston SC, and of course New England where all rest of the family lives.  

Hugs

Cheryl andd Alex and Morgan 

This is a great idea, Cheryl!  Lot's of fun getting to know everyone!

I'm David from Ohio and have been a member for almost 6 years.  I joined here before I got my first Westie and it was because of everyone here on the TC that I did end up with the love of my life Cooper.

I got Cooper from a Pet store (I know, I will never do that again) but he needed me and I needed him.  He was 4-1/2 months old and was cooped up the entire time......hence his name "Cooper".  Cooper taught me that it's not always about me but it's "all about him!!!”  When I got Cooper we lived in Pennsylvania.  After 3 years we moved to Arizona, Not sure who hated it more there, me or Coop.  So we then moved to Ohio where I am a licensed insurance agent.  Cooper was a real trooper on the trips across the country.  Okay so he slept most of the way!

A year and a half ago I rescued Caesar from a puppy mill.  We think he was 3 at the time but really no idea.  He is a cuddle bug and he and Cooper get along great.  Because of Caesar I have all newly refinished hardwood floors!!!  Don't ask!!!  LOL!!!  He is the second love of my life!

I am hoping to move to the North or South Carolina when I retire.  I LOVE my house here in Ohio but not the snow.   I can't believe I am old enough to contemplate retirement.  Even when retired I will work part time just to get out of the house a bit.  Last year was my 35th high school reunion; I was obviously just 4 when I graduated!!!!

The best part of my life............Cooper and Caesar!!!   

Hi - I'm linda,  mum to charlie & mr. butters,  Westies,  here in Connecticut.  We have only been members of the TC since last Fall,  but have been enjoying it immensely.  Even though I don't always have time to post,  I enjoy keeping up with how everyone is doing here.  I usually try to check in a few times a week.  I've learned a great deal from all you guys & your experiences,  & am very thankful to have found you all. 

Charlie & Mr. Butters are affectionately known at our house & the neighborhood as the Boys.  My husband Paul & I are retired & in our 60s & 70s.  We lived in apts. until we were able to buy my late parents' home in 2004,  & in 2005 we decided to fulfill our lifetime dream of having a dog to love.  We found Charlie on Petfinder.com,  in the classified section.  He was 13 months old,  & living with his first family in Massachusetts.  They were unable to keep him any longer,  but they were impressive in their diligence to find a good  (& legitimate)  home for him.  (They actually called our references;  they also called our local high school,  which is across the street from our house,  to confirm what we had told them about what our neighborhood was like!)  We had to wait anxiously while another family took him for a week's trial visit,  but were so happy when he & they didn't work out.  We took him home for our week's trial,  & we knew he had to be with us forever after only the first day.  We ran right out & bought a bed for him to nap in between our 2 recliners.  We would just stare down at him in absolute wonder...  He taught us so much - not just about doggiehood,  but about spiritual things like our own relationship/obedience to our Creator... 

After we had Charlie for a year or so,  we went back to Petfinder to find a companion for him,  & after a few months,  through a round-about association with a shelter there,  we were put in touch with another family in Massachusetts who were ready to put their 2 & a half yr. old Westie,  Mr. Butters,  in a shelter.  We went right up there with Charlie,  & it was friends at first sight for them.  They took off chasing each other all around the neighborhood,  & we still chuckle when we think of that picture & remember how nervous we were that Charlie would disappear!  Anyway,  they are the best of brothers,  & it's been the best of situations for all four of us.  As it turns out,  they are only 1 month apart in age  (both now 6 going on 7).  Having Mr. B. has cured Charlie's previously picky eating habits,  & now Mr. B. has learned to pee like a boy & scratch his back feet in the dirt.  Charlie doesn't have to stay in a crate all day long & tear everything up,  & Mr. B. doesn't have to stay alone all day & amuse himself with the only  (yes,  one)  toy that he had.  And we couldn't be more blessed...

It amazes us constantly how different their little  (excuse me,  terrier puppers:  BIG)  personalities are.  We do miss having known them as puppies,  but we knew our limits & decided that we would not be up to puppyhood when we decided to adopt.  We have a neighbor friend who has Westies & who has fostered a few,  so we have been able to live vicariously through their revolving puppies! 

We live modestly here,  & will probably stay here forever,  even though the winters are getting harder to deal with.  Because we are older,  we wish  1)  that we can outlive our boys,  &  2)  that we can always keep up with them!  They do get about 2 miles of walking each day,  as long as the weather & our aches & pains allow.  And,  of course,  they get lots of playing & chasing time at home.  Getting down on the floor to play with them is also helping us to stay limber!!  (heehee - those of you who are older know how difficult it is to get up off the floor once you get down!)  We are planning to set up a little trust for them so that they can be placed together in a loving home,  just in case we go before they do. 

Thanks all for your easy friendship & genuine concern for each other.  This site is a blessing...