Choosing a specific breed of dog can be difficult. According to the AKC, there are over 200 dog breeds! And that doesn't even count doodles and other mixed breeds. So you may be wondering why I decided to adopt a West Highland Terrier.
My Scottish heritage
My dad is from a town called Troon in Scotland. So as a child, I would spend many of my summers in Scotland to see family. Scotland is still one of my favorite places to visit. The beautiful landscapes, the friendly people, and of course, the adorable West Highland Terriers I would see on my walks stuck with me into adulthood. The Westie was one of the dogs I tried to convince my parents (unsuccessfully) to adopt when I was a kid.
I love being active!
Living an active lifestyle is important to me. Whether it's going for a long walk, hiking, or playing fetch, having a dog that can keep up with my energy level was very important to me. Westies, like all terriers, are known for their lively and playful nature, making them the perfect companion for my active lifestyle.
We travel a lot
Traveling is a big part of my life. I love getting on a plane to a new destination! When choosing a dog, I needed a breed that would be comfortable traveling with me. West Highland Terriers are known for their adaptability and love for adventure, making them the ideal travel buddy. Most are small enough to travel in the cabin with you, weighing up to 20 lbs. This means Fika can come with me almost everywhere!
I work from home
Working from home has its perks, especially when you have a fur baby. Westies are also happiest when they are at their owner's side. Fika keeps me company throughout the day, and we take lots of breaks to play and have fun. In fact, our playtime inspired me to start Fika's Freaky Friends! Fika, like many Westies, is obsessed with chasing and tearing apart dog toys. The design for the first set Fika's Freaky Friends came from the toys Fika likes most, as well as the funny nicknames I give her while we play.
Adopting a Westie has turned out to be one of my best ideas. Not only does she bring me constant joy, but she's also sparked a creative side of me that I didn't know I had!