This isn’t the Valentine’s Day theme post I planned to send out last Saturday morning. It wasn’t even a subject I had on the blog calendar. But, life interruptus. Early last week, my sweet Scottie dog got very sick and required major abdominal surgery.
The good news is, that it looks like Fibber is going to be okay. We brought him home Saturday afternoon. But, it will be a long three to four week care and recovery period.
I don’t often mention Fibber, and have only shared a couple of pictures. Most followers are primarily interested in tablescapes, holiday decorations, and party posts, rather than my day-to-day musings.
And don’t we all think our kids and pets are the cutest, smartest, and most wonderful on the planet? Because, let me bee clear — mine are! I will be completely shameless when I have grandchildren. People will cross the street to avoid my bragging or being subjected to endless photos LOL!
While Valentine’s Day is primarily about romance, it’s also about the other loving and caring relationships in our lives. Today, I’m marking the occasion by celebrating my own fuzzy, funny Valentine.
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Fibber as a puppy, shaggy and wet after chasing ducks into the tidal creek surrounding my sistah’s then Yorktown home. I’m relaxing in a hammock, after chasing Fibber around with a hose to clean off the brackish water.
Scottie Silhouette
Short-legged with a robust, stocky build and distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows are the physical characteristics of the iconic Scottie dog silhouette.
Fibber while at ‘camp’ while hubby and I were traveling overseas. Deluca’s Canine Country Club, where I board him, always takes wonderful care of my boy.
Oh, and that sassy strut! Not to mention those expressive pointed ears and well-known Scottie dog head tilt. Bee still my heart!
Deluca’s posts updates on Facebook while we’re away, which I really appreciate. In this photo, Fibber seems to be saying, “where the heck are you guys?”
Worth the Wait
I had wanted a Scottie dog for years; especially after seeing President Bush’s pet Barney repeatedly on television. Everytime I saw him, my heart went thumpity-thump.
Once the boys were off to college and I was consulting only part-time, it felt like the right time to devote to a pet. Finding one, however, wasn’t easy. I was fortunate to locate two breeders in Western Pennsylvania, but was on a waiting list for months. Fibber was part of a very small litter of just three, and he was the only male.
My funny, fuzzy Valentine, about a week before I brought him home at 14 weeks of age. Scottie dog ears don’t fully stand on their own until they are several months old. I can always tell when Fibber is guilty of something — his ears lay flat in an ‘airplane wing’ position.
Bonding with Baby Boy
Fibber was just nine hours old when the breeder let me hold him — fitting in my upturned hand. His eyes hadn’t even opened yet. I was surprised his mother Sadie had no problem with me holding her baby. At the breeder’s suggestion, I left behind an old t-shirt I had slept in; so Fibber would know my scent.
After that, I drove across town about once every couple of weeks to visit and bond with my puppy. Both my animal-loving sisters traveled to all the way to Pittsburgh to bring Fibber home — seeing me was bonus!
Member of the Clan
Fibber joined the family just weeks after my Mini Cooper Clubman arrived from Oxford, England. They both are built close to the ground with elongated bodies — although the car lacks ears, eyebrows and beard!
Scottie dog in the ‘rough’ — Fibber in need of a haircut! Scotties do require regular grooming, which I leave to a professional. Be forewarned, few groomers actually know how to properly clip and sculpt a Scottie dog coat.
Fibber has a black brindle coat with a milk chin — which means he was born with white hairs there. Now, at age nine, his coat is taking on an increasingly salt and pepper appearance.
Little Braveheart Highlander
“A solidly compact dog of vivid personality, the Scottish Terrier is an independent, confident companion of high spirits. Scotties have a dignified, almost-human character. Their terrier persistence has earned the breed the nickname “the Diehard.”
In addition to the 43rd President, George W. Bush, two others had a Scottie dog in the White House. FDR’s Fala was known around the world and is portrayed as a larger-than-life statue at his memorial in Washington D.C.
Fala started a craze with a wide variety of famous personalities, including Hedy Lamar and Winston Churchill, who were often photographed with their Scotties.
Even children recognize a Scottie dog as a well-known playing piece in the board game Monopoly.
Camera Shy
For all the Scottie dog imagery out there, I have few good photos of Fibber. All that black fur and dark brown eyes make him challenging to photograph. In many pictures, he ends up looking like a black fur ball.
Plus, every time I pull out my cellphone he bolts. I blame that rude behavior as something he learned from hubby — who also hates to have his picture taken! When I do manage to get the lighting right, Fibber looks all grumpy and serious.
Big Personality, Small Package
Fibber’s personality is far bigger than adequately contained in his 24-pound body. Standing on just four-inch legs, he seems oblivious to his short stature. Fibber is definitely an alpha, type A personality.
He’s what you’d call a real character. Funny, playful and affectionate, though a stickler for routine and rules.
Does your dog tell time? God forbid if it’s a minute past 5:30 and I haven’t served his dinner! First comes the stare. Then the grumble and one-paw tap. If I’m talking on the phone too long, Fibber’s up on my lap, nose-to-nose.
Find out more about the breed at the Scottish Terrier Club of America.
My Funny Valentine
Are you familiar with the song, “My Funny Valentine?” Can you hear the melody in your head?
The show tune is from the 1937 Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart musical, Babes in Arms. It became a popular jazz standard, appearing on over 1300 albums performed by over 600 artists. In 2015. the song was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
The lyrics struck a chord with me (all puns intended!) when I think of Fibber:
“You’re my funny valentine,
Sweet comic valentine,
You make me smile with my heart.
Your looks are laughable, unphotographable,
Yet, you’re my favorite work of art.But don’t change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine stay
Each day is Valentine’s Day“Lorenz Hart
Sick Scottie
Over the past month Fibber had been periodically getting sick overnight. He’d feel better for several days, get ill again, I’d call the vet, put him on a bland diet and meds — repeat.
Last Wednesday he vomited his bland breakfast and couldn’t stop. So, I took him to the vet for a full exam, blood work and x-rays. What I saw put my heart in my throat.
Fibber’s gallbladder, which should have been the size of a plum, was softball-sized! Worse still, it was pushing around and displacing his other organs; so much so that his stomach was hard to even find on the x-ray.
In preparation for surgery, Fibber was on intravenous fluids. He’s a very good communicator; I got the message — “take this darn collar off me and let’s go home now woman!”
After various consultations it was determined that there was no saving the gallbladder. In fact, it needed to be removed ASAP, as a rupture would be catastrophic.
Not Very Comfortable
Surgery went extremely well, with little bleeding and no gallbladder leakage. Although they took biopsies of four organs, there were no obstructions or indications of cancer. But, poor Fibber has a 6-8 inch incision in his belly.
We brought him home only a day later, and I’ve spent four nights sleeping on the couch nearby. I’m not sure which is harder, caring for him now or in a couple of weeks — when I have to keep my high-energy terrier on continued “puppy bed rest.” No jumping up on the couch to snuggle, chasing toys, wrestling with hubby, or even walks.
Youngest son saw the picture above and went searching on Amazon for a more comfortable solution. It arrived on Sunday morning.
That look tells me he’s none to happy I’m sharing embarrassing photos of him. I told you he wasn’t keen on having his picture taken!
I’m looking forward to having my happy, energetic and healthy little companion back.
That little Scottie dog personality fills my home and it feels empty and quiet now. Happy Valentine’s Day little buddy.
See the In the Pink Valentines Day Table with sweet Scottie dog accents.
And the decorated guest bedroom in, Scottie Dog Christmas Ornament Tree.
Do you have a fuzzy Valentine or two at home too? Or maybe a pet from your childhood, or other time in your life?
Update December 2019: Sadly, Fibber had a neurological event while at the groomers. I had to let him pass over the rainbow ridge just three hours later.
Update December 2020: On the anniversary of Fibber’s passing a litter of puppies was born! My new Scottie boy, Whiskey, comes home in early February — just in time to be my new funny, fuzzy Valentine! Meet him in, Preparing for a Puppy: Favorite Dog Supplies & Toys and Energetic & Playful Scottie Puppy: 6 Month Update.
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Fibber is adorable! Sorry to read that he’s had to go through surgery. I hope his recovery time will be as short as it can be and that he’ll be feeling like himself again soon. Loved the pictures! And that soft cone is great! We don’t have a dog, but Gloria’s little dachshund, George, spends a lot of time with us. In fact, we’ll be having him over for a week starting on Sunday while Gloria is away on a little vacation to CA. He can be a handful, with his typical dachshund stubborn personality, but we love him. He’ll be 7 later this year and slowing down a bit, but he still keeps us on our toes.
Thanks Beverly, I’m partial to him! He’s on the couch all curled up with me right now. Today was a much better day. That soft cone has been a huge improvement. Poor Fibber, je could barely keep his head up with the weight of the larger plastic cone. And, he couldn’t fit in and out of the crate with it on. His ears were all scrunched forward too. Dachshunds have the same elongated body shape and adorable wiggle. Several of my friends have pairs of them! Most of my Scottie acquaintances also have two or more, and are always reminding me that Fibber McGee needs a Molly! Have fun babysitting George (love the name!).
He’s a very handsome Valentine, Debbee. So glad he’s on the road to recovery. We do not have a pet now, not since 2006, when we had a chocolate miniature poodle. Her name was Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, Coco for short.
The vintage Scottie from the 30s makes for an extremely collectible genre all its own, and crosses many categories! Do you have one of your own?
Fibber certainly doesn’t lack of any self confidence! He’s really improved in the last 24 hours, with his tummy settling down and stretching back to normal size and position. I was thrilled this morning when he made a bee-line for my lap to snuggle — sorta of a head first charge in the plastic ‘cone of restraint.’
Oh. My. Goodness. How cute is the name Coco!
Scottie owners are mad for plaid and all stuff depicting them. I show more restraint (i.e. husband), mostly with Christmas items including a little tree. Everyone likes to buy me flannel Scottie dog PJ’s. Will admit to having a pairs of Talbot slippers and shoes with Scotties on them, plus several holiday sweaters and tops. I have been looking for a set of 4-6 vintage glasses for sometime. Everything online becomes cost prohibitive with shipping. But, if you’d keep an eye out for me I sure would appreciate it Rita.
I love your little Scottie. I hope his recovery is a smooth one! I do detect a little Scotty Stink Eye being cast your way in a couple of these pictures. We lost our first Scottie when he was 12. We brought him home on Valentines Day and he passed away 7 years ago today. We got a Wheaton colored Scottie from the Tennessee Scottish Terrier Rescue soon after. Miss Ginny is a great Scottie and has filled our lives with love and personality! Not everyone is cut out to be owned by a Scottie but they are great pets!
P.S. I have every pair of Scottie PJ’s from Talbots!
We could have a Scottie pajama party with our pups!
Another Scottie mom — I chuckled about the “stink eye” comment. Do you think those eyebrows is what adds to what I called the intense looking stare? It must have been really hard to lose your Scottie boy. So sorry. One of the breeders in the area is crazy about wheatons, and hers have an almost reddish tint to them. They’ve won lots of titles. I remember I had to be interviewed in person and approved by the two breeders of Fibber’s mom and dad before they’d agree to put me on a wait list!
A funny side note to the Stink Eye- here in East Tennessee it is pronounced “Stank Eye”. But anyone with a Scottie knows the look personality!
Hope your baby is feeling better. My daughter had a scottie named Gunner who was so loved. He stayed with me for long periods of time and I always considered him part her dog and part mine. He has gone to the rainbow bridge now and is so missed. Now I have a little black minature schnauzer named Hugs who looks so much like Gunner but with longer legs. He is the greatest dog. Dogs so enrich our lives. I love seeing your fur baby’s pictures. Get well soon and God bless.
Hi Janet, I appreciate the sentiments. Aww, so nice to meet another Scottie mom! My first dog was a schnauzer named Whiskers (love the name Hugs!) who use to sit at my play table and chairs for ‘tea.’ You’re right, they do look very similar and are oh so sweet! We later had Cairn Terriers (both named Duffy), an English Sheepdog (named Daisy after the Please Don’t Eat the Daisies movie), and then believe it or not — Dobermans who were gentle, loving small ponies!
Fibber is adorable. So glad he is on the mend. We have a Yorkie who is also let’s us know what he wants.
Thanks Wendy! Today was the first day he initiated snuggling, which I sorely missed. Yorkies are so cute! You didn’t mention his name or age? Terriers have such great personalities.
So glad to hear your sweet, funny valentine is on the mend–know that was a scary time for all. Loved seeing all your pictures–adorable! Contrary to what you may think, your everyday musings make for a more personal blog. Fibber would look perfect sitting on one of the chairs in our late 1800’s themed “golf room” den ha! ha! That room gets the full Scottish treatment come Christmas. Hugs!
Thanks Bobbi. Yes, a Scottie would be the perfect accessory for someone mad for plaid! My sons ‘complain’ every year that all my wrapping paper is plaid and Scotties. It’s become a tradition for they and my husband to wait until Xmas Eve to wrap and this year my sons bought their own paper for some variety! Me, I wrap as early as I can to double-duty presents as holiday decorations!
P.S. May I suggest you add a Scottie pillow or statue to your golf room attire?
So glad Fibber is on the road to recovery. I’m sure he will be very happy to shed his new collar. Happy Valentines Day
Aww, thanks! It’s a two-edged kind of thing — as he feels better and is more active, I need to keep that plastic collar on more. Poor guy can barely lift his head in it. Hope you and fiance R have a special day. Hubby and I are staying in tonight with our furry friend. Love you!
it breaks our hearts when our fur babies are hurting doesn’t it Debbee? Every time I think of the Scottie breed, I think of the Disney film, The Lady & The Tramp and “Scottie”.
My little Jesse James, so named because he was the little bandit that stole our hearts, is a very small white Pomeranian….5 pounds. I swear he is human for all the looks, the antics, etc. that he pulls.
The Captain and I have tried spelling words, but evidently he knows how to spell too… because he can’t be fooled into thinking we are going for” I-c-e c-r-e-a-m” and not taking him. LOL He beats us to the door.
Of course he likes all the attention he gets because everyone who sees him swoons over him and he laps it all up in a very conceited way….in fact he expects it. He is often referred to as a puppy because we keep him professionally groomed in a “teddy bear” cut…otherwise he gets too hot here in Florida… as he would look like a long haired white Persian cat. But I assure the on-lookers that he is NOT a puppy, but in fact a 13 year old geriatic!
I really enjoyed hearing about Jesse — he sounds adorable! Everyone thinks Fibber is a puppy too, because he’s so outgoing and playful. At our house the words we can’t say out loud are “cookie” and our two adult sons’ names. Fibber goes nuts looking for them! Whenever we have a banana or apple with lunch, Fibber sits at attention waiting for what we call “Fibber tax” — a slice or two as a treat. And, if I take him to see hubby run in a race, he expects a piece of banana at the finish line. Once, at the Cherry Blossom race in DC, runners would actually divert and stop along the course to pet him. I think a thousand people yelled “Barney!” during the race (Bush’s pet). Hubby ran an amazing time, picked up Fibber in the shadow of Washington’s Monument and gave him his first ever piece of banana — he loved it! I had to stop all the runners from overdosing him on bananas; it that’s even a thing LOL!
Aww, I’m so glad he’s recovering! I understand that special bond so well!! Thanks so much for sharing his sweet face at Thursday Favorite Things!
Thank you Pam, today was the post-op surgery visit and he’s doing great. No more of that awful cone! Hard part is another 7-10 days of low key activity — the opposite of my high test Scottie now that he’s feeling good.
Debbee, so sorry to hear that your fur baby needed surgery. I always hate when they are ill and you want them to tell you what is wrong. Fibber is a cutie. Stop by TFT since you and Fibber are being featured.
So true Beverly! Plus not being able to explain to him what was going on and reassure him. But, Fibber’s got his vim and vigor back, and I’ve just gotta try to keep his activity level low key for another couple of weeks. Lovely of you to feature him today — thanks!
I’m so sorry to hear of Fibbers surgery. What a cute and characterful dog he is! LOVE the collar your son bought him haha. You are all looking after him so well. Wishing your dear boy a speedy recovery xx
Thanks for the good wishes Maria. I’ve been amazed at his recovery. Both Fibber and I are adapting to his new prescription diet. He loves going from 2 to 3 feedings each day. But, everytime he finishes a now smaller portion size per meal, I get this disgruntled look — “what that’s all?!”
Love your Fibber. Grew up with Scottie’s: Myrtle, Sadie, & Kricket. Had two of my own Lady McBuff (Buffy) and Abigail. My son has a Westin: Dublin. Right now we travel too much to visit grandchildren to have a dog, but miss not having one.
Hi Diane, is this the first time you’ve visited the blog? I always enjoy hearing from other Scottie moms. Fibber’s mom’s name is Sadie. It’s fun to see other pet’s names — Dublin is especially cute. Since my husband recently retired, we take more numerous trips and vacations of multi-week duration. I had boarding Fibber that much, although he seems to really like the kennel and staff and they him. He’s going to really enjoy our upcoming trip to visit both our sons in NYC and Philly because he’s coming with us.
I love your blog I am a huge Scottie fan, over last 25 yrs. I have had six of them. All wonderful, similar but different. I currently have 3, my older male is 13 and has a medical problem right now which has me a nervous “Scottie Mom”. They are a wonderful breed, enjoy everyday I spend with them. They do make home much more fun. I enjoy our breed clubs and interfacing with other Scottie owners. Your description of them is perfect, they have me wrapped around their sweet paws! I have found I can’t live without having one in my home I am so in love!
My heart goes out for the loss of beautiful Fibber.
Sincerely,
Colleen
Colleen, I so enjoyed hearing about your Scotties! Although, I confess to being a little envious of your trio. Wish you lived near and maybe I could visit for a Scottie fix!
About this time last year (after Fibber’s successful surgery), I wanted to start looking for another puppy to join the family. Even though, I expected to have Fibber a few more happy years. Anyway, my dad began bouncing back and forth between hospitals and rehab. And in May, he passed on Fibber’s birthday. In addition to grieving, there was mom to take care of and evidently relocate. So I decided to wait for a puppy. Wish I had one right now. I’m afraid getting another Scottie will feel like I’m trying to replace my irreplaceable boy. Just not ready yet.
But, I am really enjoying volunteering at Animal Friends where I work in dog adoption. Last Saturday we had an amazing 10 dogs adopted! It was a joyful day. And, it felt good setting the In the Pink Valentines Day Table with a few Scottie dog accents.
I loved this post Debbee! I am so relieved that Fibber is going to be okay! It’s incredibly hard when they are sick. I am exactly the same way with my fur babies and they do show up on my blog once in awhile too. My son asked me the other day how many pictures I have of “the boys” on my phone. I’m too embarrassed to tell you the answer but suffice it to say there was a ridiculous amount…which was exactly the point of his asking! So….I think this is the perfect Valentine’s post! I’m praying for a speedy recovery for Fibber! Have a great weekend.
Glad you enjoyed the post Denise! Fibber did recover and had ten more months with us before suffering a neurological event shortly before Christmas (2019). I had to let him go. It’s been a tough year to be without the love and antics of a fur baby. Happily, on the anniversary of Fibber’s passing, a litter of Scotties was born (with me first on the list for a puppy at long, long last). Glenfiddich (we will call him Whiskey) will be here with us in time to celebrate Valentines Day.
Oh my goodness! I didn’t realize I had missed the date on the post. But I’m so happy you will once again have a fur baby in your home! Welcome Whiskey! Can’t wait to see puppy pics!
Aw, what a sweet tribute to a dear friend! I hope you’ll share pictures of Whisky when you get him.
Thanks Joanne. I sure have missed him and being a Scottie mom during this long, awful year. Whiskey will be coming home in less than two weeks — in time for Valentines Day! I’ll be sharing pictures galore!
Fibber is and was adorable!!! I love the prairie bonnet he wore during his gall bladder recovery… That was a great idea (I dread Yoda having to have surgery on his “cheeks” to help his eyes (cornea) not be scratched… (Coming soon!) as we will have a similar situation.
I am excited that you will have a new puppy friend around very soon! It’s so hard when our dog’s pass… <3 Love and angel hugs to Mr. Fibber! He is forever out on my Animal Friends board. <3 Welcome to your new baby, Whiskey!!! <3 Sharing today at Share Your Style #290. Big hugs, Barb 🙂
Ahh, thanks so much Barb! After searching across 7 states for 8-9 months for a Scottie puppy, I couldn’t believe Whiskey was born on the anniversary of Fibber’s passing — seemed like a sign! I really really had my heart set on another Scottie. I am counting the days until Whiskey comes home. Sorry about poor Yoda’s surgery! I will be thinking and pulling for you both. So hard to have our fur babies suffering.
Happy Saturday, Debbee! Okay, I think I have Share Your Style fixed now. What a week.Glad little Whiskey will be coming home to your home soon! We should be good now. <3
Debbee, What a sweet post. They have our hearts for sure. Loved all the sweet photos and so glad he’s going to be ok.
Glad you enjoyed it Rachel. Fibber did recover and we got to enjoy 10 more wonderful months together, before losing him a year ago at Christmastime. I miss him terribly, and the isolation with the pandemic made it worse. But, this Friday we pick up a new Scottie puppy named Glenfiddich (a premium scotch) who we will call “Whiskey.” I’ve recently added an update at the bottom of the post. So, I will have a fuzzy, funny Valentine joining our family in time for the holiday this year.