The story goes something like this: In 2000, my lovely bride ventured to her ancestrial homeland of Scotland. I won’t go into that trip (since I didn’t go with her, but perhaps I could write about the time I had at home during her 2 week excursion…on second thought maybe I shouldn’t). Let’s just leave it at she had a grand time with her U.S. family, and new found family across the pond (or at least with the statues, monuments, and castles). Now Deb is not the type that postures a “wants” attitude very often. But she did insist on one thing as a result of her trip. That would be a Scottish Terrier.
OK, so I worked a little magic (I started thinking) and called my mother-in-law. At the time she was working as a kennel inspector for the State of Kansas. She had a breeder with a litter being weaned that just so happened to be of a desirable European ancestry. I sent her the bucks, the M-I-L went and picked Deb’s Scottie.
What a wonderful selection she made. I would venture to say Mac is the best pet I’ve ever had…and I can’t remember a childhood time growing up that we didn’t have a least one dog around the house. She got the name “Mackie” and she came home the week following Christmas 2000. As most dogs do, they quickly choose a favorite. Mackie became my dog (as did the vet, grooming, and food bills). Deb says I still owe her a Christmas gift from 8 years ago.
But not to ramble on about Mac (which I could). Let me just say she’s smart, funny, obnoxious, annoying, independent, and every bit a Terrier. Thus we have several names for her depending on her mood at the time: Mackie, Mac, Mac-a-Noodle, Mac-a-Roni, Mac-a-Doo, Goofy Ball, Hey You, Baby Girl.
I took it one step further: one day I started a list of words and phrases she responds to. Those are:
1. Catch it (tossing food)
2. What’s that? (when she hears a noise a bark follows)
3. Airplanes (barks at nearly everyone that flys over)
4. Treat (dog biscuit)
5. Hot Dog (oh boy is that a favorite treat)
6. Sit up pretty (her signature pose)
7. Lay down (doesn’t need a command most of the time)
8. Hairy monster (toy)
9. Egg (toy)
10. Purple monster (toy)
11. Dino (favorite toy)
12. Percy (toy)
13. Basketball (she straddles that between her legs)
14. Soccer Ball (she can actually fetch that)
15. Momma (Deb)
16. Sarah (really Mackie’s favorite)
17. Bye Bye (she gets to leave with us)
18. Night-Night (lights out for all of us)
19. Gotta go (we are leaving, she has to stay)
20. Scratch your tummy (she will roll over on her back)
21. Oh my (usually eggs her on when excited)
22. Ut-O (accident that get her ears laid back)
23. Goodness Sakes (she will lay on her side or back and start rubbing on the floor, grunting)
24. Stretchin’ (she usually does it on command after waking from a nap)
25. Who’s here? (runs to the window to see)
26. You be a good girl (when we leave)
27. Fresh water (duh, who doesn’t like that – she hops like a rabbit at this)
28. Come on (follow me)
29. Hey you (a hello greeting to her)
30. Good Girl (always)
31. Bad Girl (seldom)
32. Larry (toy)
33. We’re not gonna play (sad time, drop the toy)
34. Momma’s sleeping (that means she has to settle down for the night)
35. Hug (she will literally do this to/for me)
36. Goobers in your eyes (she will allow removal of globs to happen)
37. Shall we water the plants (play time with the garden hose)
38. Outside
39. You better let me have it (her reluctance to surrender a fetched toy)
40. Ready? (getting ready to throw a toy for fetching)
41. Such a pretty girl (will sit up begging – sometimes)
42. Such a sleepy girl (will usually let out a heavy sigh if resting)
43. It’s OK (sometimes will calm her anxiety)
44. Chip (loves Cheetos, tortilla, and potato as a treat)
45. Watermelon (she usually smells it and becomes quite annoying in her demands)
There’s more, but you probably got the jest after about #15.
FD and FS obviously get concerned about their parents because we typically have a “conversation” with Mac – not just single word commands. And sometimes she’s reasonable; and sometimes will respond in kind (that’s when the kiddos really freak out).
Empty nesting makes for strange happenings…sometimes. We miss our kids not being at home so Mac-a-Doo makes life without them entertaining.
tm
21 
What a sweet story. The Scottish Terrier and Dog News will link to it.
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How wonderful your relationship sounds! I have a Scottie (Angus) and a Westie (Ozzie) who, like you and your wife, replaced our son when he moved. They are our “fuzzy boys” as we call them! Life would be rather dull and boring. I am constantly amazed how different Angus and Ozzie are… the one thing they have in common, however, is how much love they have to give and the ability to make us laugh!
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Kathy – Mac is truly a charmer and she knows it. We’ve talked about geting another – perhaps a Westie – but are unsure whether the “Queen” would allow another “subject” in the house (HaHa). I’m surprised my good friend JaiJai hasn’t commented – she has 3 Scotties and her parents have a Rescue. You’re right, life would not be near as exciting without a Scottie to come home to every night. Enjoy their gving (love and laughter). Thanks for commenting – send a picture and I will post it as a new Scottie friend (you too JaiJai).
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I HEART SCOTTIES! I don’t think that begins to express my adoration for this breed of dog. My husband knows that one day we will have a literal heard of them running about the place. Gracie, Winston, and Frasier are the highlight of my day…every day. Their personalities are so different! My parents have two now both rescues…Maggie and Stuart. By no means can we leave out our other Scottie Angels that have gone to a better place, Max and Mollie. I could go on about Scottish Terriers for years…if you don’t believe me just ask Tim. As a proud Mom here are my babies….
Okay I attempted to post their pics…but it’s not working. Maybe Tim can help me out.
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I failed to mention…Deb’s sister Sue has a Brindle – she lost a Scottie a few years ago. Brody minds the Scottish antique store Sue owns and operates (see http://www.northglenantiques.com/) and does just a fine, stellar job entertaining all comers, shoppers, and visitors.
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Tim, you crack me up.
I feel for my cousins, though. My parents have also already begun replacing (most) of us with various cats and dogs.
=)
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What a wonderful family you all are!
We too are proudly owned by our Princess called Maddy. She will be 2 on Christmas Eve and boy what fabulous, adventuring years they have been! Our last child is now 18 and in first year at University and she and all her friends are constantly entertained by Maddy and her parents. Maddy likes nothing better than being in the bedroom with all of the girls as they get ready for a big night out! She even wakes up when they return in the wee hours to hang out with them and get all the news of the night! If you are interested in the life of a Cape Town, South Africa Scotty then please read my blog which follows her escapades on toni-modernmom.blogspot.com
Regards Toni
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Toni,
Thanks for your note. Scotties have a way into your heart for sure. We’ve since added another Scottie to the family – Princess Zoey. It was a difficult introduction met with blood, barks, bites, vet care, and even a trip to the emergency care…but they are getting along famously now. And yes, 2 Scotties in 1 household gives us little chance of reclaim our castle from them.
I write often about my Scotties, please check back often (and other articles already posted, please go to “Mackie”, “Zoey”, or “Scottie” tags on the left side of myblog page)
Thanks.
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