The Westies & Besties Podcast

This episode features Tammy Fox sharing the inspiring story of Pumpkin, a disabled Westie who has become a symbol of resilience and compassion. Discover how Pumpkin's journey has led to raising awareness, supporting charities, and transforming lives through innovative animal rehabilitation and charity work. 🐶 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to never miss Westie tips, health advice, and dog owner stories! 💬 Comment below with your questions we love hearing from our community! 🔗 Share this video with friends who love Westies and dogs! 🔥Key Topics Pumpkin's rescue story and disability The role of wheelchairs and rehabilitation in animal recovery Tammy Fox's charity work supporting disabled animals 🔥Sound bites "Six vets to find help for Pumpkin" "Bond with Pumpkin is like no other" "Pumpkin as a calming therapy dog" 🔥Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pumpkin's Journey 01:56 The Adoption Story of Pumpkin 04:58 Overcoming Medical Challenges 09:28 The Role of Community Support 12:24 Pumpkin's Global Impact and Following 15:19 Establishing a Charity for Disabled Animals 19:04 Providing Rehabilitation and Support 20:55 Pumpkin as a Therapy Dog 24:38 Advocacy in Parliament for Disabled Animals 28:52 Challenges and Rewards of Caring for Disabled Pets 39:42 Changing Perceptions and Saving Lives 40:13 Collaboration in Veterinary Care 41:17 Rehabilitation and Strength Building 42:15 The Emotional Journey of Pet Guardians 44:16 Community Support and Volunteer Efforts 45:02 The Joy of Fitting Wheelchairs 47:07 Inspiring Stories of Resilience 49:39 Innovative Solutions for Disabled Animals 50:48 Training and Expanding the Network 53:06 International Outreach and Support 54:02 Quickfire Round with Pumpkin 01:01:30 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 🎙 Podcast: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts 🔥Resources & Links Pumpkin and Friends Charity - https://pumpkinandfriends.org Tammy Fox's Social Media - https://facebook.com/pumpkinandfriends Wheelchair Fitting Training Course - https://pumpkinandfriends.org/training UK Animal Rescue Support - https://rspca.org.uk 🔥Guest links Facebook - https://facebook.com/pumpkinandfriends Website - https://pumpkinandfriends.org

What happens when passion for Westies, natural dog health, ethical business, and dog nutrition collide? You build a movement. 🐾 In this episode, Alex Griffin of The Westies & Besties Podcast joins the Wags & Wellness with Rachel Down to share how Westies & Besties Magazine grew into a thriving dog community — championing responsible breeding, holistic dog care, and better nutrition for Westies, Labradors, and dog lovers everywhere. 🐶 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to never miss Westie tips, health advice, and dog owner stories! 💬 Comment below with your questions we love hearing from our community! 🔗 Share this video with friends who love Westies and dogs! The conversation also explores: The shift toward holistic and natural dog health Responsible breeding and the message: “Adopt, don’t shop.” The growing importance of nutrition — including bone broth for dogs The expansion into podcasting, YouTube, and new publishing ventures including Who Adores Labradors & Retrievers This episode is packed with insights for dog owners, pet entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about ethical business, community building, and improving dog health naturally. “We’re aiming high.” 🐶 What You’ll Learn: ✔ How Westies & Besties Magazine began ✔ Why community is everything for Westie owners ✔ The role of natural health and nutrition in dog wellbeing ✔ The future of ethical publishing in the pet industry ✔ What’s next for Westies, Labradors, and beyond 📌 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:46 The Journey of Westies and Besties Magazine 06:07 Building a Community for Westie Owners 09:00 Ethics and Morals in Business 11:53 The Launch of the Podcast 14:51 Connecting with Westie Owners 17:38 The Importance of Natural Health 20:49 Exploring Other Dog Breeds 23:36 Nutrition and Health for Dogs 26:28 The Role of Bone Broth in Dog Health 29:38 Future Plans and Collaborations 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 🎙 Podcast: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts

Alex Griffin interviews Rachel Down of Boil & Broth and The British Broth Company on the benefits of bone broth for gut health, natural nutrition, microbiome balance, and holistic wellness for both humans and dogs. 🐾 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 to get all our Westie tips and expert advice. 💬 Comment below with your Westie’s quirks — we love hearing from our community! Takeaways Rachel's journey into bone broth began after struggling with health issues post-pregnancy. Bone broth has significant benefits for gut health and overall wellness. The process of making bone broth involves boiling bones with water and apple cider vinegar.Bone broth can be beneficial for dogs, helping with digestive issues and overall health. The Biome Broth Study showed a 99% increase in beneficial gut bacteria in dogs after consuming bone broth. Natural nutrition is becoming increasingly important as people seek alternatives to processed foods. Self-reliance and home cooking are essential in today's food landscape. Bone broth can help reduce symptoms related to various health conditions. Quality sourcing of ingredients is crucial for effective bone broth. The podcast aims to educate listeners on natural health and wellness practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bone Broth and Rachel Down 01:13 Rachel's Personal Health Journey 06:18 The Birth of Boil & Broth 10:12 Understanding Bone Broth: Process and Benefits 20:17 Bone Broth for Dogs: Health Benefits and Usage 25:36 The Biome Broth Study: Insights and Findings 34:02 The Shift Towards Natural Health Solutions 36:44 Navigating Information Overload 37:25 The Benefits of Bone Broth 38:04 Gut Health and Its Importance 39:24 Natural vs. Processed Supplements 41:06 Introducing Bone Broth to Dogs 43:08 Sourcing Quality Ingredients 46:23 Understanding Bone Broth Quality 49:02 Consumer Awareness and Transparency 51:47 The Financial Benefits of Natural Health 53:06 The Impact of COVID on Health Awareness 55:03 Food Security and Self-Reliance 57:54 Practical Steps for Home Preparedness 01:00:49 The Future of Food and Control 01:02:21 Connecting with Rachel and Resources 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 🎙 Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/20GvIwQaOpJKEUxVPCsRmk?si=3b8babc4c70d4864 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-westies-besties-podcast/id1845688452 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts For more information on Bone Broth Study: https://boilandbroth.com/pages/the-biome-broth-study-results

In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin interviews Ben McIntyre, the founder and CEO of a rapidly growing raw dog food company in the UK. They discuss the journey of transitioning to raw feeding, the challenges faced in the pet food industry, and the importance of educating pet owners about nutrition. Ben shares his personal story of how he became passionate about raw feeding after experiencing health issues with his own dog. The conversation also touches on the regulatory landscape, the relationship with stockists, and the future of raw feeding as more pet owners become aware of its benefits.Click here to find out more about Mersey Raw!:https://www.merseyraw.com/TakeawaysBen's journey into raw dog food began with a desire to feed his own dog a healthier diet.The raw feeding industry is experiencing significant growth due to increased awareness of pet nutrition.Building strong relationships with independent stockists has been crucial for business success.Transitioning to a raw diet can be daunting for pet owners, but guidance is available.Regulatory bodies play a vital role in ensuring the safety of raw pet food.The sourcing of meat for raw feeding is often from reputable suppliers, ensuring quality.Veterinary practices are increasingly recognizing the benefits of raw feeding.The kibble market's dominance raises concerns about dog health and nutrition.Consumer awareness is key to changing perceptions about pet food.Ben's company aims to feed 100,000 meals a day by 2030.Sound bites"I was like a dog with a bone.""We started in a really small cafe.""We are inspected to the eyeballs."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Raw Feeding and Business Success02:18 The Journey into Raw Dog Food05:42 Challenges and Growth in the Industry09:23 Transitioning to a Purpose-Built Facility12:07 Building Relationships with Stockists14:49 The Rise of Raw Feeding Awareness17:42 Product Development and Customer Education20:33 Quality Assurance and Sourcing Meat24:44 Navigating Animal Health Regulations27:52 Product Development and Innovation in Pet Food29:05 The Role of Veterinarians in Pet Nutrition31:34 Critique of Commercial Pet Food Industry34:19 The Impact of Diet on Dog Health38:21 Changing Perceptions of Dog Food38:42 Economic Benefits of Raw Diets40:03 Building a Positive Company CultureWatch FULL episodes on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=JuTwRIbzGnsJW4-QFor more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/Follow us on social media:https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMaghttps://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmag

In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin interviews Tina McCain, a certified master dog trainer and educator with over 30 years of experience. Tina shares her journey with West Highland White Terriers, her transition to raw feeding, and the importance of holistic health practices for dogs. She discusses the benefits of essential oils, the significance of proper nutrition, and her insights on dog behaviour and training. Tina also emphasizes the importance of gradual dietary changes and the impact of chemicals on canine health. The conversation concludes with practical advice for dog owners and a commitment to educating others about dog wellness.Watch FULL episodes on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=JuTwRIbzGnsJW4-QTakeawaysTina McCain is a certified master dog trainer with over 30 years of experience.She emphasizes the importance of nutrition as the foundation of a dog's health.Tina advocates for raw feeding and has seen significant health improvements in dogs.Essential oils can be beneficial for dogs, but quality matters.Behavioural issues in dogs can often be linked to physical health problems.Tina uses holistic approaches, including acupuncture and homeopathy, in her practice.She encourages gradual dietary changes when transitioning dogs to raw food.Tina has fostered and rehomed many Westies through rescue efforts.Education is key for dog owners to maintain their pets' health and well-being.Tina believes that people often need more training than the dogs themselves.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tina McCain03:05 Tina's Journey with Westies06:03 Mary Mack Wellness Solutions08:42 The Shift to Raw Feeding11:58 The Importance of Nutrition14:36 Essential Oils for Dogs18:01 Behaviour and Training Insights21:01 Holistic Approaches to Dog Health23:38 Rescue and Rehoming Practices26:55 Final Thoughts and AdviceIf you and your Westie would like to be a guest, feel free to contact me on: alex@westiesandbesties.comFor more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/Follow us on social media:https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMaghttps://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmag

In this inspiring episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, host Alex Griffin sits down with Alex Taylor-Grout, co-founder of Fettle Pets, a rapidly growing UK brand specialising in 100% natural supplements for dogs and cats. Alex shares the deeply personal beginnings behind Fettle Pets, how he and Taylor built the business from scratch (literally from a kitchen table), their dedication to clean ingredients, and why natural whole-food nutrition is transforming pet health.From manufacturing mistakes to massive growth, family support, and product development based on real needs—they cover it all. A must-listen for dog parents who want to feed better, understand nutrition, and support ethical UK pet brands.📌 Key TakeawaysFettle Pets was born out of a personal mission to find clean, simple, whole-food nutrition for their own pets.Transparency matters: if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, think twice before feeding it.Whole-food ingredients > synthetic supplements — they offer natural nutrients, better bioavailability and no hidden fillers.Goat’s milk, kelp seaweed and pumpkin powder are popular because they solve real issues: hydration, dental health and digestion.The brand grew through hard work, family support and grassroots outreach, not big budgets.Fettle’s ethos: “If it’s not good enough for our own dogs, it’s not good enough for yours.”Education is key — helping dog owners understand labels, nutrition and the true meaning of “natural”.Dog health issues like bad breath, plaque, allergies and digestion can often be supported through simple nutritional changes.Fettle is committed to ethical UK manufacturing, controlling quality in-house to ensure purity and consistency.For more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/Follow us on social media:https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMaghttps://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmagWatch FULL episodes on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=rjtPfgsbg1RXuQDRIf you and your Westie would like to be a guest, feel free to contact me on: alex@westiesandbesties.com

In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin engages with dog trainer Carolina and Lee of Play 9 to discuss the challenges and joys of training West Highland White Terriers (Westies). The conversation covers the importance of early training, understanding canine behaviour, the significance of nutrition, and the impact of poor breeding practices. They emphasize the need for effective communication between dogs and their owners, the role of mental stimulation, and the importance of educating families about dog interactions. The episode also touches on the emotional aspects of introducing new dogs into a household, especially after the loss of a previous pet, and the rewarding nature of making a positive difference in dogs' lives. Takeaways Training starts the moment the dog is born. Socialization doesn't have to be interaction. Dogs are really quite simple creatures. Behaviour is just communication. You can teach older dogs. The more stressed out your dog is, the shorter their life. You have to think carefully about adding another dog. Happier, healthier dogs that live longer. It's all about educating customers. Understanding canine body language is crucial. Sound bites "Can you train a Westie?" "Behaviour is just communication." "You can teach older dogs." To find out more about Carolina and her services click here: https://www.chewingwithriver.com/ To find out more about Lee and his amazing product, click here: https://play9.co.uk/ For more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/ Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMag https://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/ https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmag Watch FULL episodes on our YouTube Channel - Westies & Besties TV: https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=-2rvWfnyiFUBWRP3 If you and your Westie would like to be a guest, feel free to contact me on: alex@westiesandbesties.com

In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin interviews Catherine Hamilton, a prominent figure in the West Highland White Terrier community. Catherine shares her journey with Westies, her experiences in dog shows, and the importance of breeding responsibly. The conversation covers various topics including the unique traits of Westies, the significance of youth involvement in dog breeding, and the challenges faced by breeders and rescue organizations. Catherine emphasizes the need for reputable breeding practices, the impact of diet on dog health, and the joy of engaging in dog activities like barn hunt. The episode concludes with a fun quick-fire round, showcasing the delightful personalities of Westies and the bond they share with their guardians. Takeaways: Catherine Hamilton is a passionate advocate for Westies and responsible breeding. Westies have unique traits that make them great companions and show dogs. Engaging youth in dog breeding and showing is crucial for the future of the breed. Diet plays a significant role in the health of Westies. Finding a reputable breeder is essential for a healthy puppy. Barn hunt is a fun and engaging activity for Westies. The cost of Westies reflects the challenges of responsible breeding. Community support among breeders is vital for the breed's preservation. COVID-19 has impacted dog ownership and veterinary care. Westie Walks are a fun way to raise funds for rescue efforts. Sound Bites: "He's a British champion!" "The CKC is a very good link." "It's all about fun!" For more Westie related information click here: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/ Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/WestieBestieMag https://www.instagram.com/westiesbestiesmagazine/ https://www.tiktok.com/@westiesandbestiesmag Watch the FULL episodes on YouTube here:https://youtube.com/@westiesandbestiestv?si=uCytK9k0SdDxnJoh If you and your Westie would like to be a guest, feel free to contact me on: alex@westiesandbesties.com

In this engaging conversation, Kim Latham speaks with Claire Palmer, a passionate dog walker and Westie enthusiast. Claire shares her journey of starting the Littlehampton Westy Wiggle, a community event for Westie owners, and her deep love for Westies, which began with her first dog, Pixie. She discusses the challenges and joys of dog ownership, including the recent addition of her dogs Annie and Fred, and the importance of building a trustworthy dog walking business. Claire emphasizes the significance of community among dog owners and the lessons learned from her beloved pets.

In this episode of the Westies and Besties podcast, host Alex Griffin interviews Craig Harrison, a former British Army sniper and mental health advocate, about his journey with his West Highland White Terrier, Steve. Craig shares his experiences of adopting Steve, the challenges of training and socializing him, and the deep bond they share. He also discusses his Maverick Survival School, which helps veterans and others struggling with mental health issues through outdoor activities and bushcraft skills. The conversation highlights the joys and challenges of dog ownership, the importance of mental health, and the unique personality of Westies.

In this episode of Westies and Besties TV, host Alex Griffin welcomes Faye, an experienced osteopath and canine health expert. Faye shares her journey from human osteopathy to specializing in canine osteopathy, highlighting her passion for improving the health and well-being of dogs. She discusses her initiative, Bodywise Canine, which offers free advice and resources for dog owners, including a massage course designed to help owners care for their pets at home. Faye also reflects on the joy of working with dogs and shares heartwarming stories about her own Westies, emphasizing the deep bond between dogs and their owners.