Ask Ruffian
The views and opinions expressed in this column are not those of his owners. Please send your questions to ruffian3@hotmail.com. To expedite the reading of your email or letter, certain phrases or keywords in the text would help. These include: "He's a good boy", "Wanna go outside?", "Toy", and the classic "Cookie". Now onto your questions…
Hey Ruffian,
I heard you might have some stimulous money coming? What will you do with the money?
Chris in Scottsdale
Dear Chris,
Can you believe this? So I get this email the other day saying that somebody's been trying to reach me about some "stimulous" check. ( a copy of the email on left. Just click it). Anyways, I don't need any money right now. I'm already stimulated. But, I suppose I could use the dough for a few items. Hmmmm...maybe a new harness, there are some cool one's from Australia that my mom showed me. She's going to have 'em for sale on this site soon. There's not much I need. I travel pretty light. I'd probably splurge on some treats for everybody at Balinbrae Ranch. Maybe take a trip. I dunno. I usually only go to the backyard, so maybe I'll just save it for something special.
Love, Ruffy.
Dear Ruffian,
You look a bit different...did you change your furstyle, or get some "work" done? You look, uh...younger! Very cute, though, I might say.
- Megan Shultz,
- Detroit, MI
Dear Meg,
Actually, I'm Ruffian III. Ruffian II has decided it was time to go on to a higher position. He got his angel wings and a dream job sorting "wizzers" for the big boss. While he is still overseeing things, he's asked me to take over his column. I am a bit young, having just celebrated my first birthday. So please give me a little time to adjust and mature into this new gig. I still have a bit of a puppy look. I hope to bring a new, fresh perspective to this column. While I await your comments and questions, you can read some of Ruffian II's classic responses below.
Archives begin here...
Hi Ruffy the Wizzer Winner!
Sammie from California here. How are ya ? Are you expecting any wizzers from your Valentine? I let all the girls doggies know that I prefer a tennis ball over anything should they want to fancy me a gift (or gifts, in my case).
So, getting to my question. Have you watched the 2009 Westminster Dog Show on TV? All those white fluffy Westies with the "teased" look is prompting my human sis to call the groomer for my next appointment. Well, that is disastrous as I'm a wild westie and could care less about grooming and baths. My sis tends to have differences in opinion with me on that issue. Recently she has been complaining about a brown beard that I have developed on the corner of my mouth (just a couple strands, nothing major). She wants to know if there's anything that would get rid of those brown strands. My explanation is that I am now 22 months old and the beard is a just sign of my entry into macho-hood She doesn't seem convinced. Any input from you is appreciated.
My sis is also obsessed in finding out more about my westie ancesters!! Do you happen to know "Cottonwood Desert Acacia" or "Whitejoy O'Playboys Morgan" (wow that's a mouthful!)?
Anyway, I better go now, my jumbo tennis ball is calling. Hope your girls will send you lots of wizzers.
Much love from California,
Sammie MacDuff
PS: Hope you enjoy my glamour shot. It was after a dreaded bath. You have my permission to pass it along to the cute girl doggies only.
Hey Sammie,
'sup? Thanks for the pic. It's always interesting to see what another Westie looks like, you know? Truth is, we don't all look alike, do we? You look Very White in your photo. Not Barry White, VERY white. So whomever it was that had the honor of bathing you, did you white, er, right. As far as the beard thing you mention in your email, here's what we use around the ranch:
http://www.angelseyesonline.com/
The girls around here use it more than me, of course. Nothing worse than a westie chic with a fur manchoo. But for those special occasions, this will work just fine for you. Enjoy your tennis ball. Just don't make too much of a "racquet" with it! LOL.
Best,
Ruffy
Ps. I put your pic up on my column:
Dear Ruffian,
Great if you could answer these:
I have heard that Westies have a tenancy to snap if their irritated, is this true? Also I have two dogs each different genders if I add another female will the female that I had before get jealous?
Thanks,
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Sorry for the delay. You may have heard about the "bee" incident (swallowed some darn bees). Anyway, I'm feeling much better now, thank you.
Yes. Westies do "snap" if irritated. They also "crackle" and "pop." A little humor for breakfast. LOL. Anyway, you may have heard that it's never good to irritate a dog (or a cat!) , or even a human. Most living creatures all have a breaking point. Even though we try to use good sense, occasionally, our emotions get the best of us. Lesson: Best to not irritate.
As for the question of jealousy.. .If everyone isl spayed or neutered, you shouldn't have a problem. If the new female is a puppy, the first one will usually come to love it in time. Jealousy in the beginning is fairly normal, so it's always best to pet, feed, etc. the older one who might be jealous first. It's kind of like humans..you know when mom brings the new baby home and the older kid feels like it's not getting the same amount of attention. In time, it all works out. There's enough love to go around for everybody.
Love,
Ruffy ; 0)
Hey Ruffian:
WIZZER WIZZER WIZZER. Now did I get your undivided attention yet?
My human sis stumbled upon your page when she was looking for pictures of my ancestors including my great-grandpa Charlie/Playboy O'Peterpan. What a fine looking Westie just like myself! Did you ever play with Charlie? Was he as playful as I am with other dogs? Well actually, I prefer playing with big breeds. The bigger the better. I generally ignore toy breeds during my walks unless it's a cute looking poodle. And so I digressed.
Anyway, I'm my sis's first dog and she didn't have any expectations of what having a Westie is like. One of the things she noticed from looking at other Westies is that they all seem to have pink ears. I'm a black-eared puppy and my sis is wondering if that has anything to do with where my ancestors were from or is it something that has to do with my age. Will my ears turn pink when I'm older? I personally find myself quite good looking as it is and don't care either way but Sis is vain and would like to know. I'm a 11 months old pup, by the way.
Hope you'll have lots of Wizzer,
Much love coming my way from California,
Sammie (woof woof!)
Wassup Sammie?
Easy on the "Wizzer" words. Unless, of course, you are sending one...
Dark pigment is very desirable in a westie - those black ears, along with a black nose & dark eyes, make for a great expression with that white fur background. You'll notice that I have some beautiful black ears, too - that's why I am considered movie star handsome!
Oh...and Chuck was a great guy. We enjoyed hangin' (Of course, we did have a little sibling rivalry going once or twice...but whaddya gonna do?)
Thanks for the letter. Congrats on being 11 months, and on your approaching "adult" doghood. What do you think about life so far? Pretty wild trip being down here, huh? It's fun.
Later, Sammie!
I am a Westie who came to live with my person last November; Barb Krotts raised me until then. I am 8 months old. I am beautiful, talented & very smart (that's what they tell me in the "finishing school" that I attend), and I have a great body. How to I break into show business (for the big bucks) or at least get a date with you?
Love and Kisses,
Carly Williams
Hi Carly,
Thanks for sending the "hot" picture. I like the way your white fur contrasts with your black nose. It's very unique. The best way to break into show business is to get some more pics taken, get an agent, and get yourself in front of the right people. Do what you love, and the big bucks will follow. That's what I heard a person say once. Having ambition is what separates the dogs from the puppies in this world. As for getting a date with me, send me your cell phone number in a private email and we'll talk. Or put me on your buddy list and I'll instant message you. WOOF!
I have a 4 1/2 month old Westie. Both of her ears were standing up for a couple of weeks, but now only one is. When will both of them stand up for good?
Addie Bjornsen
Hi Addie,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, Addie. This past week was a busy one for me but things are finally settling down a bit. To answer your question about the ear, it will eventually stand up - You could try putting a bit of adhesive tape on it for a week or so. Or try playing the National Anthem. That could make the ear stand up just out of respect. If you have any more questions, I'm all ears! Aarf.
I RECENTLY OBTAINED A WESTIE AND WAS WONDERING ABOUT THE EARS. MY PUPPY HAS VERY LARGE EARS WHICH I THINK ARE ADORABLE. IN LOOKING AT THE INTERNET I FIND SOME DOGS WITH LARGE EARS AND SOME WITH VERY SMALL EARS. DO THEY HAVE THEM DOCKED?
Jay Carlson
HELLO JAY,
First of all, there's no reason to *SHOUT* I can hear ya just fine! When humans type in all capital letters, I assume they are yelling. Which brings me to your question about ears. The answer is "no," Westie ears are never docked. And if it's a well bred Westie, they will grow into their ears and they will not be BIG. Check out my ears. Now those are adorable! I was thinking about getting an earring. Whaddya think? WOOF!!!!
If you could play any part in a movie, what part would you play? In which movie?
Jordan Powell, Phoenix, AZ
Hi JP!
I've been catchin' up on my movie watching. (I had to have my Mom rent several DVDs at Blockbuster so I could give you a good answer. It's called "research" or something. Woof!!)
To answer your question, hmmm...I think I would play Clint Eastwood's role in In The Line of Fire. In this movie, he gets the girl, gets to chase cars, and is the hero who saves the day. (I think this might be rated "R" because of bad language. Because I'm old enough, my Mom let me watch it.) I give this movie 4 paws. Here are my reviews of other movies I watched:
Wag the Dog. This one features one of my favorite actors–Robert Deniro. Very funny movie, but I didn't understand all of it. Plus there were no dogs in it, which I thought was confusing.
The Shaggy Dog. Anything Disney puts out is fun. This is an oldie but goodie. And I like goodies. (Especially Beggin Strips...or Milk Bones!)
Cujo. This is one of those Stephen King scary movies. I don't like it when dogs are portrayed as mean. Mom says it's called "exploitation" or something like that. I told her it was only a movie and the dog was just an actor.
My Dog Skip. This made me sad. Cute dog in it. Don't watch it unless you want to have a good cry.
Monsters, Inc. I loved this movie. Fun for the whole family.
The Land Before Time. Another good movie. There were really big lizards in this one.
Dog Day Afternoon. Pacino is always amazing. One of the best.
Thank you very much for your question. By the way, what is your favorite movie?
Hey Ruffian, hi! We are two Cavalier KCS (neutered, sigh...) boys who are very nice and easy to get along with. Mom wants a little girl Westie puppy so we can have a sister and she can have another girl in the house. We are a bit concerned that a Westie might try to take over our house and not let us be alphas. Do you think there is a Westie girl that could fit into our house? By the way, one of us also stands in the dishwasher to clean up the plates - mom calls him the pre-wash cycle!
Thanks!
Dear Whomever,
Thanks for the question. In the future, please sign your email and let me know what part of the country you are in. As for your fear that a girl will "take over the house" and not let you be "alphas"...what are you a couple of wimps? Having a lady in the house shouldn't be a threat to your masculinity. Most girls want to take over the house. That's their nature. You have to act like it's no big deal. Here's a thought though: Alpha means first in order of importance; "the alpha male in the group of chimpanzees"; "the alpha star in a constellation is the brightest or main star" etc.
There are two of you writing this letter to me, but only one of you can be alpha. Have you discussed this and figured out which of you is the true "alpha?"
I noticed your official name is “Toddcrest Balinbrae Ruffian.” What's up with that?
JK, Houston, TX
Well, JK, although everybody's got a first, middle, and last name, can you imagine if every time my mom called me to come in the house, she said “Here Toddcrest Balinbrae Ruffian!” Woof. My goodness, this would be embarrassing. The only time it is appropriate to use a complete name is if I've been bad or if I'm winning some award. For example: “TODDCREST BALINBRAE RUFFIAN YOU GET IN THIS HOUSE RIGHT NOW.” Or, better yet, “Ladies and Gentleman of Westminster, we'd like to present ‘Toddcrest Balinbrae Ruffian.’” Woof Woof.
How did you learn to do the dishes?
Bill S., Marmora, NJ
You know, it may appear that I'm “doing the dishes,” but in reality I'm just licking the plates. I mean, every dog enjoys table scraps. I'm just making sure that nothing goes to waste. When I was a puppy, my mom would talk about how you should never go to bed hungry or angry. (by the way, those are the only two words in English that end in GRY) By licking plates, I accomplish both--not hungry, and not angry. This prewashing actually helps conserve water, because you don't have to run the dishwasher twice. In the picture, you can see that I'm actually schooling a pup on the finer technique of prewashing.
I understand you have a thing for lizards, which you call "Wizzers". Can you tell me about it?
JB, Key West, FL
Well, when you live in the desert, your choice of playtoys is limited. Mom found these plastic lizards at a store somewhere in Phoenix. They are the closet thing to real lizards that I've seen. It must be something is wired wrong in my brain. None of the other dogs here seem to have an interest in plastic lizards. But they drive me bonkers. I can't get enough of them. If you know of a good source, please email me as soon as possible: ruffian3@msn.com...In the meantimes, I'm off to eat the Wizzer....the wonderful wizzer of AZ.
What's the deal with Movie Dog school?
TC, Los Angeles
In 1999, my mom thought I was so good looking that maybe I could be a star. These huge salaries actors make these days… imagine all the wizzers I could buy. Anyway, I trained for a few weeks. Learned some cool stunts. Then I auditioned for a role. I didn't get the part. But, hey, that's how it goes in the movie biz. There's a lot of rejection. You get used to it. But you stay in the game. That's the secret of life. Because eventually, something wonderful happens, you get the part, a new wizzer arrives, you dig up something interesting. You have fun and don't expect anything and everything eventually falls into place. Every dog has his day. Woof. Top
Please send your questions to ruffian3@hotmail.com.. Now I'm off to see the Wizzer. The Wonderful Wizzer of AZ....