The Westies & Besties Podcast

Alex Griffin
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  • Pets & Animals

Welcome to The Westies & Besties Podcast — the show that celebrates everything wonderful about West Highland White Terriers and the people who adore them! Hosted by Alex Griffin, I bring you heartwarming stories, expert advice, and real-life experiences from Westie guardians, breeders, vets, groomers, and rescue heroes around the world. Whether it’s health tips, training insights, hilarious tales of mischief, or inspiring rescue journeys, every episode is packed with Westie love and laughter. Join me as we shine a spotlight on this cheeky, charming, and endlessly loyal little breed, and the incredible community that surrounds it. Subscribe and be part of the world wide Westies & Besties family — because life’s simply better with a Westie by your side!

  1. 22h ago

    Bone Broth for Dogs: Does It REALLY Improve Joint Health, Digestion & Wellbeing? | Ask The Expert with Lara McCullough

    Could a simple addition to your dog's bowl help support their joints, digestion and hydration? Bone broth is becoming increasingly popular among dog guardians, but how much do we really know about what's inside it, how it's made and whether all bone broths are created equal? In this episode of Ask The Expert, we're putting ten questions from our worldwide Westie community to bone broth specialist Lara McCullough, founder of Karnlea. And some of the answers might surprise you! In this episode, you'll discover: What genuine bone broth is and how it differs from stock or reconstituted products.The nutrients found in bone broth, including collagen, gelatine and amino acids.How bone broth may support joint health, connective tissue and digestion.What to look for when checking collagen levels and product labels.Why manufacturing standards, fresh ingredients and traceability matter.Why dogs should not be given human bone broth containing unsuitable ingredients such as onion, garlic or excessive seasoning.How different broths, including beef, chicken, lamb, fish and venison, can vary.Whether bone broth can encourage fussy dogs to eat and drink.How to introduce bone broth and work out appropriate serving amounts.Storage, shelf-life and the difference between fresh and shelf-stable products.Why veterinary advice is particularly important for dogs with existing health conditions, including kidney disease. Lara also shares insights into Karnlea's manufacturing process in Norway, its approach to quality control and how its shelf-stable broth is prepared and packaged. Whether you have a young Westie, a senior dog, a fussy eater or simply want to understand more about what goes into your dog's bowl, this is an episode packed with practical information and questions worth asking. Our biggest takeaway? Don't just buy the marketing. Ask questions, check the ingredients, understand the nutritional information and do your due diligence. Have a question for our next Ask The Expert episode? Get in touch with Westies & Besties Magazine and you could see your question answered in a future episode. 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts Find out more about Karnlea: Website: https://karnlea.com Email: info@karnlea.com Brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine – championing the health, happiness and wellbeing of West Highland White Terriers. Subscribe, follow and share the podcast with fellow dog guardians!

    Bone Broth for Dogs: Does It REALLY Improve Joint Health, Digestion & Wellbeing? | Ask The Expert with Lara McCullough

  2. Oct 21

    Situation Awareness: How to Stay Safe While Walking Your Westie | Ask The Expert with Mick Hawkes

    How aware are you of what is happening around you when you’re walking your Westie? In this episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, host Alex Griffin is joined by Mick Hawkes, a former British military serviceman with 24 years of military experience, including more than 10 years with 22 SAS, who later worked as a military adviser with MI5 and spent more than 20 years in international corporate security. As part of our Ask The Expert series, Mick answers real questions from Westie guardians around the world about situational awareness, personal safety and staying alert while walking your dog. From London and Manchester to Toronto, New York, Dublin, Dubai, Melbourne, Paris and Auckland, our audience asks Mick how to recognise potential risks and, most importantly, how to avoid them. What You'll Learn 🐾 Why putting your phone away can dramatically improve your awareness 🐾 How routine can create complacency — and why changing your walking routes can help 🐾 Why you should look further ahead and scan your surroundings 🐾 How to trust your instincts when something doesn't feel right 🐾 Why having an exit strategy is so important 🐾 What to do if you feel you are being followed 🐾 How to deal with approaching dogs and potentially difficult situations 🐾 How to stay aware when walking with children and your Westie 🐾 Why avoidance is usually better than confrontation 🐾 How simple habits can make situational awareness second nature 🐾 Personal safety tips for walking alone, particularly at night 🐾 Why headphones can reduce your awareness 🐾 The importance of knowing your route and what is ahead of you Mick also shares practical advice about hotel safety, including knowing your emergency exit route and keeping essential items accessible. The key message throughout the episode is simple: stay aware, keep your head up, look around you and know what is happening approximately 100 metres ahead. This isn't about being paranoid. It's about developing simple habits that can help you, your family and your dog stay safer. Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Mick Hawkes 02:00 – Why Situational Awareness Matters 04:00 – Put Your Phone Away 06:00 – Avoiding Routine & Complacency 08:00 – Prioritising Traffic, Dogs & People 10:00 – Trusting Your Instincts 12:00 – Having an Exit Strategy 14:00 – Dealing With Reactive Dogs 16:00 – Walking With Children & Dogs 18:00 – Awareness Through Practice 20:00 – Avoidance Over Confrontation 22:00 – What To Do If You Feel Followed 24:00 – Staying Safe When Walking Alone 26:00 – Hotel Safety Tips 29:00 – Quick-Fire Personal Safety Questions 42:00 – Mick's Biggest Safety Tip 44:00 – Closing Thoughts 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts Guest links Website's - https://www.hawkesandco.uk The Westies & Besties Podcast is brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine, dedicated to helping every West Highland White Terrier live a full, happy and healthy life. 🎙️ Listen. Learn. Share. Stay safe.

    Situation Awareness: How to Stay Safe While Walking Your Westie | Ask The Expert with Mick Hawkes

  3. Oct 4

    Can Red Light Therapy Help Dog Arthritis, Injuries & Muscle Recovery? Ruth Milner Answers Your Questions | Part 2

    Could red light therapy help a stiff dog after exercise? What about arthritis, muscle injuries, recovery after surgery or the soreness experienced by active and sporting dogs? In Part 2 of Ask The Expert, our brand-new series on The Westies & Besties Podcast, we continue putting YOUR questions directly to our expert panel. We're joined by Ruth Milner of Photizo, who specialises in photobiomodulation and red light therapy, to answer more of the questions sent in by our Westie community from around the world. This time, we're getting into the practical side of PBM and exploring:Can red light therapy help muscle soreness, strains, stiffness and spasms? Could photobiomodulation support dogs with arthritis? Should you treat the joint itself or the surrounding muscles and soft tissue? Could PBM be used following injury or surgery and throughout rehabilitation? Can red light therapy support muscle recovery after strenuous exercise? Could it have a role in agility, flyball, working and other canine athletes?Ruth also explains why treating the areas surrounding an affected joint or injury can be important, how PBM may be incorporated alongside physiotherapy, massage, conditioning and other forms of rehabilitation, and why veterinary assessment remains essential when a dog has suffered a suspected injury. We also explore the growing interest in red light therapy among canine athletes, working dogs and active dogs, including its potential role as part of warm-up, cool-down and recovery routines. If you've been searching for answers to questions such as "Can red light therapy help dogs with arthritis?", "Can PBM help a dog's recovery after surgery?", "Does red light therapy help muscle soreness in dogs?", "Can red light therapy help sporting dogs recover?" or simply want to understand more about this increasingly discussed therapy, this episode dives deep into the questions that matter to dog guardians. And remember — this is Ask The Expert, where your questions drive the conversation. Ask The Expert is where YOUR questions meet our panel of expert veterinarians, specialists, nutritionists, behaviourists, breeders, rescue experts and more. We dive deep into the topics that matter most to Westie guardians around the world — helping you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes. The information discussed in this episode is educational and should not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet regarding your dog's individual health, diagnosis and treatment. 🎙️ The Westies & Besties Podcast Brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine Hosted by Alex Griffin, Founder of Westies & Besties 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts Guest links Facebook - Photizo Light Therapy | Pretoria | Facebook Website's - PHOTIZO VETCARE – Photizo United Kingdom

    Can Red Light Therapy Help Dog Arthritis, Injuries & Muscle Recovery? Ruth Milner Answers Your Questions | Part 2

  4. Sep 30

    Can Red Light Therapy Really Help Your Dog? The Science Behind Photobiomodulation | Ask The Expert Part 1

    Could a simple beam of red or near-infrared light really help support your dog's recovery, mobility and wellbeing? And what actually happens inside your dog's body when the light is applied? Welcome to Ask The Expert, a brand-new series on The Westies & Besties Podcast, where we take YOUR questions from our Westie communities around the world and put them directly to highly qualified experts in their specialist fields. For our first Ask The Expert episode, we're joined once again by Ruth Milner of Photizo to answer your questions about photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as red light therapy. In Part 1, we explore: What exactly is photobiomodulation or PBM? How does red and near-infrared light interact with a dog's cells? What happens inside the mitochondria and why is cellular energy important? Why is PBM described as a non-invasive treatment? Are there risks, side effects or situations where extra care is needed? How deeply can red and near-infrared light actually penetrate into a dog's body?Ruth explains the science in practical, easy-to-understand terms, including the role of cellular energy, inflammation, blood flow, tissue repair and the body's natural healing processes. If you've ever searched "Does red light therapy work for dogs?", "What is photobiomodulation?", "Is red light therapy safe for dogs?", "Can red light therapy help dog pain or mobility?" or wondered whether PBM could have a place alongside other approaches to your dog's health and recovery, this episode is for you. This is just Part 1 — and there's much more to come. Ask The Expert is where YOUR questions meet our panel of expert veterinarians, specialists, nutritionists, behaviourists, breeders, rescue experts and more. We dive deep into the topics that matter most to Westie guardians around the world — helping you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes. 🎙️ The Westies & Besties Podcast Brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine Hosted by Alex Griffin, Founder of Westies & Besties The information discussed in this episode is educational and should not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your vet regarding your dog's individual health, diagnosis and treatment. 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts Guest links Facebook - Photizo Light Therapy | Pretoria | Facebook Website's - PHOTIZO VETCARE – Photizo United Kingdom

    Can Red Light Therapy Really Help Your Dog? The Science Behind Photobiomodulation | Ask The Expert Part 1

  5. Sep 10

    Want to Write a Book? Alison Page Reveals the ONE Thing You Should Do First!

    Want to write a book but don’t know where to start? In this episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, Alex Griffin chats with author Alison Page, creator of the much-loved Corrie's Capers children's book series, inspired by her beloved Westie, Corrie. Alison's advice for anyone who has a story inside them is wonderfully simple: “Put pen to paper.” Don't worry about making it perfect. Don't worry about having every word in the right order. Don't worry about whether you're good enough. Just get the ideas out of your head and onto the page. Alison explains how the refining process comes later, why writers shouldn't be afraid of their abilities, and how connecting with other writers can help along the journey. She also shares an important lesson about knowing your target audience, something that helped shape the success of Corrie's Capers. Whether you've always dreamed of writing a children's book, a novel, a memoir, a travel book – or even your own story about your beloved dog – perhaps this is the encouragement you've been waiting for. What story have you always wanted to write? Watch, listen and let us know in the comments! 🎙️ The Westies & Besties Podcast - Brought to you by Westies & Besties Magazine 🐾 The Westies & Besties Podcast brings together leading experts, veterinarians, breeders, behaviourists and passionate Westie owners to help you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes. 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts Guest links Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/arranwestie Website's - https://www.westie.scot/ https://shop.marysmeals.org.uk/products/corrie-s-capers-the-complete-collection

    Want to Write a Book? Alison Page Reveals the ONE Thing You Should Do First!

  6. Aug 26

    The Ultimate Westie Owner Q&A: Westie Health, Nutrition, Behaviour, Training & More with Host - Alex Griffin

    What makes Westies so special? Are they really stubborn? What should you know about Westie health, nutrition, behaviour, training and ageing? And why was Westies & Besties created in the first place? In this special episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, Alex Griffin steps away from the usual guest format and answers questions submitted by Westie guardians from across the UK and around the world. From Westie behaviour and training to health, nutrition, gut health, dental care, senior Westies and choosing your first Westie, Alex shares what he has learned through years of living with Westies, researching the breed and building Westies & Besties alongside Kim. The conversation also explores the story behind Westies & Besties and how one very special Westie, Buffy, became the inspiration behind the UK's only publication dedicated to the West Highland White Terrier. 🐾 The Westies & Besties Podcast brings together leading experts, veterinarians, breeders, behaviourists and passionate Westie owners to help you give your Westie the happiest, healthiest life possible. Subscribe for new episodes. 🐾 Listen. Learn. Stay curious. And give your Westie the best life possible. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to a Special Westies & Besties Q&A Why Alex is answering questions from Westie guardians around the world. 01:00 – What Makes Westies Such Special Dogs? Personality, intelligence, loyalty, independence and the famous “Westitude”. 04:50 – The Fascinating History of the West Highland White Terrier Colonel Malcolm, Clan Malcolm and the Scottish roots of the breed. 06:30 – How Do You Train a Stubborn Westie? Positive reinforcement, consistency, patience and understanding the terrier instinct. 08:40 – Westie Health: What Owners Should Know Skin allergies, digestion, dental health, Westie lung disease, ageing and mobility. 10:30 – Westies, Nutrition & The Gut Microbiome Why gut health, probiotics and prebiotics have become such important topics. 12:00 – Why Was Westies & Besties Created? The story of Buffy and the search for trusted Westie-specific information. 15:00 – From Magazine to Westie Media Network How Westies & Besties has expanded across print, digital, podcast, YouTube and social media. 16:50 – Building a Global Westie Community Why Westies & Besties has grown far beyond the UK. 18:40 – Why Not Just Google Your Westie Question? The importance of trusted, expert-backed and breed-specific information. 21:00 – Caring for a Senior Westie Ageing, mobility, cognitive changes, dental care and supporting older dogs. 23:30 – Are Westies Really Difficult Dogs? Understanding independence, behaviour and what owners can sometimes misunderstand. 25:40 – Thinking About Getting Your First Westie? Breeders, rescues, nutrition, dental care and lessons learned from Buffy. 30:30 – Why Westie Nutrition Matters Conflicting advice, fresh food, raw feeding and the importance of researching your options. 35:15 – How Westies & Besties Chooses Its Topics Listening to Westie owners and finding experts to answer their questions. 40:10 – What Is The Bigger Vision For Westies & Besties? The magazine, website, podcast, YouTube and the future of the Westie community. 42:25 – Is Westies & Besties Becoming A Global Community? Supporting Westie guardians and charities around the world.

    The Ultimate Westie Owner Q&A: Westie Health, Nutrition, Behaviour, Training & More with Host - Alex Griffin

  7. Aug 12

    How Pumpkin’s Biggest Update Is Changing Everything!

    In this episode, Tammy Fox, Tony Hofstetter, and Alex Griffin discuss the inspiring journey of Pumpkin, the disabled Westie, and the impactful work of the Pumpkin and Friends charity. They explore the success of the Disability Dog Walk, plans for a retreat, and the importance of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare laws. 🐾 Listen to The Westies & Besties Podcast for expert conversations covering Westie health, nutrition, wellbeing, natural care, business and everything that makes our dogs part of the family. 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts 🔥Guest links - https://pumpkinandfriendscharity.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pumpkintheparalysedpuppy https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083236875548 key topics The success of the Disability Dog Walk event and its impact Tammy Fox's vision for a retreat and respite center for disabled animals The connection between Tony Hofstetter and Pumpkin and its emotional significance The state of animal welfare laws in the UK and US and the need for stronger legislation The importance of education and responsible pet ownership for disabled dogs Plans for expanding the charity's reach internationally and locally The role of social media in raising awareness and support for disabled animals The emotional and personal stories behind Pumpkin and her supporters Future events and projects including Pumpfest and Pumpkin's children's book The importance of community, authenticity, and perseverance in charity work sound bites "Pumpkin's story has touched people worldwide" "Pumpkin has shown me resilience and courage" "Addressing childhood trauma through Pumpkin's story" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest introductions 01:01:21 The importance of action, authenticity, and community support 01:07:29 Tony’s personal story and the tattoo of Pumpkin 01:14:46 Closing remarks and future outlook

    How Pumpkin’s Biggest Update Is Changing Everything!

  8. Jul 30

    From a Farmer’s Secret Remedy to a Global Animal Health Brand… What Happened Next?

    Can nature really provide a different approach to animal health and wellbeing? In this fascinating episode of The Westies & Besties Podcast, Alex Griffin sits down with Sean Cooney, founder of Botanica International, to discover the story behind a natural health brand that began with farming, traditional remedies and a simple philosophy: go back to nature. Sean shares how his upbringing on a farm shaped his approach to animal care, and how an unexpected challenge involving a customer’s persistent foot problem led to the creation of what would eventually become Botanica. From horses and dogs to elephants, Sean explains the thinking behind his natural formulations, why he believes synergy between ingredients is so important, and how listening to customer experiences helped him refine his products over the years. The conversation also explores Westie skin health, natural versus conventional approaches, non-toxic pet care, prevention, animal wellbeing and the importance of educating pet owners about what they're putting on their animals. And then there's the incredible story of how Botanica entered the Chinese market despite being told it was a crazy idea. If you're interested in Westie health, natural pet care, animal wellbeing, herbal products, equine health, dog skin problems and the story behind successful natural health brands, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🐾 Listen to The Westies & Besties Podcast for expert conversations covering Westie health, nutrition, wellbeing, natural care, business and everything that makes our dogs part of the family. 🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Sometimes the best ideas start with a problem Botanica's story began when Sean was challenged to find a natural solution for a customer's persistent foot problem—and that unexpected experiment became the beginning of something much bigger. 2. Nature was at the heart of Sean's upbringing Growing up on a farm gave Sean an early appreciation for natural approaches to caring for animals and people. 3. Synergy is central to his philosophy Sean explains his belief that ingredients should work together rather than against one another—like multiple horses pulling a cart in the same direction. 4. Customer feedback can shape a product Sean describes how customers returning with their own experiences helped him continually refine and develop his formulations. 5. Natural animal care isn't limited to one species The conversation explores applications ranging from horses and dogs to some truly unexpected animals, including elephants. 6. Education is becoming increasingly important The episode explores how social media and access to information are changing the way pet owners research animal health and wellbeing. 7. Prevention matters Alex and Sean discuss whether better daily care could help owners take a more preventative approach to common skin issues in dogs. 🌐 Website: https://westiesandbestiesmagazine.com/shop/ 📸 Instagram: @westiesbestiesmagazine | Facebook: @WestieBestieMag | TikTok: @westiesandbestiesmag 🎥 More videos & Shorts: @WestiesandBestiesTV/shorts 🔥Guest links - Botanica International Ltd

    From a Farmer’s Secret Remedy to a Global Animal Health Brand… What Happened Next?
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About

Welcome to The Westies & Besties Podcast — the show that celebrates everything wonderful about West Highland White Terriers and the people who adore them! Hosted by Alex Griffin, I bring you heartwarming stories, expert advice, and real-life experiences from Westie guardians, breeders, vets, groomers, and rescue heroes around the world. Whether it’s health tips, training insights, hilarious tales of mischief, or inspiring rescue journeys, every episode is packed with Westie love and laughter. Join me as we shine a spotlight on this cheeky, charming, and endlessly loyal little breed, and the incredible community that surrounds it. Subscribe and be part of the world wide Westies & Besties family — because life’s simply better with a Westie by your side!

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