Year in Review: Heather & Mr. K's 2012

As the year comes to a close, it is only customary that we look back on Heather and Mr. K's most eventful year yet and share some of the memorable moments, particularly for the months when ScottieMom.com wasn't yet created. What are your favorite Heather and Mr. K moments of 2012?

[caption id="attachment_1834" align="alignleft" width="300"] Heather and Mr. K on moving day![/caption]

January 2012 - We moved into our new home in Buckhead Atlanta. It was strange being so high up at first but it didn't take long for Mr. K to feel comfortable enough to "chase" the moving cars below.

February 2012 - Mr. K and Scottie Mom rediscover the piano together. The piano's new location made it easy for Mr. K to play the instrument anytime he wants.

March 6, 2012 - A date this Scottie Mom will never forget. After my first day on the new job, I came home to find a very ill Mr. K. Within minutes, he couldn't walk and began convulsing. We rushed him to the hospital. By the time we got him there, he barely had a pulse. To this day, none of the vets we have visited have been able to tell me what went wrong or give us a definitive diagnosis. Read more about Mr. K's brush with death here.

April 2012 - We celebrate Heather and Mr. K's "gotchya days!" Mr. K, now fully recovered from his health scare, was rescued April 17, 2010. Heather was rescued around the same time a year later. April 2012 was the first year I did not have the opportunity to rescue a Scottie in honor of my birthday. Perhaps April 2013 will bring one?

May 2012 - Scottie Mom helps Heather and Mr. K's aunt with an idea for her muttastic photography. (A number of the pawesome photos you see here on the blog are courtesy of Heather and Mr. K's skillful aunt.) During the process, Scottie Mom came up with an idea to create a site of her own that might provide insight on Mr. K's health issue. And so, the idea for ScottieMom.com was born.

June 2012 - Just three months after the day Mr. K got sick, we suspect Heather is sick. Her only symptoms are frequent urination and lethargy so we suspect a bladder infection. After running a few tests, vets have no clue what's going on but the illness seems to be similar in nature to what Mr. K experienced and Heather is hospitalized. Read the details of Heather's ongoing struggle to keep those liver values down in The Mystery Illness Returns.

July 2012 - The first ScottieMom.com post was published! Plus, Mr. K celebrates the Fourth of July by swimming in Scottie Grandmadre's pool! He absolutely loves the water but cannot swim for the life of him so his aunt helped him enjoy an afternoon in the pool. To watch the video of Mr. K becoming a super swimming Scottie, click here.

August 2012 - Project: International Scottie Love was launched. To date, we've had 90 photos of Scotties from 10 countries and 22 states across the United States submitted!

September 2012 - Heather falls for Scottie Dad's best friend and receives her first kiss!

October 2012 - Happy Birthday, Heather and Mr. K! We celebrated the lives of these two Scotties with a special pawty this year. Later that month, Heather and Mr. K dressed up as their alter egos: Heather the Lion Queen and Mr. K the strapping, young Penguin.

November 2012 - Mr. K elects himself president and launches a Scottie PR campaign in order to bolster the Scottish Terrier reputation and regain the ranks of the American Kennel Club's most popular breed listing. After all, Scotties have lived in the White House more times than any other breed so why not have one who’s actually president?!

December 2012 - Scottie Dad asks Heather, Mr. K and Scottie Mom to be a part of his life forever in this very Scottie proposal! Best Christmas present ever!!

Also, a special shout out to Kyla Scott, Zena, Midy Voelker (and Hootie!), Dougall and Sharon for being some of Heather and Mr. K's biggest fans. Together, you've commented over 180 times on their stories! Much Scottie love goes out to you from Scottie Mom and family!

Keepers of the Sky

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For a Scottie, having a yard to patrol is very important. While Heather and Mr. K haven't been able to experience the luxury of having one of their own (YET!), they have been able to maintain their Scottie Security responsibilities and even take them to new heights. Literally. Over the last year, Heather and Mr. K have expanded their Scottie Security protection beyond the Scottie Mom household to extend it to all of Buckhead Atlanta. Every morning and most evenings, they can be seen from our highrise balcony keeping watch over the lands below. Mr. K likes to keep his eye on the automotive traffic, ears perking up everytime someone beeps their horn. Heather, on the other hand, likes to watch over the pedestrians and wags her tail when she sees someone being "green" by walking to and from work.

Together, these two Scots keep Buckhead safe and not an inch of land within their sight goes unnoticed. When all seems right with the world and their protective eyes have tired, Heather and Mr. K come back into the condo and collect their payment (a treat) for a good day's work. Then, they rest and cuddle up with Scottie Mom and Dad on the couch for some TV before bed knowing that when they wake up in the morning, they have a very busy world to protect all over again!

Out of Fashion: Scotties?

[caption id="attachment_1802" align="aligncenter" width="500"] What do you mean I'm out of fashion? Heather and I have the best outfits![/caption]

This morning, I came across an article on PawNation: "12 Out of Fashion Dog Breeds." Somehow, I knew our beloved breed would get a mention. Sure enough (and much to my disappointment), No. 3 of the 12 was the Scottish Terrier. While our Scotties do get a nod as "one of the most iconic breeds in the history of dogs" in this article, I had to wonder: does a Scottie really belong on this list? And have we, as Scottie Moms and Dads, become (dare I say it?) old-school?

Ok, let's review what we know. There can be no denying our beloved breed is slipping the ranks of the American Kennel Club popularity list. (See my last post on this topic - "Top 10 Reasons to Love Scotties" - for specific rankings.) However, just because a Scottie dog is not a common household pet does not mean the breed has gone "out of fashion." You don't often see items of Prada, Versace, Gucci or Fendi being carried around by just anyone and yet, no one would dare say any of these are out of style. In fact, that's what makes these brands all the more appealing to the public: the fact that they are so elite, few people possess items designed by them.

While I can't say Scotties would lose value if they did become common place and nearly every household had one (in fact, I feel many lives would be greatly enriched if they were), I can say that something may be lost. I think it is safe to say that Scottie owners now are fierce: fiercely loyal, fiercely independent, fiercely loving and even protective. These qualities are reciprocated in the Scottie breed itself. If Scottish Terriers were to become common place, I do fear for our beloved breed's well-being as the general public has proven to be very fickle in its love for furry friends. Take a look at our friends the Chihuahuas, made famous by the likes of Paris Hilton, Taco Bell and reality shows. Still a relatively popular pup today and yet, look how many can be found at shelters or worse. We already have a significant number of Scotties in rescues and looking for homes. Can you imagine how that number would grow?

In the above-mentioned article, the author writes, "check out 12 breeds that are currently 'out of fashion,' but surely deserve a comeback." I argue this: the Scottie hasn't gone anywhere and won't be for a very long time. The Scottish Terrier is a timeless classic, not today's trend-of-the-moment. They may be rare, as are their owners, but they are all the more precious because of it. And while we Scottie Moms and Dads have a little work to do in modernizing the overall perception of our beloved breed (especially when it comes to producing and promoting items that adequately portray our iconic breed and ditching the kitchy ones!), the Scottish Terrier itself is very much in fashion...don't believe me? Obviously, you haven't met my Heather or Mr. K...!

A Visit to Christmastown, USA

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Heather and Mr. K aren't quite ready to let go of the holidays just yet. Tonight, we dressed in our best, packed in the car and headed up the road to McAdenville, North Carolina - also known across the country as Christmastown, USA - to check out the holiday displays and take some photos to commemorate the season. Miss Heather certainly was the belle of the ball in her beautiful black and red dress, winning over nearly everyone that walked by us. Together, the two Christmas Scotties spread a little extra holiday cheer to the gathering crowds before the night was over and we left knowing Heather and Mr. K possibly had the best holiday season yet, full of surprises, treats, Scottie caroling and lots of hooman snuggles. (Plus, extra walkies!) All of us in the Scottie Mom household hope each of our Scottie friends and fans had a wonderful holiday! Feel free to share photos of your holiday adventures on the Scottie Mom facebook page.

Grandmadre Got Run Over by a Scottie

Grandmadre got run over by a Scottie

Serving dinner at her house Christmas Eve

You can say there's no such thing as evil cats

But as for Mr. K now, he believes.

It started with a loud MEOW

Right outside the bedroom door

Mr. K scratched and scratched until somebody came

But once that door was open, Mr. K was gone.

Grandmadre got run over by a Scottie

Serving dinner at her house Christmas Eve

You can say there's no such thing as evil cats

But as for Mr. K now, he believes.

Down the stairs Mr. K did run

Trying to catch that evil, old cat

Instead he ran into Grandmadre

And in an instant, the food went SPLAT!

Grandmadre got run over by a Scottie

Serving dinner at her house Christmas Eve

You can say there's no such thing as evil cats

But as for Mr. K now, he believes.

Now, the fun was really over

And Mr. K was sent to bed

But as we carried him up the stairs

Guess who turned the corner and MEOWed again?

Grandmadre got run over by a Scottie

Serving dinner at her house Christmas Eve

You can say there's no such thing as evil cats

But as for Mr. K now, he believes.

Here Comes Scottie Claus

Mr. and Ms. Scottie Claus

Here comes Scottie Claus. Here comes Scottie Claus.

Running down Scottie Mom Lane.

Look at all the Scottie dogs and all the other furry friends pulling on their leash.

Squeaker toys squeaking, Scotties ArRRrOo-ing, oh how merry and bright!

Hang your stockings and say your ArRRrOo's 'cuz Scottie Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Scottie Claus. Here comes Scottie Claus.

Running down Scottie Mom Lane.

He's got a bag filled with undestructible toys for Scottie boys and girls.

Hear those festive collars jingle jangle. What a beautiful sight!

Jump in your Scottie bed and cover up your head 'cuz Scottie Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Scottie Claus. Here comes Scottie Claus.

Running down Scottie Mom Lane.

He doesn't care if you're a rich or poor Scot. He loves you just the same.

Scottie Claus knows that we're Scottie Mom children - that makes everything right.

Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer 'cuz Scottie Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Scottie Claus. Here comes Scottie Claus.

Running down Scottie Mom Lane.

He’ll come around when the Scotties sound…it’s Christmas 'morn again.

Peace on earth will come to all if we adopt furry friends in need.

Let's give thanks to Scottie Moms and Dads 'cuz Scottie Claus comes tonight!

The Scottie Mom Wish List

Don't know what to get that special Scottie Mom in your life this holiday season? Look no further! Heather and Mr. K helped me compile a list of things they think any Scottie Mom would love to receive as a gift this Christmas.

7. Scottie Dog iPhone Case. Relatively inexpensive and oh-so-practical. Plus, there are tons of designs to choose from. The Scottie Mom on the go will smile every time she looks down at her phone as she's reminded of her beloved Scottie(s) at home! Try CafePress or Zazzle to start.

6. A stocking full of Scottie! Find the smaller Scottie items like Scottie novelty soap bars, Walker's Scottie Dog Shortbread, Scottie wallets, etc., wrap them up and place them in a Scottie stocking.

5. The Illuminated Steel Frame Scottie Dog Sculpture. For the Scottie Mom who's not afraid to show off her glowing love of the breed publicly by adding this sweet decoration to her outdoor holiday lights display.

4. Scottie Dog iPad cover for the technology-savvy Scottie Mom. Check out this fun one designed by Coach.

3. Comfy, cozy Scottie pajamas. You can find these just about anywhere but Macy's as a fair selection currently on sale for $38. (If you pick the right colors, you can find matching Scottie slippers to go with the pajama set there, too!)

2. A customized photo album. Filled with photos of her one true love: Scotties! Better yet, support a local photographer in your area and surprise Scottie Mom with prints from the session.

1. Another rescue Scottie. The ultimate gift you can give a Scottie Mom (or a Scottie Mom-to-Be)! You'll not only be giving a Scottie in need the gift of a happy home but you'll be enriching your own life by opening your home to a little extra Scottie Love.

P.S. Don't think we forgot about you, Scottie Dads. Check out these vintage Scottie dog cufflinks!

Got other gift ideas you think fellow Scottie Moms should know about? Tell us about them in the comment box below. Happy Holidays!