Ask Dog Lady – Guest Columnist

WESTIE COLD SHOULDER

Dear Dog Lady,

My Westie is very affectionate with everyone but me. He will kiss and lick my husband, children, but will only give me a little peck. I am the Alpha in the house. He follows me everywhere, I feed him, walk him, cuddle him, brush him. But he kisses everyone more than me. If I get up in his face for a smooch, he turns his head, I might get a little one, but not with the energy he gives the kids and my husband. What gives?

Debbie, Savannah, GA

Debbie, hate to tell you this but you’re She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed in the eyes of your little guy. You’re too awesome for kisses. You’re the goddess of treats, leader of the pack. Your dog energetically slurps critters of lesser social stature only with the hope of a slush fund as morsels of food could pass into his mouth. He averts his eyes from you, which is the sign of deepest doggy respect.

Dog Lady confesses she can’t understand why people want to swap saliva with their dogs. I’ve never been smooched by my pooch and it’s alright with me. Anyway, terriers such as your West Highland, are aloof by nature, except when animated on the Internet. They display affection on their own terms. You should never take your dog’s distance personally.