34 years of Scottie love
This Pet Pedigree is brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center.
Scout and Jagger ruling the Schafer home by taking over patio seats.
Kim and Rick Schafer have had six Scottish Terriers over the last 34 years. Commonly called “Scotties,” this distinct breed originated in Aberdeen, Scotland. Kim got her first Scottie when she graduated from college, Oreo, and has owned one ever since.
Back then, Kim knew she wanted a dog, but her allergies limited her to specific hypoallergenic breeds. “I thought I wanted a Yorkie, but when I couldn’t find one, I went to see Oreo and fell in love with the Scottie breed. He is a smaller dog but not a pocket dog,” said Kim.
The Schafer family, who live in Hidden Pointe, currently has two Scotties. Six-year-old Jagger is a black Scottie from a breeder in Grant, Nebraska, and 4-year-old Scout is a brindle, a mix of black and gray with a little tan. Scout was obtained during the pandemic from a farm family in Joplin, Missouri, who has puppies every few years. “Scotties are a bit difficult to find, so our last three Scotties have come from out of state,” added Kim.
The Scottish Terrier is an independent, confident companion of high spirits. Their persistence and bravery earned them the nickname “the diehard.” They are a rugged breed with a wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. Their bright, piercing eyes and erect ears and tail convey their alertness, while their aloofness toward strangers makes them excellent watchdogs.
Scotties enjoy walks and upbeat play. Each day Jagger and Scout get a five-mile walk through the multiple paths in the community. The walks take about an hour and half, depending on how many outdoor items Jagger and Scout think they need to check out. Jagger has some very strong opinions about the routes they walk. “If he wants to go a different route than I do, he puts on the breaks and refuses to move and gives me a longing look with those sweet, puppy dog eyes,” said Kim.
Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms. Their hunting instinct is still strong today. Jagger and Scout are constantly patrolling the Schafer yard, ready to defend their yard from varmints. Scotties are tough little dogs with extremely big personalities. At times, Jagger and Scout oversee the Schafer household by taking over seats, giving instant barks for attention and demanding games of fetch.
Scottish Terriers do love their humans. They are sweet and loyal companions. Their loyalty does not go unnoticed in the Schafer family. Kim and Rich, with their two grown children Gannon and Payton, adore Jagger and Scout, treating each pup as if he were a king.
By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Kim Schafer
