Before owning Willie, I had another West Highland Terrier. His name was Howie. Jokingly, I said Howie's real name was Howard, but he didn't like that name, only Howie. Howie was before granddaughters. Every day, Howie and I would go for three-mile walks. We would stop and talk to neighbors and strangers alike. What kind of dog is that? What country is he from? Does he get along with other animals? Howie lived to be fourteen. I fondly remember those walks.

Willie and I also take walks. Now a grandfather, I want my grandchildren to remember me as a veteran, a teacher, coach, and oh yes, "He wrote a children's book for us, The Adventures of Willie the Westie."