
Hillary and Joe Westoby are both home-grown southerners planting their roots and family in Oxford. They met while attending Ole Miss and at the time had no idea at the time; the role fate would play in their lives. Their family includes three “fur kids”; Lucy, Chuck and Gus, who fill their home with constant love and laughter with their unique quirks and personalities!
Hillary and Joe’s first date (2004) was also their first of many fated events they would share. A fluffy beagle mix puppy, clearly a stray, found her way to Hillary’s home. She had clearly staked a claim and wasn’t leaving. She found her mommy and little did she know she also found her daddy too. They named her Lucy and the happy go lucky, bold pup has matured into a mellow-down-to earth girl.
She likes to spend her days alternately laying in the sun then seeking shade on the porch taking in the sights and sounds. But this mellow girl turns back into a tail waggin’ ball of energy when her family is home!
Picking a puppy for someone else can be risky but, when Joe’s family gave him a puppy for Christmas, they certainly got it right. Fate has a way of helping out! Chuck is an 80+ pound Golden Retriever who still thinks he is that Christmas puppy. He must take his body image cues from his smaller siblings because he thinks he is a lap dog. He is goofy and loves to be the center of attention. At times, you swear you can hear Chuck saying “look at me, look at me”! Like most new pet parents, Joe and Hillary went through a dress-up phase with Chuck. They should have anticipated he would require an audience for his cuteness, and when one didn’t appear, he took his show on the road. Literally…..over the fence…and down the street… for all the neighbors to see. We suspect he must have experienced a rock-star-styled mobbing, since he returned home…eh hem….naked! Such a ham.
Gus, the youngster of the group, was yet another unexpected, fateful match. They were not intending to add another family member but they came across an ad in the paper for puppies needing a home and they just couldn’t resist bringing him home. Gus is afflicted with “ball mania”. It’s all ball…all the time. Gus’ ball addition is unique as he likes a variety of balls, tennis, rubber, plastic, some with spikes, and even some with squeakers. But, he always has a favorite ball of the moment. Choose the wrong one, and he will let you know.
Hillary and Joe know their furry kids are spoiled, but deservedly so. The Westoby family will be welcoming yet another member to the clan this fall as Joe and Hillary are expecting a baby boy! We thank and congratulate the growing Westoby family for allowing us to care for their fur family.