Two West Highland Terriers who had never felt grass beneath their paws, never known happiness, and never known love have found their forever home – and their story is the perfect reminder of what this day is all about.

Ripley and Rosa came into the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Hamilton after being used solely for breeding. The charity rescued them, provided safety, shelter, food and veterinary treatment – and then set about finding them a permanent home.

That home turned out to be with Alan Muir, 51, his wife Amanda, 49, and their two sons Jack and Ben, from Cumbernauld. The family had lost their beloved Westie Woody in August 2025 at the age of 16, and couldn’t imagine ever getting another dog. But when the call came from the Scottish SPCA’s Rehoming and Fostering team – “Would you consider a Westie? How about two?” – something shifted.

“We knew immediately,” said Alan. “It just felt right – almost like it was fate or a guiding paw from above. Woody was the most amazing dog and we didn’t want to replace him, but then we realised that would be impossible anyway because he isn’t really gone – he’s still with us. And we genuinely felt like he was encouraging us to open our hearts and our home to these poor pups.”

Amanda remembers that first meeting vividly. “They were both withdrawn and nervous – like they had given up on life – but even in that first meeting you could see them start to warm to us. The care they had been shown by the Scottish SPCA had already helped them on the road to recovery; they just needed someone to walk by their side and a happy place to call home.”

The family began by fostering Ripley and Rosa, with the Scottish SPCA remaining involved throughout to offer expert care and advice. They have since gone on to adopt them fully.

“We were overjoyed,” said Alan. “We decided on new names for a new start – Ripley and Rosa. They remain inseparable and now they have a forever home. They have changed our lives and we have changed theirs. None of that would be possible without the Scottish SPCA.”

Woody’s legacy lives on – not in replacement, but in rescue. And on National Love Your Pet Day, it’s hard to imagine a better way to celebrate the bond between people and their dogs.

Inspired by Ripley and Rosa’s story? Visit the Scottish SPCA website to find your perfect companion at scottishspca.org