Scottish SPCA: Adorable pair of rescued Westies who had tough start in life find 'forever home' in Scotland

The newly named Ripley and Rosa came into the care of the Scottish SPCA branch in Hamilton after a “poor start in life” - having never touched grass or been shown affection.

The pair were nursed back to health at the centre and have now found a new loving home with Alan Muir, 51, his wife Amanda, 49, and their two sons Jack and Ben.

The family, from Cumbernauld, lost their beloved Westie, Woody, in August 2025 at the age of 16 after he was diagnosed with a heart murmur.

At first, they could never imagine getting another dog.

However, inspired by his memory, they contacted the Scottish SPCA about rehoming.

They had never imagined adopting another Westie through fear of replacing Woody.

But when the offer of adopting not one but two Westies was put to them over the phone, they couldn’t say no.

"We knew immediately," Alan explained. "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."

Speaking about the first visit to the centre to see the pair, Amanda said: "They were both withdrawn and nervous - like they had given up on life - but even in that first meeting you could see them start to warm to us.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."

They initially started out fostering the dogs, but the family have since gone on to adopt the duo.

Alan said: "We were overjoyed. 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.

"A huge thank you to everyone at the Lanarkshire centre, the Rehoming and Fostering team, the people on the frontline rescuing animals and the amazing army of caring, compassionate professionals behind the scenes.”