The Story of Willis

Since a few of my readers have commented on Willis, I decided to share his story with the rest of you.

This month, my pet turns two. At the time he came into my life, I was still telling people that there was no way I could take on the responsibility of owning a dog. I had grown up with dogs and loved them dearly, but with my schedule, I didn't think that I'd be able to find the time to properly care for one.

And then I saw the email with Willis' photo (seen above).

It wasn't just his expressive eyes and cute floppy ears that got to me; it was his story that moved me to say "yes." Found in a city near the border, he was only about two months old. He had been wandering the streets with another dog who had become the victim of a hit and run. Willis curled up with his dear lost friend, refusing to budge. Covered in fleas, he protectively growled at his future rescuer, allowing him to approach only when he was bribed with a leftover piece of pizza. Fortunately, this man and his wife are passionate about animals and were well versed in fostering them until they were able to find a permanent home. The email that they sent had a photo of him curled up in the street with his dead friend. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Even though I had seen countless emails showing dogs that needed homes, this particular one hit me like a ton of bricks, and before I knew it, Willis had moved into Daveland. Here's one of the first photos I took of him.



Flash forward two years, and you can see Willis in all his glory, dressed up for his first Black Tie Event, the Humane Society's Black Tie Ball.





Willis' debut on the red carpet:



The band Haute Chile entertained at the gala:



I had to take a photo of this couple, even though I didn't know them. I thought I was crazy about my pet...it would appear that I pale in comparison to this duo.



Willis was very well-behaved, earning his share of attention and treats.



Here are the Belle and the Beau of the Ball; obviously, Willis had not been entered, otherwise, he would have been on the stage instead.



The chocolate dessert (which Willis could not partake in), from Pamplemousse Grille in Solana Beach.



The Live Auction brought a lot of money in for the Humane Society; items on the block included a $12,000 Birkin Bag.



In the past, I was intent on (one day) getting a pure bred...one that wouldn't shed and had a mild temperament. Thanks to Willis, my priorities have greatly shifted, and I couldn't imagine adopting a pet anywhere other than from a foster home or the Humane Society. There are so many wonderful pets to be found there that it would be out of the question for me to look anywhere else.

See more vintage & current Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland photos on my Castle web pages.