If you’ve been a reader of my blog then you know that my dog Willis has been the light of my life for the last fourteen-plus years. For his back story you can read the story of Willis from 2013. Sadly, that light went out on Monday when Willis became a true angel.
Above is the couple I will be forever indebted to, as they fostered this little two-month-old puppy and trusted us to raise him. Below is Peticures by Tess, who took care of Willis’ grooming needs from day one. She was much more than just a groomer; she adored Willis, spoke AND listened to him, and gave him the best personalized care you could ask for. This was a personal loss for her, as well.
The most recent part of Willis’ team was Pawsitive Vibes San Diego. When Willis’ original doggy daycare went out of biz, I was panicked. Who could walk him during the day while I was at work and give him the care and attention he required? Serendipity stepped in and I saw their flyer posted in the neighborhood. After our meet-and-greet, I knew that Paige and Bryan were the ones.
They gave Willis the best walks, took photos of him (damn good ones, too!), and even showered him with birthday gifts. Their love of dogs made me immediately bond with them.
Last but definitely not least, Willis LOVED Dexter’s Deli in North Park. I could not say the name in front of him as he understood it and would immediately run to the front door. The little booger galloped at a brisk pace until we reached the destination which was 1.2 miles away. He knew the route by heart; I didn’t have to steer him at all. I always knew that if for some reason he got away, I would most likely have been able to find him at Dexter’s. They gave him treats and had the best selection of supplies, toys, and all things doggie. When it was time to leave the shop, he would lock his paws into defiance mode and I would have to drag him unwillingly across the polished concrete floor.
Willis also frequented Station Tavern in South Park. The tater tots served there were a favorite. Pizza and tater tots were the two things that he would beg for. If those two food items were put into the microwave, he stared at me until he received his portion.
The breakfast nook was his command central. He would nap here but also watch the neighborhood, which gave him easy visual access to when the mail lady would make her deliveries. He would dash to the front door, paws sliding on the hardwood floors as he barked ferociously at the mail falling onto the floor from the slot in the wall. If I was out when it came, Heaven forbid if it was a check or something valuable; it was typically torn to pieces in his angry rage at the invasion to his home.
My friend Matt had the distinction of being the one person that Willis knew by name. Whenever I would speak it, his ears would pop up and the tail would start wagging. Matt met him before Willis had turned one and they have stayed close friends ever since. I knew that if Willis liked a person, they must be okay. The people he did not respond to or growled at…well, usually he was spot-on in his assessment.
Willis traveled with me to the Chateau Marmont almost every time I visited my favorite spot on earth. It was pretty much the only place he spent the night at besides our home. The bacon was his favorite part of staying there. Below is a shot from his first visit there in 2013:
On the balcony of the Penthouse with my bestie, Christy:
A trio of favorite shots of Willis at the Chateau, ever alert, ever by my side.
He was such a good poser, too. The guy never took a bad photo.
I also want to thank VCA Animal Hospital in Hillcrest for the excellent care they gave Willis throughout his lifetime, especially at the end when I was a complete basket case. They could not have been any kinder. The one consolation for me is knowing that Doug is now taking good care of Willis on the other side. My journey with Willis was way too short, but I am still grateful for every day that I had with him; wouldn’t trade a single moment. I learned more about love and communication from that sweet little creature than I have from any one or thing that has crossed my path.
While I believe time heals all wounds, this one is going to be hard.
See more of my photography at my main website.
