Happy Birthday, Willis!

This sweet little dog is celebrating his 10th birthday today. It all started with this email that Doug forwarded to me with the above photo:

Looking for a home for this sweet, scared little rescue puppy – his friend was hit by a car early this morning and he is now at the vet getting shots, etc....please let me know if you are able to give this precious boy a foster or forever home...we thought of naming him Bosworth or Bochy b/c he has one blue eye and one brown eye!!!!

I knew the minute I read his story and saw his photos that this was the dog we were meant to have. The vet said he was about two months old when we got him in October 2011, so we made August 26th his birthday. Here’s his first portrait at home:

His first birthday cake:

The man who rescued Willis from the street and his wife, Leni, who fostered him. I will forever be grateful for them in putting us together.

Willis’ first portrait at the Chateau Marmont:

…and his first hike up Runyon Canyon:

Willis made his society debut at the San Diego Humane Society’s Fur Ball:

Doesn’t he look dapper in his tux tie?

I have learned so much from this little guy and have been provided so much happiness thanks to him. Animals are wonderful, especially if we listen to them. Happy Birthday, Willis - I hope we share many more happy years together!

See more photos at my main website.

Giving Thanks

While some may be spending time waging a #WarOnThanksgiving, here at Daveland I’m grateful for the opportunity to give thanks for all the blessings in my life. Regardless of the reasons of Thanksgiving’s origins, I believe it’s always good to stop and reflect and think about the good things that abound in one’s life, as it is often too easy to focus on those gray clouds. Today’s first photo shows Mom at the family Thanksgiving table, circa 1939. I love this shot; the family gathering, the bountiful harvest, and the quintessential Norman Rockwell image of the turkey being carved.

I am most grateful for my little ride-or-die partner: Willis.



Our long weekend walks:



The days he comes with me to work (and grateful for that privilege, too!):



His diligent protection of our home:





Yup. He’s pretty much the best!



What are you most thankful for this year?

See more Daveland photos at my main website.