My husband and I have always been animal lovers, especially dog lovers! I guess that is why we also chose to volunteer at Bob’s House. I started volunteering at Bob’s approximately 3 years ago, and my husband started joining when his schedule would allow. We resisted bringing a dog home for 2 years; knowing the dogs were so well cared for there, and being hesitant to extend our family of pets with another dog after already having 2 dogs and 2 birds.
And then came Willow…… I came into Bob’s on my usual Monday morning and there was this blonde colored little poodle mix sharing the kennel with Felix (a permanent resident at Bob’s house.) She weighed in at 7 pounds and when I picked her up she snuggled in right under my chin. Willow loved being held and I could tell we had a connection from the first time I snuggled with her. However, Willow needed a lot of help. She was very neglected when she came into the shelter: She needed major dental care, wasn’t spayed, and had a bad cataracts in one eye. She was also already 10 years old. Thanks to Bob’s House Willow got the help she needed. She ended up losing all but two of her teeth and part of her jaw from a bad infection. She also got spayed. Even with all of this Willow made it through her surgeries like a champ!
After about a month of trying to convince my husband we should add a 3rd dog to the family he caved and Willow came home! We had always started with our dogs from the puppy stage and I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been worried about teaching an old dog new tricks. We have a lot of stairs at our house and Willow didn’t know how to go up them. She also wasn’t 100% potty trained, and was very timid around men. Ok, almost all men….. For some reason Willow instantly fell in love with “Grandpa Don” and they have been buddies since the second they met .
Now one year later my husband and I know how foolish our reservations were! Willow has completed our family of pets and she makes us laugh and smile every day. She quickly learned the steps, caught onto potty training, and gradually let my husband Casey into her life. The progress we have seen with her has been amazingly rewarding. But what is most rewarding is being able to tell how truly happy Willow is every day!
Even though she is 11-12 years old, is pretty much blind in one eye, and has only 2 teeth Willow is a goer! She does amazing with our two other dogs and day to day life! Willow walks each day with us for over ½ hour, gobbles up the soft food we buy, and utilizes her hearing and sisters to get past any vision issues she has. Willow also loves to burrow under the covers and snuggle with Casey every morning. I also get to have my little Willow watching over my every move when I’m at home J.
Although we know we won’t get to enjoy all of the little things Willow brings to our lives for numerous years, we know getting to know her even one year has enriched our lives more than we ever imagined! With the opportunity Bob’s House provided her it is clear she overcame all of her physical and emotional obstacles! Casey and I also know we played a part in giving Willow a second chance at a happy life. And when Willow’s time comes Casey and I will help her over the rainbow bridge. We will also look forward to the next dog from Bob’s House that can change our lives: Next time without any reservations.
Today marks one month since we welcomed Frieda in to our home! She is a true blessing. Feels like she has been part of our family for years!
Thank you!!
Ronda