Meet Willow. Willow is a Welsh Terrier we adopted in 2002, only a few months after we were married. She was our "first kid", so to speak. She weighed only 5 pounds when we brought her home, was adorable, and so much fun.
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Willow's second day home with us - 2002
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Willow had a mind of her own, and this fact could bring much entertainment or frustration, depending on how you looked at it.
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| A failed photo attempt - 2004 |
But she was very sweet. Even when she was naughty and had been on the kitchen table while you were out of the house, she was always excited to see you. And she was a snuggler, which I miss very much, especially on those low-energy-don't-feel-very-well types of days.
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| Providing some comfort after surgery - 2005 |
Willow was a wonderful family pet, and "adopted" both boys after we brought them home. She would grow anxious if she wasn't sure where they were, and would often "guard" them (we did not leave her unattended, of course) where ever they were. In the morning, part of her routine - after she had been out for business - was to lay in the nursery in front of the crib, always with her back to the baby and watching the door.
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| Canine Babysitter - 2010 |
Three years ago this week, Willow fell suddenly ill with a severe case of pancreatitis. The prognosis for this is usually good, but the vet just couldn't get things to turn around. I drove her from our vet to another office where she was to see an internist, as a last resort (did you know they have those for animals? I didn't). She was supposed to stay the night under observation and see the doctor in the morning, but didn't make it. She died only an hour or two before her appointment.
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| Last car ride - 2010 |
We still miss Willow, and have not yet gotten another dog. Puppies are a lot of work, especially with two little boys and hectic schedules, but I would really like to - when it will be fair to a dog to do it. I grew up with a dog and would love for the boys to, as well. They've actually been asking for a "real dog", but when we remind them that there will be a lot of poop to pick up, they decide they are not ready yet. Maybe in a few years we'll all be ready? I don't know, but for now, I still miss my girl.
Granted, I'm primed for tears tonight, but still. Waaah! I have a dog, too. He was my first baby also but has had a really hard time with Henry and our new apartment in Brooklyn. It makes me sad all the time!
ReplyDeleteI remember how awful I felt when Willow got sick. Our 2nd baby was 5 months old at the time, and she was getting even less attention. I felt guilty, like I was somehow responsible for her getting ill. I still wonder... They are such special members of the family, aren't they?
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