Willy

During this season of Thanksgiving, while thinking of our many blessings,

a little 12 pound bundle of joy comes to the front and center!

When we got him, he was less than six weeks old, the runt of the litter,

and just about the cutest thing you've ever seen.

John had been wanting a puppy:  a portable one, who could be a lap dog

and go places with us...one who wouldn't shed...wouldn't need grooming...

and who would be easy to pick up and to bathe.

I resisted at first, as we had his elderly dad living with us,

and my mother who was in the throes of Alzheimers.

I thought we had enough to take care of.

But, on July 3, 2003, we saw an ad in the paper for a litter of Miniature Dachshund pups

who were ready to leave their mama.

So...we went up to Oliver Springs "just to look."

There he was:  less than a pound, blonde, barely walking, still in the birthing basket, all alone.

It took me about 5 seconds to say, "I want him!" 

And for John to respond, "He'll be Willy."

Willy's been pure joy...very loyal...very loving.

The picture above was taken when he was four years old,

when he was recovering from ruptured disc surgery.

We think he looked kind of like a football!

He's eight years old, now and slowing down somewhat.

But since starting on arthritis medicine, he's rejuvenated and

acting like a puppy again!  He loves to run weiner dog races

and to snuggle under the covers...and to go to the lake or on rides in the car.

Yes, Willy plays a very important role in our family,

and we are so thankful for him.