Willy

Willy is 9 years old this week!  How can that be?  Shortly after retirement, December 2001, John began talking about us getting a puppy.  I resisted, for about a year, because I thought we had enough to look after:  namely, his dad who lived with us (for 23 years!)...and my mother who had recently moved to a retirement community with Alzheimers and had many needs.  I just felt we had enough on our plates.

John was patient with me, though, as he often is!  And just bided his time.  About a year and a half later, on a rainy morning in July, he read the following aloud:  "Miniature Dachshund puppies for sale...red, both male and female, call --- --- ----."  He said, "We don't have anything much going today; let's just ride up there (Oliver Springs) and take a look."  "OK," I responded, "but only to look." 

So we did.  Just us.  No money.  Not even the checkbook!  Jason answered the door, along with his VERY pregnant wife and darling little toddler girl.  He led us through the living room to the powder room, where in a basket lay a tiny little blonde pup, sound asleep, curled in a ball.  His mother, Noodles, was outside.  Jason picked up the pup and handed him to me.  And I was a goner.  It was love at first sight, instantaneous, wonderful, head over heels in LOVE.

I sighed and smiled and said, "I want him!"  And John replied, "He'll be Willy."

Jason and his wife were scheduled for a C-section the next day and needed Willy to go home with us that very moment.  But remember? We hadn't come prepared to buy a doggy...no money!  No checkbook!  So off we drove to Oak Ridge, to find a Home Federal.  And that we did.

Nine years later, we are still  in love.  Willy is perfect!  Yes, he whoofs a lot.  But what good guard dog doesn't?  And how would we know there's a squirrel out back?  Or that it's garbage day?  Or that the neighbor dog was actually outside looking for him?  He goes where we goes.  He loves the lake.  He loves to travel.  He loves Barrett.  Perfect.

So...Happy Birthday, sweet Willy the Weiner Dog!  You filled up our empty nest and more.  You love us unconditionally, you're our best little friend, you light up our lives and bring us much joy.  Here's to 9 more!