WILLOUGHBY… sweet Willoughby. This senior pup with adorable Yoda ears was only with us for nine short months. We understood that he was a hospice case when we adopted him from a shelter. He was 15 years old with liver disease at the time, which is why he kept getting passed over for adoption for two whole years. We didn’t want him to spend the rest of his life in a lonely shelter, so he joined The Lily Pond in 2023 and became a beloved member of our family. Willoughby followed me everywhere. When unsure of my whereabouts due to his poor eyesight, he would give a soft “woo-woo” call and then follow the sound of my voice back to my side. We went for walks together but Willoughby had arthritis. His favorite spot was his dog bed.
We were happy to celebrate Willoughby’s 16th birthday at the sanctuary – what a milestone! But he was already beginning his journey towards the Rainbow Bridge. He slowed down a bit; ate a little less. Then one day his breathing changed and he wasn’t able to get up from his bed. I stayed by his side, petting and comforting him as he quietly slipped away on his soul’s journey to the light. Not many people had the chance to meet Willoughby during his short time with us but those who knew him loved him dearly.
Thank you Willoughby for your sweet and gentle friendship. We will listen for the sound of your “woo-woo” call on the wind. ❤️