Wired Willie, Whiskey, Wiley, he was known by many pet names, all given to him by those he loved. He was absolutely full of life and energy with more than enough kisses and hoofy feet to give everyone. Part Terrier, adopted at about 1 yr. old, from a rescue. He'd been found wandering along a country road, and I knew from first hearing about him that he was the one for us. Then when I saw his picture, I couldn't stop thinking about him. I was so excited when the day finally came to take him home, and surprised by the whole new handsome dog that was revealed with his 1st haircut. He loved to chew, lick, bite, snort, hoof, snot and "HAAH"! And to play our special game "BLANKETWAR" with his superman blankie. Recently, I let him start going for walks without a leash. He was being a very good boy, overall. He had so many unique ways, like pooping while standing on only 2 legs and INSISTING on THE perfect place to do so.
What a beautiful baby, he loved to be cradled and spoiled with attention, get scratched and fed and let to socialize with the adults. I am so sorry now, and feel like I didn't give him my all. I wish I had taken every kiss and cuddle and poke and scratch and trash-digging with nothing but open arms.
My poor sweet doggy started acting unusual right after his last trip to the groomer, holding his neck up straight a lot, which I attributed to a strained neck. I iced him and massaged him, he was fine again. Until just after the new year, neck straight again, he wouldn't eat or drink, or go outside. I called the vet and was reassured that it could wait until the next day, and avoid emergency charges.
Late that night, he started having one seizure after another. I rushed him in, he had lost his sight and his temp was over 105. He kept convulsing and foaming at the mouth no matter how much valium they gave him, the poor little guy was so messed up he couldn't stand. He seemed to be more upset by my presence, so the docs encouraged us to go home and speak in the morning. He stopped seizing after we left and was reportedly fine up until he was agitated again the next morning when the neurologist examined him and had a laundry list of possible diagnoses, treatments and "routes". We discussed it and as I was waiting to hear back about the cost of some tests, Willie's brain started hemorrhaging. As painful and heartbreaking as it is, I had decided to let Willie leave here and be free of pain and suffering and meds and shots and blindness. Shamefully, I also decided to not drive myself to bankruptcy to fight for what was most likely (HOPEFULLY) just a lost cause. I feel so guilty, though. What if I had the money to save him?! What if I had done MORE!!!
My 6 year old, Sera, Will's big sister, helped me write a poem/song tonight, in between our crying bouts. She's been so helpful and strong, like the little purple rock that I have raised her to be. I am thankful that I got to spend a Valentine's Day, Easter, 4th of July, summer, fall, Halloween (I made him THE MOST PERFECT little Willie Nelson costume), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's (all his first and last with me) with him, as well as every day in between.
Willie P. Nelson, I Love You, babydog. I am so sorry and I hated seeing you so sick and not being able to help you. I hope to God that you are in such a state of bliss you can hardly contain yourself. It's quite the opposite for us here, without you.
Now, just like before he found us, Willie's out "on the road again", a wandering free spirit. I'll see you someday. Thanks for loving us! WE LOVE YOU!!