Willow to the Rescue
by Lida Sideris
My When our two elderly dogs crossed over the rainbow bridge, not only did my husband and I feel the void, so did Chico, our six-year-old shepherd. He moped and snoozed much of the time. We had to coax him to join us on walks. Chico became a couch potato.
Let me tell you about Chico. We’d adopted him two years ago, after a shelter volunteer found him tied to a post with a bag of kibble, overweight and hounded by flies who’d eaten away the tips of his ears. Gentle and sweet, Chico loved everyone, including our flock of hens.
To lift his spirits, we invited canine friends over to play. When Chico objected to their energetic attempts at play, we realized a new canine family member was not yet in the cards.
Months tiptoed by and I called Westside German Shepherd Rescue. They’d matched us with three angelic dogs in the past; could they do it again? We requested a calm, mature addition to our family, and scheduled an appointment.
On the morning of our Westside visit, Chico, sensing the purpose of our trip, surprised us by jumping wholeheartedly in the backseat, a big grin on his face. He smiled the entire way. Although Chico was game, we left without finding a match.
A week later, Westside called. Willow, a young stray found in the Mojave Desert, tested well with cats (which meant she’d be fine with chickens, too). Meek and mild, she didn’t know her name and had no training. She was quiet and subdued the drive home. But upon our arrival, she did an about face.
She rocketed off and kept her distance. We have a large yard, so we couldn’t find her that night, but we heard her alright. Willow has a fierce bark, and an independent streak. She spurned all our friendly attempts. What was going on?
Over the next few days, guess who followed us everywhere? Keeping about ten feet back, Willow watched at first, then moved in closer and eventually let us touch her. The amazing part was that she formed a strong bond with Chico. He’s a hundred pounds to her fifty, and she became his “mini me.” When he howls at a plane flying overhead, so does she. When he lets us know he’s hungry, she lets us know louder. Sure, he growls at her when she slaps her paw on his head to convince him to run and play with her, but Chico doesn’t mind. He’s in quite the athletic form these days, thanks to Willow. It all goes to show what a little time and love can do.
With their exuberant personalities, shenanigans, and all the fun and games that canines offer, I can’t help but think my fictional friends in my Southern California Mysteries are missing out. It’s about time my heroine and her sidekicks have some canine assistance when case-cracking, don’t you think?
Photos by Lida Sideris