Willie Dimaio is in Doggy Heaven.

Willie Dimaio

Age 10, d.

Forever

I worked as a receptionist at a Vet's office. Willie was a dog that had been left at my Doctor's office for two years as a border, due to his owner not being able to keep him due to a conflict with a new girlfriend. He was the guard dog at this man's automotive shop. I WAS a cat person. Until I met the next best thing. A 'cat-dog' Chow mix-Willie. After a year of working there I got to know all the borders, and the hopeful eyes of Willie that would follow me when I would go downstairs to get clean towels. Gradually I started to take him on walks. Foolishly in a prideful human way thinking I was saving him, when in fact he ended up saving me. I would walk him further and further everyday. One day I found myself in my neighborhood, and took Willie inside my house to give him some water. Willie proceeded to be the perfect gentleman, and sat at my feet looking up at me with that look all dog lovers know...and stole my heart, and won a place in my home. I only had four years with Willie before he passed, and even in the end his death from thyroid cancer was quck without sign or complaint. My shadow, my friend, taught me more about loyalty, perseverance, and love then anything that had come before. From Willie I learned to look at EVERY morning with fresh eyes, Willie, God and I would would start our day off together. When Willie died a piece of my heart went with him. A good friend told me "The only thing to replace the loss of a dog...is another dog" So went out two weeks later and adopted TWO shelter dogs with traumatic pasts...we all needed to work on things together, and God said he would go forward each day with us, and we would all get there together. Each dog is uniquely different, no dog can replace another dog. But they can and do bring a whole new kind of joy, and adventure into your life. "Thank You God for showing your love to me through one of your precious creations, I look forward to hearing your voice someday, and being united with all those who have made my life...walk with us even still..all my love". ~Robin