A few days ago, Wlly, my 8 yr old Shih Tzu, while sleeping next to me passed away. He had cancer. I’m so sad. He was so precious and so sweet — he loved every one. And he brought so much joy to the world. Let me tell you about him.

Wlly – his name is an acronym for Where Life Leads You, a blog I hope to have some day. Wlly and I were a Therapy Dog Team with New York Therapy Animals. We visited universities and law schools during finals. As a R.E.A.D. team children in 2nd and 3rd grade would read to Wlly. I’ll always remember the little boy on our 3rd visit who said to Wlly, “The last time I read to you ….” He was so excited to share the story with Wlly. In 2015 Wlly along with several other R.E.A.D. dogs were featured on the PBS show “The American Graduate.” His high 5 with a student was the promo for the program,

We had regular visits with middle school students on the autism spectrum. They taught Wlly tricks like “pick a hand.” Not only did he learn, they learned also. One of the students who was having a hard time learning something told his teacher, “It takes Wlly time to learn new things, I’ll learn this. It will just take a little time.”

As volunteers at the NYC Family Justice Center to End Domestic and Gender-based Violence, Wlly brought smiles to their faces with his high 5 and peace when he snuggled up and allowed himself to be pet. He brought joy to the clients and the staff. He and I were pretty happy too.

In 2016 Wlly and I along with 2 other teams were the first Therapy Dog Teams to participate as volunteers with the NYC Marathon. We were there at 6:00 in the morning. Runners lined up to be with the dogs. As they pet the dogs I watched their tension disappear. They told us who they were running for — family members who had passed away, charities and causes, as well as an important accomplishment for themselves. It was emotional and wonderful. On the way back to the bus Wlly stopped to connect with his first horse. After that day whenever he saw a horse he wanted to greet them. He was so special. We participated at the Marathon every year until this last one which was virtual.

Everyone loved Wlly. There’s even a bus driver who stops the bus whenever she sees us walking. He was wonderful with children; happy to give a high 5 or just be pet. He also loved dogs. He loved going to the dog park at 15th between 1st and 2nd. Playing fetch, running with the big dogs or just doing zoomies, it was always his favorite time. As a “Neutral Dog” he always made sure the dog being tested passed this part of the evaluation. He made everyone smile when he would look away to ensure the dog being tested didn’t interact with him.

What was most special was Wlly and my relationship. He was always there for me and I was always there for him. This whole year with the pandemic, everything closing and people afraid to get together I never felt isolated. I had Wlly. We went to the supermarket and any other store that was open — Wlly in his carriage and me watching as he brought smiles to everyone’s face. . Every afternoon we took long walks. When restaurants began serving outdoors we ate out together. I was never alone — zoom and phone calls kept me in touch with friends, family and work. Wlly kept me company. He was my constant companion and a never ending source of love and joy.

Now he’s gone. I’m so thankful I had him and I’m so sad he’s gone. Writing this piece and remembering what a wonderful life we had together, I truly was blessed — we both were blessed

He was loved by many people. When I came back from the store the day he died, there were 5 beautiful white flower arrangements in the lobby. I thought someone was getting married. But no, they were all for me, from friends and family who had loved Wlly and were also sad he was gone.

Maybe not right now, but hopefully soon this sadness will be replaced by all the happy memories and all the joy of having a wonderful dog like WLLY.