Day: February 10, 2024

We grew up as a dog family. We had Barbie in Utah, Barney was with us in Canada, and Grand Rapids and Bandit joined us when we lived in Holland. Each dog was so different, but each was loved and left its imprint and is part of the stories we tell.

I did not get my first dog till I bought my first house in 2003. I settled on a chocolate lab and named her Dutchess. Dutch was a dog I could have written a book about. She managed to eat everything in sight and get everything out of her reach as well. Here are some of my FB posts to give you a flavor:

Dear Suzi Borgdorff Bos, I am sorry I ate all the oatmeal bars. I hope you will have me over again some time. Please forgive me, love Dutch.

Dutch ate 17 of the Pinterest cupcake wedding dress cupcakes. I’m so glad fun at the shower wasn’t contingent on that masterpiece.

You would have thought I just invested in the best dog toy ever….a sprinkler. Dutch was thrilled beyond belief, and while I showered, she brought the sprinkler (which was on) into the house. Honestly, what am I to do with this dog some days?

Dutch was full of adventure yet gentle and intuitive with babies and children. She was our first office dog and got so much love from so many! She was so loved by so many, and when it was time to say goodbye, many missed her. I had said then that I didn’t think I would ever get a dog again. And I didn’t for almost two years.

WILHEMINA HOPE!!

Willa is different in almost every way. But sweet and excellent in all unique ways as well. She is a snuggler and so intuitive to emotions. She is intelligent, social, and confident. She is one to visit Capelli’s Salon every day when she is at the office, independently if I let her. She will prance down the hall and sit at their door till someone comes or goes, goes to the desk for her treat, and then stops to visit each salon station, giving love to staff and clients. She will then pick up her leash and run back to our office.

All this to say, as my plane landed today, I received this text. I am known to say it is always good to leave and always good to come home. Coming home and being greeted by the generous and abundant joy of a 3-year-old gentle black lab makes coming home all the sweeter!

You might be a cat family, you might be a dog family, and you might be a fish family. Maybe you are not a pet family, but if you ever want to have some Willa love, call us at Visiting Angels of West Michigan, and she will be happy to meet and greet you anytime!  ❤️ trish and willa