Today is Wil’s 10th birthday. 10 years ago, this amazing girl came into the world. She came with a purpose. A mission. I sincerely believe she was destined for me, her job and our journey together. I believe she was mine from the moment she entered the world even if we hadn’t met yet.

Her early life wasn’t easy. It was said she had HOD. Looking at radiographs and what little clinical information I could get, I believe she actually had severe Panosteitis. Either way, she was lame for a significant portion of her puppyhood. And therefore rather discarded as a potential service dog.

When the agency she came from did try to work her, they said she was “timid”, fearful and generally not easy to work. She was also extremely under weight. All a result of her beginning.

When I happened upon her when visiting the agency during the matching process she was in her pen. I saw a gorgeous young mantle. With soulful eyes that spoke to me. I entered her pen and she immediately jumped on me. Pinning me to the fencing. She stared me down. And I knew. I just knew.

I told the trainers I wanted to try that mantle. They explained she had some “issues.” I was undeterred. I wanted to try working with HER. And so, we did.

Off to the mall. Harness on, leash on, into the mall. I told Wil’s “Heel” and she did. She walked confidently through the mall. Never missing a step. Never shying from anything or anyone. I turned and asked the head trainer “What exactly are her issues?” Both trainers were slack jawed. They said this was not the same dog they had been working with. I looked at Willow and I smiled. She had found her partner and I, mine.

It was decided that I would be paired with Willow. I was “warned” about her “HOD.” I did the requisite on-site training with her and then we were off. A paired team. Off to start our new life together. And what a life it became.

Willow came home and I learned immediately that she did in fact have some issues. But, not any of the issues they mentioned. She was confident, happy, eager but, she was not well trained. First thing out of the car? She decided to chase a squirrel! A mobility dog that chases things?! Not okay! And she had no recall. She had chased the squirrel across the street, into the neighbor’s yard and was now trying to get in their shed! Thank God, my neighbor was home. She grabbed Willow by the collar, brought her back and said “Missing something?” While it was amusing, I realized that significant training was in her future.

She settled in beautifully with all the other dogs, cats and birds. As if she had been raised with them. From the minute she walked in the door, she was home.

After obedience training and working with her on not chasing small, furry creatures, she blossomed into the most amazing service dog. She was smart, confident, reliable, friendly, and oh so clever. Too clever, at times. Which earned her the nickname Monkey Pants. As a service dog? She became unbelievable. Big, crowded theaters? No problem. Shotgun shooting? No problem. I was told “Great Danes aren’t gun dogs.” I beg to differ. Kids running up to her unexpectedly? Well, it turns out, kids are her kryptonite. She absolutely adores kids and puppies. A child approaches and the tail goes a mile a minute. The feet start the happy dance. So, I would always allow her to interact with children and use it as a time to educate the kids about service dogs. She was truly the best. And no dog will ever truly replace her.

Willow and I learned together about being disabled and the ability of service dogs to provide independence, safety and their ability to re-open the world that so often you close off when you become disabled. Willow caused me to become an advocate for disability and service dogs. To become an educator. Willow actually has an award for EMS educator of the year. Her name is on it. We took our first flight together as a team. Willow flew like she’d done it a million times before. Me? I was medicated. She pulled my wheelchair through the airport with pure joy. She loved it! She could go fast. And fast she went. TSA pat downs? Those are attention and an opportunity to give an unsuspecting TSA agent a big, Great Dane kiss. She got to hang out in the pit in a Las Vegas casino while I played cards. Again, she was just thrilled with the attention. Mommy who? She was adaptable. Except for grass. Turns out, she absolutely will not relieve herself on astroturf. Her other kryptonite? Chicken. If we ever spoke at an event serving chicken, I had to watch her like a hawk. I once caught her out of the corner of my eye, sneaking leftover chicken off a plate at a luncheon. In front of Maura Healey, I had to quietly stick my hand down her throat to extract it and slide it back on the plate. Hoping it wasn’t noticed. God help me! Monkey Pants! The then Chief of Police for Salem had noticed the entire incident. After, he laughed and said “That was the best thing I’ve seen in quite a while.” She certainly could entertain.

Because of Willow I also met one of my dearest friends, Renee. We met while I was in the matching process and she was visiting the agency with her service dog. Sitting behind her, I kept staring at her arms. These amazing, well muscled arms. I tapped her on the shoulder and asked “Where did you get those arms?” I had no idea the beautiful dog at her feet was her service dog or that she had Parkinson’s. But, an amazing friendship and partnership was formed that day. Renee and I went on to educate and speak together as a team. And I value her and her friendship beyond measure. Without Willow, that never would have happened.

So, Willow truly is the OG. The GOAT to me. With those soulful brown eyes, pinning me against the fence, she spoke to me that day. And she told me “I’ve got you and I’ve got this.” And she did.

Happy Birthday Wil’s! There are no words to adequately articulate the love I have for you.❤️❤️❤️