Willow
There is something remarkable about the Willow tree, mainly the Weeping Willow. If you cut a branch and stick it in the ground, it will grow. The tree has long been a powerful symbol of one’s ability to survive where it is planted. Yet, behind its strength, there is a weakness. The weeping appearance masks that its wood is weak. Season after season, when it faces the strongest of storms, the day will finally come when it can endure no more.
This brings us to the strongest of dogs in our rescue. A dog that has faced and weathered many a storm, and like the Weeping Willow, our Willow can endure no more. Willow’s story began when she came to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control Shelter. She is a female black German Shepherd that weighed just 39lbs. Willow’s story is about the best of a dog’s ability to weather the worst and the human species’ ability to inflict the worst on our canine companions. If malnourishment were her only issue, it would be something that could be solved with time and love. But unfortunately, all the love we can offer cannot save this Willow from what has been done to her.
Let us tell you about Willow and those storms she has had to battle. Willow was abused and neglected, but you probably figured that out. She was used exclusively for breeding. How many times? No one will ever know, but one thing we do know is that it was more than her body could handle. Willow was kept outside in a cage. Her teeth were worn from gnawing at the fence that imprisoned her. She is deaf and visually impaired. Imagine the frightening world that was Willow’s….kept caged only to come out to be bred, deliver a litter, repeat, repeat, and repeat.
When we met Willow, our hearts broke. She was in terrible condition and would have been a candidate to be possibly euthanized. She would be the one that would be passed over and over for the young, healthy, problem-free pups. No one ever knew the price she paid in her life just to get a chance, even if for just a short time. Through her many issues and hardships, we couldn’t allow her to remain in the shelter. We had to give her a chance to experience the life she missed.
We watched Willow struggle with her freedom. She is afraid of going indoors for fear of what that meant for her in her previous life. Afraid when other male dogs were around her for fear of what had been done to her. Her body is hunched and her legs weak; yet, there are moments when a glimmer of hope shines through. Though deaf and visually impaired, she can navigate and find her way to her food. Through the worst, she is a kind and gentle soul.
When Willow was born and young, what a beautiful Shepherd she must have been. Her beauty remains, but today, it is in her spirit. She survived the nightmare forced upon her by her breeders.Like the Weeping Willow, the storm eventually wins. It is not fair what was done to Willow. She has been broken by the cruelest of humans. Her mind is there, but her body is weak. Perhaps now, the most hurtful thing is to not let her find peace.
Willow’s journey is approaching its end. Soon, she will emerge from dark clouds and relentless storms to cross the rainbow bridge. It won’t be raindrops she will feel on her head as she crosses that bridge but an outpouring of our tears. We have seen and taken many a dog that has been neglected and needs care; this one especially hurts.
Unlike humans, a dog never knows that life’s journey is not eternal. They live for the joy of what today will bring. Many like Willow fear what the next day will bring. Each day this week will be the best we can make for Willow. She will get the best on her bucket list. Willow won’t weep at what awaits her, but we should all cry for this Willow and all the other Willows that never got a chance.
After fulfilling her bucket list this week, Willow will pass peacefully where she is most comfortable, outside on the quiet deck of her foster with services performed by Lap of Love on May 22nd. Surrounded by love, the storm she has faced will haunt her no more. If you would like to donate to help Willow on her final journey, the link is below:https://youandmefurever.com/?page_id=76Please keep Willow and her foster in your thoughts and prayers.
Update: In a peaceful service on Sunday, May 22, and surrounded by loved ones, Willow crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Rain poured down as if heaven were crying. When she passed. the storm had gone and the sun came out. We knew she had found peace and love across the Rainbow Bridge. Willow, you will be forever in our hearts
