Willow’s Memorial

May Willow’s memory live on through cherished recollections and the enduring love she inspired.

December 23, 2023: In loving memory of Willow, our cherished companion, whose presence brought immense joy and sunshine into our lives. Willow, the vibrant soul of the Robin & Willow channel, departed from us far too soon.

Just over three months ago, we embarked on a beautiful journey, capturing Willow’s delightful moments in cooking and walks. A dynamic and energetic pup, just shy of her 4th birthday, she radiated health and happiness. However, an allergy medication prescribed by her vet, shortly after changed the course of our lives.

A day after starting the medication, Willow’s head tilted, and her once sturdy stride faltered. Alarmed, we sought immediate veterinary attention, only to be told it was a mere coincidence. Emotions of anger, concern, and grief enveloped us.

Referred to Blue Pearl Neurology, our hope for Willow’s recovery flickered, but an appointment was scheduled for the end of January, months away. Faced with urgency, we sought an emergency neurology consultation with a different specialist, who initially suspected Vestibular Disease.

With cautious optimism, we embraced the prescribed prednisone, and Willow responded positively. Life resumed its semblance of normalcy, offering a temporary reprieve from looming uncertainty. However, subsequent assessments shattered this hopeful illusion, revealing that the initial diagnosis of Vestibular Disease was incorrect, adding an unforeseen layer of complexity to Willow’s medical journey.

This unexpected turn intensified the challenge of navigating her rapidly evolving situation, leaving us with a profound sense of sorrow. Willow’s journey, marked by misdiagnoses and medical complexities, unfolded before us, underscoring the fragility of hope in the face of uncertainty.

Yet, the respite was short-lived. A visit to a dermatologist and eye specialist uncovered the devastating truth – blindness in one eye, with the other eye following suit. An urgent consultation with the Blue Pearl neurologist was expedited, revealing a grim diagnosis – meningitis, a stroke, and a rapid deterioration of her body.

In the face of this heart-wrenching reality, we chose to surround Willow with love and comfort for her final days. When she refused food and water, we made the difficult decision to let her go, sparing her any further suffering. Willow, your memory is etched in our hearts, a testament to the joy and love you brought into our lives.

Click on the YouTube link (in red) below to see Willow’s cute graduation video at Sit Means Sit with a trainer! (This video will appear on Sit Means Sit Channel.) It’s great to see her progress! 

This was Willow’s very first professional training session at Sit Means Sit in Longwood, Florida!

Watch Willow’s first puppy training class with me at Sit Means Sit!
Willow gets a Snoop toy!
Willow’s first time eating from her spiral slow-feeder.
Golden Moments Taking Care of Willow
Enjoy this fun morning walk with my golden retriever, Willow!
Willow’s 4th birthday was filled with her favorites. Of course, doesn’t every girl have a beauty routine before the big day? Haha! Follow along with us as we go about Willow’s fun day. We are so grateful to have her companionship. She’s a ray of sunshine for sure!
The summer temp miraculously dipped down to 78 degrees F for our evening walk. I hope you enjoy some highlights. I find walking with Willow good for my soul! Come and walk with us as Willow and I share some more walks in the future! Thanks for watching and please like and subscribe to support more content. #goldenretriever
We are having fun at Willow Park learning how to drive the new Jeep Wrangler.
Walking with Willow on our afternoon walk, we met up with our neighbor and horsed around a bit!
My husband asked a member of one of his corporate classes if she would like to see his wife taking a bath. The lady was aghast and said “NO!” He quickly showed her this video. She laughed hysterically, and said, “That’s sooo cute!
Willow and I encounter a long-legged bear and a snapping turtle on our evening walk.
This video is about picking up our 9-week-old golden retriever puppy from a local breeder in Sorento Florida. We got her just before the COVID lockdown. She was a BRIGHT spot of LOVE during that difficult time.
I prepare a variety of meals for Willow. This is one example of what I feed her for a raw meal to supplement her overall nutrition plan. She loves her licky mat! Ever watched a video and thought, ‘Newbie alert!’ Yep, that was my first attempt – a hilariously clueless adventure. But hey, we all start somewhere, right?”

33 responses to “Willow’s Memorial”

  1. Anne Sandler Avatar

    This site is a wonderful tribute to Willow. Our four-legged children are with us for too short a time. No matter what age they leave us, it leaves us with fond memories.

    1. Robin Ward Avatar

      Thank you from the bottom of my heart:)

  2. marzia Avatar

    Willow is very beautiful 💙

    1. Robin Ward Avatar

      Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

  3. Eileen Clark Avatar

    Hello, it’s so nice to see your page dedicated to Willow’s memorial. I did the same thing for my cat Little Girl who had to be euthanized a couple of months ago at the age of seventeen.
    https://kentucky55.wordpress.com/2024/05/21/say-goodbye-to-little-girl/

  4. Jack Ronald Cotner Avatar

    So sorry for your loss. We just lost ours a few weeks ago and we miss her Wonderful tribute beautiful Willow.

  5. Robin Ward Avatar

    Thank you, Jack:)

  6. Carol A. Hand Avatar

    A beautiful collection of memories about Willow, a beloved companion, a heartbreaking story about her suffering, and a healing way to celebrate your shared journey. 💜

    1. Robin Ward Avatar
  7. Sheila Morris Avatar

    Such a tragic story of your loss of your beloved Willow. Whenever we lose a member of our family, we are left with a piece of ourselves gone. Thankfully, you have preserved your precious Willow in many ways that will be a comfort to you in the days and years to come. Willow was a beautiful, and I can only imagine, lucky dog. Bless your hearts.

    1. Robin Ward Avatar

      Thank you for your kind words, Sheila:)

  8. Debbie D. Avatar

    Willow was a beautiful dog, and this is absolutely heartbreaking! 😢 I’m so sorry for your loss. 🌹

    1. Robin Ward Avatar
      1. Robin Ward Avatar

        Thank you, Richard:)

  9. Richard Bist Avatar

    A lovely tribute, Robin. It’s amazing how much of an impact dogs have on our lives, even if it’s only for a short while.

    Willow had a great smile and her positive energy comes across in the photos and video. You were lucky to have her.

  10. Mary K. Doyle Avatar

    I see how Willow touched your heart, and you did the same for her, I’m sure. I’m sorry for your loss. She was a gift.

    1. Robin Ward Avatar
  11. Eternity Avatar

    Your post is very soul-stirring. I understand what your are writing.

  12. Pam Avatar

    Much love and remembrance to you

  13. Eternity Avatar

    I am very sorry for your loss; I have had too many of them. My prayers are with you.

    1. Robin Ward Avatar

      Thank you, Eternity.

      1. Eternity Avatar

        You are very welcome.

  14. Eternity Avatar

    Thanks for your like of my post, The Prophets – Part III; you are very kind.

  15. maryoconnor12 Avatar

    Such a beautiful dog! I know she will be sorely missed!

  16. Anna Waldherr Avatar

    So distressing. But Willow was clearly loved.

    1. Robin Ward Avatar

      I miss her so much. Thank you for your kind words, Anna.

      1. Eternity Avatar

        Thanks for your like of my post, “Our Current Age – Part V;” you are very kind.

  17. Ian J Myers Avatar

    We have Molly aka Doggie Dog, aka Daft Dog, aka Molls, aka Lovely Doggie Dog. She’s a rescue and has helped me discover my bipetuality. I love both cats and dogs. She’s 16 and after a discal hernia and almost giving up on life, she is still happy to see me every morning. I haven’t eaten on my own since Molly arrived. That dog has given us all so much love and I know the more time goes on, the more she will start slowing down until, she slows down forever. We will be heartbroken, and we’ve been preparing ourselves for the decision fo a while now. It’s will be awful. I will never forget her!

    1. Robin Ward Avatar

      Molly sounds like a loving soul and grateful for you, Ian. Thank you for sharing.

  18. chevytravel12 Avatar

    You have such beautiful memories in such a short time. Our pets are not just animals or dogs they are our true friends and a member of our family. I understand your grief we lost a wonderful Blue Heeler and it is so hard. But like you we still have our memories and lots of photos.

    1. Robin Ward Avatar

      Thank you for commenting, Chevy Travel. Photos and videos really do help with grief because our memories do start to fade some. We only have a few poor-quality photos of our family dog growing up in the 70’s and 80’s. She deserved more photos. Be well.

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