Hello ! This is Willie !

Willie is a very special little boy who has a sad story. We certainly want to change his life's story and give him a happy ending. We know we will have a lot of people interested in him so please read the entire post and make sure you are a good match for him. Willie arrived here after being turned over to us from a backyard breeder. He is 7 years old and lived outside his entire life. Willie was adopted to a family with experience with a small dog. Unfortunately, they discovered he was not comfortable around small children and was nipping some at their child so he was returned to us. We found him a great home again. Another very sad story. One of his owners had an unexpected medical emergency which has now prevented them from being able to care for a dog. So although they loved Willie, they couldn't keep him. Willie is a sweet boy but has some anxiety (who can blame him) and will pace around the house when he gets anxious. He does not like his face or feet being touched, so grooming him can be an issue. He is OK with a bath and having his hair cut, but will not let you trim his face or nails. He is going to need an experienced adopted who has experience with a somewhat stressed dog who will need lots of patience and TLC. He is not really a lap dog, but does want to lay or be near his person. We won't adopt him to a first time dog owner or a home with children. The following information comes from his current foster mom: "Willie is a sweet gentleman who is smart and independent. He is very quiet, not yappy and only barks when it’s appropriate. He enjoys his walks and is good on a leash. He loves to meet other dogs and people. Nothing seems to phase him on his walks, but he does enjoy looking at squirrels along the way. He is curious and loves to explore the backyard, but also loves to nap on the screened porch. Willie likes to start his day early and after some good morning pets before breakfast. After breakfast, with a little coaxing, he will go potty outside and then a nap before going on his morning walk. He is a good eater and loves his treats. He hasn’t shown any interest in toys or balls yet. We are working on housebreaking so we take a couple of walks a day and he wears a belly band while in the house during the day but so far has not had an accident. After our evening walk, he doesn’t need the belly band. He joins me on the couch to watch a little tv, but he prefers his own cushion to a lap. He retires early to his crate for a good night’s rest. He may want to sleep on the couch, so the crate door is always left open. He is a little nervous on car rides, but does fine. If possible, he would prefer not being in a crate in the car. He enjoyed his outing in CW, meeting dogs and people-watching while sitting on DOG Street. Willie would do well in a home without children but with another dog to show him what being a dog is all about, and someone who is at home to give him lots of love and attention this sweet gentleman deserves.” Willie is only 7 so he has a potential life span of another 10 years or possibly more. We want this next home to be his forever home. If you think you could make a great home for Willie our application can be found at www.homesfurhounds.org. He is located in Williamsburg, Va.