Willow

My story

***IN FOSTER CARE! PLEASE CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET ME!***Several months ago, we began fundraising to help cover the costs for medial care for our new intake Willow, who was not only dealing with severe and chronic allergies but had also just tested positive for heartworm. Since then, Willow has been under the care of one of excellent medical foster families as she's undergone extensive rounds of medication for her allergies and the infections that their previous neglect had caused. They also cared for her through her lengthy and arduous heartworm treatment! Willow has finally finished her last heartworm treatment, and with her spay finally happening, we are ready to start seeking out her forever family! Willow is a3-5 year old medium-sized mixed-breed (seemingly a Heeler/Shar-Pei mix). It is rare that we meet a dog as mild, sunny-tempered, and just absolutely loveable and universally enjoyed as Willow is. Despite being in significant discomfort at the beginning of her journey form years of untreated allergies and their comorbidities, Willow has never once showed an ounce of meanness, tolerating invasive pokes, prods, and sensations with clearly-communicated pain but a never-wavering good-natured and hopeful outlook. Willow is good on a leash, great with kids, low-energy, loves strangers - temperament-wise, she's an easy addition to any household. Her foster family told us that recently, she thought Halloween and trick-or-treating festivities were created as a meet-and-greet opportunity for HER. Every single person that passed by her gaze was required to stop and get some one-on-one attention from Willow. She has recently transitioned to free-roaming inside while her foster family is gone at work and school, and so far, she's got a stellar report! She sleeps in her foster kiddo's room at night an overall is a pleasant and joyful companion who has brought joy and laughter to her fosters.It is important to consider that Willow's allergies will need upkeep for the rest of her life. Without daily medication as well as multiple-times-a-week maintenance for her ears and other itchy spots, she rapidly relapse into recurrent ear infections and constant itchiness that must be then more aggressively treated with steroids and anti-fungals. It is of equal importance to make sure that her monthly heartworm preventatives never lapse as the integrity of her heart is at much greater risk if she were to get heartwomr a second time. If you met her, you'd understand why she makes it well worth the extra maintenance and increased cost. To know her is to love her, and to be loved by Willow? The greatest gift of all! So although she's a super easy dog with a rewarding and wonderful personality, if you aren't ready to take on the lifetime expense of heavy-duty allergy medication, to be militant with monthly heartworm preventatives, and to be in constant communication with your vet, Willow may not be the right dog for you! Meeting Willow is by appointment only - shoot adopt.ffaa@gmail.com a message or call (417) 592-2512 to meet this special girl!

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Willow, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.