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Willoughby McCoy
by Maria McCoy
January 14, 2008
Just two years ago, I was single and had just moved into a new place in Beverly Hills. The FOR RENT sign said “Small Pets Allowed” so I knew it was the place for me! Having grown up with dogs, I was sad about not having a pet, and endlessly paying rent at places that did not allow them. I was ready to make the necessary sacrifices for a pet. Which dog would it be?
One Saturday morning September ’05 I went looking for my new companion. On adoption day at Petco, I found a white scruffy dog, and was told he was a Shih Tzu. I watched as he was released from a travel crate with another small, wild looking dog with big, black floppy ears. This all-white “scruffy” dog with hair parted down the middle and touching the floor seemed good natured, even despite his situation. I took both dogs for a walk around the neighborhood. But I could not take my eyes off the white scruffy one. He was so thrilled to go for that walk.
The white scruffy boy was called “Bingo” by his rescue organization. He was only about 2-3 years old, and was found as a stray in the San Gabriel Valley area. A Humane Society Officer picked him up. Nobody claimed him. He was caged, very upset, and 1 day from being euthanized. The shelter was running out of space, so they called a rescue organization.
Ms. Sheila Choi, founder of Fuzzy Rescue, drove many miles to pick up this dog. She and I will always have a special connection, not just because of her saving my dog, but also due to the respect I have for her ongoing work and advocacy for animals. I adopted “Bingo” right away. He received a new name, Willoughby. And he turned out to be a Lhasa Apso!
This is what Willoughby looked like when I brought him home (see photos on right). He was shaved almost bald because his long, white soft fur was matted. He had ear infections in both ears, and a skin allergy problem we’ve since resolved. He’s such a healthy, spunky, loveable boy, and a great watch dog too!
Today Willoughby lives in a house with his very own yard in Altadena, CA with his Mom, Dad, and brothers Dickens and Chopin. His Grandparents (pictured below) adore him too. Willoughby’s passion in life…to watch and chase squirrels and birds, and protect his home. He’s a healthy 24 lbs now and probably one of the most photographed dogs in America!
Willoughby’s first day home Sept ‘05
Only 19 lbs
Nervous to come inside his new home,
he found comfort by chewing rawhide
Willoughby was there as history was made! He joined us on our first date, and also the night we got engaged as you see above! (Now he’s Willoughby McCoy!)
