Willow's RB Story

I am very saddened to inform you that Willow crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Sunday. She was diagnosed with severe congestive heart failure back in December. The vet cardiologist believed it was nutritionally related as we, unknowing of the risks, were feeding her a grain-free diet. It might be a benefit to spotlight the concerns around grain-free diets (particularly those with peas & legumes) as a risk for developing congestive heart failure in the next Barking Lot Newsletter update. We did do a DNA test on Willow a couple of years ago and she was actually Doberman and American Staffordshire Terrier so the Doberman did increase her risk of heart disease but we also did the health DNA on her and she did not have the main genetic markers for increased risk of heart disease. Willow was frolicking in the grass chasing a stick when she had a seizure likely from heart failure and stopped breathing a minute later. We were devastated that she was gone so quickly and so young but are happy to know she was doing what she loved with the people she loved in her last moments.

She went on many camping trips including 4 National Parks. Chased a herd of elk through the White Mountains and still managed to find her way back home. Fulfilled her life-long dream of catching a squirrel. And was loved fiercely by us, our family and friends. Thank you for bringing Willow into our lives, she was the best dog. 

Warmly, 

Emily and Dan