Willow Christine Pleus Obituary

Willow Christine Pleus Sunrise 11/11/2009 - Sunset 01/04/2026 Willow was born in the Casa Grande, AZ animal shelter. She was one of five pups born to her look-a-like bio mom that was found abandoned and pregnant in the desert nearby. Karen asked Damien to go to the shelter to "just look around." Karen spotted Willow first noting she was the only pup in the kennel that did not sit or lay in her pee. Karen put Willow in my arms and one look in those soulful almond shaped golden-brown eyes, and I was in love. We took her home and officially adopted her on January 17, 2010. Karen gave her first name and I her middle after my mother whom I'm certain sent her to us just when we needed her most. Her Grandma Vivian insisted Willow was "her" baby which was ok because she brought her so much joy. Such a good, smart, sweet and independent puppy. She potty trained quickly and never tore anything up although there were a few shredded tissues and here's a ball of yarn warning that she was capable. She travelled all over the country with us and lived in four different states. She made lasting furry friendships along the way with Max, Cheyenne, Tora, Nellie and Winfield. We moved to Willow's forever home, Stevens Point, WI in November 2014. She finally had rule of her own expansive yard. She firstly chased all the rabbits and squirrels from her domain, establishing her place as Queen of the Land; where she spent many years playing catch with her ball, hanging out at the firepit and daily sniffing and patrolling her domain. She loved her daily walks around the neighborhood, car rides to roam around and explore nearby parks and cemeteries and roaming around Lowes with her Daddy. She loved to lay on the front porch settee to nap and bask in the warm sun. She did not like to go in water nor baths. With remarkable tolerance, she allowed her gentle and patient mama to bathe her when needed. Her past two years had been difficult as she had lost the use of her back legs limiting her mobility, had increased incontinence and suspected dog dementia or brain tumor. Such a proud and independent girl. Her strong will and spirit gave her strength to go on. Although we tried various therapies, braces, dog wheelchair, chiropractor and medications, she was not able to rebound. We were gifted and blessed with 16 wonderful, beautiful years with her, but her spirit was wanting to go home where she came to us from, to heaven, the other side, where her grandmas Christine and Vivian, Auntie Kim and her furry friends that have passed all were waiting for her. Alas, our hearts are shattered. Our beautiful blonde girl is gone from us. Her spot on the bed is empty and cold. Every night before sleep, her Mama would say "mama loves Willow, mama loves baby girl" and her Daddy would whisper in her ear "night, night, Willow, night, night, sweet baby girl" and then kiss her sweet head. We thank God for the gift of our Willow Christine and for her choosing us to be her parents. Until we meet again, sweet girl. We carry your heart in ours. We love you so very, very much. "Dog is God spelled backwards" because of their unconditional love.