Just before the long holiday weekend, blind Willie and his family came back for a wonderful visit with us. Katie G. adopted Willie the Beagle in June 2007, a few days after getting married. She and her new husband, Greg, picked up Willie on their way to Twentynine Palms, California, where Greg was stationed with the U.S. Marine Corps. Katie had been a volunteer at the ranch and that's how she came to know Willie, who was a very timid soul at the time.
In the past year, Katie and Greg had an adorable baby girl, Jacky, who you see on Katie's lap in the photo. (Greg is currently serving in Iraq and hasn't seen his daughter yet!) Also in the photo is Zeus, a dog who Greg rescued a few years ago. Another soldier had owned Zeus and was trying to turn him into a fighting dog -- by beating him and then starving him. Greg saved Zeus from this terrible situation, although it took a long time for Zeus to even trust Greg. Katie said that for the first few months, Zeus would hide in the bedroom and whenever Greg would walk by the door, Zeus would begin urinating submissively out of fear.
To this day Zeus is afraid of other men, Katie says, though she was surprised to see Zeus immediately warm up to me. While I was sitting on the floor in the welcome center, Zeus walked right over, licked me in the face, and then laid down next to me. Katie was astonished and said, "I've never seen him do that!" (It's the beard, I tell you.)
Interestingly enough, that's how it was with Willie and Katie. Willie would slink from most people, but whenever he would hear Katie's voice on our volunteer days, his tail would go up and he would start running in circles, baying. It was if he were announcing, "Katie's coming! Katie's coming!"
Willie has blossomed into the perfect family pet and has really come out of his shell. In fact, he's become the family protector of sorts! When big Zeus gets afraid, he goes and hides behind Willie. Katie says that whenever Jacky is upset and cries, Willie starts baying to let Katie know something's wrong with the baby. And when Jacky is getting her bath, Willie whines and barks as if something isn't quite right about that, either -- maybe it's how he feels about getting his own bath?
Willie's favorite thing, Katie reports, is going for a ride in the baby stroller! While Jacky rides up above in the main compartment, Willie loves to sit underneath in the sling. And that's how Katie takes them all for a walk ... Zeus on a leash and Jacky and Willie in the baby stroller.
Willie has come a long way, and bless Katie and Greg for taking this boy into their lives. We're wishing for Greg's safe and speedy return home to his family!
What a lovely family. Zeus, I'm so glad you have found love, comfort and contentment. You and Willie are so very handsome, I'm so glad you have one another!
Posted by: Sherrie | October 17, 2008 at 11:46 AM
What a great story! On my last trip to Iraq, I hung up the newsletter with Greg, Katie and Willie's picture and story on a wall in the building we lived in. It made everyone feel great to see Willie become part of our "Marine Family". Semper Fi Greg, hope you get home soon-Oorah!
Posted by: Chris Nagle | October 16, 2008 at 01:17 PM
What a wonderful family, all of them. Some humans must have halo's around them that other humans cannot see. God speed to Greg overseas and happiness and health to the rest of the family.
Posted by: Barbara Smolinski | September 13, 2008 at 01:18 PM
NOW this is something WE need a picture of.....
"Willie's favorite thing, Katie reports, is going for a ride in the baby stroller While Jacky rides up above in the main compartment, Willie loves to sit underneath in the sling. And that's how Katie takes them all for a walk ... Zeus on a leash and Jacky and Willie in the baby stroller."
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | September 03, 2008 at 11:15 PM
First, THANK YOU Greg!!!!! For your service to our country and to all of us back home. I hope you return safely to your lovely family. Thank you also for rescuing Zeus from that terrible fate.
Thank you to both of you for adopting Willie and giving Willie and Zeus a loving family and happy home. You are a wonderful family and I wish you many happy years together!!!
PS - Jacky is adorable!
Posted by: Linda | September 03, 2008 at 11:34 AM
What a wonderful happy ending for both Willie and Zeus! May Greg come home real soon to his loving family.
Posted by: Nina | September 02, 2008 at 10:19 PM
What a great story! It always amazes me that animals have the sensibility to respect each other the way they do. Zeus looks up to Willie for protection and you know he would protect this family no matter what. How Willie rides in the stroller really shows how "adaptable" these guys are! Congratulations on your beautiful baby, and Semper Fi, Greg.
Paul in Colorado
Posted by: Paul in Colorado | September 02, 2008 at 03:18 PM
What a great story about Zeus and Willie! We have a chow/lab mix named Zeus too, also a big boy! Here's to Greg's safe and speedy return to his wife, new child and his other 4 legged kids.
Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa Lashaway | September 02, 2008 at 02:02 PM
What a beautiful, loving family. Thank you Greg for your service & for your safe return home to your loving wife, baby girl & your furry boys. Katie & Jacky, thank you for your support of Greg & the sacrifices you have made while he is away serving our Country. Our troops are a constant in my daily prayers. Zeus is so fortunate that Greg got him out of that horrible situation. Willie is one lucky guy & it is so good to see him so happy in such a loving environment. Steve, I am not a bit surprised Zeus warmed up to you. Dogs & cats have a sixth sense to know when someone is a good & kind person. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX | September 02, 2008 at 01:09 PM
What a beautiful story and picture - of all. I hope we can see a picture of Greg when he returns -- and sees his sweet little daughter.
Posted by: Angela | September 02, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Thanks for the RDR visit and update on your family, Katie!
We would absolutely LOVE to see a photo of what your walk with the dogs and Jacky look like. I'm so glad you guys were able to make Willie a part of your family; he was meant for you.
We send protection to Greg and hope he returnd home soon to enjoy the sweetest pleasures of life with you, Jacky, Zeus and Willie.
Posted by: Boundforglory | September 02, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Talk about your perfect family picture! May Greg come home safe and sound soon!
Posted by: DT | September 02, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Howdy Katie! I was just thinking about you and Willie the other day. Everyone one looks great! Your baby is ADORABLE. I agree with Janet's statement, dogs know a kind and kindred spirit when they met one! Here's wishing Greg comes home safely.
Posted by: Laura & Levi | September 02, 2008 at 09:00 AM
It's so nice that Katie came back for a visit with Willie & her precious baby Jacky. Zeus is very fortunate that Greg rescued him & he is now in the loving home as well. I join the others in hoping for Greg's safe return to his family & thank him for serving. What a lovely family Greg has to come home to!
Hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | September 02, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Thank you for protecting freedom Greg and the love you gave to Zeus and Willie. Come home safe and soon.
Posted by: Miranda | September 02, 2008 at 03:32 AM
What a heartwarming post, Steve! And what a great family Willie has found!
Zeus, apparently, can recognize a good man when he sees one...:-)
God bless you all and may Greg get to know his lovely little daughter soon.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | September 02, 2008 at 03:20 AM
It's great to see Willie with his family. He was one of my favorites and its wonderful to see him so happy. We will keep all of you in our prayers and hope for Greg's safe return.
Posted by: Wayne and Jan | September 01, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Greg thank you for serving!! May God bless you, Katie, Willie, Zeus, and new baby girl! You all look so beautiful. It will be a wonderful family reunion!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | September 01, 2008 at 09:39 PM
I just love "happily ever after" stories! Willie has been one of my favorite ones at Rolling Dog Ranch and I'm so glad he found such a loving family!
Posted by: Julie and the Three Doxies | September 01, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Ooh~Rah for Katie and Greg and their wonderful family. What a welcomed surprize it must have been to see how Willie has earned some rank! He'll set a good example for Zeus and both dogs are with a family that will love them unconditionally.
I'll keep ya'll in my prayers, I have two nephews that are marines that just returned from Iraq. Congratulations for
your beautiful daughter, and thanks Steve and Alayne for sharing this great blog with us!
Posted by: Lynn | September 01, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Dogs can recognize a kind and kindred spirit, so it's really no surprise that Zeus felt comfortable with you, Steve. The whole spirit of your sanctuary is kindness. Animals can feel that.
And Jacky has the best brothers a girl could ask for. I hope Greg comes home soon.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | September 01, 2008 at 07:04 PM
So happy for Willie and his family. May Greg come home soon!
Posted by: Leigh | September 01, 2008 at 06:56 PM