(Dec. 22, 2009) -- LBReport.com is saddened to report this dispatch from Deborah Turner:
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Wheely Willy, the tiny paraplegic dog passed away in his sleep this morning, December 22, 2009.
Photo courtesy Deborah Turner
Best known for his inspirational story of hope and courage, this 22 year old miracle lived one of the most amazing lives of any companion animal.
Many years ago Willy was abandoned in a cardboard box having sustained serious back and neck injuries. His story was chronicled on many television shows including Animal Planet.
Today, the facts surrounding Willy's birth, prior life, and injuries, still remain a mystery. Following his adoption by Deborah, and acclimation to his new family of rescued animals, Willy found ways of conquering his challenges, becoming a symbol for many, of strength and willpower. He became enabled by a K-9 Cart, which changed his life, allowing him to get around on his own by propelling himself with his front legs.
His humanitarian endeavors of comforting patients of every age in hospitals, and giving people hope for their own lives gave him notoriety.
Photo courtesy Deborah Turner
The small dog's many visits to convalescent homes, civic groups and schools turned him into a teaching tool for children and adults that our actions are very important, because our lives are what we make of it.
Photo courtesy Deborah Turner
This year had been a very difficult one for Willy and his mother and best friend, Deborah Turner. In early January on a rainy day, Deborah took a fall down a flight of stairs while holding Willy, injuring both herself and her tiny friend. After multiple surgeries and ongoing veterinary care, Willy succumbed to his injuries.
While the aging dog was recuperating, Deborah and the attending doctors cared most about his comfort and well being. Willy passed peacefully in his sleep, as always, next to Deborah. He was in life and death, her constant companion.
Though Deborah has recovered physically, she is suffering a great loss. Through Willy, Deborah and many others were able to cheer on the underdog, become more accepting of others and their differences, recognize the importance of being yourself and accepting challenges as part of life. She hears the message, as she has many times: "Go Willy...Be who you are!"
Photo courtesy Deborah Turner
The books, "How Willy Got His Wheels" and "How Willy Got His Wings" telling Willy's true story continue to spread his optimism and good humor. [end Ms. Turner's text]
Wheely Willy was an annual presence in multiple LB events and parades. We believe we saw him in the recent Belmont Shore Christmas Parade (riding in a vehicle with Ms. Turner; we're searching for this video).
We have video of Wheely Willie from a Friends of LB Animals "Walk for the Animals" event a few years ago; we'll be adding it shortly.
Friends of LB Animals President Shirley Vaughan emailed, "Losing Willy was like loosing one of my personal best friends. I have known Willy from before his day of adoption by Deborah Turner. My heart has been deeply sadened by this loss to Deborah, myself, the City of Long Beach and the world not to mention Friends of Long Beach Animals. Willy was not only featured on Animal Planet several times, but gained popularity in other countries as well."
Margo Carter of Friends of LB Animals emails that Wheely Willy was Deborah Turner's companion at all the humane education classes she taught for FoLBA. "At 22 years old, he certainly was Long Beach's oldest dog.....and perhaps the oldest dog in the U.S.," Ms. Carter emailed.
LBReport.com sends our condolences to Ms. Turner and the entire FoLBA family.
