This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Willy Pep, a Boxer mutt.
Here is what his owner Sarah had to say:
Willy Pep is a sweet 11-year-old Boxer mutt who was rescued from an animal shelter seven years ago by my family, the Malks.
In the shelter, when all the other dogs would run forward to greet their potential new owners, Willy hung back and gazed lackadaisically into the distance, as if he couldn’t care less about the commotion around him. That’s when we knew he was the dog for us.
However, Willy Pep did surprise us with his endless energy and sunniness once he was home. There has not been one single visitor to our front door in the past seven years who has not felt the wrath of a million slobbery kisses at eye level — no matter their height.
Willy Pep was named for the World Featherweight boxing champion, Guglielmo Papaleo, or “Willie Pep,” who was known for his sprightly speed and optimistic attitude on life.
Our Willy Pep has been recently diagnosed with cancer, and we are making the days that we have left with him count. But, throughout all of his veterinarian appointments and pain, Willy Pep has remained the same glowingly spunky and exciting dog that he has always been.
We are so thankful for the pet, friend and family member that he has been to us these past seven years. We will miss our dear Willy Pep once his time is up, but, even though he’s no featherweight, he’ll always be a champion in our hearts.
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.
Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.