Small black and white dog laying on carpet and looking at the camera

Willy Wonka came to us through the Oregon Humane Society in North Portland in October of 2017. Little is known about his origin, but it was estimated that he was around 7 years old at that time. At first he was reticent and shy, but as he became comfortable and began to trust us, his huge personality began to shine through. Willy was a very patient and well-behaved dog, sitting quietly through many long music rehearsals. However, he was also a formidable virtuoso solo artist in his own right, and would give many a thrilling musical concert on his squeaky toys [instruments]. Although he was a talented multi-instrumentalist, his favorite means of musical expression were through his squeaky penguin collection, hedgehogs, squirrels and chipmunks of various sizes. Willy was also an impressive real estate magnate and loved to take us on many walks through various neighborhoods in his vast empire across Oregon, Washington, and even in the far East territory of Virginia where his grandparents reside. Willy was a meticulous and clean dog and would always keep his paws and coat in spotless and presentable condition. From his long body, floppy ears and droopy jowls, we had always assumed that Willy was a mix of Dachshund and Beagle. However, when we had some genetic testing done to determine his regal lineage, he was found to have been pure-bred Cocker Spaniel on one side, and a quarter Dachshund and an eighth Corgi on the other. Through this genetic testing, we were serendipitously contacted by another family in Northwest Washington State who had adopted a very sweet brother from the same litter, named Dozer. We feel so lucky that the two brothers were able to meet again in person this past Christmas during a trip to Olympia. By this time Willy had been diagnosed and was being treated for congestive heart failure since a couple years earlier. Over time his medical complications grew to include Cushing's disease, liver and kidney problems, and eventually suspected lymphoma. Willy succumbed to sudden multi organ failure on July 30, 2024, and we were with him to the very end as he took his last breath at the veterinary office. Willy was the joy of our lives and he is sorely missed until we rejoin him some day on the other side of the rainbow bridge together forever.