VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Willie
What’s your name, and do you think it’s as awesome as you are?
Willie :) My puppy raiser did not pick my name- the dogs in my training program are "sponsored" and often named in memory of a loved one, so it is common for us to have more human-sounding names!
Who is your human and what is their role at the veterinary college?
My puppy raiser, Shannen Auffarth, is a third year vet student.
What kind of critter are you, and what makes your breed (or mix) totally pawsome?
I am a Labrador retriever. I was bred to be a future assistance dog for the Guide Dog Foundation (sister organization - America's VetDogs). The goal of my training is to be a calm, confident, well-mannered, and well-socialized pup that can improve the quality of life for people who are blind, have low vision, or have other disabilities to provide increased independence and enhanced mobility.
How many candles are on your birthday cake this year—or are you keeping that a secret?
I turned a whole 1 year old in January!
Where did you find your human, and what made you pick them?
My human has been a puppy raiser for the Guide Dog Foundation since 2019. I came to Maryland last summer as a wee lad to begin my training journey with my puppy raiser, along with help from other program puppy sitters!
How would you describe yourself: a snugglebug, a wild child, or the boss of the house?
The duality of Willie- a loving, obedient sweetheart that will also train, run, and play all day if you let him!
What’s your signature move to get attention—puppy eyes, zoomies, or something else?
I have the puppy eyes mastered. In fact, I get rewarded by my puppy raiser for eye contact. Being a lab and getting kibble for looking at the hooman? Yes please!
Do you have a favorite toy that you’d fight a dragon to keep?
I keep my benebones close, but my rubber strawberry closer!
What’s your go-to snack, and how do you convince your human to hand it over? (Do you have a secret trick?)
Baby carrots and ice cubes! When I hear the ice machine, I know I've got a delicacy coming. Cronches hit different. But even just a kibble is all it will take for me to be on my best behavior.
What’s the most epic adventure you’ve had with your human?
My puppy raiser would say our trips to Washington, DC! As a service dog in training, I have been able to practice my skills at the airport and metro, the Washington Monument (all the way to the top!), Smithsonian Museums, Library of Congress, and even the Capitol Building!
I also really loved hiking the Cascades trail to see the waterfall.
What’s something you did that left your human totally speechless—good or bad?
When I am at my training classes, my puppy raiser is so proud of my progress! She says she is always proud, but at our training classes, I really get to show my stuff and impress her.
What’s your best “I’m too cute to handle” pose for the camera?
You will have to decide for yourself! My puppy raiser loves it when I roll on my back, and my ears go up- she thinks I look like a bat.
Describe a day in your fabulous life. Do you work hard or hardly work?
As a working dog in training, I love to work hard! Breakfast is my favorite time of the day for sureee. I am often out and about with my puppy raiser to gain as much experience as possible to prepare for any situation that my future handler may have. I sit under my puppy raiser in the classrooms at school, and while she learns I often snooze the day away (not a bad gig- but sorry to the classmates that hear me snore occasionally- you hate me cause you ain't me ;)). We also go on trips to the grocery store, restaurants, and more! I also get plenty of time to be "off-duty" and hang out and play at home (with good house manners of course)!
Do you have any rituals with your human, like belly rub o’clock or snack time at sundown?
Every night my puppy raiser practices my "body handling." She touches my paws, brushes my teeth, grooms me, and gives me good ear rubs. She says it's for training purposes, so I won't complain about my free nightly massages!
What’s your relationship status with other animals? BFFs, frenemies, or “it’s complicated”?
I'm a social butterfly- I've never met a guy (or gal) I didn't like!
Do you have any party tricks that wow the crowd?
When my puppy raiser says to "stay"- I listen! Sometimes she jumps around and yips like a goofy person to try and test me, but I know that the treat really comes when I stay still. I am also potty trained to only go on command!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower, it would be to always get it right. I love training and get so happy when I am asked to do something. I love being a helper, and as a future assistance dog one day I can really use my skills for good to make someone's life better!
What’s one thing your human should learn from you?
Stop and smell the roses. :)
What’s the best thing about being your human’s sidekick?
Getting to go everywhere with my puppy raiser! I am only 1 year old, but with my training I have experienced so much already. I will also get to go everywhere with my future handler to assist them- I love working and being part of a team.
Anything else you want to bark, meow, chirp, neigh, or squeak to the readers? (This is your moment!)
I am a loving pup and appreciate that everyone at school respects my training. My puppy raiser is always happy to talk about her training experience and what a good boy I am!
