Good dog, Willow! This sweet Yellow Lab / Golden Retriever mix is living the good life with Alexandra Barbieri! Alex shares what it was like meeting Willow as a puppy, Willow’s favorite places around the city, and how having a dog has changed her life…
On Meeting Willow
My original intent when looking for a dog was that I would adopt, and I would not get a puppy. However, the adoption process was proving to be difficult at the time. I was living in an apartment, and some rescues are strict with housing requirements and living situations. I was also living with my roommate at the time who had an older dog that I adored, and all parties wanted to ensure the transition would be smooth.
When I found myself wanting to adopt every dog I saw at the SPCA, I knew it was becoming a bit overwhelming and emotional. I decided to take a break from looking, and that exact day my friends from Fountain Square told me there was a litter across the bridge in South Glens Falls with two dogs left. I was hesitant, as I still had it in my mind that I would adopt an adult dog, but I decided to visit after I was given some contact information and pictures.
Surprisingly, it was not love at first sight. At 10 weeks old, “Snowy” was super rambunctious and wouldn’t stop biting my shoe — it was not what I was imagining the first meet and greet to be like. I decided to sleep on it, and of course, I picked her up the very next day. I was completely unprepared for puppy life and all that it entails. We lived on the 3rd floor in a downtown apartment, so potty training was probably the biggest challenge. Still, it didn’t take long for us to get into a groove, get out in the woods daily, and start our life together.
All About Willow
Willow is incredibly sensitive. She has the outgoing personality of a lab but also likes to be with just her people, especially getting some butt-rubs and showing her affection with a hard lean. She will also make it very clear when she wants me to wake up, with a hard paw or a stern groan.
She loves to hike and run in the woods with me, preferably near water. She doesn’t mind a nice dip, even in the middle of winter. She loves the snow but also likes to lay stretched out in the hot sun.
She can’t wait for the Adirondack chair to return downtown so she can jump on the arms and watch the traffic.
Her biggest quirk is that she does not tolerate skateboards and electric bicycles — she absolutely loses her mind.
On the Importance of Recall
Once when she was a puppy, I lost her at Hudson Pointe where the floating bridges are. She was still so small at the time, so of course I was imagining all of the horrible things that had happened to her. I began running and calling her name when I finally ran into a gentleman jogging and asked if he had seen a yellow puppy. He said, “Yes! She’s walking with a couple a few hundred feet ahead with a stick in her mouth.” Crying with relief, I started running and eventually, there she was — sitting in the middle of the trail waiting for me like nothing had ever happened. I never saw the couple she was walking with, but I did immediately contact my dog trainer to start some very important recall training.
Some Local Favorites
Willow’s favorite place downtown is Mean Max, where she can chill with me outside or play with her human (and often dog) friends inside. We also like to check into Fountain Square and Farmacy — thanks for keeping the water bowl out every day!
Willow and I love going to Haviland’s Cove for some swimming and splashing. Typically, on the weekends, however, we head out of town for a nice hike.
On The Life Changing Magic of A Dog
Willow changed my life. I always have had an active lifestyle, but it only increased once she joined me.
No matter the weather conditions — rain, heat, snow, below-freezing temperatures — we are walking, running, or hiking. She made me realize that I love trail running more than road running, and I now see the beauty in every step of our hikes in nature instead of just waiting for that final view.
I may not have slept in late for over 6 years, but I honestly wouldn’t want it any other way. She is the best decision I’ve ever made. I adore her and she knows it.
