Willow is a 2-year-old mix of Yorkshire and Biewer terriers. She is also a rescue girl who is adjusting nicely to life with her owner Christina Valladares.
“I was her third home,” Valladares said. “I was about to give her up. It was a hot mess. But I got a trainer and she’s just really changed. She’s come a really long way.”
Willow was previously named Luna, but Valladares wanted the pup’s name to reflect her spirit.
“The willow tree symbolizes resilience, the ability to bend with life’s challenges,” Valladares said. “I felt like that was the perfect name for her, and honestly for me, too.”
Valladares is a mental health counselor. She is training Willow to become a therapy dog.
“She loves saying hello to everybody at the Farmer’s Market,” Valladares said about their walks in downtown Miami Lakes on Saturdays.
“She also loves her Starbucks pup cups. She is just the most loving, affectionate thing,” she said of her 10-pound pet.
Valladares’ advice for those who adopt cats or dogs from shelters or rescue organizations: “It’s hard at first, they need patience,” she said. “Eventually they will make wonderful pets.”
If you would like to introduce your pet to the readers of The Miami Laker, please email LindaT@MiamiLaker.com.