One more earth angel has taken flight. On December 22, Wheely Willy, a little Chihuahua whose pluck and bravery have been immortalized in a number of books, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 22.

Willy was the companion of writer and humane educator Deborah Turner. The beginning of Willy’s life is a mystery, but he was undoubtedly the victim of most horrible abuse. He was discovered in a cardboard box, his vocal cords severed and his back legs useless from injuries to his little back and spine. He was brought to a veterinarian, where Turner was introduced to him. She fell instantly and madly in love.

Turner worked hard to find a way to get Willy some mobility. At the time, she was owner of a pet-services and -accessories store and had resources at her disposal. She eventually lined up with the Pet Mobility Rehab Center and got him a K-9 cart, which you see in the photos. He took to it wonderfully and was soon skittering around the house and playing with his other animal buddies. And it was here that his amazing story gained a plot.

Turner wrote several children’s books about Willy. The first, How Willy Got His Wheels (co-authored by Diana Mohler), told Willy’s story. The book won the 1998 Maxwell Award for Children's Literature, and was nominated for a Caldecott Award, which honors the best children’s illustrations. Several books followed, including How Willy Got His Wings, about his first airplane flight; and a photo book that was published in Japan. Numerous articles and appearances followed, including one on Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet, and features in Animal Planet’s Working Dogs (now out of print) and Chicken Soup for the Cat and Dog Lover’s Soul.

But it was his walking (and wheeling) the talk that made his inspiration three-dimensional. During his wonderful life, he has visited convalescent homes, schools in which Turner makes her humane education presentations, Veterans’ hospitals (including VA Long Beach), and convalescent homes. He has led Friends of Long Beach Animals’ (FOLBA) WALK for the Animals and trotted in several other events, including the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, the Veterans’ Day Parade and the L.A. Marathon, where he led a group of youngsters with spinal cord injuries. He has received a number of honors; the city of Long Beach presented Turner and his owner with a proclamation in February 2008. He has made numerous airplane trips across the United States and both oceans.


Wheely Willy and mom Deborah Turner at Friends of Long Beach Animals 2007 WALK for the Animals

Willy has inspired everyone he has come in contact with to get up, whether on feet, in wheelchairs or with prosthetics, and make a difference. In January, he and Turner suffered a fall on the front steps of their home. Turner suffered a broken leg, but she typically was more concerned with Willy’s condition. They both recovered physically, but Willy’s age and injuries left him weakened.

The last time either of us saw Willy in public was in the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in the Animal Care Services float, along with FOLBA. He was too weak to walk and the air was cold, so he rode all bundled up in the float’s vehicle with Turner. He was there in spirit, and he will continue to be so. Rest in peace, brave little friend.



photo courtesy of Wheely Willy and Friends

Please visit Wheely Willy and Friends to read about Willy’s beautiful life and to send condolences to Deborah Turner.


They’re all on the Nice List: Operation Santa Paws comes to town

This year’s Operation Santa Paws collected an amazing collection of stuff for the comfort and joy of four-legged creatures who are in shelters or rescues: toys, scratching posts, food, material for bedding and birthing, beds, cleaning supplies. Items were collected in boxes and barrels at local businesses and were all donated by animal lovers and the businesses they support. The gifts were delivered first to the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, where they were divided up among four shelters: Animal Care Services (ACS), SPCAla, Seal Beach Animal Care Center (SBACC) and OC Animal Care.

Participants included staff from all shelters, Miss Long Beach Elisa Sabes and, of course, Santa himself, aka Justin Rudd. The animals received goodies and treats and, when possible, lots of scratching under the chin and words of love.

The biggest and probably most important gift was a grand quality-of-life donation from Operation Santa Paws: a check for $16,000 for low-cost spay/neuter vouchers ACS bureau manager John Keisler accepted the check on behalf of the shelter and spoke of the rise in adoption rates and general health of the animals. He thanked Operation Santa Paws for its generosity.

“You can donate any time throughout the year,” Keisler said.

ACS appreciates all donations, from bedding to cash, and shelter impounds will surely decline if people take advantage of the vouchers (that’s us talking, although it was probably in the minds of a lot of people there).

Enjoy these photos as much as everyone who gave and received enjoyed being there!








Thanks, and bless us, every one.

Virtually Pets


Sandy Bear

Well, you’d look like this, too, if your owner just got put into a nursing home and you had no idea what’s going on. Sandy Bear is a sweet loving house dog who’s great with other dogs as well as cats and rabbits. She’s in a foster home and has a few special needs. She’s on the tubby side and has bladder stones but is getting better with the special food she’s getting. She also has Cushing’s Syndrome, a hormonal endocrine disorder that requires a daily pill. If you want to rush Sandy Bear home for a happy holiday, e-mail caroline@bunnybunch.org.

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