this woMan’s Best Friend

3/16/2014  Update:

Louis and I hosted a Memorial Service for Wesley today.  If you want to read that, click here >>>  How to Throw a Memorial Service for your Dog. Thanks again for the overwhelming support, love, encouragement we have received in the form of comments, emails, texts, calls, Sugar Shack Donuts, hugs, and more! We have the best group of friends ever! Thanks for loving us.

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RIP Sweet Wesley “Lover Boy” Williams

September 9, 1998 – March 14, 2014

Be sure to check out the video at the bottom of this post. And also grab your tissues.

When I married Louis, I knew that Calvin and Wesley (2 black labs…the liturgical hounds named for John Wesley and John Calvin) were part of the ‘package’. Love Louis…love his dogs. Calvin – he was nicknamed Houdini. Wesley – well…his nickname was Lover Boy, because he loved everyone very well. He never met a stranger.  In our early time together, Calvin could get out of nearly any situation. His first night sleeping at my home, he combat crawled under the shed and wandered the neighborhood for quite a while before I realized it.  Calvin loved to run…and Wesley, a loyal pal, would follow him anywhere and everywhere. When Calvin passed away on Veterans Day 2008, Wesley attached himself to me. He became my shadow. Wherever I went, Wesley went. Louis remained alpha of our pack, but I became Wesley’s companion, his buddy, his pal.  And…he became mine.

Wesley passed on Friday afternoon after 15 1/2 years of a full life filled with love. Although I only knew him for the last 6 years, I felt like he was mine since forever. He truly was the best dog ever.  If you ever met Wesley, you know exactly what I am talking about.  A wonderful friend to all. He especially loved the neighborhood kids. Loved them deeply.

Wesley was an integral part of our family and our ministry in Southern Barton Heights, because he taught us all how to love deep and to love well, expecting virtually nothing in return.

I am a better person for having known and loved Wesley and to be known and loved by him. Now, I’m thankful he’s able to romp around with Calvin…and it’s comforting to know that they are both back together, pain-free in healthy bodies!

Memorial Service for Wesley

Sunday, March 16th at 2pm  

2101 Barton Ave, RVA 23222

Come on by. Bring your dogs. Bella is a super great hostess…and she’s gonna be kinda lonely, too.  The kids can make cards, write letters, etc. while we all tell stories and share memories of one super great dog.

John WESLEY Williams

Well done, good and faithful dog.

You loved well.

You were well-loved.

Here’s a video of my beloved friend.  My way of dealing with my grief.  Enjoy.

John WESLEY Williams ~ loved well and well loved. from Marti Williams on Vimeo.

Wish I had included this picture in the video. It’s one of my faves… My 2 favorite boys, more found here… My 2 Favorite Boys in the World!!!