The story behind the story
The Real Hearts Behind Willowmere
From Me to We — Love, Kindness & Connection
Before There Was Willowmere
I grew up without dogs or cats. I had no idea what I was missing.
Then, one by one, they came into my life — and they changed everything. They changed how I see the world. They changed how I see people. And somewhere along the way, they helped me understand what it really means to love.
This is their story. And in many ways, it is mine too.
Daisy
The Original Gracie
Daisy came into my life in 2004. She was the first.
She had a loving spirit that was impossible to describe and impossible to forget. She was gentle, warm, and full of life — and she opened my heart in ways I hadn't expected.
In many ways, Daisy was the original Gracie. She was the beginning of everything.
Daisy died in 2014, after being hit by a car late one evening.
I have kept her collar hanging from the driver-side mirror of my Toyota FJ Cruiser ever since. It is still there today.
Daisy's collar has hung from the driver-side mirror of Jerry's FJ Cruiser since 2014.
Petey and Rocky
A New Beginning
Rocky
aka Big Bear the Gentle Giant
Petey, a German Shepherd, passed away from cancer in 2008. One week later, Rocky came into my life.
Rocky arrived for what was supposed to be a trial weekend. I was working out upstairs, looked out the window, and saw him. I knew immediately he would stay.
Rocky loved Daisy. After she died, he would sit at the top of the hill and look for her.
Rocky taught me love, loyalty, kindness, and gentleness. Everyone loved Rocky — especially children.
Rocky passed away about four years ago. He forever lives in both of our hearts.
The Next Day, Gracie Arrived
The day after Daisy died, Gracie arrived on my porch.
I couldn't have known it at the time, but at one of the hardest moments of my life, a true gift had quite literally shown up at my door.
Rocky was six years old when Gracie arrived. They shared a beautiful companionship — the older, steady presence and the new, gentle spirit, side by side.
The Next Day, Gracie Arrived
The day after Daisy died, Gracie arrived on my porch.
I couldn't have known it at the time, but at one of the hardest moments of my life, a true gift had quite literally shown up at my door.
Rocky was six years old when Gracie arrived. They shared a beautiful companionship — the older, steady presence and the new, gentle spirit, side by side.
Some Friends Stay With Us Forever
Rocky and Gracie
The heart was drawn by Jerry — it also represents his Pay It Forward Columbus mission.
My favorite photograph ever is of Rocky and Gracie together on the couch.
I drew a red heart around them. That heart means more than one thing to me. It is the love between two dogs who found each other. And it is also the symbol of something I believe deeply: that kindness, once given, keeps moving.
Rocky forever lives in both of our hearts.
Forever loved
Rocky & Gracie
Some friendships leave a mark on everything that comes after.
Rocky & Gracie — together, as they always were.
Rocky — Big Bear the Gentle Giant. He was everything that nickname promised: enormous in presence, soft in spirit, and loved by everyone who ever met him.
He loved Daisy. After she was gone, he would sit at the top of the hill as if keeping watch over something only he could still see. He and Gracie were inseparable — two very different souls who found their way to the same home, the same couch, the same life.
Rocky passed away about four years ago. The house got quieter. But the gentleness he left behind never did.
In loving memory of Rocky — Big Bear the Gentle Giant.
Forever a good boy. Forever loved.
From Me to We
Love, Kindness & Connection
I grew up without animals. I had no idea what they would teach me.
Daisy opened my heart. Petey and Rocky showed me what loyalty and gentleness look like. Gracie arrived the day after the hardest loss — and she is still here.
Tales of Willowmere grew from all of that. Dog and Duck are not just characters in a book. They carry something real — the kindness, the loyalty, the quiet joy of being beside someone you love.
The Good Dog Shop and Pay It Forward Columbus grew from the same place. The belief that love is not something you keep. It is something you pass on.
From me to we.
Sometimes the most wonderful stories begin with a gift you never expected to receive.