Rescuing Willie was one of the best decisions our family ever made, and who could’ve guessed that it worked out because of a natural disaster? Summer of 2012, while we were vacationing in Maine, a derecho swept through Virginia, postponing the local Petco Adoption Day. This gave us the opportunity the following weekend to meet Willie, who likely would’ve been adopted already had the storm not canceled the initial event. For 14 years following, nobody was safe from opening a container of watermelon or grabbing an ice cube without “Great White” (Willie) nearly biting their fingers off. He spread happiness to everyone he encountered and never missed the opportunity for a long walk or nap in the sun. He loved his friends—old and new—often ending up with his leash wrapped around mailboxes and trees out of excitement. Willie showed us every day what it means to love unconditionally, and we will forever cherish our many memories with him and the infinite joy he brought to our lives.