Our friend and constant companion Standard Poodle, William, recently left us after 15 happy, fun-filled, and love-filled years.

Born on April 27, 2009, his official American Kennel Club (AKC) name was William the Conqueror of Dover.  He was the son of AKC Champion in the Northeast U.S. Merriment Vicar of Valentine (known as Tony) and AKC Grand Champion in the Northeast U.S. Meledee Coco Chanel (known as Coco).  His Certified 5-Generation Pedigree was comprised of American, Canadian and European Champions on both his father’s and mother’s sides.  

Following in his parents’  footsteps, but to a much lesser degree, William took 2nd Place for “Most Adorable Dog” at the Needham Dog Show in 2013.  

With incredible protectiveness, William saved us daily from the U.S. Mail, Fedex and UPS delivery people.  He warned us of strangers coming down our driveway.  He went into action whenever neighbors walked down Knollwood Drive while we were playing ball in the front yard. No one was going to just stroll into William’s yard.  Everyone at the Dedham Dog Park called him “The Sheriff” as he would make sure all dogs were playing nicely, with not too much rough housing, as he barked his orders to them.  

But the best part of William was his extraordinary love.  You could see it in his eyes.  His love and his patience while driving 4 days to Florida as he positioned himself on the console while cuddling his head in our arms; the frequent 4-hour drives to Lovell, Maine; his patience as he waited for his Daddy to give him his 6:00 p.m. cookies; his anticipation as he watched Mama cook dinner in the kitchen hoping that tonight it would be chicken or steak.

His energy and playfulness as he dove into snow piles to fetch his beloved favorite ball; his sheer exuberance and happiness when family and friends arrived for a visit; his comfort when he fell asleep in our arms on the couch almost every night.  

He was happiest when he was chasing dogs at the Dedham Dog Park.  This was his Happy Place.  Another happy time for him was trotting down Stearns Road at our cabin in Maine.  He just loved that freedom.  William was the best thing we ever did, and he will be with us in our hearts forever.  

‘TO BE LOVED BY A DOG IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE; PERHAPS ONE OF THE FINEST IN A HUMAN LIFE.  MAY WE PROVE OURSELVES WORTHY OF IT.”  DOG IS LOVE by Clive D. L. Wynne, Ph.D.