Owner: Mike Koechner
Location: Springfield, Mo.
Dog Name: Willy
Age: 6
Breed: Corgipoo, a cross between a Corgi and a Poodle; energetic, playful, affectionate, stubborn
In a Word: Exuberant
Job Title: Head of security
Star Quality: Willy is always cheerful, loving and ready to rock! He does not discriminate—cats, dogs, people—he loves everybody. Kisses are plentiful and free!
Best Bud: His daddy, Mike, and then our cat, Joy, who loves to lick his ears.
Favorite Possession: Moose—all the stuffing is gone but he always sleeps with Moose.
Favorite Activity: Trying to catch the chipmunks who live in our yard; he searches for them relentlessly.
Favorite Getaway: He sleeps on Daddy’s lap every night. He insists ...
Forgivable Flaw: He has been known to suddenly become very hard of hearing if he does not want to do what you are asking him to do. He has to lick the furniture anytime he is on it.
Background Story: I was coming home from playing golf one dark, rainy night, and my headlights picked up a little scruffy dog on the busy road. I stopped to pick him up, and he jumped into a 6 foot–deep storm drain as I approached. I went home and came back with a crowbar and rope. He was so dejected sitting in a corner, sure it was over. I roped him and pulled him out. My wife held him on the way home and named him after her great-uncle in Ireland. He wasn’t chipped, and nobody claimed him. He became our third child. Our Standard Poodle loved him dearly and taught him the ropes. Our Pekingese adores him too but don’t tell anyone!
