Willow Block

In Loving Memory of Willow Block
February 20, 2012 – August 29, 2025
Forever Our Baby Girl 💜🐾

The fantastic five are finally back together again. On August 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of her dad Donny and her sister Emily, sweet Willow crossed the Rainbow Bridge at home. The baby of the pack—affectionately called Widow, Widow-Bee, and my baby sister—she was so incredibly loved here on earth, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is now reunited with Daphne, Cleo, Luna, Yodi, Jasmine, and G., chasing squirrels and swimming to her heart’s content beneath the Sparkleberry tree.

A Special Beginning

Born on February 20, 2012 at the McCaskill Kennels on Colonial Lake near Camden, SC, Willow’s story began with a challenge. At her first veterinarian check-up, it was discovered she had a patellar luxation in her left knee, a condition common in Boykin Spaniels. To prevent passing it down through puppies, she was to be spayed. That day, she went home with the family to Lugoff, SC, beginning her 13 ½ years of love, loyalty, and companionship.

A True Retriever

From the very start, Willow showed she was born for retrieving. On just her second day home, Donny rolled a tennis ball across the living room floor. She picked it up, trotted back, and never looked back. Over the years, she cycled through countless training dummies and her beloved Dokken Mourning Dove decoys, always replaced—often at Christmas—after meeting lawn mower mishaps. Her squeaky raccoon was another favorite.

Though Donny didn’t duck hunt, Willow became a devoted “dove dog,” excelling on hunts at DNR sites and later on the airbase where Donny worked. Her instincts, intelligence, and eagerness made her one of the best.

Her Favorite Places

Willow loved water as much as retrieving. Living on a small 7-acre lake north of Lugoff, she quickly learned to dive confidently off the dock, gleefully plunging in after her “dead bird” with her release command. At home, though, her favorite place to sleep was much simpler: Donny’s lap. More than a retriever, she was a true lap dog.

She also loved car rides, but unlike most dogs, she didn’t hang her head out the window. Instead, Willow preferred to bury her face in the seat back to get out of the wind—her own quirky, endearing habit. Later in life, she proudly rode shotgun on Donny’s medical courier runs, joining him wherever possible, always eager to go along.

A Gentle Goodbye

In late August 2025, Willow’s health declined suddenly, her mobility fading and her recognition slipping. With compassion and dignity, Peaceful Paws connected the family with a kind veterinarian who came to their home to help Willow peacefully cross the Rainbow Bridge. She was cremated over Labor Day weekend, and her family remains deeply grateful for the care and respect shown to both Willow and themselves during this tender time.

Loved Beyond Words

Willow was more than a dog. She was Emily’s little sister, Donny’s shadow, and a loving companion to all who knew her. Loyal, gentle, and steady, she never ran off, never wavered, and always gave her whole heart. Donny says it best: “Yes, she was Emily’s dog, but I will always be her person.”

There are too many favorite memories to count—every wag of her tail, every dove hunt, every car ride, every quiet evening by Donny’s side. She was loved fiercely, and she will be missed forever.

Rest peacefully, sweet Willow.
You were the baby of the pack, the lap dog with the heart of a retriever, and the companion who made life better just by being there. You will always be remembered with love. 💜🐾