True Value dog ‘Willow’ has died

Willow, an Australian shepherd and enduring mascot of the Mercer Island True Value store, died Aug. 16. She was a pet and companion of Islander store owner, De Calvert. Willow was a familiar and friendly presence at the hardware store where she greeted shoppers for more than 15 years.

By Reporter Staff • September 9, 2013 12:10 pm
In 2006
In 2006

Willow, an Australian shepherd and enduring mascot of the Mercer Island True Value store, died Aug. 16. She was a pet and companion of Islander store owner, De Calvert. Willow was a familiar and friendly presence at the hardware store where she greeted shoppers for more than 15 years.

Willow was born March 28, 1998. In June, she started going to work with Calvert.

“She has been with me almost every working day of my life,” Calvert said.

“If I was sick and had to stay home, someone would come and take her to the store,” she added.

According to dog experts, Aussies are working animals bred to herd livestock. The high-energy dogs need purpose in their lives, like a job.

The dog had been ill in February, but had gotten better, Calvert said, clearly saddened by the loss. The breed’s life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.

The blue-eyed dog was named Miss March for the 2007 PAWS calendar.

Send your memories of Willow to editor@mi-reporter.com..