Dogs Are Neighbors Too, So We Interviewed Willow

Back in August, we interviewed neighbor Leroy Brown the dog for National Dog Day. It’s been awhile since we’ve chatted with our canine neighbors. And dogs have a lot to celebrate as of late.

We had a chance to hang out with Willow, one of our coolest neighbors around. And Willow’s doggie-parent Andrea spoke with us, too.

SSN: Thanks for taking some time to talk with us. So what’s your name?

Willow: Willow! My foster mom named me that, and my mom kept it. Before that, I was called Hope II. Yuck.

Nice to meet you. So who’s this nice woman with you today?

It’s my mom! Humans call her Andrea. I love her! She smells like dog all the time. She’s a dog walker. She might be a dog!

Andrea Cherrington, doggie parent: Willow gives me the “sniff down” when I get home. I smell like meat dust and other dogs. She’s not a big sniffer, so I know there must be a lot of sensory input for her!

Don’t worry, Willow. We’ll send Andrea out of the room so you can talk about her later. How old are you? And tell us your breed.

I just turned 5! My humans say I was born October 11. I’m a libra, social, and outgoing! My breed is mutt. I even have a certificate. Mom did a DNA test on me; I’m golden retriever, staffordshire terrier, collie, shepherd, King Charles spaniel, and Klee Kai.

How did the two of you meet?

Love at first sight. On the bench outside of the 9th Street entrance to Prospect Park. My foster mommy was showing me off with one of those itchy orange vests. Mom said I had very expressive eyebrows and then I tried to lick her eye!


Seems like that sold Mom! So what’s on your schedule for the day?

I like to sleep in my human sister’s bottom bunk — I chase the cat out. Mom takes the kids to school, then I get to go with her on her late morning walking route.  I spend the mid-afternoon licking the sofa, even though mom put chairs there to keep me off. Can’t beat the sunny spot. Mom might be gone one minute or four hours, but I am so so happy when she comes back! Daddy takes me to the bar on weekends. My fave beer is the Firestone Walker IPA.

We hear you hang out in Prospect Park.

I do! I love dog beach and rolling in the grass. Snow is fun too! And balls! And friends! Sometimes I run with mom, but I like to be free.

And while we’re asking, do you have some friends there you like hanging out with?

I love my walking buddy boyfriend Red, and my corgi friend Rudy and my friend Waffles. She was my first friend when I moved here to Brooklyn.

Andrea, maybe you can step out for a second so we can ask Willow a few private questions? [Andrea leaves the room.] Would you be okay sharing a secret now about Andrea?


She calls me stinky mutt and I respond. I’m a little ashamed of myself. She also calls me “muttkins,” “muttsky,” and “woo girl.” Call me what you like as long as I get treats!

Ok, she’s coming back. If you could give some advice to humans about your canine buddies, what would you tell them?

When my mom first adopted me, I was really lonely during the day, so she found a nice dog walker to get me out and about and keep me busy. Mom thought this was so great for me, she started her own dog walking business so I could always be with her! Please, humans, don’t just love us and leave us! We need training, exercise, and companionship so we can be your best friend forever!


Cool. That’s great to hear. Well, Willow and Andrea, it’s been nice to meet you.

Willow: This is kind of weird to ask, but would you do me a favor?

We’d be happy to.

I would like “You’re My Best Friend” by my favorite, Queen!

Here you go. So long, Willow!

Interested in having your pet interviewed? Whether it’s a dog, cat, snake, or something else, we’d like to talk to them if the are excited in sharing some tales. Email us at editor@bklyner.com.