06/16/2026
Meet Billy ❤️
Before Billy came into my life, I had a Jack Russell named Max. He was my loyal companion for 15 wonderful years. When I lost him, I was heartbroken. At the same time, I was struggling financially while trying to keep my driving school afloat during a difficult recession. Life felt heavy, and I found myself carrying those burdens alone.
My wife could see how much I was hurting. One day, she found a Cocker Spaniel puppy and kept showing me photos of him. Every time she did, I would say, “No, it’s too soon.” But she never gave up.
Eventually, things started to improve. I worked hard, got my business back on track, and finally agreed to meet the puppy.
The first time we visited, he was tiny—the smallest of the litter. A few weeks later, when it was time to bring him home, we arrived and were told all the puppies were playing in the garden. I searched everywhere but couldn’t find him. Then, while I was squatting down looking around, I glanced beside me.
There he was.
Sitting quietly next to me, looking straight at me.
To this day, it remains one of the happiest moments of my life.
We named him Billy.
Billy and I are both loners in our own way, but from the beginning we understood each other perfectly. Wherever I go, he goes. Every evening he waits for me at the door. He trusts me completely, and I trust him.
During the COVID lockdowns, I was able to spend more time with him than ever before. One day, he started choking on a treat. I panicked. I thought I was losing him. Somehow, with one last attempt, I managed to remove it and rushed him to the vet. Thankfully, he was okay.
That day changed me.
I realized that I could lose Billy at any moment.
Since then, I have treasured every single day with him. He’s older now. He’s deaf. But our bond has only grown stronger. In August, he will turn 13 years old. (Although he promised me he’d live to be 100! 😉❤️)
People often say that you find a dog.
I think the truth is the opposite.
Sometimes, the dog finds you.
Billy is not just my dog.
He is my soulmate.
— Gertjan & Billy 🐾❤️
This kind of story is exactly why a custom sculpture of Billy means so much—it preserves not just his appearance, but the love and memories behind him. ❤️🐾
