Meet Willie — a purebred Yorkie with mysterious origins, a comeback story for the ages, and a bark that could summon spirits.

He arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control looking like he'd just escaped a Dickens novel: underweight, disheveled, and carrying the emotional baggage of someone who’d seen things. Big things. Probably squirrels.

But fast-forward a few months, and this scrungly little gremlin is living large. These days, Willie thrives on good meals, post-grooming pup cups, and weekend road trips with his sister Ruby (aka the Sport Utility Dachshund). He’s on a mission to conquer as many Virginia State Parks as his tiny legs can handle—and rumor has it, kayaking might be next… once he’s convinced the water isn’t out to get him.

Willie is living proof that shelters are full of unexpected treasures—even DNA-confirmed Yorkies with main character energy and a built-in megaphone.

Every $1 donated = 1 vote for Willie to grace the pages of Richmond Animal League’s 2026 Calendar. And every vote helps more pets go from chaos goblins to couch goblins, from kennel walls to trail walks.

How to help:

• Vote by donating — no amount is too small (Willie is literally 10 pounds)
• Share his story with fellow dramatic little dog lovers
• Cheer him on as he stares directly into the camera like a soap opera villain

Thanks for helping more pets go from shelters to snacks, road trips, and ridiculous little lives like Willie’s.