There are some people you meet who instantly make you feel understood. That's exactly what happened with Lara.

I had been following Willow on Instagram for quite some time (like many others, I completely fell in love with him). We started talking with Lara, and very quickly the discussion became very deep.

The more we talked, the more similarities we discovered. We had both experienced the devastating loss of a beloved cat. We had both gone through burnout. We had both made the difficult decision to follow our hearts, even when it wasn't the easiest path. And we both shared that comforting feeling that, somehow, after losing one animal, often, another finds their way into your life exactly when you need them most.

Listening to her story reminded me that while every pet owner's journey is different, the emotions behind them are often surprisingly similar. Grief, healing, hope, unexpected friendships... animals have a way of bringing all of those together.

That's exactly why I started this "Pet Stories" series.

It's about celebrating the people and animals that make Luxembourg's pet community what it is. Every owner has a story. Every pet changes someone's life in their own unique way. And sometimes, by sharing those stories, we realise we're not as alone as we thought.

So today, I'm excited to introduce you to Lara and the little Pomeranian who helped her smile again.

I hope her journey resonates with you as much as it did with me.

Meet Lara & Willow

1. Tell us about yourself :)

I’m 35 years old, I live in the countryside and work in an engineering consultancy in the building sector. I had my first rabbit when I was 9 and have always had animals in my life since then. Willow is my first dog.

I love travelling, photography, spending time with my close ones, reading, and being in nature.

2. Can you tell us how Willow came into your life?

I lost my cat Jack on 30/04/25 to a sudden cancer. Having always had animals around me, I felt an immense emptiness.

Getting another cat felt emotionally too soon, and since I was a child I had always loved dogs. I started looking into Pomeranians and discovered a breeder here in Luxembourg. I contacted her, and when I visited, Willow came straight to me, started licking me, and wouldn't leave my side.

It was an obvious connection. After reflection, I couldn’t imagine letting him go to another family. It was a real love-at-first-sight moment.

3. How did you choose his name?

I’m a big Taylor Swift fan, and “Willow” is one of my favourite songs. I had already said before having him that I would love to name an animal Willow one day.

His original name was Ayden, and I thought it was an “A-year” litter, but the breeder explained it was actually a “W-year” litter and they had used “A” names by convenience.

For me, it felt like another sign that Willow was meant to be part of my life.

4. How would you describe Willow in three words?

Smiling, energetic, affectionate.

5. What’s something unique about Willow?

He makes people smile. He naturally goes towards them, and everyone reacts the same way: they get a huge smile and say how friendly he is.

6. What’s the funniest thing Willow does?

He spins in circles like a spinning top when he knows he’s about to go out or get a treat.

7. What’s the craziest or most “extra” thing you do for him?

Willow is an ambassador for a pet accessories shop. I love that he can have different medals, leashes, or harnesses.

He also wears bandanas. We don't have one single coat or a single pair shoes, so I find it normal that he can have different harnesses depending on the season.

Life Together in Luxembourg

8. What’s Willow’s favorite place or park in Luxembourg?

Spillwiss fir Muppen in Koerich.

9. Any dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, places you love?

Café Villa in Bereldange.

10. Do you bring Willow on vacation or weekend trips? How did you get him used to travelling?

Willow went on his first holiday at the seaside in early May. Whenever possible, I take him with me so he is used to being in the car regularly.

11. How do you see the pet community in Luxembourg?

I don’t feel there is a very strong pet community in Luxembourg. I’ve met a few people through Instagram, but that was by coincidence rather than through an actual community.

12. What would you like to see more in Luxembourg and/or the pet community?

Clearer information on where dogs are allowed (restaurants, bakeries, shops, museums, etc.).

13. What message would you like to share with pet owners and pet professionals in Luxembourg?

Let’s keep our country clean so our dogs and cats can walk safely everywhere.

Your Pet Journey & Experience

14. How has your relationship with animals evolved over the years?

I’ve always loved animals, but as I’ve grown older I’ve become much more sensitive to animal welfare. I realise more and more how cruel the world can be and how little protection animals sometimes have.

15. How does Willow improve your life?

Willow opened me up to the outside world and expanded my social circle. Thanks to him, I spend more time in nature and pay more attention to what’s around me during walks.

16. What’s the biggest lesson Willow has taught you?

That happiness often comes from spending time with loved ones. He has plenty of toys, but he is happiest and most playful when he is with me or my close ones.

Willow is modeling for the limited edition, personalised water tumbler (one of Pet Pro Booking's Crowdfunding rewards)

Finding Trustworthy Pet Services

17. When choosing a pet professional, what matters most to you?

Their reputation and the feeling I get from the person, as well as how they interact with my pet.

18. How easy or hard is it to find trustworthy pet care in Luxembourg?

I haven’t really been faced with it yet, since my family took care of my cat and now of Willow when I’m away

19. How do you see Pet Pro Booking fitting into pet owners’ daily lives?

Pet Pro Booking is useful because it gathers all services in one place, with their locations and all necessary information. We can trust the services listed on the platform.

20. Have you used Pet Pro Booking’s directory yet? If so, why?

Yes, to find a dog training / education course.

PET PROFILE

Name: Willow Ayden Fire des Fleurs de Poms
Birthday: 11/02/2025
Breed: Pomeranian
Instagram: willow.ayden
Favorite treat: Cheese sticks (Évident brand)
Favorite toy: IKEA fabric ball
Fun fact: Willow loves stealing socks