In 2023, a 2-year-old Bulldog-Terrier Pit Bull mix named Willy Wonka arrived at the Sacramento SPCA after a brutal encounter he didn’t start. While his owner was away, neighboring dogs pushed through backyard fencing and attacked him, leaving traumatic injuries to both of his ears, according to the Sacramento SPCA.
Veterinary staff had to perform surgery, and Willy ultimately lost both ears entirely.
A Vet Tech Steps In
John Holmquist, a registered veterinary technician at the shelter, helped care for Willy through his recovery, changing his bandages and nursing him back to health. As Willy healed, Holmquist started to worry about something beyond the physical injury: how Willy’s scarring and missing ears might affect his chances of getting adopted.
So he decided to do something about it. “In about an hour or two, just whipped him up something after some measurements and the next day just giggled to myself as I put it over his head,” Holmquist told KCRA, describing the crocheted hat he made — complete with its own floppy, dog-shaped ears.
“Your Vet Tech Knits You New Ones”
The Sacramento SPCA shared photos of Willy modeling his new accessory on social media, captioned: “When you lose both of your ears after a dog attack, but your vet tech knits you new ones.” Holmquist said Willy wasn’t exactly thrilled about wearing it, but the photos were undeniably endearing, and they quickly spread online.
Holmquist said the goal wasn’t just a cute photo opportunity. He hoped the attention, and the hat itself, might help offset any hesitation potential adopters felt about Willy’s appearance.
A Rocky Road To A Forever Home
Willy became available for adoption a few months after his recovery, with the shelter leaning on his newfound online popularity to help him find a match. His adoption profile described him as a “couch potato” who did well around children and still enjoyed the company of other dogs, despite what had happened to him.
His first adoption didn’t stick — the family’s existing dog didn’t take well to Willy’s arrival, and he was returned to the shelter. The Sacramento SPCA didn’t give up on him, continuing to describe him as a resilient, outgoing dog waiting for the right match.
In June 2023, Willy Wonka was adopted again, this time by a family who had found him through the shelter’s weekly livestream on Facebook. This time, it stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Willy Wonka’s ears? Neighboring dogs attacked him after pushing through backyard fencing while his owner was away, causing injuries severe enough that his ears had to be surgically removed.
Who made him the crocheted ears? John Holmquist, a registered veterinary technician at the Sacramento SPCA who helped care for Willy during his recovery.
Why did the vet tech make him a hat with ears? Holmquist was concerned that Willy’s scarring and missing ears might make it harder for him to attract potential adopters, and hoped the hat — along with the attention it drew online — would help.
Did Willy find a permanent home? Yes, though not on the first try. His first adoption ended after a conflict with the adopting family’s existing dog. He was later adopted again in June 2023 by a family who found him through the shelter’s Facebook livestream, and that placement held.
What breed is Willy Wonka? He’s a Bulldog-Terrier Pit Bull mix, according to the Sacramento SPCA.
Does Willy still enjoy being around other dogs despite the attack? According to the Sacramento SPCA, yes — his adoption profile noted that he still seemed to enjoy the company of other dogs.
Sources: KCRA (via ABC17News and KTVZ wire syndication), Fox affiliates (FOX13, FOX6, FOX5 Atlanta, FOXLA) carrying KTVU’s reporting, and the Sacramento SPCA’s public statements and social media posts.
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