Wiley the Dalmatian isn’t just another dog with a unique appearance. Known for their distinctive black and white spots, Dalmatians are easily one of the most recognizable dog breeds globally. But for Lexi Smith from Denver, Wiley was more than a pet; he was a life-changer.
Back in 2018, Lexi couldn’t have anticipated how much a little puppy would transform her world. That March, a spotted puppy with an extraordinary feature captured her heart. Wiley had a heart-shaped spot right on his nose, making him irresistibly charming.
Photo Credit: hi.wiley
Lexi shared with People that the heart-shaped mark wasn’t the reason she chose Wiley. “It wasn’t visible when he was born. I actually chose him for his vibrant personality,” she explained. The mark became noticeable when Wiley was about six weeks old, and thankfully, it stayed.
As soon as Lexi posted a photo of Wiley, he became an internet sensation. “Everyone notices the heart,” Lexi recounted to the Dodo. “We can’t go anywhere without drawing a crowd, but Wiley loves the attention—he knows he’s cute!”
Photo Credit: hi.wiley
Wiley’s large heart matches the marking on his nose, making him exceptionally affectionate and sociable. Lexi notes that he’s quick to greet everyone and won’t hesitate to engage in playful antics. On their website, Lexi writes about Wiley’s approach to life: “He heads in heart first—both literally and figuratively. He leads with love, and this world definitely needs more of that.”
Despite his sweetness, Wiley still possesses the stubbornness and sass typical of Dalmatians, which Lexi finds endlessly amusing. Even as a puppy, he would express his displeasure humorously when told no. “But with those adorable eyes and that boopable snoot, he usually gets his way,” Lexi laughs.
Photo Credit: hi.wiley
For Lexi, adopting Wiley has been nothing short of transformative. “With love so big it bursts through his face and joy so intense it wiggles his whole body, Wiley has reshaped my understanding of life and how to live it fully,” she reflects. Their shared journey includes everything from mountain hikes to cozy movie nights and adventurous road trips, all captured through Lexi’s lens.
Photo Credit: hi.wiley
You can join over 239,000 followers in following their delightful escapades on Instagram. And recently, their family grew to include another dog named Makalu, adding more joy and new adventures into their lives.
Photo Credit: hi.wiley
Lexi’s outlook is simple: “We’re just going to keep enjoying life and spreading smiles.”
As they continue to share their journey, Wiley and Lexi show us the immense joy and boundless love that dogs bring into our lives.
