For the past two years, 39-year-old Ryan Gill and his chihuahua-terrier Willow have lived at their spot in an encampment tucked away in the woods — just off Shepard road in St. Paul and not too far from the Mississippi River.
Gill keeps the grounds tidy with a broom. He loves the breeze through the tree canopy and the view of the water. When Willow wanders off in her red vest, this is where she knows to return.
“And anytime I’m gone and she’s looking for me, she always comes back here and waits for me,” Gill said. “This is home to her, too.”…