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You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Dog Blogging / Juicers- WE HAVE LIFTOFF!

Juicers- WE HAVE LIFTOFF!

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byebye!

Ole Walter is now en route to his forever home. Tim (the driver) showed up, and he’s a good ole boy, former Navy, and a decent fellow, and Walter took to him nicely. Walter actually bolted right into the minivan (he likes his car rides), but I made him come out to make sure he had been, um, evacuated.

Good thing, too, because Walter took a world class dump right in the front yard, and Tim remarked “Wow, Walter’s not messing around.” No he is not, sir!

Got him back in his sweet chariot, said goodbye, and Walter basically ignored me and was in between the seats trying to get up front before I knew it.

byebye2

Such a good boy, and Tim even remarked what a happy dog he is. Adios, Walter, and you can come back any time (but I have a feeling you won’t want to leave Debit!).

Reader Interactions

85Comments

  3. 3.

    bluefish

    Ah, thinking about the little big guy this morning. Happy Trails, Walter! And, Mr. Cole, thank you so much for having provided me with one of the few grace notes this summer. The story of this sweet dog and all you did for him — all the love, care,vet and grooming treatments — All the arrangements — all this did me a world of good just to think about during what is such a dark and scary time. So now onto the great debit, who must be beyond excited. I can hardly wait to see the arrival fotos. Such a very, very fortunate dog.

  6. 6.

    Emma

    Walter’s story has made this unbearable month bearable. You are a very, very good man, John Cole!

  7. 7.

    Schlemazel

    Thanks to you for all you have done for the old soul. Thanks to debit for signing on as his home. Thanks to everyone here for the support they have given. It make my heart lighter just hanging around.

    For a bunch of cranky asshole you all do OK.

  8. 8.

    geg6

    WALTER! Bon voyage, sweet boy!

    Debit is very lucky to get him, with his adorable teefuses! And Cole, you rock!

  10. 10.

    Schlemazel

    It occurs to me that debit lives out here on the edge of the prairie. It has been a couple years since we have had a frozen tundra meet up, maybe we should try again so we can meet this celebrity in person.

  11. 11.

    Villago Delenda Est

    Yes, this has been a great story to counteract all the idiocy surrounding the nominee of a major political party.

    Bon Voyage, Walter, as you set sail on the adventure of a journey to a new home!

  12. 12.

    Miss Bianca

    From Presidential Potty Training to Walter’s Last World-class Dump on JC’s property…I dunno, maybe it’s just cause the coffee hasn’t really kicked in yet, so my critical faculties are not where they should be, but I am finding this juxtaposition very humorous. Godspeed, Walter!

  13. 13.

    SiubhanDuinne

    Was just wondering whether Walter had departed, and lo and behold there’s a new thread saying that all is well in Walter’s World.

    Such a happy, lucky dog. Such a great story. Thank you again, John.

  14. 14.

    trollhattan

    Walter looks as happy as a dog can be–clearly a people dog who will be a great companion. Well done everybody, and especially Cole for giving a damn.

    You go, Walter.

  16. 16.

    MomSense

    Walter’s salty face makes me so happy. Safe travels and another round of thank yous to John, Debit, and all the juicers who chipped in to make this happen.

    Walter looks so happy.

  18. 18.

    TaMara (HFG)

    I gotta say, there were days over the last 8 years when the kindness on this blog was all that stood between me and despair.

    Y’all rock. Especially you, John. Safe travels Walter and Tim.

  28. 28.

    Manyakitty

    It’s an enormous relief to see a story like Walter’s get such an amazingly happy ending. Thanks to all involved in bringing some light to the world!

  31. 31.

    OzarkHillbilly

    @Ultraviolet Thunder: A buddy of mine was driving cross country and came across a flatbed semi parked in an empty lot and loaded with fire hydrants stacked to the sky. At the back of it sat one little beagle staring up at the load with all the longing of Moses looking across the desert to the promised land. Tim has never forgiven himself for not stopping and digging out his camera from underneath the 100s of lbs of caving gear it was buried under.

  32. 32.

    dexwood

    What a great story, from this dog might need to be euthanized to a loving home in another state. I can only repeat what I said yesterday. Great job, John. Thank you, debit. Well done, Walter.

  34. 34.

    La Caterina (Mrs. Johannes)

    It’s bittersweet when rescues leave for their forever homes. You’ve loved him as well as any human could Cole. Thank you.

  35. 35.

    Brachiator

    Great story to start my California morning. Nice little details to see how eager Walter is to get going in his new life.

    You done good, John Cole.

  36. 36.

    Zinsky

    I think that pile of shit might be the last you see of ‘ole Walter’. I’m guessing he is teats up in a very short amount of time!

  37. 37.

    satby

    Such a happy change from the pitiful starving creature you found John. You done good. Walter, who in spite of it all loves and trusts people, will enjoy his fun ride in the van and meeting his new forever family. Tears of joy over here.

  38. 38.

    Paul W.

    Wow, I can’t cry because I’m about to be in public but the end of this amazing story of Walter is (as everyone else has said) such a heartwarming one in a world that can really tear at you.

  40. 40.

    ixnay

    JC, you are an amazing person. I work with several rescue groups (on the surgery end) and I am always astonished by the work and dedication that they bring. Thank you for all you do. And give Steve a skritch for me (well, the dogs also).

    NDB, DVM – 4 cats and a standard poodle with a mohawk

  41. 41.

    Bart

    Great job, Cole.

    However, I really wish you’d tagged all Walter-posts with a specific tag. In fact, the first post about Walter isn’t even in the “dog blogging” category: https://balloon-juice.com/2016/08/04/biennial-selfie-and-house-update/ . If someone wants to look at the whole evolution they’re going to have to do a lot of work, and your commenters can’t even help out because these WP comments only allow a couple of links max.

  42. 42.

    Schlemazel

    @Imonlylurking:
    is your igloo out here too? Maybe we could start a plan

    hopefully debit will post when the doggie arrives & we could use that thread to discuss

  45. 45.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    @debbie:

    It’s almost 900 miles—Cole’s place to the Twin Cities. The driver is doing an overnighter, I believe.

  47. 47.

    laura

    Dear Mr. Cole, please help yourself to an atta boy from the petty cash box. You’ve earned it.
    Good job, well done.

  48. 48.

    Amir Khalid

    This isn’t the end of Walter’s story, I trust. I know we all look forward to hearing of his further adventures with debit.

  51. 51.

    JCT

    What a save! He looks great John – off to a happy life in his new home, just like all animals deserve.

    And I’m on my way to pick up a new beagle friend in San Diego today. Lots of excitement.

  53. 53.

    jacy

    This has been a very bright spot in a lousy summer. Bon voyage, Walter! Treat yourself to some ice cream, Cole — you earned it.

  54. 54.

    Ceci n'est pas mon nym

    Wait, I missed a chapter in the story, obviously. When did we go from plane ride back to ground transport? And when did the ground transport become a single driver instead of a relay?

  56. 56.

    Elizabelle

    Ride safe and happy, Walter and Tim.

    I would feel happier if Walter was in a harness. Vehicles do get rear-ended, no matter how safe the driver. And rest areas. Want the pup secure at all times.

    @raven: glad to hear you are on the mend.

  57. 57.

    Sloane Ranger

    Thanks and we’ll done Cole! Given Walter’s known propensities I hope you warned Tim to take plenty of rest stops and leg stretches or he might end up with more than he expects in the back of his van!

  58. 58.

    JR in WV

    @debbie:

    It’s 13 hours from Bethany to St Paul MN. I don’t recall exactly where Debit is in Minnisota, but that gets you into the state. Hope Walter doesn’t mind that frozen tundra stuff when he needs to dump.

    Our newest dog, rescued from the Humane Soc Shelter in town 2 years ago, hadn’t seen or smelled grass, has learned that it is F”IN hot outside, and comfortably cool inside. So she won’t go out without, hmmm, pressure from the two-legs. Has actually been caught having wet the floor, being the only dog in the room at the time.

    Thank you for the emotional story with the so happy ending, John.

    And looking at that last picture, the top layer Walter is standing on, that’s a “water” proof seat protector, and you need one the next time you go to the big town, from Pet R Us OR ordered delivered and shipped directly to your door. You need it badly!

    Did the leather work out OK?

    Best wishes for you, and Walter, and the other fur-balls.

  60. 60.

    Mnemosyne

    What, no tickertape parade? Of course, given the general theme that Walter has presented, we should probably be grateful for that.

    I hope Walter has a safe journey and likes his new sister and human who are waiting on the other end.

  62. 62.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Bart:

    However, I really wish you’d tagged all Walter-posts with a specific tag. In fact, the first post about Walter isn’t even in the “dog blogging” category: https://balloon-juice.com/2016/08/04/biennial-selfie-and-house-update/ . If someone wants to look at the whole evolution they’re going to have to do a lot of work, and your commenters can’t even help out because these WP comments only allow a couple of links max.

    I’ve aggregated most of them already. Will do another pass to make sure I haven’t missed any and then send the links to Anne Laurie or Adam or someone to put in the “Quick Links” section (and maybe retroactively label each of them “Walter’s Story” or something equally obvious). Then as new posts come in from Debit, they can just be added to the collection.

  63. 63.

    JR in WV

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    That is so thoughtful, thanks!

    ‘Cause it is a wonderful story. Balloon-Juice, the only blog in the world that pivots from Dog Rescues to Politics and Back, instantly! That should be the advertising slogan.
    /snark

    ;-)

  64. 64.

    Mary G

    Happy to see him raring to go. Glad he took to Tim and was excited about a car ride. Your new house will be blessed by Walter’s spirit.

  65. 65.

    Suzanne

    This has been really shitty last few months. No great tragedies, just one hit after another. Walter’s story has brought me much happiness.

    Print and frame a Walter pic and TASTEFULLY frame it in the new house.

  66. 66.

    Barb2

    Walter has a huge fan club. I have been updating the spousal unit and showing him the photos. Walter is traveling with so much good will – and he deserves all our good wishes. Good boy, Walter.

    Not to forget the two legged hero – John Cole. Who is writing the screen play?

  67. 67.

    skyweaver

    Thanks for keeping us updated on this grand dog. Please please please continue the updates, debit, I think we’re all in love with Walter!

  68. 68.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Suzanne:

    Print and frame a Walter pic and TASTEFULLY frame it in the new house.

    So not the one of Walter’s Big Ole Pile-O-Poop™ hung on the wall facing the guest toilet, I guess, huh?

    ETA: By a natural train of thought — very sorry you’ve had such a shitty few months. Hope things turn around for you very soon. I think a lot of us are going to be glad to see the back of 2016.

  69. 69.

    Lorinda Pike

    Thank you, John. Thank you, debit. Drive safely, Tim.
    I love you, Walter. Have a happy life!

  71. 71.

    Felonius Monk

    Will there be video of Walter’s arrival at his new Home on the Prairie? And, for the scatologically curious, will Walter’s first dump at his forever home be photographed for all to enjoy?

    Bon voyage, Walter. God speed.

  72. 72.

    Mnemosyne

    I had a weird dream last night that there was a party at John Cole’s house and I had to do all of the setup for it because he wasn’t there. I don’t think any of y’all were there, though.

    Now I’m wondering if this is my brain’s metaphor for the novel I’m writing.

  73. 73.

    Mom Called

    Fair winds, Walter!
    My first comment, after lurking for years. This is such a great story in a such a bad time, one of the reasons I love balloon juice.
    Thank you!

  76. 76.

    Jim

    It’s the polar opposite to Trump’s America. People are good, and all dogs and cats go to heaven.

  78. 78.

    planetpundit

    Geat job Cole and everyone else and congrats Debit. Welcpme to the Twin Cities Walter we’re delighted to see you.

  79. 79.

    AndyG

    It’s been said a million times here, but for a self-confessed misanthropic curmudgeon, you are one hell of a human being.

  81. 81.

    debit

    Update! Tim and Walter are in Indiana. If he’s feeling ambitious, he may drive straight through and hit Minneapolis around midnight. He’ll give me a call around 9:00 central and we’ll decide then if he’ll drop Walter off then, or if he’ll crash and swing him by in the morning. I will let John know and post in an open thread as well.

  83. 83.

    sharl

    I’m glad I’ve been able to swing by here over the past couple weeks, to see the regular Walter updates. Ya done good John. And from debit’s update at #81, sounds like good progress is, um, progressing…or something.

    @stinger:

    Who’s a good man? John Cole’s a good man! Yes, you are!!

    Hahahaha, give the big man a scritch, head pat, and a treat!

  85. 85.

    Exit 135

    I have been reading this shitty blog for years. These are the days of piss and shit and trump and trump family members and the trump brain trust and the trump general population. So it is uplifting to hear about Walter here. Please ask Mr. Walter to let us know the old boy is doing.

    Also, any word on the rat bastard who left Walter in his former condition?

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