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You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Dog Blogging / Walter’s Second Day in Forever

Walter’s Second Day in Forever

by John Cole|  August 29, 20168:03 pm| 118 Comments

This post is in: Dog Blogging, Pet Rescue, Walter

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First, the pictures. Here he is with his new bff, Ellie:

dogdayafternoon

I bet some of you won’t even be able to figure out which one he is!

And here he is lying on his new bed:

brandnewbed

Debit passes along two notes. First things first- apparently Walter makes friends quick:

Did I tell you? Tim called Sunday to check up on Walter. The old guy sure knows how to make friends.

Tim was the driver, who spent only 12 hours with him.

Second, Debit had her vet give Walter a lookover:

He was a huge hit at the vet’s office. Both the vet and the tech sat down on the floor to do the exam, and after a few minutes Walter decided to plant his butt in the vet’s lap. She was amazed at his progress (I showed her the picture from when you found him) and said to just keeping doing what you’d started: feeding him and giving him plenty of soft places to sleep. She treated his right ear for what she said looked like a chronic infection, and gave me meds to continue in hopes we can clear it up. Otherwise, as a last case scenario, she said an ear canal ablation could be done. It would leave him totally deaf in that ear, but she suspects he can’t hear much out of it anyway. They contacted your vet to get his blood work and whoever answered the phone exclaimed, “Walter the Miracle Dog!” :)

I’m taking him back in one month so they can do blood work and see if the Rimadyl is causing any adverse reactions to his liver and/or kidneys. Meanwhile, I’m starting him on glucosamine chews and adding fish oil to his food. She said that he can gain about five more pounds, but no more, as his knees are shot. Short walks of five to ten minutes on grass should be his limit for now, until we see if the supplements are helping. I don’t know that he’s ever going to be totally pain free, but we’ll do out best to get him as close to it as possible. She commented that he’d obviously had a hard life and that if he wasn’t outright abused he was neglected to the point it became abuse. I mean, above and beyond the whole being left to starve to death thing.

He was really anxious in the car, and cried a little when we got back in, but once we pulled up to the house he started scrabbling at the windows and actually ran to the back door, tail going a mile a minute. The he flopped down on his bed and went to sleep.

So we’re home and all is well. Still no accidents or drama.

Everything seems ok, and Debit still sounds giddy when I talk to her. Wait until I butt dial her by accident a few times.

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Previous Post: « I’m not outraged about Colin Kaepernik
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Reader Interactions

118Comments

  1. 1.

    rikyrah

    August 29, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    AWE….

    thanks for the update.

    I didn’t know which one was Walter.

    So happy for Walter that you found him, Cole.

    You are good people, Cole.

    Debit is good people, too.

  2. 2.

    Wormtown

    August 29, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    Ok. This one made me cry

  3. 3.

    ruemara

    August 29, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    Very sweet and it sounds like the vet is on the ball with Walter’s issues.

  4. 4.

    TaMara (HFG)

    August 29, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    What a great update. Someone knows he’s home. (damn allergies)

  5. 5.

    PaulWartenberg2016

    August 29, 2016 at 8:11 pm

    Doggie is learning he has a bed and can sleep and not worry anymore.

    this is heaven for him now.

  6. 6.

    Roger Moore

    August 29, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    @rikyrah:

    I didn’t know which one was Walter.

    Then you haven’t been paying close enough attention. Walter is the one with the gray around the muzzle.

  7. 7.

    Kristine

    August 29, 2016 at 8:13 pm

    Walter loves his new bed.

    I hope his ear clears up and the Rimadyl helps.

  8. 8.

    Smedley Darlington Prunebanks (Formerly Mumphrey, et al.)

    August 29, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    I’m so glad this all worked out so well. I’m also glad Cole found him, since, if I had, I wouldn’t have wanted to give him up, and my wife would be pissed at me. We only have one dog, so another wouldn’t be much of a burden–for me, at least. My wife would be less than thrilled.

  9. 9.

    Emma

    August 29, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    A good example of why the human race is not a complete write-off.

  10. 10.

    Sarah, Proud and Tall

    August 29, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Goddammit. How am I supposed to be cynical and snarky when you put this kind of stuff up and make me cry?

  11. 11.

    Pogonip

    August 29, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Walter’s in the foreground.

    On his behalf–thank you, Debit, Cole, Tim, and readers with money! And may God bless you, every one.

    Stupid question–can he have crowdfunded knee replacements? Or is that not possible for a dog?

  12. 12.

    MazeDancer

    August 29, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Did not know Walter had beautiful girl twin waiting for him. How wonderful! And look at that deluxe, fab doggie bed he clearly loves.

    Yay, Debit! Please keep up these deeply appreciated updates. And many blessings on you for such grand kindness.

  13. 13.

    debbie

    August 29, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    @Roger Moore:

    They’re both gray around the muzzle. The front dog seems too gray for the dog in the second photo. I think Walter’s in the background.

  14. 14.

    MarySNJ

    August 29, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    I don’t post here often, but I do lurk. And Walter’s story has left me impatiently waiting for a happy ending. Thank you, Mr. Cole, for finding, rescuing and giving Walter a whole new happy life with Debit.

  15. 15.

    Iowa Old Lady

    August 29, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    @debbie: That was my guess too because I think Walter would choose to lie on a rug if he could.

  16. 16.

    skyweaver

    August 29, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    Debit – I have a very old Golden/lab mix with arthritic hips, a few years ago she was having a lot of trouble walking more than about ten minutes, and she stopped jumping up on the couch and bed. My vet recommended a food additive called Longevity by Springtime. It was a miracle, she was a different dog in a few days, running around like a puppy. She’s been on it ever since, and the few times I’ve run out, before I re-order she reverts back to where she was. Sorry to gush but it’s one of the few things I make a point to tell people about. If you’re curious at all read the Amazon reviews. Anyway, enjoy your great new family member, and thank you for the pictures of Walter!

  17. 17.

    Jeffro

    August 29, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    @debbie:

    I think Walter’s in the background

    That gets my vote too.

    Cole should write this whole episode up for his local paper or some other outlet, as a reminder to treat these doggies right, take care of ’em when you find ’em like this, and the rewards of seeing them through to their ‘forever homes’.

  18. 18.

    pat

    August 29, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    It seems I’m not the only reader of these posts who ends up a bit misty-eyed.
    Yay Walter, John, Debit and the new-found friends at Debit’s place.

    Would really like to know if any action was taken against the jerk who left Walter to die alone in that house. Can not bring myself to type the words that are circulating in my brain right now, but I bet you can all come up with.. something suitable.

  19. 19.

    dr. bloor

    August 29, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    Thank you for restoring my faith in the universe. It is no easy task these days.

  20. 20.

    Julia

    August 29, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    I think Walter’s in the background. He doesn’t have the grayish eyebrows and I think I can spot his cute teeth also! Bless you, John and Debit. What a story!

  21. 21.

    SueMack

    August 29, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    Corny as it sounds but Mr. Cole, you did right by this dog. And I love you even more for it. I will admit, I’m a ‘cat person’ but I still appreciate the love you’ve shown Walter. Same goes to Debit for taking him in. Bless you both!! A beautiful story all the way around…All the way. Thank you John G. Cole!!! (And Debit!!!)

  22. 22.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    @debbie: I think Walter is in the background, too. The muzzle of the dog in the foreground seems too slim. Either way, Walter looks amazing!

    Debit, if you tell me you’ve seen at least one of my two comments about adequan, I will stop posting this. My dog with arthritis was given injections of adequan that made a HUGE difference. 8 shots (2x per week for 4 weeks) At shot #5, he became a different dog. Helped him so much more than the two kinds of pills he had been taking.

  23. 23.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    Cole, I love the title of this thread. It’s poetry.

    Love that Tim called to check on Walter.

  24. 24.

    Major Major Major Major

    August 29, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    Aw man. What a great ending. Go JC!

  25. 25.

    CaseyL

    August 29, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    In the fierst photo, I think Walter is in the BG and Ellie is in the foreground.

    Because the dog in the foreground has what looks like an ordinary, curved Black Lab tail.

    The dog is the background – you can’t really see his tail – but I’ve noticed in some of Walter’s other photos that his tail is a bit oddly shaped. it doesn’t seem to have the usual arc; maybe it was broken once upon a time?

  26. 26.

    martian

    August 29, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    I think Walter has a more Roman nose than the dog in the foreground, so it’s Walter in the back, grinning at his luck.

    I love this update so much.

  27. 27.

    Pogonip

    August 29, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    I still don’t see how anyone so could badly maltreat such a sweet dog. I imagine myself in that situation. I have no money, I’m on the street, all I have is this BBD. Do I: scrounge about for a no-kill shelter; post him on Craigslist; call the local TV or newspaper station with this one hell of a human interest story that’ll certainly get him adopted and probably get ME offers of help; do I even walk off and leave him to the care of the people who’d already decided he was the neighborhood dog. Why, no! I’ve got an idea better than any of those–i’ll lock him in this empty house with no food!

    I guess it’s good this happened in a small town. Look what Pol Pot, a similarly minded wretch, was able to achieve with broader reach. This jerk here only was able to victimize Walter–and now Walter is safe.

  28. 28.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 8:30 pm

    Walter’s happy face is a big fuck you to the scum who left him to die out of spite. He who laughs last, laughs best.

    You go Walter, have a happy life and forget about the son of a bitch who left you to die. You are so much better off without him.

  29. 29.

    debit

    August 29, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    That is indeed Walter in the background. Ellie has more gray on her muzzle and face. You can’t tell because she’s closer but Walter makes her seem petite and delicate in comparison.

    @Pogonip: It would actually require surgery to repair the ligaments, if there was enough left to make surgery worthwhile. Right now my vet wants to see how he does with the supplements and other pain management techniques (I’m checking into therapeutic massage and a geriatric specialist at the U of M). Surgery is always a risk, especially with older dogs and we’d like to avoid it if possible. Right now the best thing for him is good food and cushy sleeping spots – both of which I can provide. :)

  30. 30.

    the Conster, la Citoyenne

    August 29, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    This is peak John Cole, and the community he built single handedly out of basically good hearted people. So many lives are better today because this happened. I will make yet another donation to a local animal rescue organization.

  31. 31.

    debit

    August 29, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    @WaterGirl: I did and it’s one of the things I asked about. Right now she want’s to stick with Rimadyl and see how he does for the next month. After that, we’ll talk about switching it up.

  32. 32.

    Renie

    August 29, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    OMG so sweet! The picture of Walter laying on his bed is beautiful. If debit needs more $$ for anything, please let us know

  33. 33.

    Mnemosyne

    August 29, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    On her first trip to the vet, our middle cat Annie got very anxious because she’d been bounced around a bit before she got to us and I think she thought she was getting shuffled off to yet another new home. She was SUPER relieved that we brought her back to the same home afterwards!

  34. 34.

    Mai.naem.mobile

    August 29, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    I got a diaper pail ad here. Must have something to do with the poop posts. Guess the algorithm can’t tell the difference netaaween human and animal poop. Also too, yay for Walt.

  35. 35.

    JPL

    August 29, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    @debit: I’m in tears. I had a golden that was diagnosed at one with hip dysplasia and told no more walks for him. I was in tears and said he won’t live long without exercise. Sunny died at seventeen.
    Thank you for giving Walter his forever home. Lucky dog.

  36. 36.

    La Caterina (Mrs. Johannes)

    August 29, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    Thanks Debit and Cole for the update. I am mostly a cat person but Walter’s become one of my favorite critters. Love the orthopedic bed.

  37. 37.

    Pogonip

    August 29, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    @debit: a long time ago I had water therapy with a weak ankle–can that be done for dogs?

  38. 38.

    Auntie Anne

    August 29, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    @Renie: I second the thought! Debit, if there is anything at all that you need for Walter, please let us know. I can’t tell you how happy these Walter updates make me. Yay for Walter’s grand new life!

  39. 39.

    Cassandra

    August 29, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    I’m so glad Walter knows he’s home, and he looks so comfy in his bed. What a huge relief this must be for him.

  40. 40.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 8:44 pm

    @debit: Good to know! Now I can stop spamming you. :-)

    I had a friend recommend it to me based on an appointment she had for her dog at the University vet clinic. My vet had never prescribed it, but he was willing to give it a try. Glad to know you have options after the rimidyl. Also intrigued by the Longevity by Springtime posted by sky weaver. I’m sure you’ll keep us all in the loop.

    Thanks for taking Walter.

  41. 41.

    SWMBO

    August 29, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    @debit: My daughter has had several dogs over the years with varying issues. She has used http://www.hipdog.net/ to condition her dogs. It helps strength conditioning and the dogs that had blown out a knee were able to walk without limping in less than 2 weeks. It helped her old Pom/spitz with his heart condition. If there is any hydrotherapy near you, I would suggest you check it out. It isn’t that expensive and the results are amazing. It is not as hard on weak joints as walking.

  42. 42.

    JPL

    August 29, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    @Cassandra: I know, right! Walter appears to say the last several weeks have been worthwhile.

  43. 43.

    Olivia

    August 29, 2016 at 8:47 pm

    @debit: I can recommend a great animal acupuncturist in Minnetonka. She has worked wonders with our animals.

  44. 44.

    SWMBO

    August 29, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    Could someone jailbreak me out of moderation? I’m on my cell and I posted a naked link.

  45. 45.

    JMG

    August 29, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    There’s a lot of horrible stuff in the world, and this site deals with it extensively. There’s also a lot (a lot more, IMO) wonderful stuff in the world, and this site DOES some of it. Proud to cyberknow all of you.

  46. 46.

    SiubhanDuinne

    August 29, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    @pat:

    Would really like to know if any action was taken against the jerk who left Walter to die alone in that house.

    I wondered the same thing in a thread two or three days ago, but if there was an answer I managed to miss it.

    Yes, Walter’s own story is a happy and inspirational one, but his previous owner really needs to face the consequences of his criminal negligence. Whether that would be a hefty fine, some time behind bars, community service, or being named and shamed on a registry of animal abusers is almost irrelevant. I do want a proper, legal confrontation. Hope JohnG can bring us up to date on the situation.

    The other thing I want to know about is the house itself. What needs to be done, what’s being done, how long it’s likely to take until move-in day, etc. Did that big piece of rotten wood on the back deck get patched sufficiently for people not to fall through it? And how are you healing, John?

  47. 47.

    MelissaM

    August 29, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    That second picture! “I has a soft bed!” Man, what a sweet guy, and he is so lucky all to have been found by Cole.

  48. 48.

    Pogonip

    August 29, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    On today’s Good Morning Kitten, a reader had a story of truly Walterish sweetness. Upon visiting Japan, the Thai reader came home with a lost kitten that was quickly adopted by her motherly dog Poon. [Stop smirking, Americans, “Poon” is a perfectly respectable Thai name.]. The tiny kitten tried to suckle from Poon and Poon is now actually giving milk and the three of them are living happily ever after.

  49. 49.

    NoraLenderbee

    August 29, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Totally OT, but I couldn’t wait until the next scheduled Trump thread. My husband brought home a copy of YUGE!–30 years of Doonesbury strips about The Donald. So. Much. Material.

    YUGE!

  50. 50.

    Mary G

    August 29, 2016 at 8:57 pm

    OK, the end of this chapter where Walter is anxious that he may be passed off to yet another human, but is then thrilled to be back to his forever home and to go to sleep on his very own bed made me sob out loud. (I was in need of a good cry, so thanks. Really.) He even won over Tim!

    As someone who has bad knees as well as the other 204 bones in my body, I agree that life is still worth it even with pain. Ellie has told him he hit the jackpot and I’m sure Walter would agree that it’s better late than never.

    Thanks for such an early update, debit. With two great pictures! I had firmly ordered myself not to bug you in comments until at least the weekend, but I’m not sure I would have been able to hold up.

  51. 51.

    Pogonip

    August 29, 2016 at 9:02 pm

    Round of applause for Debit! Who’s a good girl? Is Debit a good girl? Yes! She’s the BEST girl!

  52. 52.

    JPL

    August 29, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    @Mary G: Yes… Walter hit the jackpot.

  53. 53.

    debit

    August 29, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    @skyweaver: Thanks for the rec, I will for sure check it out.

    @Olivia: That would be awesome. Post a link in this thread?

    To everyone who suggested hydro therapy, yep! For right now I’ll be taking him to Cedar Lake and see if I can get him to swim a bit. If he’s not into that, I’m sure the vets at the U will have some suggestions for clinical hydrotherapy. I want to build up his muscles as much as I can before winter sets in.

  54. 54.

    pat

    August 29, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    Anyone who pays any attention at all to the news is aware that there are hundreds of thousands of children exposed to the most despicable brutality every day, in some cases dying in their attempt to cross the sea to a safe haven, and as individuals WE CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.
    But we can rescue an old dog and feel good about it, and I wonder if that is what some of this feeling is all about. And please don’t take this post apart and make it what it is not.
    It is the humane impulse to do good wherever we can, and in this case it was the chance to give a wonderful old dog the best years of his life.

    Not so bad.

  55. 55.

    SWMBO

    August 29, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    @debit: use a life jacket if he’s in the lake. Just in case he gives out before making it to shore.

  56. 56.

    gogol's wife

    August 29, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    @Pogonip:

    YEAH!!!

  57. 57.

    planetpundit

    August 29, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    Please keep the updates coming; Walter is everyone’s new BFF; bless you JC and debit.

  58. 58.

    FarmerG

    August 29, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    So happy to here he’s doing well. Get that boy some CBD oil.

  59. 59.

    raven

    August 29, 2016 at 9:21 pm

    @pat: feel better now?

  60. 60.

    Shana

    August 29, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    This makes me so happy. I’ve been telling my family, since they don’t read Balloon Juice, about the saga of Walter and I think they’re kind of mystified about how much I seem to care about a dog I’ve never met, found by a guy I’ve never met. That’s OK, I feel like you’re all a community I’m a part of and the saga of John, Walter and Debit is real and important to me even though I’ll probably never meet you unless we have another DC area meetup.

    OT, but tomorrow is our 30th anniversary. Our cruise with our daughters in June was our present to each other, and our dinner will wait a week because we’re going to Hubby’s secretary’s 50th birthday party tomorrow night. It’s been a terrific 30 years together and he makes me laugh every day. I’m so lucky to have eavesdropped on his Sunday morning conversation with his friend 31 years ago and met him.

  61. 61.

    SIA

    August 29, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    So happy to see Walter finding a great home (and bed!!). We’ve had a few old dogs who benefitted from hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and massage. Our spry 13 year old terrier mix (though now thinking he’s actually part or all Bergere Picard) has done very well with a product called Phycox I order from Amazon, so we haven’t had to go the Rimadyl route yet

    Thanks for the update debit. The story just keeps getting better. I love Walter.

  62. 62.

    debit

    August 29, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    @Mary G: I’ll share a secret with you. For all John’s talk about knowing Walter was moving on, I know he got attached. He’ll tell you he’s simply doing his part to keep his reader’s happy, but I know that behind his every phone call asking for an update is the burning desire to hear that Walter is okay.

    And it’s really flattering that I’m being praised, but John is the real hero in this story. I got a dog that’s mostly rehabbed with a few issues any senior dog might have. John saved his life.

  63. 63.

    pat

    August 29, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    @raven:

    jeezus have you always been an asshole?

    Yeah, I feel better. Smoking out the a-holes…..

  64. 64.

    Aleta

    August 29, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    @Shana: Congratulations!
    “He makes me laugh every day” is just the best thing, isn’t it. (It’s also what I love to say about the dog here. A great gift he brought with him when rescued on the cusp of old age.)

  65. 65.

    Davebo

    August 29, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    That’s one sweet dog bed! And seriously, Walter has gotten more medical treatment in the past month than I’ve had in the past decade.

    He looks great.

  66. 66.

    SIA

    August 29, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    @Shana: Congratulations on your anniversary!

  67. 67.

    SIA

    August 29, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    @FarmerG: What’s CBD oil?

  68. 68.

    stinger

    August 29, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    This is so great. I love thinking about a few months from now, when the new mom and the new sister and the soft bed and the plentiful food are there EVERY DAY, when they’re not even new any more, just The Way Life Is. Lucky, lucky Walter!

  69. 69.

    Josie

    August 29, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    @debit: The Rimadyl worked great for my Akbash (140 lbs) She had joint issues for several years, but the Rimadyl kept them at bay. Those big dogs usually only have a life span of 9 or 10 years, but she made it to 13. If it doesn’t affect his liver or kidneys adversely, it will help plenty. Bless you for caring so much for Walter.

  70. 70.

    John Cole

    August 29, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    @pat: I dunno about you, but when I come across starving kids I feed them.

  71. 71.

    LookingForACanadian

    August 29, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    @debit: Maybe a MN Walter meetup is in order, when (if) he’s up for it? I’d attend! (checking in from downtown Mpls)

  72. 72.

    dexwood

    August 29, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Oh, man. Walter knows he’s home. You brought him back to where he started his day and he has his own bed. He knows. Thanks, debit.

  73. 73.

    Anne Laurie

    August 29, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    New post up top, where y’all can go and let your crankies off the leash.

    (I figured an hour and a half was as long as some of you could go without venting.)

    P.S. Congratulations, Walter… also Debit, John, Ellie et al.

  74. 74.

    Joy in FL

    August 29, 2016 at 9:42 pm

    Walter and his saga make me so happy.

  75. 75.

    Mingobat f/k/a Karen in GA

    August 29, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    Hooray Walter! (And debit and John!) Now I’m gonna go clean up a bit — it’s suddenly dusty in here.

  76. 76.

    Aleta

    August 29, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    @WaterGirl: About the Adequan ? Do you expect that every so often your dog will need another series of shots? Does it work on the muscles or as a pain killer or anti-inflam?

  77. 77.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    @dexwood: That’s what I think, too. Walter has his own bed, and he can tell that it’s brand new and knows debit got it just for him. Walter knows he’s home.

    When we write the book about Walter, we could call it Walter Knows He’s Home. But then we couldn’t call it Walter’s Second Day in Forever, which I think may be the best title ever.

  78. 78.

    raven

    August 29, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    @pat: Fuck you and your bullshit lecture. Run down some horseshit like that and then try to insulate yourself.

  79. 79.

    geg6

    August 29, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    Love, love, love. Love, love, love. Love, love, love. It’s easy! All you need is love!

  80. 80.

    Maxcrat

    August 29, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Habitual lurker here. I’ve followed the Walter Saga from the beginning. Can’t explain why this particular story has touched me so, but thank you John Cole, thank you Debit, thank you Juicers for this little specific display of humanity – the good aspects of humanity, that is.

  81. 81.

    pat

    August 29, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    @John Cole:

    OK, my post was totally misinterpreted and I guess that’s my fault but it came about because I know we all want to do good, but feeding starving kids and saving Syrian refugees is not an every-day thing we can do, but saving starving neglected dogs…. YEAH we can do that.

    And I always give a couple of bucks to the guy standing in the intersection with the Homeless Please Help sign. When they say “God Bless” I sometimes say, if there’s enough time before the light changes, “I don’t believe in God but I believe in helping others.”

    Probably misplaced in the general Yeah Walter thread.

    Guess I should have never expressed that thought. Mea culpa.

    eta: I’m not in a position to come across starving kids in an everyday setting but I give a lot of money to the local agencies that do that sort of thing.

  82. 82.

    Shana

    August 29, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    @Aleta: Yes! It’s the best that I laugh every day at something he says.

  83. 83.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    @Aleta: Yes! At some point, months and months down the road, Bailey needed a couple of booster shots. Maybe twice, months and months apart. But he didn’t need the whole course of shots again.

    I would say not a pain killer, but I’m not exactly sure about how it worked. I imagine the google could tell us. If I ever have an arthritic dog again, I would try adequan in a heartbeat.

  84. 84.

    Mary G

    August 29, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    @debit: You and John are both heroes, along with everyone who chipped in for expenses.

    @John Cole: I am sorry to be an anal nitpicker, but can you add the Walter tag to your posts from yesterday? The one at 11:41 a.m. and the earlier one at 2:30 am – ish? Then when we show our friends the story, they can see all your wonderful writing and all the pics.

    Also, too, I was sure that Walter was in front of today’s first picture, oh well.

  85. 85.

    Davebo

    August 29, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    @raven:

    Settle down Francis!

  86. 86.

    Miss Dashwood

    August 29, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    This makes me so happy!

  87. 87.

    Suzanne

    August 29, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    Oh, I’m so glad he has a nice bed! Looks like one of the memory foam kinds. My Luna has one and, heck, I like laying on it. So happy that Walter has his lifetime home.

  88. 88.

    raven

    August 29, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    @Davebo: Fuck it.

  89. 89.

    dexwood

    August 29, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    I adopted a Golden Retriever who had all kinds of mental and physical problems. He had been shot. I had always had success with crate training, but the sight of a crate drove him into being a frenzied, drooling Tasmanian devil. On the second day, I took the crate out and put down a new, large bed while he watched. Then, I sat on the bed and coaxed him into joining me. I sat for quite awhile with him, telling him he was home and this is your spot. He was a completely different dog from that day on. One of the great ones, he was.

    ETA: in response to watergirl at 77. I did hit reply. but it didn’t seem to work. Second time today that’s happened.

  90. 90.

    pat

    August 29, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    @raven:

    I’m sorry, I don’t understand this. Can you be more explicit? Thanks.

  91. 91.

    debbie

    August 29, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    That look on Walter’s face while lying on his bed says he knows he’s home. I’ve never had an apartment that allows pets, but that photo shows me I’ve really missed out.

  92. 92.

    Beth

    August 29, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    @FarmerG: We use tincture for Sweet Pea:) And discovered ZYMOX Otic HC 1.0% enzyme (from the vet) worked better for her chronic ear infections than the steroidal stuff.

  93. 93.

    Aleta

    August 29, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    @pat: I feel the same as what you said, about alleviating suffering where we can, despite how much there is everywhere in the world.

  94. 94.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 10:09 pm

    @dexwood: Your story made me smile. You listened and talked to him, of course he knew he was safe.

  95. 95.

    Olivia

    August 29, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    @debit:
    It’s Minnetonka Animal Hospital. They have 2 docs who do acupuncture.

  96. 96.

    Run, Lillian!

    August 29, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    @debit: It took Walter many years, but he has finally found his human. Thank you for all that you are doing, it just makes me so happy to see an adorable old guy finally looking forward to the best years of his life.

  97. 97.

    dexwood

    August 29, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    @Run, Lillian!:

    Amen.

  98. 98.

    Mnemosyne

    August 29, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    @pat:

    Okay, this makes a little more sense. I think it came out a little garbled the first time.

  99. 99.

    SIA

    August 29, 2016 at 10:29 pm

    @dexwood: I love that story.

  100. 100.

    a thousand flouncing lurkers (was fidelio)

    August 29, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    @rikyrah: I go by the right hind leg, which has some white on it.

  101. 101.

    sam

    August 29, 2016 at 10:37 pm

    @Pogonip: I was actually going to recommend water therapy – it can absolutely be done for dogs. Years ago, when my parents’ aging bernese mountain dog got arthritic and could barely walk, his vet prescribed hydrotherapy, so my dad took him twice a week to the local dog water therapist. They have special indoor pools and doggie life vests*, and spend time taking the dog around the pool.

    Henry went from being barely able to walk to regaining a spring in his step after each visit.

    *note – anyone who knows berners knows that they do NOT swim. their coats are so heavy that they basically will just, well, drown if they end up in the water. So this was quite the sight. This 120-pound, very much NON water dog, in a giant floatation device, splashing happily around the pool. I swear my parents spent more money on physical therapy for that dog than they ever would for themselves.

  102. 102.

    WaterGirl

    August 29, 2016 at 10:42 pm

    @sam: My vet is called SportsVet – and he is a dually licensed veterinarian/physical therapist. They have water therapy tanks for just this purpose. My pups haven’t needed them, but they have been very successful with injuries, etc.

  103. 103.

    Manyakitty

    August 29, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    I’m so happy to come here and read good news. Walter’s pictures (and John’s accompanying entries) make me cry joyful tears every time.

  104. 104.

    a thousand flouncing lurkers (was fidelio)

    August 29, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    @Shana: Congratulations! You have to jump on it when you see a good one; it’s best not to wait around and take your chances. And an extended celebration is good–it gives you lots of time to savor the occasion.

    We celebrated my mother’s 100th birthday today, complete with cake and balloons and dinner out. We had about 4 different wait persons at dinner; I overheard one talking when we were leaving: “That lady in the pink jacket there–she’s a hundred years old!” The manager seemed to feel our choice of dinner location was, in the circumstances, especially flattering.

  105. 105.

    PGfan

    August 29, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    Just wonderful!

  106. 106.

    Julia

    August 29, 2016 at 11:08 pm

    @debit @pogonip: We rescued our Labbie 2 years ago; she had been left outside with an ACL tear for a long time. Rescue group had the surgical repair done, but when we got her, she was limping badly and had very little muscle tone left on the leg. We have a backyard pool, and did lots of water therapy with her (wearing a life jacket at the beginning). Today you would never know she ever had the injury, she is very strong!

  107. 107.

    Davebo

    August 29, 2016 at 11:22 pm

    @raven: ;0)

    I love a single malt too!

  108. 108.

    Booda

    August 29, 2016 at 11:40 pm

    @skyweaver: yes! I use springtime products for my 11 yr old lab too. Longevity and fresh factors. I swear by them

  109. 109.

    trollhattan

    August 29, 2016 at 11:52 pm

    @sam:
    How many days would it take for him to dry? I’ve known several and it’s impossible to tell where the fur ends and the dog begins. While Newfies look similar water doesn’t seem to ever get past the topcoat–dig underneath and they’re dry as a bone. Pretty sure you could waterski behind one.

    And…Yay team Walter. Who’s a good boy?

  110. 110.

    OldDave

    August 30, 2016 at 12:23 am

    @trollhattan:
    Who’s a good boy, you ask?

  111. 111.

    Karen marie

    August 30, 2016 at 12:42 am

    @SWMBO: Also just because dogs don’t float well. My Cavalier/Cocker has to swim hard to stay up and it scares her. She’d probably like swimming more if she had to worry less about sinking like a stone.

  112. 112.

    sharl

    August 30, 2016 at 1:53 am

    A sweet and welcome update. Thanks debit and John, and keep on keepin’ on Walter!

  113. 113.

    Applejinx

    August 30, 2016 at 6:03 am

    @pat: That dog’s bed is better’n mine. Wish I was a dog so I could have that kind of security.

    I’m still voting for Hillary, please don’t shoot me :D see? I may not be as nice as an old dog but firstly (a) what is, and (b) I do have some use :)

  114. 114.

    Shana

    August 30, 2016 at 10:45 am

    @a thousand flouncing lurkers (was fidelio): Probably a dead thread by now, but Happy Belated Birthday to her!

  115. 115.

    sam

    August 30, 2016 at 10:47 am

    @trollhattan: I honestly can’t remember, but the shakeoff would be quite spectacular, and there were a LOT of towels involved. my dad basically folded down all of the seats in the back of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and just put towels and blankets everywhere for the guy. It was basically a dog transportation device, rather than a “car” by that time.

    Although there was the one, really hot summer that my dad got the bright idea to have both dogs shaved (a la steve). Henry wouldn’t come out of the house for two days from embarassment. Then he realized how much more comfortable he was. He was also, literally, half his normal size. Our other dog was a mutt (half german shepherd, half dachshund – and yes, we ALL hypothesized endlessly on that one).

  116. 116.

    bluefish

    August 30, 2016 at 11:27 am

    So great to read all this and see the fotos! Many thanks. Walter-love being sent your way.

  117. 117.

    MoxieM

    August 30, 2016 at 11:29 am

    Somebody on this thread talked about taking Walter swimming–what a great idea!! I’ve had a half-dozen Newfies, and it goes without saying that they are bedevilled with bad joints & issues, arthritis, etc.

    Swimming is great for old and or arthritic dogs, because they get all the benefits of exercise with the stress relief of buoyancy in the water taking the weight of the joints. Great stuff. Yes a life jacket will help–and will also help support his weight in the water.

    There are even rehab vets who have water tanks, sometimes with treadmills for doggy PT. Finally, I had great success with veterinary acupuncture–this is a vet who learned acupuncture. Dogs can’t understand a placebo, so it really was helping!

    Anyway, like everyone else, I have loved this story and watched it closely. Makes me so happy. Go Walter! Go JCole! Go debit!

  118. 118.

    LunarG

    August 30, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    I hate shilling, but since Debit also lives in the frozen Northlands, I cannot recommend K & H heated pet beds enough. Our arthritic cats love them in the cold or damp! They only heat up when there is weight on top of them and don’t get very warm, so we’ve just left them plugged in all the time for the cats to seek out as they prefer. It’s made a huge difference in morning mobility for the older cats. We’ve had one for iver a year, and got a second maybe 5 months ago to prevent fights over who got the warm bed. You can order them fhrough Amazon.

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