Wally

Updated 1/24/12

Wally, age 8

AVAILABLE TBD

Wally (“the Wonderful,” as his foster parents call him!) came to GRR as a stray who’d “done his time” at the shelter without anyone coming forward to claim him. He stopped by the clinic for a check-up, and then it was off down the road to his foster home. Here’s the report:

When we first brought Wally home, he did nothing but sleep.  We like to think he was relieved that he was in a real house at last! It took a little while for us to discover the true Wally, but once we did, the experience has been great (actually wonderful).  If you have any daily aches and pains, spend some time with Wally and you’ll learn from him. He has back and hip issues, yet he has such a wonderful, positive outlook. Anything you say to him is rewarded by a happy smile and a briskly wagging tail. Wally is a very brave dog.

Wally sleeps through the night and as far as I can tell doesn't wander around. In the morning, he gives us the little “Wally dance” to show he’s ready to go outside. Wally is a very brave dog! We’ve discovered that he has a quite the deep, baritone bark.  It's a bark full of enthusiasm.  (He doesn't use it unless you ask him to speak.) He knows lots of commands, too: not just SPEAK, but also SIT, DOWN, and SHAKE.

Wally could stand to lose 15 to 20 pounds; the vet said that slimming down will really help his joints. He is on a senior weight control diet (Weight Watchers for doggies) and we'll weigh him soon to see how he's doing.  And of course, exercise is part of the regimen—a pleasure in this cool winter weather! He does very well on his walk, though he’ll occasionally stop to rest if necessary.  We have a slight incline up to our house from the trails we walk every day, and he hikes uphill without so much as a whimper. In fact, he likes to lead the way … but  he doesn't pull on the leash, and will come back to you if you call his name or whistle.

As an older guy, Wally has a couple of senior-dog lumps; we’ll have the vet take a look at those. He has the most beautiful coat—a gorgeous, shiny red—and is quite the handsome boy.  He gets brushed regularly and all we get on the brush is a little undercoat.  

Wally is enthusiastic but doesn't jump up when greeting visitors to our home.   We don't know how he does with other dogs and children, but our guess is that he'd do fine.  His size and enthusiasm should be a consideration when introducing him to small children, though.

This is the sweetest dog and he does not have any bad habits.  In just two weeks we have really fallen in love! We know Wally the Wonderful will be a great addition to a family who understands his physical issues and is looking for a sweet, mellow senior to love.

Adoption Procedures