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Oregon

Flotsam, Jetsam, and Walt

May 4, 2008 : 9:42 PM

Walt needs your help!

By Pam Freni, Best Friends Ambassador

Every so often as the millions of victims of animal over-population wash onto the shores of our consciousness, one particular animal will catch your eye—Walt is just such a creature. Dealt a bad hand in life from the beginning, this Sharpei/pit bull mix was grossly neglected to the point of starvation by its owner last year. Despite the abuse, the staff at the Oregon Humane Society found that his was a spirit that wouldn’t succumb to the worst that humans could give him. After rescue, he stood for long daily baths (uncomfortable and never ceasing), kissing those around him. He had been in agony for months with severe mange, ulcerated eyes and entropion (a condition that caused his eyelids to roll inward and aggravating his eyes causing ulcers and eye infections), horrible skin allergies, all of which were causing him unimaginable pain and discomfort.

After months of rehabilitation, it was love at first sight and Walt was invited to go home with Miriam as a foster. Sure that he would be adopted soon, a shadow of disappointment soon fell over the staff and Miriam. No one seemed interested. This doggy has been the nexus of an investigation that ultimately jailed his owner for ten days, but he is considered a “devoted canine companion to his people, who is fun-loving but headstrong and would require a special and experienced home with a person or persons who will be understanding and sensitive to his needs.”

Miriam says that he wants nothing more than to love and be loved. He adores attention and snuggling. Still a goofy puppy at heart, his warm bed and toys are a large part of his life. The game “Keep Away” is his favorite playtime activity, yet at calmer moments he loves to take long walks and car rides. Very people-oriented, he learns commands quickly. After ten months of devotion, he was returned to the shelter. Miriam couldn’t keep him forever and wanted to give him a chance to become more independent of her so that when an adoption chance came along, he’d be ready to go with another family. That was four months ago. Walt bloomed under foster care, but has wilted once back in the shelter. Despite the shelter’s every effort, no one has stepped forward to adopt this heart-breaking doggy. His charcoal-colored coat and dappled face reflect the light from within his gentle eyes as he watches for the right person who will take him from the shelter. His tail doesn’t wag as often as it used to, the stress of the shelter is breaking his spirit where years of human abuse heaped on him never could.

Now the shelter thinks they will no longer be able to keep him and short of a miracle, his last day on this earth is May 15.

Walt must find a permanent home, shelter, or foster. If you can help, please contact the Oregon Humane Shelter at 503-285-7722.

Photo of Walt courtesy of Laura Layton

Article posted by Brandi Bennett, Best Friends Network Staff

Comments

June 16, 2008 at 9:00 PM
posted by: marla

Hi
Has anyone heard how Walt is doing in his new home??????????????

Marla

May 10, 2008 at 4:19 PM
posted by: marla

carrie fosters
Hope you are doing good. Sorry about having your gall bladder.removed. bet that hurt. You are awesome.

Thanks you to every single person who prayed and helped in anyway for Walt.
I hope his vet will keep us udated on Walt. Thank you all once again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 10, 2008 at 3:34 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Thanks for the good news, Cathie! I had to step away from my "post" here for 24 hours in order to get rid of a pesky gall bladder. This is perfect news to come home to.

And who can blame Walt's vet for not being able to part with such a special patient?

May 10, 2008 at 10:47 AM
posted by: Cathie

I just heard on the news that Walt's vet is adopting him. Yippee!!!!

May 9, 2008 at 4:45 PM
posted by: countryfiednv

This dog has been in my prayers, and I have spent countless hours crying for him, I am so HAPPY to hear he may have a forever home!!!! Thank you God! I will continue to pray for this precious boy! His face just grabs your heart, he deserves a WONDERFUL home! YES!!!!!!

May 9, 2008 at 12:00 PM
posted by: frankie_paws

Carrie, you put out the cry for help. You brought Walt to our attention and made him part of "us"... our guy! If OHS and their awesome team had not had the outpouring of offers we were all ready to do the right thing by Walt... find him a place to call his own. We weren't going to let him down but without you we would not have know about this gentle soul.

May 9, 2008 at 12:51 AM
posted by: JAK

Have you ever heard the phrase "it takes a village"?
I think many of us understand that there were many awesome angels working for Walt behind the scene's.
It takes many people some doing big things others doing small things, like praying as if there was no tomorrow.
Please make sure that "all behind the scene's have our thanks .....
Its just too big for words how so many come together when a need arises..many who need no thank you but just the knowledge that they had a part in saving a fur baby.
I hope we do get to hear how Walts new family is doing..
Good job everyone...I think God is smiling ....
They did say
"Now the shelter thinks they will no longer be able to keep him and short of a miracle, his last day on this earth is May 15. >
I think we have a miracle don't you????

May 8, 2008 at 10:56 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Okay, I need to make something very clear. I did not do ANYTHING to help Walt find his new home. Friends who still volunteer for OHS stuck me on an email list and I did what I do best . . . BLAB to anyone who will listen. ; )

Another person on that email list, Pam Freni aka graycat thought to write up Walt's story for the network and Brandi posted it and got Walt on the Network Homepage.

Ultimately, the amazing Foster Coordinators at OHS, Kelly and Denise, and OHS's awesome Behavior Specialist, Tanya, did all the work to contact possible rescues and field hundreds of phone calls and emails and find the right fit for Walt.

All I did is put the word out there in a couple of forums and keep you all updated. I'm glad that you have all been able to follow along with Walt's story and share in the happiness we all feel about him finding a home but let's thank the people who did the real work!

May 8, 2008 at 10:17 PM
posted by: marla

carrie fosters

Thank you so very much for working so hard to help make this happen!

Please keep us updated. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I volunteer at a shelter in Salem it is very very hard. it is old and needs to be remodeled.

May 8, 2008 at 8:57 PM
posted by: graycat

And of course, Best Friends is the coolest for allowing us to use this forum for animals that aren't in their care....without the national reach this web site gives us, we might still be looking for a home for Walt.
Pam

May 8, 2008 at 6:11 PM
posted by: pattycatty

Now I guess we don't have to worry about sneaking both Walt and Frankie into our hotel Saturday night.;-)

May 8, 2008 at 5:52 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

I know guys . . . I'm a little blue that I don't get to share the back seat with the kissy boy but most of all I'm just thrilled that it looks like he'll soon be in a home of his own!

May 8, 2008 at 5:23 PM
posted by: frankie_paws

YeeeeeHaaaaaaw! I won't have to ride on the hood!! But I would have done it for Walt. Carrie, you were right... something came through, big time! This is such wonderful news. Woo Hoo!

May 8, 2008 at 5:00 PM
posted by: pattycatty

Yeahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! How cool is that? What terrific news that Walt may have found his forever home. Of course now I will be deprived of watching you try to pry him out of your infamous green carrier at the Vegas airport and I no longer have to pack duct tape and rope to fasten one of our human passengers to the hood of the rental car. But I'll get over it. Yup, sure am happy for the little guy.

May 8, 2008 at 4:36 PM
posted by: MamaAussie

Tears of Happiness!!! I hope you and your new family have a lifetime of love and happiness, Walt!!

May 8, 2008 at 4:28 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Woo Hoo! Check out the email I just got!

"WALT’S HAPPY ENDING!

The Oregon Humane Society is pleased to report that Walt may have found his forever home. After many phone calls and emails (nearly 400), an adoptive home has been found and although we are still finalizing the details, it seems that Walt will be joining his new family very shortly.

We received countless emails and phone calls from the public about Walt’s story. We were overwhelmed with emotion and so moved by how many people wanted to help. We received emails from people around the country and many here in our own community who were not affiliated with OHS. Not everyone could offer Walt his forever home, but everyone wanted to do something.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for the emails of support and the many offers to give Walt the happy ending he was searching for this past year.

For over a year Walt has been in OHS's care. He came to us as an investigation case, then was provided care by our medical team, then was given a temporary home through our foster care program, and then entered the adoption process. All the while, Walt won the hearts of staff and volunteers.

On behalf of Walt and all of the homeless pets in this area, OHS extends a sincere thank you. Your generosity, support and love has truly touched our hearts and made us proud to be a part of this amazing community.

If you were one of the generous people who offered your home to Walt, we appreciate your commitment and invite you to visit our Website to learn about our other special needs pets that are searching for the right family. Some of them are senior pets, some have skin problems or other health issues, but all of them have a heart full of love and hope in their eyes. We believe that Walt serves as an example that anything is possible."

May 8, 2008 at 11:29 AM
posted by: JAK

Carrie,
Thank you for what you have done for Walt, I have been praying so hard for him... I know what you mean about going to a shelter, even the ones that are in good shape. I'm with you in that my heart can't take it. it dosen't mean we can't help in other ways. WHEN he is fostered/ adopted out (I know this is meant to be for this guy) I hope you are able to go and say congradulations from you and so many others, if you can tell him how many of us love him and wish him the best life ever!!!!!!!
I will be waiting to her somehting hopefully very soon!
Thank you for being so good about posting for us..

Hang in there Walt, I just know God has a wonderful plan for you!!!!

May 8, 2008 at 10:09 AM
posted by: mcmars

Fingers crossed and many prayers said for Walt's adoption. He's a lucky guy that he has so many folks working so hard to help him. While your heart just breaks for all the animals out there needing help there's just such an injustice attached to this breed that it makes it all the more poignant. I have a female pittie that was dumped at my place back in April that I'm struggling to even find a rescue that can help her. But enough of that... Go Walt! Good thoughts and wishes prevail.

May 8, 2008 at 9:57 AM
posted by: dottie

Any news on this precious dogboy? I hope that he can get into a better situation. I'd love him, but not with 5 cats who have never lived with a dog. Besides, I'm in the midwest and there are probably lots of "Walts" here, too.
I'll keep my fingers crossed.
dottie

May 8, 2008 at 1:03 AM
posted by: carrie_fosters

"I know Pam is trying to get BF to post this on their national page, which could mean tens of thousands of hits and super exposure Walt's story... let's hope BF can see fit to feature this special dog."

Actually, Walt has been featured on the Network Home Page for the past couple of days! Scroll down to the "Adopt a Pet" section.

May 7, 2008 at 10:44 PM
posted by: marla

Thank you everyone so much for working so hard to help Walt.

I absolutely love this network !!!

May 7, 2008 at 8:55 PM
posted by: Charno

I sent out an e-alert to our lists today for Walt with a link to his story... got a ton of response from people who are crossposting to interest other great groups who have free-roaming sanctuaries to take Walt in to their care. As well as sending to individuals in the NW who they think might be interested in Walt.

Let's keep the momentum going on Walt, so we do find the right home for him...

May 7, 2008 at 8:04 PM
posted by: pattycatty

Wow, Walt has turned into "Mr. Popularity". Sounds like he has a couple of promising things in the works.

May 7, 2008 at 7:44 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25

fingers, toes and paws crossed for Walt...prayers for you too sweet boy.

May 7, 2008 at 6:17 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Promising news for Walt! Here is the email I just received:

"I did not see him last night – I don’t think he was in his regular kennel. There is another rescue group that might be willing to take him. Their name is “Angel…” something. OHS is checking them out. They also have a prospective adopter from SF who wants to fly up to meet him. There might have been one more person coming to meet him…but now I can’t remember. Response has been great…it’s just a matter of finding the right fit."

May 7, 2008 at 4:03 PM
posted by: frankie_paws

Carrie, I am keeping my paws crossed. Heck, I'll even ride on the hood of the car (sigh) if I knew it would get Walt to BF with us. Remember Erica. This can happen for Walt, too!

May 7, 2008 at 1:52 PM
posted by: Charno

I know Pam is trying to get BF to post this on their national page, which could mean tens of thousands of hits and super exposure Walt's story... let's hope BF can see fit to feature this special dog.

Meanwhile it would be great if everyone send out a message to their rescue sisters in their area and across the country with a link to this story. Let's crosspost to rescue groups everywhere... this may just be the dog someone has been waiting for!

I wish we could take him at ARNO... but we have Walts of our own ;-( to find homes for... but it certainly doesn't mean we can't try and find Oregon Walt someone who will love him forever.

There is power in the humane network... let's make it work for Walt!

May 7, 2008 at 1:45 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Thanks for all of your generous offers! What Walt needs is so much harder to find than money . . . sigh. He needs a place for us to transport him TO. It'll happen. I know it will. Heck, maybe the reason I haven't heard back is that they are working out his adoption as I type!

I wish I had the mettle to go at least visit him. I only work about ten blocks away from OHS. I learned a long time ago that my heart has trouble with shelters, though. Even though this one is state of the art and a pretty pleasant place, I have a hard time not being tempted to take them all home with me. I've done enough of that in the past that my home is too full to even THINK about taking on another.

Once I know he's safe I'll probably need to stop by to congratulate him, though!

May 7, 2008 at 1:36 PM
posted by: MamaAussie

Thanks for keeping us posted on any updates, Carrie. I could contribute some money also. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help. I'm full up with five dogs (one special needs) but might be able to help transport, etc. (I'm in Eugene). Jen

May 7, 2008 at 1:24 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Good Morning All -

Still waiting to hear back from my friend who was going to visit him last night. I'll let you all know as soon as I hear anything. Lots of different fronts are being worked to get this boy out of the jam he's in and I have high hopes that something will come through for him. It has to!

May 7, 2008 at 1:19 PM
posted by: czimmer671

Carrie, what is the scoop? I can donate $25.00 for his care, if that helps!

May 7, 2008 at 11:28 AM
posted by: JAK

I was praying for Walt last night before bed and woke up to start the day with prayers for this little guy... his face and story are huanting me, thank you for keeping us in the loop.......
:)

Julie

May 6, 2008 at 11:32 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

A friend was going by to visit Walt this evening and see how things are going in the quest to find a place for him. I'll let you all know what I hear from her.

May 6, 2008 at 11:13 PM
posted by: marla

Thank you carrie for putting this in the prayers and healing. i can help with a small portion of the costs.

Our dogs since Oct. has been costing 375.00 a month, with no end in sight. I can still give a small about though. Please let us know. Paws crossed for this guy.

May 6, 2008 at 6:43 PM
posted by: JAK

I can hardly stand it this sweet boy who has been through SO MUCH NOW is in danger again????
I am praying so much for a group to take him in.... I know there are many who would be willing to help with the transportation cost.
Please keep us in the loop.
We need to all help this boy out :) It just dosen't seem fair,.. there are so many things in this world that we can't change or have no control over... but this should not be one of them....

May 6, 2008 at 3:06 PM
posted by: FIREFLY

I HAVE 2 CATS AND 2 SMALL DOGS - ONLY ABOUT 6 AND 12 LBS. I SUPPOSE IF WALT GOT ROUGH, HE COULD REALLY HURT THEM!?

May 6, 2008 at 2:10 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Charno - thanks for a creative and generous offer. I don't think that the people at OHS who are trying to help Walt are network members. I'm going to email them the link to this story (and comments) so that they can see the wheels turning here and know that there are good people who support them on their quest to find the right home for Walt.

Oh, and I'm in for a month's worth of meds, too!

May 6, 2008 at 1:33 PM
posted by: Charno

Please know that we have two people who have offered to contribute $140 each to cover Walt's meds for two months. Obviously whomever adopts him has to be prepared for his current medical needs, i.e. eye drops, medicated baths, etc. I am sure others would want to help, too, if it means Walt can find a loving permanent home.

May 6, 2008 at 12:37 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

FIREFLY - Here is a sentence or two on that subject from an email I received about Walt. For more detailed information, I suggest calling or emailing the Foster Coordinators at OHS, Kelly and Denise. I believe that the phone number posted above is the general line so you'll need to ask to speak with "Foster Care" or you can email them at foster@oregonhumane.org. Thanks, and here's the info on cats and small dogs:

Walt got along well with his foster mom's resident cats. He liked to try and play with them. He was not taught how to play gently with his feline friends, so he needed the gentle reminder “no cats” when he gets a little too enthusiastic. Walt is not dog aggressive, he does however, startle easy around other dogs due to his limited vision. Walt can be around other dogs supervised, such as walking and being kenneled. With the proper introduction and supervision we believe Walt can eventually co-habitat peacefully with other dogs.

May 6, 2008 at 11:30 AM
posted by: FIREFLY

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW WALT DOES WITH SMALL DOGS AND KITTIES???????

May 5, 2008 at 5:54 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Yes and they have some great foster volunteers. Let's hope that someone can get Walt out of an environment that is making him backslide and seem depressed. It's a beautiful shelter with great volunteers but it's no place to spend such a very long time . . . especially if you don't see very well and were just getting used to having a person who cared. ; )

May 5, 2008 at 4:18 PM
posted by: graycat

As the author of this story, in my haste to post it, I may not have made it completely clear that it is Walt's continued depression and mental decline that is forcing OHS to make this decision and not their unwillingness to continue to work with him. They have done extraordinary things for him, and think it's cruel to continue to keep him in a situation that is causing him so much mental anguish. I'm so sorry if I've given the wrong idea about OHS's dedication. That is not the case.

May 5, 2008 at 1:42 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Here is a link to more information and photos. Scroll to the bottom to see what Walt looked like when he came in. You won't believe it's the same dog!

May 5, 2008 at 1:27 PM
posted by: graycat

Carrie,
What a great dream! I've been told that the contact has been made, but no word as to whether an answer has been received. Let me know if you hear anything. Thanks, Pam Freni

May 5, 2008 at 12:52 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Good idea, Marla. I entered it there.

I'll tell you what my dream is. I gave the people in charge of finding a place for Walt all of the information on how to contact Animal Help @ Best Friends. I know it's a long shot but, with his expensive treatments continuing for at least a little while, I wonder if anyone will actually adopt him locally. I am heading to the sanctuary in three weeks and I am visualizing shipping him from PDX to LAS the same day as I fly and sharing the ride from Las Vegas with pattycatty, frankie_paws and WALT.

May 4, 2008 at 11:10 PM
posted by: marla

Oh This is terrible

I will pass this info along

Can this also be put in the prayer and healing section?/ maybe it might help???

May 4, 2008 at 10:49 PM
posted by: carrie_fosters

Oh no! I have been following Walt's story and am so sad that it has come down to this.

Walt is a hero. He has come through abuse and neglect so bad that the person responsible did actual jail time. We all know how bad it has to be before that happens! And he has done it with a remarkable attitude and spirit. I wish that I could find the before and after photos of this boy on the OHS website. I'll keep looking and post them here if I find them. He has come so, so far . . . patiently enduring the medical procedures and therapies needed to put him back together.

I could only foster this boy for a short time and as a mostly outdoor dog (I'm pretty chock full of my own and fosters). That wouldn't be right for him. Surely there is a home that can foster him to give him more time to find a real home? Or someone who admires his "comeback kid" nature and has the right kind of permanent home for him?