Wally’s the Name, Toys Are My Game

Jun 30, 2018 | 2018 Articles, Animal Rescue Adventures, Lee Juslin

Wally, a two- to three-year-old Cairn mix, was picked up by a local shelter as a stray. Since he was heartworm positive, which is more than the shelter could handle, they called Lone Star Westie Rescue (LSWR).

When LSWR took in Wally, they found a young dog who was nervous, displayed fear aggression, and had obvious trust issues with humans. Elizabeth of LSWR thought his demeanor indicated previous abuse, but she was determined to help him get past not only heartworm but also his trust issues.

Wally after heartworm treatment

In order to get a better handle on dealing with Wally’s behavior issues, LSWR networked with Lone Star Cairn Rescue. Fortunately, they were able to place him with a foster mom from the Cairn rescue experienced in heartworm positive dogs as well as dogs with the kinds of fears and trust issues that Wally displayed. Thanks to her dedication, Wally has been successfully treated for heartworm and has made amazing progress in learning to trust humans again. Today, Wally has gotten past his fear aggression and trust issues and even snuggles and gives kisses to his foster mom. Wally gets along well with other dogs and loves to play with toys. He also likes to nibble gently on his human’s toes.

A good home for this happy, toy-loving boy would be one with a fenced yard as he loves to lie out in the sun, and someone with time for play periods. Although he seems to like children, he would do best if placed in a home without young children as he still gets fearful with sudden hand movements towards his face and with hand feeding.

Wally likes to do things on his own timetable and likes to sleep late. He can be grumpy if roused before he is ready so it would be best if he had his own bed. He is housebroken and walks well on a leash, and, as an extra bonus, he’s good with baths.

Now heartworm free and having been successfully treated for Cherry Eye, Wally has no other health issues. He has become a sweet, cuddly boy with a lot of love to give in the right home. He will need someone with terrier experience and a lot of patience to allow him to adapt to his new home at his own pace, but with a bit of time and patience, Wally will be a loving companion, and, at only two- or three-years-old, this sweet boy has a long life ahead.

To learn about Cherry Eye: Cherry Eye in Dogs

If you would like to learn more about Lone Star Westie Rescue, volunteer, or apply to adopt Wally or one of his friends, visit them on FB: Lone Star Westie Rescue or visit their website:
Lone Star Westie Rescue.

Check out more animal rescue & therapy animal stories in our Pets section and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group.

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Lee Juslin is a free lance copywriter living in North Carolina with her husband, Scott, and her band of misfits: Tarquin, a Wheaten Scottish Terrier, and three handicapped cats. They can be seen on their website: Hampshire Hooligans. She owns I B Dog Gone, a small embroidery business and is the author of the Nurse Frosty books for children and Frosty’s Story: Tales of a Therapy Dog. She supports a number of national and regional terrier rescue organizations.