Adopted Dogs · Happy Endings · Rainbow Bridge Memorials
9/18/07: Introducing Walter!!!! Is he a good looking gentleman or what??? My daughter and I picked him up Saturday morning along with Maya. We don’t know much about his background. He was a stray found in Sioux Falls, SD. When we met the transport team, we saw 2 BIG HUNKS of LOVE! Both Walter and Maya weigh about 90 lbs each! We used my wife's Honda Civic so you can imagine the full rear seat. It was quite the sight to see! Both dogs got in and off we went. After 30 or so miles, Walter got up and got a little antsy. We stopped on a side road, took him for short walk. He had to do his business!! Good boy for letting us know!! Back to the car, laid down, and tried to get caught up on the nap he was missing. After dropping off Maya at her new foster home in the Cities, Bear (Walter is now called Bear!) and I headed north. We live west of Garrison. He had a lot more room in the backseat, so he stretched out and went back to his nap. Did I say he likes to nap? He and I are going to get along great. We arrived home at 4:00. He had been in and out of cars since 8 that morning. He rides in the car very well. He did not do the drool thing, didn't jump around, and we only stopped when he told us, so he could get out and potty then back to his nap. When we got home, he met our two dogs, walked around the house a little and went out to do his business, came back inside, laid down, and basically ignored our dogs.
This morning we found out some of his idiosyncrasies. When my wife tried to give him his pill for a skin infection (you can see it on his elbows) he would not take them with cheese without a lot of bribing. When he got his breakfast, we put string beans in the food to help fill him up, he took each bean out, one at a time and set them next to the bowl. He told us later, "no human food for him, that's how he has stayed so healthy".
When we went to church this morning, all three dogs were left to roam freely. We got home 3 hours later and everything was intact. I know we were taking a chance but our home is, let's say, dog, grandkids, and grandpa friendly.
Now for some serious stuff. We guess him at about 10 years old. All his shots are up to date, his blood tests turned out great. I mentioned his infections in the elbow area. We think they are related to him being in a kennel all day with no let-out or care. We all know that's behind him now and just the good life ahead.
He goes to our local vet tomorrow (Tuesday) and gets checked to see if he is ready to be neutered and get his teeth cleaned up.
I forgot to say he walked up our stairs last night and slept in the hallway all night. He does not come to the table when we are eating or when somebody is in kitchen. He has not had one accident. Actually he is better behaved than the resident dogs.
He is really a great dog, and will make somebody a great companion.
Just a short update on “Bear.” He came named ”Walter,” but we decided after knowing him only a few days, he is just a big bear or a teddy bear. He went to the vet yesterday and she thought he was 8, so we are allowing him to claim he is younger than 9 or 10. (I wish I could do that.) The doctor said he was only around 8 or 10 pounds overweight. At the vet's office, he met up with the resident cat and parrot -- no problems with either one. He also does not have storm anxiety.
Bear loves to go for walks. Just say the word or get his leash out and he's ready!! When on walks with me, he likes to stop and smell the roses .Well, maybe it's deer, rabbits, and you name it that are running around here. When he walks with my wife, the pace picks up, and he does not mind that either. I believe his weight will come off with no problem.
He will be ready for his neutering and teeth cleaning next week. He loves bones to chew on and I believe his teeth look better already. His elbows are healing well. His irritated skin must have come for being on concrete.
Some of our friends said this could be a “failed fostering,” meaning he will stay with us. It will be very, very hard to let him go. But I know he will find a forever home and live the Golden life. He will also give as well as receive.
I will be at picnic Saturday to show him off.
Hello,
Walter and I would like to thank all the people who put on the picnic. We could not believe the number of people and dogs there. I do not think Walter quit wagging his tail nor did I quit smiling the entire time. People asked me many times how I could give up such a great dog as Walter. All the wonderful people we met at the picnic explains it. I know Walter will get a forever home and he can live the "Golden Life". Another reason I will be able to let him go: I met again with the great people who adopted my last foster, "Milly". She came from a puppy mill in North Dakota, and started out very scared. She would not leave her crate, scared of everything. Saturday at the picnic she was wagging her tail, meeting people and enjoying the good life. I would like to thank the G family for the great job they are doing with her. I believe that explains how I deal with being a foster. You give up a great dog like Walter knowing there is another "Walter" waiting to be rescued.
I hear Walter made a good impression, but that's just him. A big old "Bear". We call him "Bear", as in teddy bear, big bear, loving bear, etc. If you would like to meet this big, wonderful, sweet, adorable Bear, let your Placement advisor know. We live a couple hours north of the cities and Bear would love to meet his forever family!
More later, and thanks again for the wonderful time at picnic.
Jan and Bear
Thought you all would like to hear the journey of Walter (Bear). Thursday Walter went to vet and had his neutering, teeth,and nails done. The doctor said he was very healthy--only needed minor teeth cleaning and they were all healthy.When we picked him up he seemed very tired and just wanted to rest after the big day. They told us he should not run, jump or go swimming. You all know that will not be a problem with Walter.They also said what a good dog he was. Friendly with everybody and all other dogs, cats, etc. They said all he wanted was some petting and a little attention.As you can tell Walter leaves a lot of people thinking about him.The doctor said he will make somebody a great dog.
Walter will be at the St. Cloud (Waite Park) PETCO this Saturday. Come meet this sweet boy!
Saturday, October 6th
11 am - 3 pm
PETCO
35 Waite Avenue North
Waite Park, MN 56387
(320)-353-1004
Walter attended the St. Cloud PetCo on 10-6.
How is everybody doing? Walter is Walter. That may sound rather lame, but he is the same guy he was when we started to foster him. Wagging his tail, loves going on walks,enjoys lying outside if a human or one of his dog buddies is around.
Walter will be making an appearance at BOTH events in Plymouth this weekend. Come meet this distinguished gentleman!
RAGOM Education Booth
Petsmart in Plymouth
Saturday
November 17th
11 am - 2 pm
Petsmart in Plymouth
4190 Vinewood Lane
Plymouth, MN
(763) 551-8999
RAGOM Education Booth
Grand Opening of Chuck & Don's in Plymouth
Saturday
November 17th
11 am - 3 pm
Chuck & Don's in Plymouth
3525 Vicksburg Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
(763)-559-0146
Good morning. This update is both sad and very happy. Walter has found a furever home!!!!! Sad, because my bud is gone, but very happy because he is going to a wonderful new home and a great new owner. When I went to check out the applicant. I could see a immediate bond and a perfect match. But a lot of you know Walter, and know how he is always "Walter." We will miss him, but I know where he is now, and it makes it all worth it.
Besides, I have a new girl at our home! Her name is "Kylie 07-668". She is a flat coated retriever, which is a new look to me. More on her later.
Keep up the great work, RAGOM people. Don't forget to stop and pat your own back once in a while. It's a lot of work, but many many rewards.
Jan
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Walter Bear ~ In Remembrance You entered my life on Thanksgiving Day 2007. It was my good fortune and love at first sight. Though I am not sure if you felt the same, you certainly made it appear that way.
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