One of the outstanding things about dogs is their gift for bringing people together. I know animal lovers everywhere will understand this because they are among the kindest, most compassionate, caring people anywhere. They share a common bond. They look out for one another and they stick together.
In last week’s post it was Bruno, a blind pit bull abandoned on the streets of New York. We saw how his plight struck a chord with animal people from all over the world. We saw how the new year also signified a new beginning for Bruno, thanks to the kindness and generosity of so many. Overwhelmed with gratitude, now Bruno’s family is paying it forward. That is what animal lovers do.
When his foster mom learned of a dog in need who looks strikingly similar to Bruno, despite having a home, a job, a family, and 3 dogs – including Bruno who has needed a great deal of special care – she did not think twice. She took the time to reach out and help this other dog and his family almost 900 miles away.
 Wallace (or Wally as he is now fondly called) had been abandoned in Nashville, Tennessee. He had wandered onto a woman’s property in very bad shape. His collar was so tight it looked like it might be embedded. He also had masses hanging from his body, missing teeth, skin problems, collapsing tendons and was not neutered. His battered body told the story of a sad lonely existence and possible evidence of dog fighting or being hit by a car. At the very least it had been a life of severe neglect. | 
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The woman who found him could not keep him but posted him on Facebook. If not for her benevolence and desire to help this abandoned and defenseless stray dog, there is no telling where he might have landed.
The Facebook post was seen by another woman. Even though her family already had several cats and three dogs, including one dog that she had rescued and was found to be heartworm positive, as well as caring for her elderly mother, this second woman could not bear the thought of this poor dog ending up in a shelter. She knew it was likely he would not make it out alive so she and her husband agreed to take him in. Her daughter named him Wallace because he reminded her of a walrus.
Thanks to the power of social media and the compassion of two women who otherwise would never have met, Wally would have a second chance.
In spite of all he had been through, Wally was gentle and trusting. He jumped right in the car as if he knew there was a better life waiting for him at the end of the ride. He quickly captured the hearts of his new family members. He was taken straight to the vet and given a complete check-up.
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Due to his many health issues, the family could not pay for his treatment but the vet agreed to a payment plan so Wally could receive the care he needed. His new mom also attempted to raise part of the money with an online fundraiser which allows people to donate to either the family or directly to Wally’s vet.
Things were moving very slowly, and seemed to be at a standstill. That is when Bruno and his family came into the picture. When Bruno’s foster mom became aware of Wally’s situation she immediately reached out to help. She posted a plea on Bruno’s page to help raise funds for Wally’s care. She also helped his new mom set up a Facebook page for Wally and has continued to advocate for him on a regular basis.
Things were moving very slowly, and seemed to be at a standstill. That is when Bruno and his family came into the picture. When Bruno’s foster mom became aware of Wally’s situation she immediately reached out to help. She posted a plea on Bruno’s page to help raise funds for Wally’s care. She also helped his new mom set up a Facebook page for Wally and has continued to advocate for him on a regular basis.
With the help of Bruno, his family and many kind, caring animal lovers from around the country, a good portion of the funds needed for Wally’s initial treatment has been raised. Wally is well on his way to a better life – one where he will be honored and treated with kindness, respect and love.
Once again a tired, abandoned senior pit bull is getting a new beginning thanks to the love of a very special family and the kindness and generosity of strangers. An extra special thank you goes out to Bruno’s mom who has gone above and beyond to help another dog in need.
Here’s wishing Wally and his family all the best that life has to offer. And just to add a very happy update, Bruno’s fosters just announced that they are officially adopting him. So it looks like 2015 is the start of wonderful new lives for both Wally and Bruno – well deserved and long overdue. Bravo to both of these families for loving these dogs enough to put them first.
Wally, Bruno and other dogs like them can certainly teach us a thing or two about life and love and tolerance and acceptance. No matter how much they have been beaten down, they are still willing to give us the benefit of the doubt. They already know what so many humans have not yet figured out – that we should not be judged as a group because of the actions of a few and that we can still find good in the world if we are willing to open our hearts and let people be our friends.
As Wally’s new mom so beautifully puts it, “It is in this world of rescue and redemption where one sees extremes in such a contrasting way. It has been my experience that sometimes it is we who are rescued and redeemed.”
I am truly humbled by my fellow incredible animal lovers and feel honored to be part of something that collectively is bigger than any of us individually. Although it does not seem like enough, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for helping time and again whenever and wherever help is needed. Together we absolutely do make this world a better place – not only for the animals, but also for each other.
| If you would like to help Wally, here is how: http://www.gofundme.com/abandonedElderbull http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/L8YPXX7IBRH9/ref=cm_sw_su_w |  |
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