Not every dog is a perfect match; as a foster mom for PAWS Rescue [Pets Are Worth Saving] I am used to fostering dogs for weeks or months at a time. I chose to take on a new dog for fostering, although I was not looking for anyone specific. Andy and I went to the shelter to spend time with the dogs in the play yard. It seemed like there were too many great dogs in need of help.
As soon as we saw this big, silly male brindle pit walking our way we knew he would be our foster dog. He had been there for two months, sitting and waiting for a chance to be loved. “Walter” had a slight limp. We later found that he had a fractured femur at his hip joint. Dr. Farrar of Animal Hospital of Eagle Glen performed the FHO surgery to remove the ball of the femur and over time, the muscles around the hip became strong enough for Walter to use the leg almost normally.
With the help of PAWS and through surgery, water therapy, basic training, and lots of TLC, Walter became adoptable and ready for a new home. We were all so happy for Walter, but there was only one problem. I loved him.
I kept telling myself that I would not be a failure, that Walter needed to be adopted, but on the drive home from an adoption Meet & Greet, I turned to Andy and confessed; “Walter is meant to be our dog.” I held back the tears–not knowing if Andy would agree, but he felt the same way.
My record is seven foster placements and one foster failure. We kept Walter, and he is our four legged child. We are training him to be a therapy dog. Walter’s brother Seymour (also from a shelter) is a therapy dog at CHOC hospital and will be an educational dog.
Walter is a gentle dog who rolls on his back for belly loves, welcomes each foster dog into our home graciously, and makes our hearts full with love. Walter is also our PAWS mascot and you can look for him at our PAWS events! Please consider fostering, you may just fail too! – Walter’s Mom, Holly
PAWS Invites You to Our 1st Quartermania Fundraiser. Get your Christmas shopping done early; there will be several cash and carry vendors there along with the quarter raffles. Nov. 3rd at 1220 W. Ontario Ave. Corona 92882 [MAP] @ 2:30 p.m. Great Auction items such as Hockey game tickets, movie tickets, doggy packages and so much more! – Please visit PetsAreWorthSaving for more information.
