All shelter dogs are waiting to be adopted, but some unfortunately end up waiting longer than others.
The sad reality is that oftentimes, people decide on their new pet based on appearance and often opt for the cutest puppy available, overlooking some of the more unconventional-looking dogs.
But these dogs deserve love, too… like this good boy who spent years waiting for the right forever home.Meet Wally the pit bull:
Wally didn’t look like your ordinary dog, to be sure. He had a rough life and was just looking for a family to spend his final years with.Wally was first brought to the Town of Islip Animal Shelter on Long Island, New York, he was a stray and already nearly 10 years old.He also had some health problems, including a skin infection and blindness in one eye, according to The Dodo. This all gave poor Wally an appearance that the shelter worried would turn potential adopters away.However, he proved to have a wonderful personality and became a favorite of the shelter workers.
“He loves to slobber on you and will do anything for some food,” veterinary tech Danielle Gorle told The Dodo. “He also likes to just hang out and not do anything.” “Wally is an amazing walrus/hippo/rhino dog that really just needs a home that accepts him and to spend his golden years in!” Jen, a shelter volunteer, wrote on Facebook.“He is a little mush and volunteer favorite.”Sadly, many visitors to the shelter failed to see the beauty beneath.Wally waited a year to find a new home with no takers. He needed to be the only pet and wasn’t very good with other animals.
And the shelter said the rejection began to take a toll on his wellbeing.“He seems to be declining,” Gorle said. “He was happier when he first came in. He likes when he gets to go out but he seems depressed in his kennel.”But finally, Wally’s story had a happy ending.About a month after he went viral and we first reported on the dog, the shelter announced that Wally had finally found his forever home.”He is relaxing comfortably and looks great!” the shelter wrote.Wally found a loving family in Warwick, New York, who welcomed him with open arms. It quickly became clear that he could get along with other pets, too — his adoptive family already had a dog, and the two became fast friends.Sadly, in 2021, Wally was diagnosed with cancer. On Thanksgiving evening, the beloved dog crossed the rainbow bridge.“He spent the day with family and love all around him, but after dinner began declining quickly. I couldn’t let him suffer anymore. He passed away with me by my side, thanking him for the many gifts he gave me and the unconditional love I was always met with in his eyes. He taught me the love a senior dog can give. It is unimaginably abundant. He taught me to take my time in life—to move a bit more slowly, to observe life around me, to be curious, and to take on any adventure thrown my way. You are always and forever in my heart, beautiful Wally 💕 Rest peacefully sweet soul,” wrote his adoptive mom.