Help Walter Wage His Battle On Heartworm!♥️

Hi, my name is Robynn. My daughter and I are currently the lucky foster family hosting a dog named Walter, through Oshawa Animal Services. I'm asking for your help with that. But first, it’s important to me that I make clear how Walter is NOT "your ordinary dog." I don’t know how, but despite all his hardships (keep reading), this amazing guy is still more loving, openly affectionate, and genuinely content, than most dogs I’ve ever met. He loves to be loved, and loves to give love. WALTER = LOVE. ♥️

Walter's Story:

Walter was observed as a stray wandering alone by a resident in Northern Manitoba, his front paw dangling. After some time she noticed that the dangling portion of his paw was actually now missing, and that Walter was often being attacked by other stray dogs. Thankfully this woman chose to step in to help him. Flights For Hope then flew Walter to Toronto where Denise (of FFH), and Renee (Walter’s first “foster Mama”), picked him up. Next, he was taken to a vet, and checked from head to toe. In addition to addressing his missing paw, the vet also treated the many wounds where Walter had been attacked. Shortly after that initial vet visit, Walter (and members of his foster family at the time) also had to be treated for hookworm. As if that wasn’t enough, another serious condition was also discovered! Sadly, Walter tested heartworm-positive. By that point, the amazing people involved at Flights For Hope, and now Oshawa Animal Services, clearly recognized not only Walter's incredible will to live, but also his unique zest for life. And so, he was then started on heartworm treatment. VERY EXPENSIVE heartworm treatment. Now THIS is where you can help Walter —and Oshawa Animal Services!

It's estimated that one round of heartworm treatment costs between $3000-$5000. At this point in Walter's battle, it's unclear how many rounds he will need. That is why my initial fundraising goal here is aiming for $3000-$5000. By collecting donations personally, then giving the funds collected to Oshawa Animal Services in my name, I'll be able to ensure that Walter himself benefits, specifically. Whether he requires one or more additional rounds of heartworm treatment, or it’s for his further healthcare needs (his neutering, for example, is pending once the heartworm is cleared), Walter will be covered, AND Oshawa Animal Services will be helped with the financial wallop these numerous procedures will incur.

How We Met Walter:

When my daughter and I lost our beloved 13 year old Pug, Blue, to cancer this past August, it was devastating, to say the least. Now that some time has passed, our hearts once again felt ready to give a sweet animal love in the empty spot his passing left in our home. But still, were we ready for a permanent commitment? Could we handle the heartache again? My daughter was the one who brought up the idea of fostering. Although I was hesitant at first, she assured me that while saying goodbye to a dog when they find their forever home would, of course be sad, that the comfort and happiness a dog would receive being loved by us in the warmth of our home in the meantime would be a perfect way to honour Blue — while also rewarding for us, too. A win/win! How could I argue with that? So we submitted a fostering application and... ended up at a meet-and-greet with Walter the very next day! After which, we couldn’t help but take him home. (Huge thanks, again, to Oshawa Animal Services for their support, and their obvious love for Walter, too!)

Present Day with Walter:

With every passing day, my daughter and I continue to be in awe of Walter's resilience, open-heartedness, and overall disposition (capacity to thrive and love). Will this be a “foster fail” dog tale, you ask? Maybe. One thing I know for sure is that Walter would hobble his way into your heart, as he has definitely done ours. I truly hope Walter's story compells you to donate to help ensure the future of this loveable dog. Any size donation helps, all are MUCH appreciated, and we all

thank you in advance.

♥️ Love,

Walter, and his new foster family.