Wally

Sir Walter Bigheart, or 'Wally' for short, was on the list for euthanasia at a public shelter in Serbia.

He was saved by a local rescuer because she could see how special and gentle he is.

Wally is 30kg, estimated to be born around 2021, and almost completely blind.  He is currently in a private shelter near Belgrade.

Wally is looking for kind people who want to give a dog who has had nothing a safe, happy and cosy retirement.

Wally walks slowly and has a low energy level, so won't need much in the way of walks.  He is likely to be quite happy pottering around a garden and maybe going on a short stroll.

Wally walks nicely on lead, rarely bumping into things as he can see light and dark and shadows.  He walks cautiously when he doesn't know the terrain but will happily go along, trusting his walker.

Wally has always been trusting, completely submissive and compliant; he behaved beautifully at his vet check.

Wally has had a very thorough vet check at a reputable clinic in Belgrade.  He is in decent health for a dog that may have lived much of his life on the streets, and for his age. (We think he may be a little older than his estimated age of 5).

But given that he had such a comprehensive check, it is not surprising that imperfections were found.  Ultrasound showed Wally seems prone to constipation and does not always empty his bladder fully.

The cause of these issues was not immediately apparent, and the vet did not raise concern. Wally empties his bowels less frequently than one might expect but without difficulty, and occasionally he lets out a few drops of pee when being touched or when excited.  It may therefore be prudent for Wally to wear a belly band (the doggie equivalent of the small Tena Man pad) on soft furnishings or carpets when indoors.

Wally's eyes were examined carefully so we are able to give a professional opinion, but don't be put off by the medical jargon. The vet thought Wally's severely restricted sight is thought to be the result of bilateral corneal endotheliopathy with diffuse corneal edema - a degenerative condition associated with age ('blue eye'). Importantly, Glaucoma has been tested for and ruled out.

Wally is described as 'very calm and affectionate' by the owner of the private shelter where he now stays. 'He will get adapted to any home', he says.  Wally is such an easy going boy who asks for nothing.

Walter is demonstrably good with other dogs, but would need to be cat tested if he was to go to a home with cats.  We can investigate this on request.

Like many dogs who have come from a hard life on the street, Wally can come across as a little reserved at first.  He takes time to warm up and feel comfortable and can present as slow, quiet and a little awkward in new suroundings.  We know that the right adopters will appreciate this and give him all the time he needs to flourish.  

Since moving to the private shelter, Wally's physical condition has greatly improved and he now boasts a lovely soft black coat.  He takes a good photo and presents as rather noble, although his big happy head and ears that seem too sweet and floppy for a dog of his size ensure his 'big softy' appearance.

Being black, large, blind, past middle age and prone to dribbling a little pee, some might say Wally hasn't much going for him. But we would love to see this boy flourishing in a loving home.  Wally has known such little kindness in his early life yet is the epitomy of gentleness.  With dogs like this, when they chose to give love back, it is incredibly rewarding.  Sir Walter needs a big hearted person to match his own.

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