When Wally first arrived at the Town of Islip Animal Shelter, it was clear life had not been kind to him. At around 10 years old, the senior pup came in as a stray, likely having spent most of his life outdoors. He had a painful skin infection, was blind in one eye, and carried the marks of years of hardship.
But despite everything, Wally’s heart was wide open. From the very beginning, all he wanted was love — and the shelter staff quickly fell head over heels for him.
“He loves to slobber on you and will do anything for some food,” said Danielle Gorle, a veterinary technician at the shelter. “He also likes to just hang out and not do anything.”
With his patchy skin and cloudy eye, Wally didn’t look like most adoptable dogs. His rescuers worried that families might overlook him because of his appearance. Still, they hoped someone would see what they saw: a sweet, gentle soul who had so much love left to give.
Days turned into weeks, then months. Before long, Wally had spent more than a year waiting. The shelter began to take its toll on him.
“He was happier when he first came in,” Gorle said sadly. “He likes when he gets to go out, but he seems depressed in his kennel.”
What Wally needed wasn’t complicated. A quiet home. A family willing to manage his medical needs. No young kids, no other pets — just peace, comfort, and love in his golden years.
Wally had a rough start to life, and now all he wants is to snuggle up with a family who loves him for the rest of his days.
Update:
For too long, that home didn’t come. And then, after more than a year of waiting, everything changed.
At last, someone looked past his scars and saw him for who he truly was. Wally was adopted — finally on his way to a forever home where he could spend the rest of his days curled up, safe and adored.
It may have taken time, but Wally’s story proves that every dog deserves a chance — and sometimes, the ones who look a little different are the ones who love the hardest. ❤️🐾
