For most dogs at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter (TOHAS), the noisy environment of barking, clanging kennels, and constant movement is stressful — but one dog, Wally, has found comfort in an unexpected companion: his metal food bowl.
After more than five years — over 1,800 days — of waiting for a forever home, Wally’s anxiety has grown, not faded. And when the shelter becomes overwhelming, Wally does something heartbreaking: he carries his bowl with him everywhere he goes.
“He paces back and forth with his emotional support bowl,” a TOHAS volunteer shared on Instagram. “It’s his way of coping. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch.”
Wally first arrived at TOHAS in 2019, covered in wounds that the shelter staff quickly treated. Despite everything he had been through, he was instantly affectionate, gentle, and full of love to give.
Over the years, Wally was adopted twice — each time sparking hope for his happy ending. But through no fault of his own, he was returned to the shelter, most recently in December 2024. This latest return took a toll on him, and that’s when the bowl became his constant companion.
You can watch Wally carry his bowl here:
Still, despite his long shelter stay and rough setbacks, Wally hasn’t lost his spark. Now around 7 years old, this senior pup surprises everyone with his puppy-like energy, especially when it’s time to play.
“Wally LOVES toys — balls, ropes, squeaky toys, you name it,” the volunteer wrote. “He’s also really good at trading toys for treats, making him super fun to play with.”
Playtime is when Wally truly comes alive. It’s when the walls of the shelter fade away, and he gets to just be a happy dog. But when the play ends and he returns to his kennel, the stress returns — and so does the bowl.
“Wally can be a little shy with new people inside his kennel,” the volunteer added, “but once he’s out, his whole demeanor changes. He’s sweet, curious, and just wants love.”
The team at TOHAS hasn’t given up on finding Wally the home he deserves. They believe the perfect family is out there — someone who will understand his gentle soul and finally give him the security he’s been craving all these years.
“His journey has been difficult, but it’s not over,” the volunteer wrote. “He’s still full of love. He’s so, so sweet.”
Interested in giving Wally his forever home?
Contact the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter at 📧 adoption@hempsteadny.gov or 📞 (516) 785-5220.
Want to support Wally and other shelter pets? You can donate items from the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter’s Amazon wishlist.
