A yellow dog named Wally was abandoned by his owner and brought to an animal shelter. During his time there, he was adopted twice by different owners but was returned both times. Unable to endure being abandoned three times, Wally developed physical and psychological illnesses. Every day, he carries around a battered, broken food bowl to feel safe, a heartbreaking sight for the shelter volunteers who care deeply for him. They hope this deeply traumatized dog will soon find a warm and loving home.
Wally has been at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in the United States for over five years. His story is especially touching. Unlike most shelter dogs who find comfort in blankets, stuffed toys, or small comforters, Wally's emotional security comes from an old, rusty metal bowl that has been battered and broken.
According to shelter volunteers, Wally was brought to the shelter in 2019 and has now spent over 1,800 days there. When he first arrived, his body was covered in wounds, but thanks to timely medical treatment, he gradually recovered physically. Despite his trauma, Wally has retained a heart full of love and has won the affection of every staff member with his gentle spirit.
Over the years, Wally was adopted by two different owners but was returned due to uncontrollable circumstances. The most recent return in December 2024 dealt a heavy blow to him. Being abandoned three times caused significant mental and physical health issues, with his anxiety symptoms worsening noticeably. Since then, Wally has almost always been seen carrying around that broken metal bowl, finding security only when holding it in his mouth, which deeply moves the volunteers.
Now over seven years old, Wally is still searching for a forever home. To keep his emotions from collapsing, he continues to live his life at the shelter, enjoying playing ball, tug-of-war, and squeaky toys with the volunteers. These playtimes serve as a refuge from his depression. However, every time playtime ends and he is returned to his kennel, Wally immediately becomes anxious and tense, a heartbreaking contrast that touches everyone who knows him.
Volunteers sadly say that Wally is an exceptionally well-behaved and good dog. Although he is older and suffers from depression caused by being abandoned three times, "during playtime, he transforms back into the cheerful little dog he once was. We sincerely hope that a loving owner who can heal his wounds will come forward, so he can overcome his mental and physical illnesses and enjoy a peaceful, happy life in his golden years."
