As you read through Walter's previous entries you will see that he had Ehrlichia and Ringworm as well as being anemic.  As the weeks went by FM was praying each week that his blood levels would reach normal range however that never happened.  The vet reminded FM several times that "Walter is very sick".  Walter did not display any pain and hid his ailments very well.  After a couple of weeks Walter held his head high and we were sure that things were improving.   His FM spent a lot of time caring for him, making sure he had his medicine, was nicely combed, eating, drinking, peeing, pooping, going for walks each day, taking him to his vet appointments, taking orders from the vet and so much more.  His health and wellness were the number one priority.

Walter went to the vet on Thursdays for his lyme sulfur baths.  He loved them!  He came out smelling like charcoal.  From here on out that smell will remind his family of precious Walter. When he would travel to the vet FM would put down the backseat in the SUV for him along with a mat or dog bed.  He would sit and watch everything go by out the back window.  FM thought it was so cute seeing his head in her rear view mirror. 

Walter looked like a new dog after a few weeks of foster care.  When he arrived he was basically bald on his belly, hind end and hind legs.  It didn't take long and his fur was growing back.  FM combed him often and he loved it.  He was also very itchy and the itching had completely stopped. 

The night that Walter arrived from Turkey in the Cities FM & FD drove from Fargo to pick him up.  They were so excited for him. They fell in love with him the first time they saw his picture.  The dogs were confused and exhausted - crazy chaos going on.  Walter sat and watched all the goings on and FD said we better get back on the road.  As they walked past the office door Walter saw a ball and ran for it and took it along.  He was lifted in the back of the SUV with comfy dog beds, his ball and he started wagging his tail.  Oh how that made FM & FD smile!

Walter did not want his FB, Buddy, near his balls.  Buddy would have never taken them but Walter had to make it perfectly clear he was not touching them!  FM & FD never did take his balls away, that was what made him happy and they weren't taking that away from him.  Walter's previous life was unknown and he most likely had things taken from him.  It was his turn to enjoy those small pleasures.

Walter was able to enjoy having a human sister and a wonderful neighbor boy.  Neighbor boy went for walks with FM and Walter many, many times.  How lucky he was to have both a boy and a girl in his life.  Walter loved those kids.

A wonderful woman in Turkey took Walter from a shelter to her home.  He stayed with her while waiting for RAGOM to come.  She refused to put him in the pet hotel - he was very special to her as well as everyone else he met.  Walter stayed with volunteers from RAGOM for a bit before coming over to the USA.  His foster family is forever grateful to them for all of the care, love and especially the second chance at life they gave to him.  None of this is possible without volunteers and donations. 

So FM has had to ask herself "Why Walter? Why was he taken from us?".  This will never be known but everything happens for a reason, so they say. Walter had good food, water, warm home, vet care, medicine, kids to play with and most of all LOVE.  Walter's foster family gave them their all.  He survived the long trip and it only got better from there. So we have to think that Walter was just waiting to get "home" - he got there, he lived, he loved, he was loved and he could go in peace - looking like a million bucks, so regal, handsome and dignified.  Walter was a proud American and he will be forever missed.

Donations in memory of Walter would be greatly appreciated by his foster family.