Wally had endured more than any dog should. When LifeLine Animal Project rescuers found him alone in the woods, it was clear he had been suffering for a long time. A small collar, likely put on him as a puppy and never adjusted, had become embedded in his neck, cutting into his skin and causing unimaginable pain. Though he was finally rescued, the damage—both physical and emotional—had already been done.
Once safe at the shelter, Wally was too afraid to move. He sat trembling in his kennel, refusing to make eye contact, too paralyzed by fear to even stand. It was heartbreaking to see a dog so completely shut down, but his rescuers refused to give up on him. He needed more than just medical attention—he needed love, patience, and time to heal.
That’s when Kathryn and Jared stepped in. The couple experienced fosters with a deep understanding of traumatized dogs, took Wally into their home, determined to show him that life could be good. But the first few days were difficult. Wally wouldn’t walk on his own. Every time they tried to take him outside, they had to carry him. His fear of people, combined with the trauma of having something tight around his neck for so long, made it impossible for him to trust anyone.
Fearing that he might try to escape if he ever did move, Kathryn and Jared kept him on a harness at all times. But despite their efforts, Wally remained frozen, unable to break free from his fear. Then, one day, they made a simple yet life-changing discovery.
The moment they removed his harness, something incredible happened—Wally changed. Instead of shrinking away, he suddenly perked up. Slowly, cautiously, he took a step forward. Then another. Within moments, his tail started wagging, and for the first time, he moved around on his own. It was as if removing the harness had freed not just his body, but his spirit.
It became clear that Wally’s past had left him with deep psychological scars. The embedded collar had caused so much pain that anything around his neck made him feel trapped all over again. But once he realized he was truly free, everything changed.
In the weeks that followed, Wally blossomed. The dog who once trembled in fear was now running through the yard, playing, and even seeking out affection. He had discovered joy, and he wasn’t looking back.
Wally’s transformation is a testament to patience, understanding, and the resilience of animals. Thanks to his rescuers and fosters, he now has a second chance at life—and he’s making the most of it.
