ADOPT WALLY BONGO

DETAILS / BACKGROUND

On the morning of August 21st, 2023, I found that a handsome intact male dog with an iconic spot over his eye had taken up residence on the front porch of my guest house. No idea where he came from, if he ran away, or was dumped. He looked to be in decent shape if a little skinny, and upon closer inspection had only 2 visible fleas. I guesstimated about 3-4 yrs old from the tarter on his teeth (and vet eventually confirmed that - 2-4). But he was fearfully barking when I first approached, as he had seemingly finally found a place he felt safe and comfortable and could call his own. The house is at the end of a 6 mile holler, so he was probably dumped, likely because he had a tendency to hump. When we initially told him 'No' to that, he flinched, winced and cowered, as if afraid he would be hit.

I enlisted my friend, Vivian, to help me with him because the guest house is equidistant between us, 2 miles for her, 2 for me. I have 4 dogs, she has 2. Neither of us felt comfortable taking him home right away since our packs' dynamics are already challenging. We decided we would take turns feeding/spending time with him.

We listed him as "Lost" in multiple Facebook groups and PawBoost and our local shelter. We described him carefully, cautious of those who claim lost pets to use as fight-training bait. We’ve asked, and all surrounding county shelters and sate-wide rescues and sanctuaries are full, which makes sad sense following the splurge on pets during COVID lockdown in 2020. Now that the pups have matured, many who have developed issues since then, are now being dumped. But our local shelter checked for us and he has no microchip.

As we waited to hear something/anything, we warmed up to him, and he did to us. We decided to name him Wally Sport Boingo Bongo, because it perfectly captures his essence. Goofy, athletic, bouncing, just plain love in the flesh.

We kept Wally in a furnished, heated outbuilding near the guest house until we actually had guests. The group of 8 students and 2 teachers came for a week in mid October, and it was mutual love at first sight. Wally got to spend time with the teenagers in the main house, and slept on the bed with one of the teachers at night. We didn’t have the heart to leave him alone in the outbuilding after that, so Vivian did slow introductions with her two dogs, Lola and Pablo, and ended up taking him home. She and her partner, Joe, have been fostering him ever since.

Wally stayed with another foster family in the city, for two weeks over Thanksgiving and hunting season. Linda and her husband and college-aged son took very good care of Wally, and he loved their dog, Mugsy, another pit-mix.

MEDICAL

Without any responses from our multiple efforts to find his owners, after a week, we knew we needed to get him fixed and vetted before we could make good progress with training. His hormones were just constantly distracting and frustrating him, and us (!), and clouding his beautiful personality. We managed the vetting with generous financial help from friends and family members.

He's in great health at a fit 56 pounds, and is now UTD on all vaccines including Bordetella (kennel cough). He is on monthly Nexgard for fleas and ticks, but is not on heartworm medication, nor is he microchipped. He did well with the neutering, and even the cone of shame.  He did better with crate training prior to being fixed, but having to spend time in there with the cone on made him more averse. His city foster family got him acquainted with the crate again, and now he takes to it easily, however, he was rarely left alone, and the crate door was always open. A new family would have to practice with him so he doesn’t become anxious while locked up.

PERSONALITY / BEHAVIOR

Wally is happy, playful, energetic, eager to please, smart, and hilarious. While he had absolutely no manners upon arrival, and no sense of commands, he now knows how to sit, stay, relax, lay down, leave it, off, and, no, and “peace” in place of “shake”!  

Since his neutering, Wally's humping of people has ceased entirely. When overly excited at play with other dogs, or trying to find his place in a new pack, he still sometimes wants to climb up, but a firm "No/Down/ Leave it”, or a clear signal from the other dog, and Wally quickly backs off.

Wally has not bitten or shown any aggression while with us, but in new situations with unfamiliar people, he will sometimes be assertive: barking, jumping, or instigating rough-play with his mouth to get what he wants. Although this can feel intimidating to adults and scary to kids, a trusted furever human, who can ensure he’ll get whatever he needs, will break the tendency of acting like he’s in charge in order to feel safe.

He is uninterested in going after cats that don’t run from him. But, given the chance to chase, he might. He has chased deer through a hayfield, but it seemed more for the fun of it than for the hunt, as he seemed to just like watching them scatter!  He is curious about and eager to meet other dogs, and he has been good at regulating his energy level with small dogs. However, he has shown us that he really enjoys -and thrives- with a companion/playmate of his same size, temperament, and energy level, like his foster brother, a pit-mix, and his foster sister, a black and tan hound.

Wally does well walking on leash, but when he's wound up, he might need to be reminded that it's not a tug toy. We like him leashed for proper introductions to people and other animals. Wally has quickly warmed up to adults, after an occasional low-key‘woof’ or two simply to acknowledge a stranger. With a trusted furever human and home, and more guided exposure, we have no doubt he will greet future strangers with no fear. He is very loving with kids but, again, needs to be supervised because, as with anyone, until he’s comfortable with who is in charge, he will test their leadership abilities.

The first time he was indoors, he tried to mark, was given a firm "No," and was shown the door outside. He immediately quit midstream and looked very apologetic. He has not done it again since, knowing “outside” is the place to “go.” He only soiled his crate once during confinement after surgery, and we think that was due to his anesthesia instead of any inability to hold his bladder. Thus, the new aversion to the crate. However, for as much as he LOVES car ride adventures with his humans, even to the vet, he does fine in a crate during transport.

Wally is eager to please, and quick to learn, but commands may sometimes need to be repeated as he tests that bond for authenticity and longevity. Consistency and routine are important to him. He is treat-motivated, and really appreciates calm, consistent guidance from each human he's supposed to include in his pack. He responds very well with structured rules/discipline and boundaries. Setting clear expectations with positive reinforcement gives Wally security, and lots of praise, pets, encouragement, belly rubs, and play time as a reward makes Wally extremely happy and very amenable. The more he learns to trust you, the more he thanks you with long broad strokes from his wide velvety tongue, and deep loving gazes with those puppy dog eyes. He'll lean against you, flop on the floor, and happily present his vulnerable belly for rubs.

Wally has proven he can be taught to feel safe in his environment alone, but it will take patience on behalf of a new trainer because without confidence that his person will return, Wally will be prone to developing separation anxiety, or perhaps roaming if not confined. The guest house is in a rural area with neighbors far apart, and very little traffic. Early on, before fencing, Wally walked 1/4 mile across the hay bottom to the closest house while we were away. The neighbor there called me at home asking if I knew about the stray dog. I told her he had been staying at the guest house and she said, okay, no problem, her grandson had just fed him 3 chicken nuggets! Wally was back on the porch waiting for me when I arrived that evening. Good boy!

Wally welcomes us home coyly with a waggling butt and a squinched nose and smile. After a brief greeting, his energy kicks in and the celebration bounding begins! He should be considered a high-energy dog and needs lots of exercise o burn it off, either with other dogs or with his human. With his energy released, Wally settles and relaxes into a deep sleep for the night.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Wally is eating good food – Diamond Naturals. At the guest house, he had warm, dry shelter indoors with a pet-door to the outside in a 6 foot chain link kennel around the back of the house. In his foster home with Vivian, he sleeps in a people-bed with Viv and his foster siblings. At the guesthouse, alone, he prefered a couch to a dog bed. And, at his city foster home, he slept on a dog-bed or in his crate as long as Mugsy was nearby. He wants/needs to be WITH someone. With plenty of space and toys during the day, and running/walk and playing with us, he did not challenge the fence, or destroy anything indoors. He might whimper a bit at first when he knows he'll be left alone but when he feels secure enough that he still has a safe place if not a human or another dog, he settles down nicely.

OUR CONCERN

We have advertised sweet Wally to family, friends and strangers in person and online, and have found no takers. He is living a great life now, but for Vivian and Joe, three good-sized dogs, all with high energy, is a lot for them to manage. It would be far more difficult if they didn’t live in the country where Wally can now run freely with the other two dogs most of the day.

OUR WISHES FOR HIM

Wally deserves time and attention. He wants to give a sigh of relief knowing he has a furever home and can rely on steady guidance, and enough presence of a human to get his needs met and not be abandoned or left to his own devices again.

He deserves devotion from his own human, couple, or family, and hopefully even a fellow canine buddy. He'd love for his people to be as active as he is so they can go on lots of adventures together, but he's been more than thrilled with 2 achy middle-aged women hobbling around the yard with him and cackling as he entertains us with his antics. Wherever he goes, he needs a lot of room for his zoomies, and plenty of exercise. He loves playing in water, so a stream nearby would be perfect.

He deserves to be in a house with people, not a yard alone, and definitely not on a chain. We love picturing him in pure bliss, basking wholey contently, lounging in cuddling arms on a couch inside, as he has been doing with us.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone interested in adopting or helping us foster til this fun-loving love-bug is settled in his furever home. Photos attached. And more will be added. Check back for updates. Again, please share, and encourage others to, also.

Thank you for being part of making Wally's world complete,

Jeannie Kirkhope
jeannie@acwfarm.com
304.927.5798

Appalachian Catholic Worker
81 Puddle Run
Spencer, WV 25276

The Wally Blog

November 4, 2023

**UPDATE** Sadly, Wally's trial with a potential adopter didn't work out. Everything was going great with other dogs and kids, but mom had an allergic reaction that triggered her asthma. Back to square one. We've been going FAR beyond Facebook to advertise him, so please help us by word-of-mouth. We can't give up on Wonderful Wally Bongo!!!

October 23, 2023

DOG DIARIES by Wally Bongo, Chapter 7: Life's been pretty great lately. Vivian took me to the Black Walnut Festival to advertise my adoptableness and I got pets from lots of strangers tall & small. Then, I spent 5 days with Jeannie's visiting high school group. Shout out to TrekNorth Sundogs of Bemidji, MN! We played, watched a movie together, I got lots of treats, and even got to sleep on a bed and snuggle with one of the teachers! (I Brian) I am good with both big and little dogs, like Jeannie’s puppy, Rupert, my new best friend. We love wrastling! Keep spreading the word about me…Thanksgiving/Fall break would be a great time to introduce me to your family and ease me into your routine!

October 6, 2023

DOG DIARIES by Wally Bongo, Chapter 5: Yesterday was AWESOME! Doc Gentry said I passed with flying colors! I met nice dogs and sick dogs and (kenneled) mean dogs, and lots of human strangers and wasn’t scared or nervous or rude or mean or anything! Then, I got to meet my foster Grandparents, and Grampa gave me an orange pig that oinks when I chew it, my new favorite now. After that, Viv took me to Linda and Mike’s and I finally got to play with Mugsy who is the absolute best! He’s so chillax and fun at the same time. I read all his cues and played politely. I loved the long car ride back and, after dinner, a short walk, and gnawing on my new pig for a bit, I snuggled with Jeannie on the couch, zonked out, and snored while she watched a movie. I’m officially adoptable! Thanks for all the good vibes!!

October 5, 2023

DOG DIARIES by Wally Bongo, Chapter 4: Today at 1:30, I'm going to meet other dogs so the people can see how I do with them. I'll be honest, I'm nervous. I got a lot riding on this. They say it will make me more adoptable if I do well with them. But, what if I don't like them? What if they don't like me? I need good vibes sent my way.

September 27th

***Okay, Friends. Once again, please!…Really Need You NOW!

PLEASE SHARE & TELL OTHERS TO SHARE, TOO!**

DOG DIARIES by Wally Bongo, Chapter 3: I've been here 1 month and 1 week, and this place is great! But I heard my people-friends whispering last night about Youth in Asia. If we're getting guests, why is it such a big secret?!? And, what's 'sustainable' mean? Because they're saying this situation isn't. I don't know what a 'budget' is either but, apparently, I don't fit in it. That's not their only concern, though, because they think lots of folks would kick in. Maybe kicking it makes a budget bigger. I wonder if they could kick their time with me to make that bigger, too. But, that's okay. I only whimper a little when they leave now because I trust they'll be back. They say they’d do the transport. Man, I hope they bring me wherever they're going. I love a car ride. But, they seem desperate when they talk of no space elsewhere, and not one bite at these posts. Hey, I’ve gained a little weight, sure, but I don’t take up much space, and I thought we're not allowed to bite AT ALL! So, why do they want people biting at these posts? I'm so totally confused. Oh, yeah, and, yesterday, another stray showed up near the driveway. She's young, but she doesn't look Asian at all. A pretty little beagle mutt with spots! She's starving. She tried climbing in Jeannie’s lap in the car before she could even get her seatbelt off. She’s a lot smaller than me and I can see her ribs and hips! And, she shakes A LOT, but not like me when I see my people-friends. She looks cold, or scared, and sad. I wish I could play with her but they say she’s too 'fragile' right now. Whatever that means. I'm not familiar with THAT word at all. I wonder what will happen to her. I hope they figure out something. I feel bad for her. Thuh End.

September 12th

DOG DIARIES by Wally Bongo, Chapter 2 - So, I'm figuring it out, this whole life thing with humans. It just takes goodness and patience. If I'm a good dog outside and wait long enough, they let me in. If I'm a good dog inside and wait long enough, they give me a treat. So, maybe, if I'm a good dog and just wait long enough, I'll get my own humans. The good-dog part isn't hard. It's just the waiting part. <sigh> ***PLEASE SHARE*** I cannot keep this dog. My Pyrs won't accept him. He lives at our guest house 2 miles away. When it floods/snows, I cannot get to him.

September 8, 2023

DOG DIARIES, by Wally Bongo, Chapter 1: it was dark out. i was alone. something scared me. it was like, "Hey!" and i was like, "Who?" and, it was like, "YOU!" and i was like, "Woah." now i like fencing, or i follow people. it feels safe. i whimper when they go but relax with my binky. when they come back, we play and hang out. before bed, i do laps around the house. and figure 8's in the yard. top speed. it's awesome.

August 27th, 2023

**UPDATE** We are pleased to announce WALLY SPORT BOINGO BONGO has accepted the position of Temporary Director of Security Detail at the Appalachian Catholic Worker guest house (Denver's). Although Mr. Bongo has not yet taken full stock of the "Me, Too" Movement, his cohorts are providing him with intensive training on how to identify sexual harassment, and working to impress upon him the validity and importance of personal space. Meanwhile, as we continue to seek permanent employment for him with a more suitable agency, he will be undergoing minor surgery that will allow him to focus more intently in his new role. Wally is a joy to have on the team with his boundless bounding, strong desire to please, quick learning style, and good looks, and we look forward to introducing him to all those who visit (except intact female canines).

August 23rd, 2023

2 days ago, when I drove by our guest house (Denver's), this sweet baby doll of a pit bull was laying on the front porch watching the world go by, looking like he owned the place. He said as much when I tried to approach, and every other time I went to bring him food and water. Each time I had to get in the house, I had to stand my ground to claim rights. Last night in the dark, he barked and barked less than a foot from me while I mumbled the Hail Mary and, eventually, he backed off. This morning, he was at it again, trying to sound mean with the same loud, warning barks echoing across the hay bottom. He startled himself when they reverberated back our way a full second later, as if it was another dog in the distance responding to him. But this time, instead of tucking his tail as he yelled at me, he was wagging it, like, "Where the HELL have YOU been?!?" Still not fully trusting, I sat on the stoop thinking we'd be facing off again, maybe for days. Far sooner than I anticipated, he gingerly came up and kissed my hand like the prince he is. So, I can't say we are "fast friends," but he does like me better now and appreciates a body massage. Before anyone asks, No. He will not be joining the pack on Turtle Hill. Just letting this saga unfold for now, and honored/privileged he chose Denver's as safe space on his journey.