I put my application in for a 'Rescue' dog after much thought and meeting our son's mini-schnauzer in May of 2003. In January, 2004 I received a phone call from Cinny Yakimi, who was the 'foster mom' for Wally. Wally had been surrendered by his family during the holidays of 2003. He had been chewed on by 2 Jack Russell Terriers.

After several phone calls and pictures being sent from Cinny, I decided to take him. It was love at first sight. A ride had been arranged from Portland to Grants Pass, where we picked him up late one night. He snuggled all the way home with us. You could say he had us from hello.

It took a few days for the trust to build between Wally and I, but once it was there, it was a bond that lasted. I have never had a pet that was such a 'love sponge' or would make such a huge impact on my life. He would stand by me in the mornings while I was drying my hair and wait for his turn to be 'Warm Wally' with the hair-dryer.

He had a personality all his own; he loved to eat the strawberries off of the planter on the patio, he would go to grandpa and grandma's every day for doggie day care, and most of all, he brought my husband, Rick and I back together, after a long separation.

Wally had many tricks, his favorite being 'Sad Wally', where he would put his paw over his face. He even taught Tuffy, our 17 year old Sheltie cross, this same trick.

Wally was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer in August, 2006. He put up a very valiant fight, which he lost on January 22, 2007. We tried to keep him as comfortable as we could for as long as we could, but the pain became too much for all of us.

Wally, you were the light of our lives. We'll see you again at the Rainbow Bridge. Take care my little friend.

Nancy & Rick Aubin, Medford, Oregon