At one of New York’s busiest shelters, a senior shelter dog named Wally has waited over 2,000 days for a home—finding comfort only in his trusted bowl. While other dogs cuddle up with plush toys or blankets, Wally carries a scratched metal bowl everywhere he goes. It’s not about food—it’s his way of coping with the stress of long-term confinement.
Scarred But Sweet: Wally’s Story
Wally first arrived at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter (TOHAS) in July 2019 after being picked up as a stray. His condition was hard to ignore—his ears, face, and legs were marked with scars from past injuries. No one knows exactly what Wally endured before he was rescued, but it was clear that life hadn’t been kind to him.
“He came in covered in old wounds,” a shelter staff member recalled. “But despite everything, he was gentle, affectionate, and so eager to be loved.”
Wally was adopted twice, each time with hope that he’d finally found his forever home. But both attempts ended in disappointment—he was returned to the shelter through no fault of his own. With every return, Wally’s anxiety grew deeper. What he didn’t lose, though, was his capacity to trust and love.
The Bowl That Keeps Him Grounded
Now 7.5 years old, Wally has spent the majority of his life behind bars. As the shelter environment wore him down, he found comfort in the only thing he could control: his bowl.
“He paces back and forth with his emotional support bowl,” one volunteer wrote on Instagram. “It brings him comfort in the stressful shelter. It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch.”
To Wally, the bowl is more than an object—it’s a companion. He holds it in his mouth as he walks, a sign of stress but also a lifeline.
Playful, Loyal, and Overlooked
Outside the kennel, Wally transforms. Volunteers describe him as playful, energetic, and eager to engage.
“He’s a big fan of playtime,” a TOHAS representative shared. “Wally loves balls, ropes, squeaky toys—you name it. He’ll even trade toys for other toys or treats.”
Wally also knows basic commands like “sit” and “down,” making him a great companion for the right adopter. But he does need a patient, adult-only home—ideally with no other pets—where he can decompress and finally feel secure.
Hope Isn’t Lost
Shelter staff and volunteers refuse to give up on Wally. Even after six years, they remain determined to find him a forever home.
“His journey has been difficult, but it’s not over,” a volunteer wrote.
Wally continues to wait at TOHAS in Wantagh, Long Island. With the right match, he can finally retire his bowl and know what it means to be part of a family.
