Walter J Wallerson (Windy Walker)

[WalterWallerson]

Walter, Racing name Windy Walker passed away on September 9th 2020 after slowly losing function in his back paws and legs. He would have been 13 on November 28. 

Walter J Wallerson, Wal, Walter J, WalTAR, Tar Tar, Walt, Bubba, Baby Boy

We spent 9 years together. 3 years just the two of us, the last 6 with Ernie and then my husband/Mr. Mahm. I used to joke that Walter was my boyfriend and my husband would have to talk to Walter to get permission to take me out. I spoke to Wal like he was a person and he listened to me like he knew exactly what I was saying. The days after he passed, my husband described our relationship as spiritual. It seems like the closest word to explain it. We checked in on each other, we kept track of what the other was doing. He was a constant presence in my day to day life and he kept me grounded. I kissed him at midnight on New Years Eve and the morning I was married. 

Walter loved to run, like really really run. He liked adventures and walks and parks. He loved food. The day before he passed, he had the best breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each meal was better than the last. 9 years was not enough. It'll never be enough. I am trying so hard to be grateful for everyday we had. 

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Walter was my first greyhound. I adopted him June 10 2011 as I was finishing my first year teaching. I picked him up from the GFNJ prison program. We basically became inseparable. Walter loved to go places, and it didn't have to be a production. He wanted to go get gas with you or wait in the car when I picked up bagels. He loved walks and hikes and adventures. He loved food, in the last 9 years I only ate without a snoot in my face if I ate at a restaurant. A few years ago, I started baking bread and I thought he was going to lose his mind. He LOVED bread. He stole at least 3 loaves through his muzzle and got them out of the plastic. He literally hounded me, huffed and puffed if I made homemade bread and DID NOT share. I joked with my husband and said if Walter ever got off leash, I'd have to make bread to get him to come home. (he was never far from me, even at dog parks, he was always close by). I hand fed him every meal when I first brought him home. I think I did it for a month!

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I want to tell a couple stories here because I know you'll get it. 

• (at the time)I lived in a 1 bedroom, 2nd story apartment. Every morning before school, I would take Walter out on the same path. One morning it was so so cold, we could see our breath and Walter poops in his normal spot and I guess he lost his balance a bit, and he stepped backwards, one paw into his poop. He audibly groaned and I laughed so hard. He never stepped in his poop again. 
• I was visiting my (at the time) boyfriend's house, he lived with his mom. We went out to run a couple errands and left Walter home with my boyfriend's dog (they were fast friends). When we came home...bird seed was **ing EVERYWHERE. I mean, the entire living room was COVERED in bird seed. I don't know what inspired him, but Walter tore a hole into a very large (maybe 15 lbs) bag of bird seed and ate it and spread it all over their house. He pooped bird seed for nearly 3 days. 
• I met a friend & another greyhound (Blossie) at the park. We walked our regular route and then, when we were as far away as we could be, the sky OPENED and it POURED rain on us. We were soaked, right down to our underwear. I don't think Walter ever forgave me for that. 
• We ended up starting a greyhound walk and Walter had more friends than I did. 
• I bought Walter a K9 voyager jacket. When I put it on him to try it out, he leaped around the backyard like a little kid. 
• When we walked, he was always on my left side. If I asked him if he was happy or enjoying himself, he would do this little hop and snark me. I have a picture of it, it's one of my favorites. 
• When Walter was feeling silly, I called it sharky because he would snap his teeth at me. I found it hilarious. He was always trying to chomp my fingertips. He only missed and got my hand once, we were both very surprised. 
• He would lay on his side and I would "play" Walter's ribs like a piano. He would get sharky and then I'd cover him in kisses. 
• He hated when I kissed him, and let me kiss him because he knew I liked it. Or he just gave up "shaking my kisses off".
• After the boyfriend & I broke up, Walter & I would go to Wendy's on Friday nights and split a meal. He got some cheeseburger and fries and we would eat in the car and watch the traffic drive by. I was sad for a while after that breakup and Walter kept me on track, telling me when it was time to eat, when it was time for potty, when it was time to go to bed. 
• Walter always woke me up by gently breathing on my face or putting his nose against my face. 
• I heard Walter's voice in my head. He would look at me, and I'd hear him say, "really again" or "let's go for a walk mahmmm" or  "Give me your pizzaaaaaa!"
• When we bought our house in 2017, we couldn't fence the yard in fast enough. He used to RUN CIRCLES around Ernie. When he was younger and I lived in the apartment, I took him to the dog park where he RAN CIRCLES around every other dog. It was great to watch. 
• Walter taught Ernie how to use the stairs when Ernie came home. 
• I kissed Walter goodnight, every night with a very small number of exceptions (less than 30 days)

 

 

Walter has been around to visit. It's hard to talk about because deep down, I want him to stay. I want him to be here forever. I ended up telling his spirit that I missed him so much but I didn't want him to worry about me. I wanted him to go be in doggy heaven where he can run the way he really loved to and eat all the food he wanted without getting sick. I'm not religious, but whatever comes next, I hope I get reunited with him. I'd like to know what his voice sounds like. 

 

 

  

 

[RaineysMom]

I am so very sorry your Walter had to leave you     Your tribute to him is one of the best I have ever read.  You truly were soul mates.  Sending you many, many hugs  

[macoduck]

I have added Walter's name to the list of Bridge Angels here on GT. He will be in good company. 

[WalterWallerson]

12 minutes ago, RaineysMom said:

I am so very sorry your Walter had to leave you     Your tribute to him is one of the best I have ever read.  You truly were soul mates.  Sending you many, many hugs  

Wow, thank you very much

[WalterWallerson]

21 minutes ago, macoduck said:

I have added Walter's name to the list of Bridge Angels here on GT. He will be in good company. 

thank you <3 

[Time4ANap]

I'm so sorry that Walter had to leave.  Your connection with him sounds like my connection with Rocket.  Not many people would get it, but we always just seemed to communicate and understand what the other was thinking. 

I always loved seeing the pics of Walter here on GT and when Rachael would send me pics from the group walks.  

Run-free, Walter.  If you see Rocket around The Bridge, tell him I said to buy you a burger over at Seamie's Place. 

 

[ramonaghan]

I'm so sorry your sharky boy had to go. It is clear from your beautiful tribute that you shared an incredible bond. 

Rest well, Walter.

[MP_the4pack]

{{{{{{{{ Leah }}}}}}}}

Walter was one of my favorite boys.  I loved watching him and Ernest T tearing around my back yard.  And to see his face light up when you came to pick him up, you could tell just how much he worshipped you. 

My heart breaks with yours.

[BatterseaBrindl]

I am so very sorry that your Walter had to leave.  May you cherish the joy you were given and
hold those memories close to your heart.
 

[FiveRoooooers]

2 hours ago, Time4ANap said:

I'm so sorry that Walter had to leave.  Your connection with him sounds like my connection with Rocket.  Not many people would get it, but we always just seemed to communicate and understand what the other was thinking. 

I always loved seeing the pics of Walter here on GT and when Rachael would send me pics from the group walks.  

Run-free, Walter.  If you see Rocket around The Bridge, tell him I said to buy you a burger over at Seamie's Place. 

 

Seamie   is always cooking to welcome new friends. Rocket will help show your boy around.

I am so sorry that it was Walter's time. Every so often a dog digs deeper into a heart than anyone could ever believe possible. Walter will send you a sign, I am quite certain of that. 

[robinw]

I’m so very sorry to read this 

[Beachbum1]

So very sorry for the loss of your sweet, special boy.  You will be with him again, someday.  

[MerseyGrey]

I’m sorry for your loss, but thank you so much for sharing those tales, they were lovely! And now I know what to call the playful snapping that my boy also does (and who also tolerates his mummy’s kisses). Sending virtual hugs 

[JaimeL]

I am so very sorry for your loss of Walter. He was a very special boy and was well loved. Rest easy Sweetie.

[GreyPoopon]

I'm so very sorry. The connection between you and your special boy shines through in your stories. It's incredibly sad that he had to leave.

Godspeed Walter.

[EllenEveBaz]

I love your stories about Walter.  And I wish his spirit Godspeed, to whatever place the souls of dogs go.  And send  to you and the rest of his family.

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He LOVED bread. He stole at least 3 loaves through his muzzle and got them out of the plastic. He literally hounded me, huffed and puffed if I made homemade bread and DID NOT share. 

 

[Kestrel]

I'm so very sorry. I loved hearing stories about him, and reading these really made clear the incredible relationship you have with him. He will be so missed.  

[WalterWallerson]

i had to take a break from reading your responses but i did want to thank everyone. i read them all & appreciate it. 

[MP_the4pack]

Well, he was someone very special. 

[PattyE]

I am so sorry.  I know how hard it is without him because I have been where you are.  When I lost my Joey, I was lost.  I called him my boyfriend.  We had a bond much like you and Walter.  I knew in my heart that my boy was leaving me before my head did.  I saw the signs and even asked him if he was saying good-bye to me.  I felt so empty without him.  I felt incomplete.  I felt like I was in a fog.  

I loved hearing all the stories of you and Walter!  He was truly a wonderful boy and such a special companion.  He will be with you always!  Be kind to yourself.  

[teri_d]

All greyhound people get it!  Loved your stories....I feel like I knew Walter ♥️