Went and fed and watered Walter earlier this morning, and he is doing very well. Inhaled his food, and I think I am going to increase his portion size. I don’t know if you can tell, but I swear his coat already looks shinier and better:
I got him to lie down, and did a slow look through his entire body, and the places yesterday where you could just see swarms of fleas moving, there is no activity, and there is a lot of flea dirt and evidence of dead fleas, so I think the flea treatment really did its thing. Later on this afternoon I am going to give him another bath, this time in the big tub in the basement instead of using a hose, so I should be able to get all the junk out of there.
Took Walter for a walk, and we were, I’m sure, quite a spectacle. My leg is really sore today (moreso than yesterday and I might break down and take some ibuprofen), and he has three bad knees, so between the two of us we’re rocking two good legs. If you looked at us wobbling down the street together you would notice a definite hitch in our giddyup as we’re both basically a crutch away from a telethon. Walter took a break every hundred yards, so he needs to get his strength up and used to exercising. And while all the pics today I think are wonderful, here’s the best picture of them all:
That is one solid, yet moist, very healthy dog bowel movement, and I gathered it up and went through it and I found no sign of worms. It’s the first I had seen him take in the last 48 hours, so I’m pretty excited about that. Also, he took several good potties, the first a long sustained one that was a pale yellow, so he is getting enough fluids and hydrated.
I’m heading over to Petco to get some chewbones and some good wet food to miux in with his dry food, and I’ve got to get some good treats for Lily, Rosie, and Thurston, because their noses are starting to get out of joint. I’ve basically been coming home with lipstick on my collar and reeking of strange perfume for the past two days, so I need to make sure they are not going to engage in any civil disobedience or stage a coup.
Oh, and Steve- Last night my dad made a zucchini lasagne, and I got distracted by something and put my plate down with about two bites left, and in my momentary absence that cheeky bastard didn’t hesitate to walk over and eat the rest and I simply wasn’t man enough to stop him.
Also, please stop sending money. We’re 200 over the amount of the vet bills. Save it for the next one that will inevitably come along.
debit
I love the poop pic. Probably the best thing I’ve seen all week (and I’m not even joking).
Nom de Plume
I have to hand it to you. Not many people could post pictures of dogshit unironically and have it seem perfectly normal.
Tinare
I know it’s been said a lot, but you’re a good man John Cole.
NorthLeft12
Wonderful news. Thanks again for everything; the story, the pictures, and most importantly, your kind efforts to do right by this dog. Well done.
Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism
Set the extra money aside for gas for the relay.
He’s looking fantastic.
01jack
I remember explaining it to my Mom: Dogs tend to be stoic about things that might ail them, and they can’t very well talk, so we focus a great deal on their eating and pooping in order to get some insight into their health and well-being.
Yeah, we’re always checking out the poop.
bemused
@Nom de Plume:
I can imagine JC cackling evilly as he posted that pic. The poops are yuge.
Mai.naem.mobile
I kept on checking in yesterday for updates. So glad he’s okay. I think you’re going to end up with him..ha ha.
gogol's wife
I don’t get it — why is there a picture of Trump in the middle of this post?
Walter looks absolutely transformed. I couldn’t even look at that first picture.
MazeDancer
Walter looks so happy! Well done, John! Also appreciate that you are giving us updates.
Hoping that all the kind people volunteering to relay Walter to Debit in MN understand that a passenger might also need to be included with each driver. Videographer. Possible live stream. Or at least updates.
Definitely coverage of every hand-off. (Which can be Walter-centric in framing for those that do not want their faces on the internet.)
LAllen
Walter may not be that old as he doesn’t seem to be examining his own bowel movements. I’m from Allerbammer and haven’t heard “hitch in giddyup ” in a long time. I may steal some funny phrases from this post. One crutch from a telethon! LOL
O. Felix Culpa
Happy that Walter is looking so happy! And yes, judging from the pix, his coat is looking much better already. I loved yesterday’s photo of him relishing the ride in the back seat.
Mary G
Bonus Walter post! I wasn’t expecting one so soon and it’s a lovely one to wake up to. You are such an excellent writer, love the image of you both wobbling down the street. Also, Juicers are awesome.
pat
I’ll be out canvassing for Dems all day today and this news is going to put a smile on my face and a spring in my step.
This will be my 7th canvass since the middle of June. Hope it’s not as hot has it has been in the past. (sweating emoticon here)
Technocrat
Not something you hear everyday. This is a great blog, with great people.
Also John, while your photography is getting better, at least a third of your photos are just shit.
::rimshot::
Lorinda Pike
Yay, for POOP!!! And that does look like seriously good poop. To non-furpeople-lovers, joy over poop sounds silly, but that (and a righteous whiz or two) are viable indications of health. Walter looks like he’s on the mend.
I know you’re hearing this over and over, but youse did good there John. :-)
Bill E Pilgrim
I’m glad that John is keeping us apprised of Walter’s movements.
debbie
Well, that’s not the kind of shit I come here for, but there you are. Glad Walter’s recovering so quickly.
SW
Thank you John.
cortanya
Man, you are such a good person John. I’ve been reading your blog for a little over 8 years, but have only commented a couple of times. You are amazing. Such great stories of animal rescues. You make me smile. Your political rants/insights are pretty good too!
The Ancient Randonneur
Not quite Maui Wowie good, but Walter isn’t a Golden Retriever.
Pogonip
First time I’ve ever been excited to see a pile of dog poop. That is some fine-looking poop. He’s definitely on the mend.
Cole, I hope you are also on the mend, sorry about your leg.
Where do you keep Walter at night? I hope he doesn’t have to bunk in that house. He’d probably like to stay as far away as possible. Which, now that I think of it, is a good reason to give him to Debit. Even a dog can’t smell that house from Minnesota!
scav
@Bill E Pilgrim: Bill.
(such prowess deserves recognition.)
The Pale Scot
So cats and lasagna is actually a thing!
The Pfurfect food.
Iowa Old Lady
Mr IOL saw that poop pic over my shoulder and asked WTF? I said it was a long story.
Pogonip
This has nothing to do with dog poop, but is still important–although last night was the peak, the Perseids will still put on a good show tonight.
Smedley Darlington Prunebanks (Formerly Mumphrey, et al.)
That’s one good looking dump. I’m glad he’s feeling better. Do you know the asswipe who left him there in the house? What are you going to say (or do) if you run into him?
satby
Great update John! Thanks for that. And Walter looks like he might have a bit of flat coated retriever in him. He looks very much like my late old girl Maggie, Roman nose and all.
Msb
Looking forward to hearing more Walter stories, and that your leg is mending, John.
Schlemazel
Glad to hear the good news. & thanks for trying to restore my faith in humanity John.
ThresherK
I never thought I’d open up the intertubes and find an on-puropse photo of a dog poop.
Okay, I like a challenge.
“My own stools, Sir, are gigantic and have no more odor than a hot biscuit.”
CaseyL
Ain’t that the truth! And now you have a house big enough for serious fur-refugee work. Uh-oh.
And this:
…made me laugh too much for so early in the morning.
Love the update, love Walter, and love you.
Joy in FL
Great update on Walter.
I’m respectfully requesting equal photo time for Rosie, Lily, Thurston, and Steve sometime in the near future.
And please continue the Walter updates. They really are encouraging.
Brachiator
Wow. A political blog with dog poop pictures. Anthony Wiener ain’t got nothing on you, John Cole.
More seriously, what you are doing with your new friend is great. Good to see that he is doing better.
Marko
Cole, Clint Eastwood thinks you’re a pussy, keep up the good work!
Technocrat
@Iowa Old Lady:
Expect an intervention sometime in the near future.
GregB
I would personally like to thank Donald Trump for endorsing Paul Ryan, John McCain after having had is most dreadful week of polling and his worst campaign disaster gaffes to date. Great news for John McCain.
laura
I must be allergic, every Walter post has me all drippy and sniff and leaky.
What a wonderful story to follow in a mostly sad week in which I became a motherless child.
Cheers for Walter and his champion.
bystander
I’m guessing Walter is already in love with JC. What a turnaround for Walter!
Our Buster has eaten nothing but Hill’s Science Diet canned food his entire life. I can’t say enough good things. Buster has never had the skin eruptions/allergies that so many Frenchies have. May be genetics but I like to think it’s the Hill’s plus never having people food. Not even zucchini lasagna.
the Conster, la Citoyenne
Yay for Walter, and yay for you John. It’s just amazing that you seem to be some kind of vector on which lost animal souls find a way home. I hope there are repercussions for the asshole that left poor Walter to starve.
satby
Boomerang pup update (he’s roughly about 5 years old): he’s settling in nicely, isolated from the other dogs. My older dogs seem to remember him and want to play with “their” puppy but it freaked him out a bit, because he’s a much smaller dog. The younger dogs never lived with him so are just curious. He’s been a perfectly behaved gentleman so far.
And just like that, I’m back to 10 animals: five cats, five dogs.
Good thing the new house is bigger.
Bill E Pilgrim
@GregB: So McCain is a big winner because he was endorsed by Donald Trump. I like people who weren’t endorsed by Donald Trump, okay?
satby
@laura: Oh Laura, so sorry to hear that your mother had passed on. Deepest condolences, we’re never ready even when it’s somewhat expected. May she rest in peace.
gogol's wife
@bystander:
a little coffee now and then
Mary G
@laura: I’m sorry for your loss. No matter how old we are, losing a mom is so hard.
Suzanne
HOORAAAAAAAAY for Walter! I went back and read all the posts about him, and I think you’re right, his coat already looks better. Either that, or your photography skills have improved.
Also: HAVE THE NEW HOUSE CHECKED FOR ASBESTOS AND LEAD PAINT.
And consider Trex or an equivalent for your deck.
Revere Pewter for interior walls.
NEW END TABLES.
TaMara (HFG)
Isn’t it amazing what a little love and proper care can do for a dog? Walter is looking positively transformed.
And while that is no Great Dane poop (there is a reason I carry grocery bags on walks) it is one healthy BM.
(Things one never thinks they’ll post on a political blog)
one_particular_harbour, fka Botsplainer
Good on the poop.
Might add in a little plain yogurt – he should probably go over to a puppy diet to pack on some weight.
Baud
I’m also always examining my dog’s poop to see if they are feeling well, so I understand how exciting good poop is.
debit
@laura: laura, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.
Baud
@TaMara (HFG):
Works for dudes too.
satby
And to John: when I used the contact link above on my Kindle and wrote an email and hit send, it just disappeared. No idea if it sent or vaporized. I can help coordinate a relay, if you don’t get an email.
And now that I’ve sprinkled that news in a couple of threads, I will drop it. You’ll see it somewhere.
jenn
@laura: I’m so sorry for your loss, laura. Best wishes.
John, congratulations on Walter! I’m so glad to hear he’s doing better!
laura
@Mary G: thank you Mary (my mother’s name too) and Satby. Planning the saddest party ever and not knowing the number of attendees is new for me. Her service will conclude with Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky, and Norman’s been a friend of the family and hopefully, his health willing, will be in attendance.
Her freedom from suffering is a gift.
Again, thank you you two.
TaMara (HFG)
@laura: [[[hugs]]] So sorry for your loss.
Booger
Saw the poop picture and assumed this was a Trump thread. Also, too: How has a lumpy middle-aged white guy from WV become my hero? BELIEVE ME! SAD!
EriktheRed
@Nom de Plume:
Yes, kudos to John for having the gumption to show us…
…but now I’d kinda like to unsee it.
trollhattan
So when did you meet Trump and how did you manage to get him to pose for you?
ETA shakes fist at Booger. Timing SAD.
EriktheRed
Btw, how old is Walter?
kindness
John, you should bring selected dogs of yours (up to you who & how many) over to meet Walter. He’d probably love to socialize with his own kind some.
GregB
@Bill E Pilgrim:
The ‘good news for John McCain’ is a joke.
J R in WV
Thanks for the update! Good work with the old guy. Thanks for that even more.
debbie
@laura:
Condolences. I didn’t always get along with my mom, but I still miss her after 11 years. It’s as if your place of origination has been taken from you.
satby
@laura:
we thought that when my mom’s health suddenly went bad and died too. Because she had been looking at months or potentially a year more of increases in suffering and debilitating illness. Let that comfort you a bit.
Ceci n'est pas mon nym
We are currently down to one elderly long-hair cat from a peak of 3 cats and one dog, but I’m still a dog guy at heart who wants dogs back in my life someday.
I saw that poop and knew immediately why it was there and was studying it approvingly for several seconds before it finally occurred to me that neither the pic nor my dwelling on it were quite “normal” things.
Any parent who’s ever picked a baby up to take a sniff of the diaper knows how easily love overcomes our usual aversions to poop (or discussing it in social situations)
muddy
Look at that happy smile! What a good dog. And what a good man.
gogol's wife
@trollhattan:
Hey, I got it at #9.
Bill E Pilgrim
@GregB: Uh so was mine.
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/07/18/424169549/trump-lashes-out-at-mccain-i-like-people-who-werent-captured
They leave the “okay” off the transcripts but it’s what makes Trump Trump.
Ultraviolet Thunder
Delurking to endorse the bowel movement. Keep ’em coming.
We love you John. You’re one in a million.
RoonieRoo
Thank you so much for the Walter update. I am so happy that you have a plan for his adoption as it’s the only thing that is stopping me from jumping in the car and coming to adopt him myself. Old labbie dogs, I can’t resist. But with two dogs already totaling 160 lbs of dog, I know I can’t.
Quinerly
@O. Felix Culpa:
Scoot back over to the last thread when you have a chance. I commented late. If you are in Galisteo, I bet we have a bunch of mutual friends. My comment to your comment is pretty much at the end of the thread.
Emma
@laura: When my Mom passed away in March, it was actually a relief. She had declined badly in six weeks, catching everyone, including her doctors, by surprise. Even through her dementia it was clear to all of us who knew her well that she wanted out. It doesn’t make it any less terrible for us, we are happy for her.
We also planned a “party” but had some help from the local deli person who suggested things that could be rewrapped and refrigerated safely. Lots of family members ate over the weekend with the leftovers.
eyelessgame
I couldn’t help myself.
Joy
Isn’t it amazing what some tender love and care can do? He is handsome and I agree his coat does look shinier. Makes me smile.
Ultraviolet Thunder
A year this week since my mom passed away at the end of a long illness.
Still heart broken and always will be. You hold the rest a little closer and enjoy the days you have.
NotMax
That one of those pix is the most sharply focused yet seen of any can recall your posting says … something.
Still life is your oeuvre.
Bill E Pilgrim
@GregB: Uh so was mine.
They leave the word “okay” off the end of it in all the transcripts but it’s what makes Trump Trump.
I congratulate McCain and Ryan on being captured by Trump. Senators, your albatross has arrived. It should turn stinky in about oh, six months.
opiejeanne
@TaMara (HFG): Aren’t we a funny lot? We talk more about food, pets, gardening, travels, John Cole’s nekkid mopping adventures, than we generally do about politics, (except maybe during elections).
SiubhanDuinne
@laura:
Laura, I’m so sorry.
opiejeanne
@laura: I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent is tough and we all face it but none of us know how to do it, it’s not really included in the instructions.
I’m glad she is at peace and hope you will be well.
There may be some “funny” moments when you go to the phone to call and ask her something and then remember why you can’t. I still get that urge for my dad, 3 years gone. With Mom it took a little longer than 3 years to stop reaching for the phone.
oldster
You know who else obsesses over bowel movements?
Parents of infants, or older kids when they have been sick.
You’re a good parent, John.
Immanentize
@laura: I’m very sorry for your loss. When my father died it was so hard — I realized, among other things, that one of the generational barriers to my own mortality had been stripped away. I really couldn’t go home ever again in the child’s sense. That was 25 years ago and I still feel it keenly. But life is so persistent I can’t help but enjoy it.
raven
Cool John. We attacked the yard early today and a stray wandered up about 9am. I got him to come inside the gate and he played with the Bohdi for a bit. I needed to go to the dump so I left him in the yard while I loaded the truck. He not only tried to get under the gate, he started chewing the damn slats. I decided I better leash him, walk around and see if anyone knew him. It only took abut 5 minutes until some tattooed hipster wandered up and claimed him.
JanieM
@Bill E Pilgrim:
Yes! Not that everyone here doesn’t know it already, but there’s almost no real content to what he says. The words that aren’t manipulative empty phrases are mostly lies.
Speaking of which, he told some in Portland the other day and I’m glad, tho not surprised, to see the strong pushback.
Hilfy
Never thought I’d be laughing at dog poop second thing in the morning. Especially since first thing this a.m. I was cleaning up vomit from my greedy cat who won’t let me brush her enough to avoid hair balls. Walter and John Cole put sunshine back in my morning. Thank you both.
JanieM
P.S. Yay John and Walter! The transformation since the original picture is amazing.
Suzanne
@laura: Hugs and white light to you. And more hugs.
p.a.
@JanieM: mmm hmmm. you betcha. Sarah was just 8 years too soon, and hundreds of millions too poor, but Trump16 is basically what a Palin08 would have been if she were at the top of the ticket. Actually, she might’ve taken direction better. But the support comes from the same tribalist hatemongers.
jonas
The shot of the dog shit is well-composed, in focus, well-lit, and not at all blurry. It’s really when an artist finds his true metier that his skill shows through. Well done.
NorthLeft12
@JanieM: Thanks for the link. Excellent follow up by the newspaper, and kudos to the public officials for speaking out against the lies and for their support of the Somali community.
How many groups is Trump going to attack and alienate? This is completely mind boggling to me. The best Trump can get out of these actions is a firming of his support from the bigots that already are 100% in. Stupid! And sad!
Emma
@JanieM: Now that is nice to see.
Chris T.
@Suzanne:
I did a replacement deck out of Trex in 2002. It was in much worse shape by 2012 than it should have been. (Turns out that the original deck was too close to the ground and not properly moisture-barrier-ed in the first place so perhaps that’s a sufficient excuse, but as a result I’m kind of down on Trex.)
Chris T.
@Hilfy:
What’s with these cats? (I have one with the same issue.) You’d think the long haired ones would *like* the brushing. (One of ours does, one doesn’t.)
gogol's wife
@JanieM:
I’m sorry I insulted the pile of poop by comparing it to Trump in #9. Please accept my sincere apologies, pile of poop. You stand on a far higher moral plane.
Juju
John, my dog used an anti mosquito drop, and I have used anti flea drops on other dogs. The manufacturer recommends leaving the drops on the dog without bathing the dog, for a day or two. I don’t have any packaging or directions to look at, but don’t wash Walter until Sunday or Monday, and use a mild shampoo like baby shampoo. Also, if Walter’s flea infestation is that bad, you may want to have the house professionally exterminated before you even attempt to go back in. You will not be able to pull the rugs out without being swarmed by fleas. Flea bites are a special kind of hell. They itch like a bastard, you scratch them raw to get relief, and they don’t itch as much when the bite is raw, but when the bites start to heal, they start itching again and the itch can last for weeks. It’s awful. I know about this because my sister bought a house with a flea issue and when we were finally able to go in the house after the closing, I was swarmed by fleas. You could see them hop onto my legs en mass. I’m a fair skinned red haired person and biting bugs seem to prefer me. Take care of the flea problem befor you do anything in the house. You won’t be sorry.
greennotGreen
@Chris T.: Yeah, and I understand that there’s really nothing you can do with Trex once it’s at the end of its life. It won’t biodegrade because it’s part plastic, and all the sawdust from construction will have to be taken to the landfill. Also, in my experience it doesn’t hold up as well as advertised.
My wood, close-to-the ground deck lasted 20 years, then I had the decking and some of the joists replaced; most were still in great shape. However, my mother’s sunny deck had to be replaced after 7 years because the PT wood (from Lowe’s) was crap. So, if you decide to go with wood, be sure you buy from a reputable source that good professionals use.
Denali
Great to see Walter looks so much better! You did a good thing, John.
Shell
John,
You are definitely going to Heaven.
Dog owners get to be connoisseurs of poop. Thats some good color and consistency there.
Kristine
Yea! for Walter and good poop. Given what he’s been through, his improved appearance etc is pretty amazing.
Gaby has IBD, so I’m always keeping an eye on the proceeds. Put two or more dog people in a room around here, and within 5 minutes we’re discussing 1) dog food and how it relates to 2) poop quality.
Magatha
I cannot remember where I read it, but it was an open letter from the people who adopted an abandoned, abused dog to the dog’s previous owner. (I thought it might be McSweeney’s, but I couldn’t locate it there with a search.) It basically described the dog’s original condition, all the hard work and care and affection (and money) they devoted to getting him well, how joyful they were to have this beautiful, now healthy dog in their family…and how there would be no way on earth that the former owner could ever, ever get this fine dog back. An article in your local paper (avoiding mentioning the exact location where Walter was abandoned) might be a beneficial mode of revenge, as well as a thank you note to the people who took care of Walter (and stopped when they didn’t realize he was still there and probably still feel bad about it), and a blunt reminder that if you can’t take care of your dog, you surrender your dog somewhere safe.
Pogonip
So how’s Walter the Pooping Dog doing this afternoon?
Manyakitty
@The Ancient Randonneur: It’s Labrador, man.
Pogonip
@laura: Oh my. I’m very sorry. I became an orphan on 7 July. Don’t try to do too much the first 2-3 weeks.
Jay C
Words I thought I’d never see on a blog!
So I guess it would rude not to oblige…
Anyway, even with the poop pics it’s good to see Walter doing so well. Keep up the good work!
Manyakitty
@laura: What a great sendoff, though! Peace and love, and may her memory be a blessing.
skyweaver
First place I came today to see how Walter was doing. Thanks for the update, John. Hope your leg is better.
rikyrah
BWA HA AH HA HA HA HA
Glad to read such positive news about Walter.
And, once again Cole..
You are good people.
John Revolta
New website!!
“Shootin’ the Shit With John Cole”
It’ll go viral!!
Or at least bacterial.
Jean
Walter looks amazing after so little time (but so much care)! I was happy to see the pics today and the post about his recovery.
a thousand flouncing lurkers (was fidelio)
@laura: My sympathies for your loss.
Jack the Second
Since people keep reaching for their pocketbooks anyway, would this be a good time for another fundraiser for the shelter/rescue organization you’ve raised money for before?
SueMack
John, You are an awesome dude.
That is all.
skyweaver
@laura: I’m so sorry, Laura. You must be very sad, though you said that your mom is free from suffering so I am glad for that for you. Best wishes to you!!
Mj_Oregon
Bless you, John. You are a wonderful example of an exemplary human being, something that is increasingly rare these days. Give Steve a scritch for me. He’s a cheeky bastid!
Oh, and more poop pics, please. srsly!
Mnemosyne
@laura:
I’m so sorry. I’ve technically been a motherless child for almost 40 years, but I have a stepmother I love very much who really stepped up to the plate and I’m dreading the day I lose her as well (my dad died in 2013). (((Hugs))) if you want them.
Kristine
@laura: Sympathies. Last month marked 8 years since I lost my mom. I recall some of our last conversations like we had them yesterday.
“Spirit in the Sky” is a great song, and a great sendoff.
oldster
When I think about the white hair on Walter’s chin, I start to worry:
what if he’s not a mild-mannered elderly dog, but actually a brilliant chemist who cooks meth and runs a criminal cartel?
What if he’s actually Heisenberg? Or for that matter, Schrödinger’s dog?
I’d keep a close eye on him, John. If he starts wearing a pork-pie hat, then get out of town and don’t look back.
Don K
@Tinare:
Amen to that! Walter’s ship came in the day he met you, John. As I’m sure he knows.
Applejinx
I did not expect the poop pictures :) and in fact, though I applaud the signs of health, I’m still not that big a fan of poop.
Fucker has a better digestion than me, dammit (at least when I drink coffee or have too much stress)
But that aside, hooray! It’s a beautiful story and I’m happy to hear it.
PaulWartenberg2016
I want to thank all the commentators who donated money to Walter’s bills!
Grover Gardner
Plz send Walter to Medford OR. Our 11yo puppy-mill rescue Ruby, who looks exactly like him, is in love. ?
NotoriousJRT
@laura: my thoughts are with you.