Walter’s life took a sharp turn on a Surprise street, but the sweet mixed-breed is now healing up and getting ready for a fresh start. After veterinarians amputated a severely damaged leg that X-rays showed contained a metal fragment, the gentle pup is settling into life as a three-legged dog and waiting for his shot at a forever home.
Surprise police brought Walter to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control earlier this month, where staff quickly noticed he was limping and sent him for a medical workup. Instead of languishing in a noisy kennel, he is now resting in a quiet foster home with Alison Roos, who is helping him learn how to get around on three legs while shelter staff prepare him for adoption.
Medical findings and rescue
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, X-rays revealed that Walter’s femur was completely broken and that a metal fragment consistent with a bullet sat next to the fracture. Faced with that damage, veterinarians opted to remove the injured leg so he could recover without ongoing pain and complications.
FOX 10 Phoenix reports that Surprise police first transported Walter to the county shelter, where staff then arranged for him to move into foster care so he could recuperate away from the stress of a kennel environment.
How to inquire about adoption or fostering
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control runs an adoptable-pets portal and a separate foster resource page, which both include details for anyone who wants to step up for Walter or another animal in county care. Per Maricopa County and the county’s Maricopa County foster information, potential adopters and foster volunteers can contact the shelter at [email protected] or by calling 602-506-6274.
Foster says temperament could speed adoption
Roos, Walter’s foster, told staff that he has been winning hearts from the start. Shelter workers, she said, "came in and immediately fell in love with him," and the shelter predicts he will not be waiting long to find a forever home, FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
For now, Roos and shelter staff are keeping the focus on recovery: physical therapy, short and steady walks, and helping Walter build up his strength and confidence on three legs so he is ready when the right family comes along.
