Abby and Cliff were on a vacation in China when they spotted a Tibetan Mastiff while visiting the Great Wall. While at the famous structure they saw the large dog in a cage. It was clear he was emaciated and neglected. Before their trip, Abby had looked into Bunny Buddies. The dog rescue organization enlists help from travellers in getting dogs over from Asia to North America.
So when she and Cliff saw the Mastiff they knew they wanted to help him and reached out to a local rescue. The rescue group managed to save “Wally” and arranged for him to be transported to the United States where he could start his new life with Abby and Cliff. His new family has taken the time to tell Wally’s rescue story in the video below and it’s so touching.
Wally’s family gives him the best care. One example? Recently the family drove 8 hours to visit dog groomer Vanessa of Girl With The Dogs to get her opinion on caring for his double coat and to see if she could save it. The Tibetan Mastiff is around 6 years old but due to years of an unhealthy diet and the neglect he suffered, his coat gets severely matted when it grows in. This has proved a challenge because he gets overheated in the summer and therefore needs a groom to maintain his health.
https://youtu.be/uhx6N3wuZXI
Vanessa took on the challenge. She determined that sadly there was no way of saving Wally’s long coat. She noted that prolonged “malnutrition makes for a different coat.” Despite it taking 5 hours for Vanessa to groom Wally, she enjoyed the experience. She commented on Abby and Cliff’s YouTube channel, “Wally was a dream to work with, and you guys are special people for saving him. It was so great to meet all of you!”
Wally is so much healthier now than when he was rescued a few years ago. He weighed 60 pounds when living in his cage. He now weighs 140 pounds and is a beloved family member.
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