Unlike Waldo Pepper, this Waldo can't fly...

As hard as we try, we can't save every old Dalmatian that needs help. But every once in a while, we get lucky. This time, we got REALLY lucky. Waldo, a 13-year-old Dalmatian who was booted out of his forever home and headed for the shelter, is now headed to Canada! He is going to live out the remainder of his life with longtime supporters Carole & Jim outside of Toronto. Being too old to fly, a road trip is in Waldo's immediate future. Which is where we need your help. If you'd like to help with gas money to get Waldo to his final home, donations would be gratefully appreciated. Just let us know your contribution is to help get Waldo home.

Many thanks to Sherry for once again, and always, stepping up to the plate to take the old boy in until he gets transported and to Pat for being willing to do a long road trip with Waldo on board.

Thanks to Lauren, Amy and Jeanelle for contributing to Waldo's journey home.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 9th:

Waldo, complete with his medal for the Best Overall Costume at the DRTB picnic, is now making his way to his new home in Canada. Thanks to all for making this happen. We will update you upon his arrival... Carole, Pat and Waldo... God Speed!

Four-Wheeling is now a Canadian Spot... Eh?

UPDATED NOVEMBER 15th, 2007

The Wanderings of Waldo

by Pat

Carole, Waldo, & I took off on our journey to Waldo's new home with Carole, Jim, & Ben on November 1st. We needed a few days after Dal-loween to recover and tie up some loose ends.

We rented a nice Mazda 6 to fit all the stuff Carole & Waldo acquired at Dal-loween from their supporters (and a few things Carole thought of on her own). Waldo rode shotgun from the back seat, which also served as his travel bed.Once we left Florida the weather became very nice along the way with clear blue skies & pretty autumn leaves. Waldo was a good sport and made few complaints about being on such a long car ride. We several stops along the way, though I think he would have liked a few more stops for him to investigate.

Day #1 got us to Carowinds/Fort Mill SC or 2 mile short of the NC border.

Day #2 had us stopping to shop in Tamarack, WV at the center filled with local craft & we made a visit to the National Park at New River Gorge, WV before stopping in Waynesburg, PA to rest for the night.

Our third morning a heavy frost greeted us so we didn't linger; besides we had Niagara Falls yet to see. Passing through customs was quick... no one even questioned Waldo.

Waldo was a hit with the tourists and had his picture taken many times... maybe we should have charged? We finally got to Carole's home on the evening of Nov. 3rd where Waldo soon settled in to his new surroundings.

Waldo is very happy in his new surroundings & with his new family and they are happy with him. He will be loved for the rest of his life & will never have to go looking for a new home again. I am going to miss him; he was such a good boy to snuggle up in bed with.

I stayed a day or so longer to see some local sights and then caught the Amtrak home. US Customs couldn't find a reason to detain me so I made it to my cousin's home in Massapequa on Long Island for an overnight rest & changed trains the next morning. It was then a 26 hour ride home which while long gave me a chance to catch up on some rest I badly needed so I can get back to volunteering for DRTB and planning another event.

Thanks to everyone who made Waldo's trip happen!!!!

There is Another Star in the Heavens, Waldo Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge

UPDATED September 28th, 2010

Last Night

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.

Author Unknown