I am Walter and this is my World.

I am Walter and this is my World.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

2 Mos Anniversary

Today is the the TWO MONTH anniversary of Walter's accident. On July 10th he dashed out of the house and into the street and was hit by a Lexus SUV, the entire lower half of his body got crushed under the wheels - It all happened in about 15 seconds, the longest 15 seconds of my life. I rushed him to the emergency room where I was told that because of his extensive internal injuries and severe state of shock, he would not live through the night.

But this little guy fought and hour by hour he improved just the littlest bit. I would not leave the emergency room not even after they said I should, even after friends and family came. I stayed and wept in the waiting room barefoot because there hadn't been time to put on shoes.

I told the doctor, that she had to save him. That my life did not make sense without him. I told her to go back in there because he was going to make it. He had to or I wouldn't. I fought, she fought and most of all, little Walter fought and he survived.


He spent an entire week in critical care and finally came home drugged up and in terrible pain.I wept every day thinking this marvelous animal was taken down so young and I was powerless to help. I had horrible flashbacks, the sound of him getting hit would flash in my head, the picture of him laying bloody on the road replaying over and over until I thought I'd lose my mind.

Then I asked you all for your prayers, and they came. Not just a few, thousands. Thousands of people prayed for him, sent good wishes, emailed kind words, sent healing blankets and big boxes of gifts. People sent checks. 5-yr-old twins drew him pictures and hoped he came home soon from "the Vegetarians." You all bought copies of my books, which boosted sales and we were lifted, supported and propped up by strangers.

My family rallied and set up a nursery for walter just like you would for a newborn. They sacrificed time, money, and countless backbreaking hours, especially in those beginning days when he needed round-the-clock-care. He had no control of his bladder and couldn't sit up. We fed him water with an eyedropper, changed urine-soaked bedding every half hour, slept in shifts so he got his pain meds on time no matter what. Mom helping me was the reason he made it out of that horrible, dark, critical time when the doctors had done what they could do and we hovered over his crushed, broken body to see if he'd make it.

He still didn't sit up. He howled in pain if we shifted him the wrong way. It was my mother that insisted a second set of Xrays be taken and sent to the orthopedic surgeon because something "just wasn't right." It turned out that hunch of hers is what led to the second surgery. Three days later he got up and walked. Not far, not easily, much like a newborn deer unable to steer his body, but he WALKED.

Then he was unstoppable. We had to build a pen like you would for a foal just to keep him from charging around the house on his still-healing legs. We started physical therapy and landed at a clinic with dedicated, clever people and walter worked harder than ever to show off.


Now, a mere 8 weeks from the accident,we are somewhere I never expected to arrive. There is still a long road ahead of us and we don't know where it leads. He walks, but his rear foot still drags and it is unknown if it will heal. If it does, it will take a long time and alot of clinic visits and a lot of homework and hardest of all alot of patience and endurance on my part to stay the course.

That's why I wanted to thank all of you. Everyone. My loved ones, my friends, and all of you who have followed our story. You are part of why he is alive and I will never be able to thank you but I will promise you this. I will stay with Walter's recovery no matter what. I will see this through regardless of cost, pressure or fatigue. I will not give up, I will never give up and your love combined with Walter's indomitable spirit, is the reason why. Blessings to you and thank you for saving us.

34 comments:

dw said...

Walter's indominable spirit and will to live has had a lot to do with his recovery, as have all the prayers said for him(I still include "please help Walter the Pug recover" nightly). But it is your determination, Heather, your love for this little bundle of pug joy that never let you quit, that pushed you to go the distance for Walter. You and Walter both are an inspiration!

Manda Girl said...

OMG I am BAWLING!!! The reality of all this seems somewhat impossible. The strength of you, Walter and this community is unstoppable. We think of you guys everyday and continue to ask for Walter to keep strong. BIG HUGS!!! (We also sent a package to you both ;) stay tuned...

Salinger The Pug said...

We want to thank YOU both for sharing this story and letting us be a part of it.

If nothing else...it's taught us to be EXTRA careful when going in and out of the front door and car, but it's made us appreciate every second we have with our sweet Puggy too!

We're so happy that this story is shaping up to have a very happy ending. Perhaps a book is in your future telling this story???

Keep the updates coming and please kiss that little Miracle Pug for us!

Love,
Salinger's Family
(Laura, Kevin and Holden)

The Devil Dog said...

We not be right therre with you but we are all here with you. The blogosphere is amazing and has the most amazing and caring people you can imagine.
Every day I check your blog to see if there is an update. Walter is as much a part of our lives as he is yours.
Pugs crawl into your heart and cannot possibly be taken out.
Thank you for all your strength and love for Walter. It is wonderful to see and read.

Marie, Roxy & Lucky

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

Your post is so beautiful. We can't beleive its been so long. He has truly worked hard to recovered as have you. We are just happy that you fought for him to live and pull through, some may say the cost is too much but you are a true pug owner and know there little lives are what helps us live day to day. Many thanks to you and your family!

BRUTUS said...

What a lovely tribute to your journey together. Thanks for sharing and including us all in both your sorrows and your joys. The power of love is incredible, and your story is a testament to that. It sounds like Walter is over the proverbial "hump" and we look forward to hearing of his continued improvement. We still hope you do the "Walter does America" tour - gotta meet this incredible little guy (not to mention yourself!) one way or another!

Michelle & Brutus

Pug(s) and Bugg said...

YOU GO WALTER!!!!!!!!!! We are so proud of you and your mamma.

kellylr82 said...

Thank you for loving Walter as much as you do. Not everyone would do for their pet as you are doing for Walter...maybe that's the problem there, that they see them as a pet while Walter is part of your family. You both show us what true love is, and I believe that love is what healed Walter. You both loved each other so hard that you helped him heal and he helped heal himself.
Truly, Thank YOU!

Mia said...

Love spending my nights crying over the blogs =) At least this was a good cry!! I can't believe it's been two months. There have beenso many ups and downs and I amso glad that we could all be here for you and Walter. You are both an inspiration to us all and we look forward to Walter's continued improvement and success!!!!

Pug love & kisses

Jess & Lilo

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

Awww, mom's got tears in her eyes. It's amazing how people come together and help one another. Both you and Walter are amazing. We look forward to the Walter updates and we are glad he is doing so well.

God Bless!!

Yoda & Brutus

Stubby said...

Mom always tells me that everything happens for a reason, even the bad things. We may not know the reason at the time and may be mad at what has happened, but happen it did and we are left to deal with and try to understand it.

You have graciously let us into yours and Walter's lives and for this I am forever grateful. You have taught me to never give up and to pick myself up when I am down. Through your story you have shown how complete strangers come together to help those in need. This is what the world needs more of - people (and pugs) helping people (and pugs).

No one would wish what happened to Walter on any dog. Like Salinger's mom said, it has taught us to be extra careful when going in and out of the house and this caution may save the life of one us.

Walter's story is just beginning and I can't wait to read the next chapter.

Stubby xoxo

THE PUGLET said...

Happy Anniversary, Walter!

Way to show that SUV who's boss. I mean, they say living well is the best revenge, right?

I had a near death experience once too. My heart stopped when they tried to cut my boy parts off. When my heart was stopped, my brain swelled and when your brain is swollen, you can't walk or see or hear or do much of anything. At least I couldn't.

But my human took really good care of me - just like yours is doing for you now. Humans are great like that.

Now, heal!

:)

Nettie said...

I am so proud of our boy Walter!! Just reading through the recap of his journey warms my heart. He has come so far! I am so glad our prayers and well wishes are working! I am hoping you can do another x ray soon and see if the bone is healing good around the screw. I can't wait for him to break out of scamperland! ha ha. Loves and pug kisses walter
Nettie

Boo Bear said...

Love to shed these daily, uplifting tears of JOY over you Momma Heather and your MOST beloved Walter boy! This is what life is ALL about! Not giving up! Banding together in love to build belief and STRENGTH! Learning from each other and our experiences! Taking the GOOD out of things and deleting and forgiving the bad... THE POWER OF LOVE!!!! THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE!! THE POWER OF THE PUG!! And of course, THE POWER OF THE ONE AND ONLY, WALTER!!! Love you, SO HAPPY you have shared all this with us.. We have ALL been changed and we all CELEBRATE in the MIRACLES that you and Walter are bringing to our lives! THANK YOU HEATHER, THANK YOU WALTER, WE LOVE YOU!!! XOXO

Oakley and Swisher said...

If there is anything I have learned living with my pug is that they are resilient. When my Swisher was attacked and lost his eye, I didn't know how I could go on knowing what we had gone through, seeing him heal and not letting it stop or slow him down was a sense of healing for myself. Your Walter is a fighter and so are you, we will continue to have you two in our thoughts and prayers that you can continue healing.

Lots of Licks--
Swisher and Oakley's Mim

Molly the Airedale said...

We can't believe it's been two months already! You and your mom are a fabulous team, Walter!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Kelly said...

Thanks for sharing this post with us, Heather. It's so important to look back and see how far you've come. Of course, I am crying, as I have done many times in the past few months. Walter's accident literally kept me up at night for a while, wondering how he was and how you were.
Still today I find myself drifting off at work wondering what kind of day you two are having and wishing I could do more to help. THANK you for so transparently sharing this story with us. Thank you for letting us celebrate the good days with you and letting us cry our way through the sad days. When you feel like Walter could conquer the world, you tell us! And on those days where you feel like you can't stand another day of seeing him like this, you let us help you deal with that too. I appreciate that you are honest about the ups and downs of this process, and I LOVE that there are more ups than downs.
I KNOW you will see Walter through to his complete and total rehabilitation. We all know how lucky you are to have him... but I wonder if he knows how lucky he is to have YOU!?

xoxo

Mia said...

Happy Friday Walter & Heather!!

Please come by adn check out our Charity Paw It Forward post. We think you'll like it =)

Jess & Lilo

agent99 said...

So glad to read this post! It's to see that momma is feeling more positive after such a tough struggle...and Walter is well onhis way to a full recovery. Thank you for sharing the journey -Walter, you incredible pluck & fiestiness and your momma's relentless support have been very inspiring to me; there is always hope, no matter how bad things might look. GO WALTER!

Anonymous said...

I am sitting here at work trying not to cry and failing.
I cannot believe it was two months ago that this happened. Walter still has a ways to go but already he has come so far. Not everyone would do what you have done for him and that makes both of you (and your family!!) so special.

The blogger world is pretty amazing when you need something.

We will be here for you!

Harry Pugalicious said...

Mom's crying and I's telling her not to but she said they's only sad tears because of what you and Walter have gone through but they's also happy because of how you've both come through it.

I's sending extra pug hugs and kisses your way to celebrate how far you've come!

Nicole said...

Go Walter and Walter's friends and family! I am so glad that he is doing so well.

Rosie said...

Your story is an incredible one. Thank goodness he is a strong little fighter pug with a very very strong will to survive. The pain he must have been through is unthinkable and amazing how pugs are still so loving and friendly under the hardest of circumstances. Congratulations Walter for being so strong and never giving up and to your mommy for always holding your paw through the whole thing!!

Leah said...

Wow, this post makes me cry but also makes me so thankful that Walter is doing so well and that you have felt the love and support from people all over the world. And I love the last picture!! My Oscar has the same cigar toy, and it suits them perfectly!

Unknown said...

I can't believe we were nominated in Paw it Forward. You guys are beyond the best. Humbled. Grateful. weepy.

Anonymous said...

Stay strong! We continue to keep Wally in our prayers. He's come so very far!

Hugs!

Emily said...

Okay, I'm crying. My make up is running and I look like a crack whore, but its worth it.

Unknown said...

It's unbelievable. Be strong, finish the recovery and be positive all the time. Belive it or not my family is waiting every new post to see how is Walter.
Big hugs and pug kisses from Skopje, Macedonia.

Nikola, Sonja, Angela, Leona and two pugs ( Bono and Fani )

Winston Wilbur said...

Oh Wally! We have been moved to tears as we read this post and recall the event. Two months ago we stumbled across your blog after mum saw a headline on another pugs blog. It read "say a prayer for Wally" so we linked to your blog and have been following you ever since. We love the updates and to see your improvement. What a strong and determined little boy you are! My mum has learned lots since she started following your blog. Her favourite is this "Nothing in our lives matters - unless it has a beating heart. The rest is landfill". This is so true. Your posts have opened our eyes to the importance of friends and family who help you thru tough times. It made us become more cautious when the door is open or I am off leash. It made us realize that complete strangers have lots of heart and compassion. In a nut shell what we have learned is how important is is to have each other and we need to cherish these times.... always! Keep fighting little guy, with your momma's help you will mend and even if not 100% you are still loved and have love to give that is 100%!

pug hugs Winston

Paula said...

Your post was so honest and heartfelt I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. We all feel like we know Walter...and we all love him like he was our own. Your strength and determination together with Walters are truly amazing. Thank YOU for sharing your beautiful story with all of us. Thank YOU for letting us into your life. If we have become some sort of support system for you then it's a blessing for all of us.

Archie and Melissa said...

hi heather and walter!

you two are what life and love is all about.

we are inspired by both of you everyday!

xoxoox
m & e

Jen and Maxwell said...

OH Heather,

You have Maxwell and I in tears. This is so sweet! And you know that we will all still be here to support you throughout this whole thing.
Pugs and pug people are the greatest in the world!

Big hugs and kisses!

Jen and Maxwell

Mr. Pickles said...

Walter, you and Heather (and all those around you) are amazing! Thank you for keeping us informed with all the triumphs and set backs. We've been cheering you on from afar and have constantly though of you and your hard journey. Its an inspiration and such a wonderful story on NEVER giving up on those you love : )
Thank you for sharing!!!

Unknown said...

Oh, Heather, this post just brought tears to my eyes. There has hardly been a day in the last two months that you and Walter have not crossed my mind and been included in my prayers. We did buy your books, and we bought them because I love books, and love to read, and think you're a great writer, but also so that when I see them on my coffee and side table, I will remember to whisper a little "wally-prayer"
I think as your readers, we cannot thank YOU enough for keeping us so updated, for being so honest about your emotions, for allowing us to send our help. This is certainly not a struggle that could be handled alone, and it is amazing to see how many angels there are that come out of the shadows just when we need them.
God cares for all His creatures- "His eye is on the sparrow" and certainly it has been on you and Wally the last two months, and will continue to be.
Much love from me, W & C