We are a foster based rescue in central Indiana.

Our mission is to save animals from poor environments, neglect and kill shelters. We also like to help the 'good samaritan' who takes in an animal and can't keep it but doesn't want to take it to a shelter. Strays, however, are our number one priority for rescue and placement.


Waldo's Story

Although we love all the animals we rescue, Waldo is the one who had the greatest impact on us personally and as a group. For that reason, we have decided to honor his memory and keep it alive by using his name in our title. Below is Waldo’s story …

Waldo was first seen as a stray running the streets late one night. He was only too happy to jump into the car that stopped next to him. Being a seasoned animal rescuer, the driver always carried dog food with her for just such an event. Following words of encouragement and the aroma of something good to eat, the dog jumped eagerly into the vehicle.

During his first days at the barn, it became apparent that this newcomer had probably spent his life on a chain or in a small pen outdoors. He neither knew how to run or play with the other dogs nor was he comfortable inside a house. It was with great joy that we observed him become accustomed to the other dogs and begin to interact mischievously with them. He was christened “Waldo” so that when he was racing around the yard, we could yell, “Where’s Waldo?” and then, when he ran up for attention, add “There he is!” He quickly learned the joy of running free at top speed in wide circles around us; the thrill of fetching a toy and then playing tug-of-war; and the intense pleasure of getting his ears scratched and his belly rubbed.

In addition to social and physical neglect, Waldo had also undergone cruelty at the hands of someone. After careful examination, our vet informed us that his missing tail was not the result of a birth defect; it had been unprofessionally and cruelly cut off with a knife or a pair of scissors. It was also explained that this sort of mutilation done by an amateur is very dangerous for an animal and could have resulted in nerve damage or paralysis.

One day, as Waldo was wrestling with another dog, a small lesion was noticed on his hind quarters. Waldo was immediately driven to our vet who determined that Waldo had an anal gland tumor . We opted for surgery the next day even though the projected cost was steep. Our vet told us that the prognosis was not good as this type of tumor was normally fatal. To everyone's surprise and delight, the pathology came back benign, but if the lesion had not been removed, the likelihood of it becoming cancerous was high.

Two weeks after his surgery, we were notified that a claim of ownership for Waldo had surfaced. Because of legal ramifications, we were forced to relinquish him. Waldo had been living in an air-conditioned home, sleeping in a bed and playing with numerous toys. This was carefully explained to the people taking possession of him and Waldo was given to them along with his blanket and favorite toys. Despite this information, he immediately went back to living on the end of chain and sleeping in the dirt during one of the hottest summers in record. It broke the hearts of the many volunteers who witnessed him lying on the ground, filthy and dejected, next to a decrepit doghouse.

We filed a civil lawsuit requiring Waldo’s return or monetary compensation for the expensive veterinary treatment which we had incurred on his behalf. It took approximately six months but the suit was ultimately successful and our wonderful boy was returned to us. We brought him back to the barn, let him off his leash and watched Waldo do what he does best … charm everyone with his exuberant personality and love of life. This day he ran with great joy, appearing to be doing victory laps as he raced past the applauding and cheering crowd of well-wishers. It was an emotionally charged moment for everyone as exhibited by the tears of relief and happiness in all of our eyes.

Four months after Waldo’s return, a visit to our vet to investigate a swollen throat revealed that Waldo had lymphatic cancer. Our vet recommended that we undertake one course of chemotherapy to see how Waldo reacted. Luckily, the size of Waldo’s lymph nodes reduced dramatically and he began feeling and acting like the Waldo we had all come to know and love. Because of this our vet thought his prognosis was good and so we continued with bi-weekly chemotherapy. Initially, Waldo seemed to respond, but after about four months, his condition deteriorated. He died peacefully in his sleep the morning of November 27th with people who cared about him … not alone and on a chain.

It was not just his story that made Waldo so special to us; it was his exhilaration, his enjoyment of everything life had to offer and the endearing sweetness of his character. Waldo got this expression on his face which we called ‘the Waldo look’ whenever he saw food: he became glassy eyed, fixated and often drooled if he thought he was going to get a tasty delicacy like chicken breast or pizza. He loved car rides, running free, and being held close while listening to soft murmurs of affection in his ear. After a life spent on the end of a chain, he should have been anti-social and aggressive, but he was not. He made a huge impact on everyone who met him and is greatly missed by all.

It was a unanimous decision that we incorporate Waldo’s name in our new rescue. Daily he reminds us of the goodness in the world and what is possible for a dog rescued from a life of misery.

501(c)(3) non profit animal rescue in Indianapolis, Indiana