A skinny stray dog ​​was adopted by a Calgary couple

A Calgary Animal Services Center shares the heartwarming story of an adoption that helped turn a scared and traumatized stray into a thriving, happy and healthy dog.

Officials first shared details about Wally, a young border collie cross, in January.

Kangybas entered the shelter in October 2023 due to emaciation and a fractured pelvis.

Now, months later, Wally has changed.

Semi-retired couple Peter and Korne say they came across the Wally story while on a ski holiday in the Kimberleys.

“I was heartbroken to hear his story,” Corne said in a Wednesday news release.

“That's when I knew it was ours.”

The couple booked an appointment with Wally as soon as they returned to Calgary.

Wally had been through a lot in that time. He needed orthopedic surgery to repair a fractured pelvis, dental work to repair and extract broken teeth, physical therapy twice a day to help the pelvis heal, and was spayed.

Wally's femur compared to a healthy femur. (City of Calgary) Officials say Wally was shy and nervous during his first meeting with Peter and Corne, but by the third, the dog finally gave Peter his paw, bonding the three for good.

According to Animal Services, the couple used their weekend to fence around their yard to bring Wally home on Monday — no easy task since it was January.

After a few weeks together, Wally is getting very comfortable in his new home.

“When we wake up, the first thing we do is cuddle with Wally,” Korne said.

The collie gets regular walks at Springbank Dog Park, where he runs unhindered by his previous injury.

“We have gained so much from adopting Wally, it has been a joy and our lives have been changed for the better,” said Peter.

Kathleen Dixon, animal care and clinic services coordinator, says this story epitomizes the unconditional love that comes from adopting a dog from Animal Services.

“Our team of animal behavior coordinators strives to match each animal with the perfect family,” she said.

“Our goal is to find the ideal match for each adopted pet in terms of lifestyle, temperament and compatibility. In this case, we're proud to say we've succeeded.”

If you are interested in giving a forever home to one of the adoptable pets at Calgary Animal Services, you can visit Calgary.ca.