Sadly, things have changed.
Let’s start with the happy things. Jim Gorant, the great writer of “The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption” first met the Yori family because Andrew and Clara Yori had been one of the families that stepped up to adopt a Michael Vick dog. His name was Hector and we, the Dog Files, spotlighted Hector, Andrew and Clara for our Pit Proud short film which you can see here. Pit Proud: The History Of The Pit Bull. When we filmed this episode we also met Wallace, an awesome pit bull that the Yori family rescued, loved and in turn, became into a Frisbee catching champion.
Gorant, who is normally a sports writer, had built up quite a dog loving following because of “The Lost Dogs” and was looking for a follow up subject. Andrew told him Wallace’s story and the rest is history. You can now buy the story of Wallace right here! Wallace: The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport, Saved a Marriage, and Championed Pit Bulls–One Flying Disc at a Time.
Yeah, I have my own book, what’s it to you?
While on their book tour the Yori’s noticed something wrong with Wallace. They immediately took him to a hospital where he had emergency surgery and had a mass on his spleen removed. It turned out to be canine hemangiosarcoma, an incurable form of cancer. This past week they visited an oncologist where they are exploring treatment options for Wallace’s time left, which could be a month, or it could be 10.
Many people have asked how they can help. The Yori’s, in return, wrote this on Wallace’s facebook page.
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A few people have asked how they can help or contribute to Wallace’s care. At this point, we are not in a position to turn people down. On the same day that Wallace had emergency surgery to remove his splenic mass, his best friend Angus tore his cruciate ligament. Now the diagnosis is confirmed that Wallace has hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer. We are researching our options and currently have appointments set up with an oncologist and a holistic vet for Wallace. Angus is scheduled for TPLO surgery on Monday 9/17. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming. We can’t express our gratitude enough. We can assure everyone that we will make decisions based on his best interest. We want quality AND quantity. Here are some ways that people can help.
1. ChipIn. So far the vet bills total almost $6000. If we can get help with even a portion of that we would feel so grateful. ChipIn For Wallace and Angus.
2. Buy Wallace’s book. Wallace: The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport, Saved a Marriage, and Championed Pit Bulls– One Flying Disc at a Time Make sure your local bookstores and libraries have it. Read our story. Share it with others. Wallace has made a positive impact on this world and he has more to do.
3. Help a homeless pet. Donate to your favorite shelter or rescue in Wallace’s name, volunteer your time, adopt – Petfinder is a great resource. Then tell us about it. Knowing that something good is being done in tribute to Wallace makes us feel happy.
4. Send stuffies or treats. Wallace loves to destroy stuffed toys, with or without squeakers (they will be destroyed immediately so don’t bother purchasing expensive ones). Treats must be grain-free and poultry-free. Good brands for him are ZiwiPeak, Raw Bistro Stix, Wellness Pure Rewards (venison/salmon), Pure Vita (beef liver/sweet potato). No chews except for Zukes Z-Bones (he hardly has any teeth left). You can send them to him at 4712 19th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
5. Continue to send him positivity and love. Say prayers, wish him healing light, reiki, good thoughts… I believe all of that good energy is good for him.
6. I (Clara) am currently doing a painting of Wallace and I will be selling prints online to help with his medical bills. Those should be ready next week if you are interested.
7. Hug your pets and be glad for every moment you have with them. Their lives are too short and they deserve every ounce of goodness possible.
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Folks, when we talk about great, responsible dog owners, the Yori’s would be the photo next to the definition. They have been tireless advocates for dogs, have brought a great amount of awareness to breed specific legislation and have simply allowed people to see the joy that pit bulls can bring you. The Dog Files count them amongst our closest doggie friends and hope to work with them for years to come. Anything you can do to help would be incredible. As hard as it has been to get through the writing of this article, I can hardly imagine what the the Yori’s are going through.
We love you, Wallace! You have done so much in your life to help your fellow dogs!
With Love,
Kenn, Max & Remy
http://www.thedogfiles.com/2012/09/17/wallace-the-pit-bull-needs-your-help/
I just adopted my first pit bull mix and love her like crazy. I have been learning all I can about the breed and have decided that helping them is a worth while cause for me to persue. my sweet husband just purchased the book for me and am looking forward to reading it. Postive energy and love from me to Wallace. Thank you, Wallace and family for being such a wonderful example for the Pit Bull dog!
ReplyDeleteHow very sad. I am going to buy the book for my daughter's 26th birthday. She adopted a Pit 2 years ago when she signed up to foster. She was expecting a little 'foo foo' dog and instead Hazel, who was scheduled to be put down the next day, was delivered to her apartment. It was love at first sight. I'm so sorry to hear about Wallace's condition.
ReplyDeleteMy diesel looks so much like your lil baby the strength and love these dogs have is amazing after reading this story diesel and will have cuddle.time today for Wallace....much prayers for you guys
ReplyDeleteAfter rescuing a pit-bull now named Zeus from death row following 4.5 months in a city-shelter with no human interaction, I have grown passionate about his breed and others who are mis-understood. Zeus, like Wallace is high energy and after being inspired by Wallace's disc skills we realized this is exactly what our dog needed. I have started training with a disc and he loves it.
ReplyDeleteWe live in Mass. and are seeking options for him to learn and compete. We may not be the perfect option for Zeus but we have taken on the responsibility and are determined to provide what he needs to be protected from society while demonstrating his wonderful traits.
He's not perfect, like Wallace, but deserves a chance to show the qualities he can share. If a better home than ours comes of his disc playing, then it is meant to be. We seek a long happy, safe life for him.
Thank you Wallace and the Yori's and Jim Gorant for writing this book as we can relate to oh so many traits of Wallace in our Zeus. It makes me feel he is more "normal" than others try to make me feel.
We would love to meet the Yori's some day as Zeus needs a real freestyle disc coach (I feel too old).
We are very sorry for Wallace's condition as pets are our true forever friends. I operate a cat rescue and treasure every cat we foster, place or own every day of my life.