Name: Walter (3/male) & Lucky (2/female)
Family Members: Joe & Neely
Location: Atlanta, GA (Virginia - Highland Neighborhood)
Nicknames: Wa Wa & Luck Luck
5 of the best words/phrases that describe Walter & Lucky:
Walter:
- patient
- kind
- In tune with human emotions
- friendly
- docile
Lucky:
- Wild Child
- smart
- loyal
- happy
- playful
What makes Walter & Lucky unique ?: Walter and Lucky are amazing with people of all types. They love playing with little kids or just hanging out with adults. As long as they are around people they are happy.
Rescue Story: Walter was found by Southern Animal Rescue, on the side of the road with a chain around his neck. Right around that time, my husband and I were thinking about fostering a dog. While I was at work, I was telling a co-worker that we really wanted a pit bull. She said she volunteered for SAR and there was a perfect dog there that really needed a foster. We went to meet him that week and he has been with us ever since.
About a year after getting Walter and after purchasing our first house with a big backyard, we knew it was time to get Walter a friend. I contacted SAR and asked if they had any available pit bulls that needed a home. They said no, but that they could definitely find one. Lucky had been at DeKalb Animal Services for 6 months and was on the Urgent List. (meaning that if she did not find a foster/adopter she would be euthanized) Her name at the shelter was Smiley because of her huge, ever present smile. We (including Walter) fell in love immediately. She hasn't been the easiest of dogs but we're so happy we found her. We definitely wouldn't have it any other way.
Walter and Lucky's Freedom Rides!!!
Their first day together, soaking up some rays!
What is your favorite pastime as a family?: Going hiking with the dogs. They really love the outdoors, the smells and the freedom. Giving them some off-leash time is a great experience for all of us.
What is life like since you rescued Walter & Lucky (for them and you)? Our life revolves around our dogs (as unhealthy as that sounds). Because of their breed, we like to get out in the community as much as possible. We're always walking them around the many different parks in our area, taking them shopping and to bars with us. We love talking about how our dogs are pit bulls with people in our community.
Since getting the dogs, our life is much more active. We are either walking through the neighborhood or playing with them in the backyard. Not only is our life more active, but our life is more fulfilling. As cheesy as it sounds, they really do give a more fulfilling purpose to life. These dogs have shown us time and time again that our past does not dictate our future. That no matter what society thinks we are - we can still rise above that.
Photographers note: Joe & Neely are great advocates for the breed. They have fostered several pit bulls (in addition to the two permanent residents in their house) and helped them find their forever homes. Just before our photo shoot, they had decided to foster another pit bull named Marianna (Mari), who is part of a cruelty case. She was very scared and skittish when I came to their home. Over the last couple weeks, I have witnessed her blossom into a much more confident and happy dog; thanks to Joe, Neely, Walter and Lucky who have shown her what it feels like to be loved and be part of a family. For more on Mari, please check our Facebook page.