When Kate Olson and her partner, Curtis Chastain, from New Hampshire, traveled to Missouri for a family visit, they never anticipated living through one of the most distressing scenarios any dog owner could face.
The couple decided to bring along their dog, Walter, a Golden Retriever. One day, while a family member was walking Walter, he managed to slip out of his collar and dart away.
With growing anxiety, his family sprang into action, initiating a search for him.
Searching For Walter
Numerous volunteers joined the frantic search. After spending an additional two weeks in Arnold, Missouri, they had to return home due to work obligations, a heart-wrenching decision.
Olson created a Facebook group titled “Where’s Walter??” to report any sightings of her beloved dog.
Rescue workers Gay Arnold and Maryanne Martin from Lost Paws Trapping, a non-profit organization from Illinois, reached out, offering their assistance. They specialize in reuniting lost pets with their families. Arnold and Martin began tracking Walter, searching for any signs.
Initially, there were some possible sightings of Walter. However, over time, he seemed to have disappeared completely. No one reported seeing him.
Olson worried for her dog’s safety, as he was known to be a ‘scaredy dog’. Both she and Walter struggled with anxiety and provided support for each other. Whenever her furry companion felt frightened, he would dash to her side, where he always found comfort.
Never Losing Hope Of Reuniting With Their Boy
Sightings of dogs occurred in January and then in March of 2020. Hoping one of them was Walter, Olson traveled back to Missouri but returned disheartened on both occasions as it wasn’t her beloved pet.
Even in the absence of news about their dog for several months, Olson and Chastain clung to hope.
“I never gave up that hope. I couldn’t give up. It does eat you up, and you want to give up so you can rest, but I never would have been able to rest peacefully,” Olson shared.
Olson had a deep bond with her lovely pet, whom she adopted as a puppy.
Excellent News
In November 2020, nearly a year after Walter’s disappearance, something incredible transpired.
Olson received two blurred screenshots of a dog via Facebook Messenger. Though hard to confirm it was Walter, she refrained from getting her hopes up due to past disappointments.
“…I dispatched my rescue volunteers to investigate the area and speak to local businesses where the dog was spotted. Surprisingly, a business owner in the vicinity said he had seen that dog on his security cameras for the last six weeks since installation,” Olson wrote on her Facebook.
The Lost Paws Trapping team swiftly established a feeding station and set up a camera near the industrial park where the dog was last observed. Olson flew back to Missouri to assist.
Walter didn’t appear the first night; however, he returned the following night, entering the crate to eat before retreating again. When Olson observed the familiar pup grabbing the food, she felt certain it was her dog.
The Long Awaited Reunion
That same night, Walter entered the trap. Olson rushed toward him and began speaking soothingly. After enduring so many months of separation, she finally had her furry baby back in sight. As soon as Walter recognized his mom, he began to whimper.
Emotional and overwhelmed, Olson sat beside her cherished dog, showering him with love through the crate. Recognizing his mom’s presence, Walter extended his paw… a gesture he always used to make.
Once the rescuers opened the crate, the affectionate dog leapt into Olson’s arms and began showering her with kisses. She was in disbelief as she embraced her boy after the long months apart. The bond they shared was evidently strong.
“He just snapped out of survival mode, and covered in fleas, smelling horrible, was going in between her legs, jumping up and giving her kisses. It was really special,” stated Martin.
Finally reunited with her, Walter exuded joy. That very night, he nestled into her arms and fell asleep, finally at peace.
Olson decided to drive back to New Hampshire, wanting to ensure Walter felt as comfortable as possible.
Chastain joined them in Cleveland, Ohio. Walter was overjoyed to see his dad. He leaped from the car and rushed into Chastain’s open arms. Their reunion was heartfelt, filled with happiness as they embraced.
Both Olson and Chastain felt immense joy having their furry companion back. It truly felt like a dream brought to life.
Walter now enjoys a fulfilled life with his family. He cherishes his time with his parents, expressing his love through cuddles.
