Brian and Wally
Jan. 7, 2023
By Meaghan Rising
SCRANTON – Brian Machowski and his therapy dog Wally are transforming the lives of residents at the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center and spreading positivity across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
During the summer of 2020, Wally was found on the side of the road in Georgia, wrapped in a blanket covered in worms. Wally was then relocated to Laura’s Hope Rescue in Susquehanna County, where Brian and his wife Dana Machowski instantly fell in love with him.
“My wife and I were walking around the rescue, and every time we stopped, he stopped and sat. And I thought that at eight weeks old it was kind of strange,” Machowski said.
They began training Wally not long after he was brought home, and at five months old Wally spent two weeks at Off Leash K9 Training in Allentown.
“He doesn’t realize he’s being trained every day; he just thinks it’s fun,” Machowski said.
While attending the Salute to Veterans Bike Ride in 2021, Machowski and Wally spent time with some of the veterans who had been brought over from the Gino Merli center. Machowski noticed one gentleman in particular who kept his head down and asked him if he wanted to pet Wally. The man talked about his experience serving in the army during World War II all the while petting Wally.
“All of a sudden somebody from the VA came up to me and asked, ‘what did this gentleman say to you?’ He said he has not raised his head in the last three months. I knew something was special there.”
They were then asked by one of the directors of the VA if they would like to come to the Gino Merli Center so that the other veterans could meet Wally. Soon thereafter, they began the process of getting certified through the AKC Therapy Dog Program, which would allow Wally to volunteer in schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
“We both passed all three tests with flying colors, and now he is a certified therapy dog just loving life,” Machowski said.
They try to visit the Gino Merli Center whenever they have the chance and have become well acquainted with the veterans, as well as the nurses and staff. When the two aren’t spending time with the residents of the Gino Merli Center, they are going on adventures together and meeting new people.
Wally has also become well-known in the community, with more than a thousand followers on his Facebook page, ‘Where’s Wally Now?’
Machowski’s friends over at Stately Pet Supply suggested documenting the adventures they go on together and the friends they make along the way
“This took off like a rocket,” Machowski said about the Facebook page, “He has followers in England, Singapore, Jerusalem, Rio de Janeiro and Canada.”
Machowski mentioned a comment he saw on one of Wally’s Facebook posts from a man who could no longer drive, who said he wishes he could meet Wally and that he lives vicariously through the two of them.
“The smiles he brings to people’s faces, whether it be in person or on his Facebook has really just exploded. [I] Never would’ve thought we’d have as many people throughout the area, the country, the world, following him and what he does,” Machowski said.
One of their favorite things to do together is spend time in the great outdoors, especially when that includes a trip to the Lackawanna River where Wally can swim. Machowski also loves hiking some of the more challenging trails, and their hikes are between two to 10 miles long.
“We hiked our 27th state park three weeks ago, and we’ve hiked over 900 miles together,” Machowski said, “He’s done a lot in his short life.”
Whether it be waterfall hiking, walking in parades, or even throwing the ceremonial first fetch at the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Rail Riders game, they are always together.“When I come home from work, he’s my right-hand boy and my best friend. He won’t leave my side,” Machowski said.