Graham Whatmough used to live in Ontario, working in an oilfield. He soon got tired of his job and decided to pursue his hobby – photography. So he moved to Alberta and became a freelance nature photographer and videographer.
He frequently visited the woods to find subjects to shoot. Because of this, he became very familiar with the various trails in the area. One day, he found something different, and his photo walk turned into a rescue mission.
Trust
Graham was taking photos of some berries he found when he noticed something move from afar. He took a closer look and discovered it was a dog. She was sitting behind a fallen tree and was staring right at him. The photographer tried to get close, but the canine started baring her teeth and growled at him.
To gain her trust, Graham started throwing the berries he had in hand. It was the only food he had with him. He didn’t really expect the dog to eat it. Surprisingly, the pooch consumed them and even started to wag her tail.
This encouraged Graham to offer the canine water from his bottle. She drank every last drop. Soon, he was able to pet her and scratch her snout.
Injured
Although Graham had already gained the dog’s trust, she still refused to move. After a little more coaxing, the pooch stood up and walked oddly. She was deliberately keeping pressure off her back legs. He knew then that she was injured.
The photographer picked the dog up and took her to a vet. His suspicions were confirmed. Her legs were previously broken, and they healed improperly. She requires expensive surgery to fix them, or the legs would have to be amputated.
Graham didn’t know what to do at that time. He shared the story online, and people rallied behind him. Donations started to pour in, and he collected more than enough to let the dog get the operation. When she properly healed, Graham adopted her.
The dog, now named Willow, joins his new dad in his hikes and photography work. She is enjoying the wilderness where she once lived.
Source: Graham Whatmough via Facebook