Big Heart Rescue quickly found a foster home with one of its directors and had Willy tested for all causes of hair loss and for the mucous discharge. The hair loss was finally determined to be many allergies. It was worried that distemper may have been the disease infecting so many of the Surrey SPCA dogs, a much deadlier disease than kennel cough. If treated properly kennel cough is not cause for death or an excuse for euthanasia.

But during the efforts to find out what was making Willy so sick he suddenly declined and was rushed to the vet where he was put on I.V. fluids for three days but he did not improve. With heart-breaking reluctance Big Heart Rescue made the decision to have Willy put to sleep.

As well as Willy a sick dog named Cody was adopted by an SPCA volunteer and a little dog named Dot was rescued by Okanagan Animal Welfare Foundation.

Willy gets a few days of happiness and peaceful rest in his foster home