WILBUR aka Wee-Wilbs, Wilbus, Sweet Boy, Wilbs, Spicy Bean, Wilburrito
February 5, 2021 – February 19, 2026
Wilbur was a special little warrior.
His fight began on day one. Slow to take his first few breaths after birth, Wilbur’s little body was forced to fight. With that first breath, his first battle was won.
It didn’t take long before Wilbur’s next obstacle appeared. While his littermates began exploring the world and their growing bodies, Wilbur struggled in his. Unable to support his own weight, he would flop to one side, lacking the coordination most puppies his age possessed. Despite these physical struggles, Wilbur never lost his puppy-like wonder. He remained bright, responsive, curious, and playful.
Wilbur entered BTRC care as a tiny seven-week-old puppy. Here he faced another battle – finding the right home. In his first weeks in rescue, Wilbur had two different foster homes, but neither was quite the right fit. With so many unknowns, Wilbur required extra care and attention that many homes simply couldn’t provide. What Wilbur didn’t know was that his perfect foster home was just around the corner, with a foster mom ready and waiting.
Up until this point, Wilbur had been a medical mystery. It wasn’t until he met with a neurology specialist that answers began to emerge. Hydrocephalus was ruled out and his spine appeared normal. An MRI eventually revealed Wilbur had been born without a cerebellum, and he was diagnosed with a severe form of Dandy-Walker Syndrome – a rare brain malformation. Fortunately, DWS is a non-degenerative condition, meaning that with support, dogs can still enjoy happy and fulfilling lives.
Armed with a diagnosis, Wilbur’s fighting spirit once again took the lead. He quickly won over the hearts of everyone he met. With the support of BTRC, his devoted foster mom, and a team of specialists, Wilbur prepared for his next big challenge – earning his wheels. Weekly rehabilitation appointments and daily exercises became his routine, all with one goal in mind. After a year of determination and training, he was ready to hit the pavement running, and he did!
On the first anniversary of Wilbur’s arrival into foster care, there was much to celebrate. Along with his new wheels, Wilbur’s foster mom made things official and adopted him. He had finally conquered the ultimate foster dog challenge – finding his forever home.
Wilbur’s journey may have looked difficult to those watching from the outside, but Wilbur didn’t know life any other way. He had a mom who made sure he experienced all the joys of being a dog. And like any dog, Wilbur appreciated the simple things: his human, his tennis ball, warm blankets, rolling in the grass, and food – especially white sticky rice and popcorn. And just like every Boston Terrier, Wilbur hated cold walks in the rain and snow, even in his sweet ride.
While he faced more battles than any dog should, Wilbur did so surrounded by love and unwavering support.
Sadly, at just five years old, Wilbur faced one final battle. This time, his little body had no more fight left to give. Wilbur passed away in his favourite place, his mom’s arms.
His mom says:
“He left knowing he was in his safe space, and that he was loved. There will never be enough time, but I will be forever grateful for the time we did have; every cuddle, sloppy kiss, paw-tap, belly rub, ear scratch, play, howl, grumble, snore, and look of unconditional love. He made sure his presence in this world was known. He will never be forgotten, and he will be forever loved.”
Run free, sweet Wilbur. We hope you were greeted by your foster-brother, Bogard, and that the two of you are continuing your never-ending game of tug-of-war.
You will always be one of our most spicy and sweetest little angels. ❤️
