'Worried Sick About All the Abused Animals': Go Ask Wally

NATICK, MA - He’s a bonafide Internet sensation, and probably the biggest bunny celebrity to hit social media. Wally the Bunny has 217,000 followers on Instagram,and he’s been featured in numerous media outlets, including People Magazine, CNN, Good Morning America and the Boston Globe.

Now, Wally (and Molly) assist and entertain Patch readers each week with the advice column “Go Ask Wally.” Each week, we’ll field questions from readers, and pick the most interesting one, with Wally answering one question each Monday on Natick Patch.

QUESTION: Dear Wally....Sometimes I lay awake at night tossing and turning worried sick about all the animals that are being abused, neglected, and unloved. There must be so many. I do what I can to do my part, but what can I do to help me not think of this? Sincerely, Feeling Funny in Phoenix (Janie)

ANSWER: Hi, Janie. It’s ME, Wally! Oh, Janie! Thank you for your love and compassion for animals! This is not very humble of me, but I must say that animals are the most special, magical, radiant, exquisite beings in all the land! And it’s not every day that I use four brilliant, synonymous adjectives in a row, so I understand why you care so deeply for us! We animals are profoundly grateful for your support - but Janie? We’re sad that your worries are invading your sleep! One moment ... I’d like to call a meeting with all my animal friends. Together, we will collaborate on an excellent plan for you.

I’m back! The animal community and I have assembled! We’ve named your plan “Goodnight Animals, Good Night Janie.” We have determined that having a GOOD NIGHT is dependent upon your ability to say “GOODNIGHT” to your animal fears and worries. A relaxing, rejuvenating sleep is essential to having a happy and productive day! ... And here comes a Wally analogy! Imagine that you are camping and each fear and worry has its very own sleeping bag. You must tuck each worry in, zip him (or her) up, and allow him to rest, cozy and bundled in his puffy cacoon. Your fears and worries will all want to come out, Janie! They love to make campfires and toast marshmallows! But allow me to discuss your plan so you can learn to zip them back up for the night.

You wrote that you do what you can to do your part. How admirable! First, you must give yourself credit for this. Recognize, celebrate, and actively remind yourself that you are doing what you can. Second, prepare a collection (in your mind or in a notebook) of positive images and personal memories you have of happy, healthy, and loved animals. Visualizing these scenes will help you to successfully tuck in stubborn worries and fears for the night. It is important to note, Jamie, that you are not denying the existence of animal abuse and neglect. You are merely allowing space for positive realities to be present. There is a time to gradually unzip those sleeping bags; your concerns and fears are what inspire your efforts to improve the lives of animals. But no one can do this in their sleep! Third, establish a bedtime routine of relaxing activities that are unrelated to animals: listen to music, read a book, take a bath, watch television, etc. Focus your mind on truly enjoying these activities.

Remember, Janie: only if we were able to step into the pages of a delightful fairytale could we rescue all the animals in all the land and banish cruelty forever. But we can’t … because I haven’t finished the manuscript yet. When my fairytale is published, I will joyfully welcome everyone to step inside. But until this day, please feel free to borrow my extra sleeping bags when you need them. My animal friends and I understand that sometimes you must allow your worries to rest. But if you decide to toast marshmallows, we would love to join you, Janie!

Wally (and his mom) fields questions that range from life’s conflicts and local politics to social etiquette to general hygiene and fashion tips. If Wally thinks the question is beyond his scope of expertise, he will pass it to his administrative team.

So what say you? Have you a question for Wally? We will compile them here at Patch and feature one question and answer each week. Send your questions to charlene.arsenault@patch.com. Or post your query in the comments section.

Photo Credit: courtesy Molly Prottas