Throw a Bone to Barter: The Curious Case of Walter the Pup

By IMS Broker Cassie Yardman

Once upon a time in the foothills of Colorado, a sweet English Cream Golden Retriever named Walter was born with a tail that wagged as if it had its own personality. From the moment he opened his sleepy puppy eyes, it was clear—Walter wasn’t just any puppy. He was special.

Walter’s first home was with Jolene, a massage therapist known for her healing hands and big heart. In addition to giving the best deep tissue massages in town, Jolene had a knack for nurturing animals. She often joked that puppies were like warm therapy stones—only way cuter. As fate would have it, Jolene listed Walter for adoption, calling her broker Cassie, hoping to find him the perfect forever home. She had no idea that Walter’s journey would turn into a storybook coincidence.

Hundreds of miles away, a woman named Carol (who had recently moved from Colorado) had been dreaming of having a puppy to fill her home with joy, mischief, and a whole lot of fluffy cuddles. One day, while browsing through email offers, she stumbled upon the adorable photos of Walter. It was love at first sight. Excited and emotional, Carol reached out to her broker—Lori who connected the two.

It turned out Jolene had once provided massage therapy for Carol’s mother through none other than IMS Barter. Neither of them had remembered at first, but their paths had already crossed, long before Walter’s little paws had even touched the ground. Then came the twist that made the stars align perfectly.

Knowing how much Carol wanted to bring Walter home but also aware of her budget, Lori made a heartfelt call to Kim Strabley, Vice President of IMS. “Any chance we can help make this match happen?” she asked. The answer was a warm, resounding yes.

IMS Barter extended a line of credit to Carol, allowing her to bring Walter home that very week. When Lori called to share the news, Carol was overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes welled up with tears as she realized it wasn’t just about getting a puppy—it was about something deeper. It was about serendipity, connection, and a little golden ball of fluff that had brought it all full circle.

Now, Walter lives his best life—chasing butterflies, snuggling on couches, and reminding everyone around him that sometimes, the universe works in mysterious (and adorably furry) ways.

How can IMS make your next trade your most memorable one? Contact your broker today and let them know your wishes!

Photos courtesy of Carol Kresge