90-year-old musician hosting charity jam session for Manitoba senior dog rescue

The Recycled Jammers, a group ranging in age from 61 to 90 years old, are reuniting to raise money for a Winnipeg animal rescue organization.

A 90-year-old Manitoba musician is drumming up support for an animal rescue that brought harmony back to his life.

Last year, Walter Diachun was navigating a heartbreaking loss after his 16-year-old shih tzu died.

“Time ran out on her and she passed on me.” he told CTV News. “It was a sad situation.”

Diachun had raised and trained the pup since she was only a few months old. She was also a captive audience for the lifelong musician, loving to listen to him sing and play guitar.

The loss was a profound one.

So much so that Diachun initially pledged not to adopt a new dog.

Still, as his new reality set in, he changed his mind.

“I tried to be without one and I said ‘I can’t. I just can’t.’”

To find the dog that struck the right chord in his life, Diachum connected with Before The Bridge, a Stony Mountain, Man. non-profit that rescues senior dogs that have been surrendered, neglected, abandoned or abused.

They worked fast.

Diachun was notified that a 12-year-old Yorkie was looking for a new forever home only a few days after he reached out.

His name was music to Diachun’s ears.

“He was called Mozart,” he said.

The pup came to Diachun’s home for a visit and it didn’t take long for the two to connect.

“It was instant companionship for me,” he said.

“He sniffed my hand, went one way in the house, went the other way in the house, came back, turned around and sat down in front of me like he was saying ‘I’m yours.’”

True to his name, Mozart loves to lay beside Diachun as he rehearses every Thursday with his band Recycled Jammers – a group with musicians ranging in age from 61 to 90.

Diachun is so grateful to the rescue for introducing him to his new number one fan that he is performing at “Raise The Woof” - a fundraiser concert for the organization.

The money is well needed, as the costs associated with rescuing and rehabilitating senior dogs can be ruff, pun intended.

“Mozart, for example, is a very standard case. He needed a full dental. We provided $1,850 worth of vetting for the dog,” explained Nicole McLeary with Before The Bridge.

The concert is scheduled for May 2 at Transcona Memorial Church.

Diachun said audiences can expect an eclectic set list featuring everything from polka to top 40s.

“It may not sound as good as it used to but if it sounds okay, then it’ll be okay,” he laughed.

- With files from CTV’s Glenn Pismenny