Walter

Meet Walter! Walter is a 1.5-year-old brindle Dutch Shepherd mix, and goodness, is this boy handsome.

With his striking brindle coat, shepherd good looks, and adventurous spirit, Walter is the kind of dog who turns heads. But behind that handsome face is a sensitive guy who has already come an incredibly long way.

Walter was found wandering the streets of Houston during the unforgiving Texas summer with an injured paw. His paw pad had been badly burned, likely from walking on scorching hot concrete. We don't know what Walter experienced before he came to us, but we do know that when he first arrived, he was understandably nervous and unsure of the world around him.

Foster care has changed so much for this boy.

With time, consistency, and people he can trust, Walter has steadily grown in confidence. We've watched him become more comfortable, more curious, and more willing to let that fun-loving personality come through. He's learning that new people don't have to be scary and that life can actually be pretty darn good.

Walter LOVES an adventure. He's an excellent car rider and would be thrilled with someone who wants a companion for outings, hikes, walks, and exploring new places. He's also perfectly crate trained and does well on leash, giving him a great foundation for life with his future family.

Walter has proven to be dog friendly with larger dogs and could really enjoy having a confident canine companion. He isn't the right match for toy-sized dogs or cats, though, so we're looking for a home without either.

Because Walter can still be a little wary when meeting new people or encountering something unfamiliar or scary, we'd also recommend a home without small children. We think dog-savvy older kids could be a great fit for him, particularly those who understand how to give a dog space and allow a relationship to develop naturally.

Walter is:
* Approximately 1.5 years old
* Brindle Dutch Shepherd mix
* Dog friendly with larger dogs
* No cats or toy-sized dogs
* Potentially a great match for dog-savvy older children
* Perfectly crate trained
* Good on leash
* Excellent in the car
* Adventurous and loves getting out and about
* Neutered
* Up to date on vaccinations
* Microchipped
* Heartworm negative

Walter isn't looking for someone to throw him into the deep end and expect him to figure everything out overnight. He's looking for a person who will give him the love, structure, consistency, and time he needs to continue becoming his most confident self.

And he's already shown us just how capable he is.

The nervous dog who first came into rescue has blossomed tremendously. Every new experience, every safe interaction, and every little victory has helped Walter realize that the world isn't such a scary place after all.

He's handsome, smart, adventurous, and absolutely worth the TLC. Walter has already come so far. Now he just needs someone willing to help him go the rest of the way.

Apply to adopt Walter at CRAPrescue.org/application.

Adoption process: After your phone screening, we can schedule a meet and greet/the start of your foster-to-adopt trial. All adoptions have a 2 week minimum foster-to-adopt trial to make sure that the pet is the right fit for your home, and vice versa. Walter's adoption fee is $250, which would be due after the foster-to-adopt period. If you are located outside of Texas, we offer to-your-door transportation and have so many happy families as references. We are very transparent about the process so feel free to ask any questions.