Hi Muttville!
We celebrated Walter’s (fka Jet Ski) 1st gotcha day on August 12th so we thought a pup-date was in order. Spoiler, he’s doing great!
This old guy’s personality has blossomed and he still has tons of pep in his step and springs in his paws. When he is particularly enjoying a walk he actually prances. He has continued to relax beyond the 3-3-3 rule, and is physically taking up more space even in the last couple months along with not tucking his (scarred) tail as frequently and wagging it more. Rather than bark, he grumble-talks adorably, responding uncannily like he understands the conversation.
Walter enjoys snuggling; naps; sunspots; combining all 3; being exactly in between or on top of his humans; doing anything for a treat, including puzzles; and increasingly long snifaris searching for treasure (anything remotely edible), but nothing more than his first loves, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He flew to the east coast to see his human and canine cousins over the holidays and did so well throughout. Though, he’s decided he’ll be staying with a trusted sitter on anything outside driving distance in the future as this chihuahua on stilts doesn’t much enjoy flying commercial.
He’s made so much progress from exploring new places and meeting new people and other pets to being comfortable in his car seat, there’s nothing this guy can’t tackle with us by his side. He even begrudgingly lets me pick him up on occasion. He is still frightened by loud noises especially in the kitchen, but he bounces back quickly now and ventures farther in, especially once he stuck around long enough to realize his food comes from the refrigerator. He hides in his safe place and calmly waits there until we tell him it’s safe to come out. He then trots out with us. He even knows the phrase “let’s go home” now, which is heartwarming given there are signs his life before Muttville was a hard one and that he was the longest standing resident when we met him.
We’ve included pictures including one featuring his hidden talent, his Yoda impression. Thank you, Muttville and Walter’s fosters for helping us find our third Musketeer! We are so lucky to have him. We look forward to loving him and helping him age gracefully and comfortably for the rest of his story.
Gratefully,
Kelly, Anway, and Walter (fka Jet Ski)
9/2/26
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
