Why We Love Walter

Walter is our family's first dog, and he is a total gem. When we adopted him at 5 months old (he's 2.6 years old now), we were told he was a Jack Russell Terrier (mix?), though the amount of color and ticks in his coat sometimes make us wonder if he's Rat Terrier instead. No matter his genetic make-up, he is the best family dog and we love him dearly.

As a pet, Walter has pet names. Including:
Wally
Wally-world
Waltavious Jackson
Waltorious D-O-G
and... Lovey Boy (the girls gave him that one).

He gives sweet, little kisses on your hand or puts his snout on your cheek and rubs a little; no wet, sloppy, slobbery kisses. This makes him an ace in my book. (Hey, I grew up with cats... I don't do dog slobber...)

He is stoic; just a solid, gentle boy with everyone. For instance, the moment after the vet technician micro chipped him with a big, fat needle (required for dogs on post) he turned and licked her hand!

He is loyal and loves his master. Every night he curls up next to Hubby on the couch, bed, girls' bed during story time, etc. and doesn't budge until Hubby does. Even when I ask him nicely. And when Hubby is gone Walter sticks to me like glue, making sure I'm never lonely.

He hardly ever barks. Ever. In fact, for a long time we thought he'd never bark. But one night he barked to wake us up, at the same time a police man pounded on our door to tell us something in the neighborhood was going on and we should stay away from our windows until further notice... And then one time Hubby came home through his usual door, but not in his usual hat... and Walter let me know he didn't recognize who was coming in the door... And, nowadays, occasionally at a female jack/rat terrier at the bark park, just to say hello to the ladies...

Walter can only obey three simple orders, but he does them well. Sit, paw, eat.

If this dog gets loose outside a fence, he will run like the wind. He thinks it's hilarious, and will not stop for you no matter what you say or do. Your only hope is that Walter runs up to a complete stranger to introduce himself and that, upon seeing you running/panting/swearing 80 yards behind him, said stranger will grab his collar and hold tight until you get there.

He's camera shy.

We love you, Walter!!