Walter, the all-white pup, eagerly awaits his family’s arrival at his front door on the float. He came to Pasadena Humane as a very young puppy in 2015. It quickly became clear to staff at the shelter that Walter could not hear. Unfortunately, animals with disabilities take a longer time to get adopted, even adorable puppies like Walter.   

Walter’s Best Day Ever occurred when he was adopted by a loving family who had a keen understanding of the resilience of those who cannot hear.   

Adopter Chrissy was drawn to the puppy because her daughter, Julia, who was then 10 years old, was also born deaf. Chrissy thought the two would share a close bond. Once Walter joined their home, the bond between daughter and doggy was undeniable. Walter rarely left Julia’s side. He did homework with her every school day and the pair played for hours in the yard on the weekends. Julia began to teach Walter basic commands in sign language—like sit, food and water.  

As Walter grew older, his health declined. Sadly, Walter passed away earlier this year. The special bond he shared with Julia continues to live on through his memory.