Donkey Behaves Just Like His German Shepherd Siblings When He's Reunited With Owner
Apr 06, 2020 by apost team
Donkeys aren’t exactly known for being great housepets. But it turns out that Walter, a wild donkey from Arizona, is less like a donkey and more like a dog. Not only does Walter play with his adoptive human family and canine siblings, but he also wags his tail and plays just like a dog.
All photos were used with the explicit permission of the Walter the orphan from Oatman's happy new life Facebook page.
Walter joined Kelly and Brad Blake’s family, which includes three German Shepherds after his mother abandoned him in the wild despite the Bureau of Land Management and town locals’ best efforts to reunite the pair. Blake explained in an interview with The Dodo that the the mother just wouldn't accept Walter because she was too young.
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All photos were used with the explicit permission of the Walter the orphan from Oatman's happy new life Facebook page.
“The Bureau of Land Management and town locals tried for 10 hours to get Walter’s mama to take to him,” Blake told The Dodo. “Nothing was working, so we were called and asked if we would like to adopt him. Of course, we said yes!”
All photos were used with the explicit permission of the Walter the orphan from Oatman's happy new life Facebook page.
For those who aren’t familiar with Arizona, it isn’t uncommon for wild animals to stroll into town. “We have wild burros that roam the town,” Blake said.
All photos were used with the explicit permission of the Walter the orphan from Oatman's happy new life Facebook page.
When the Blake family saw Walter for the first time wandering in Oatman, Arizona, he was sickly and without a family. But now that he has a home with the Blake’s in the Oatman community, Walter is healthy and weighs a hefty 150 pounds. Walter was also quick to adjust to his new life thanks to his canine siblings, who helped Walter learn his dog-like habits.
“We have three German shepherds and they all took to baby Walter from day one,” Blake said. “They have helped us raise him and teach him house manners.”
After living with the three dogs, Walter has even adopted some of their mannerisms. Blake said it’s as if “he is one of the pack."
All photos were used with the explicit permission of the Walter the orphan from Oatman's happy new life Facebook page.
“Walter acts as though he is a dog,” he added. “He wags his tail and gets excited when we come home. He hops and brushes his body against me to love on him. He even lays on the couch next to me for naps.”
When his adoptive dad, Blake, returns from a trip, Walter acts exactly how a dog would, running to greet him and wagging his tale. He even sleeps and exercises like a dog. “Every night we all go on our walk into the desert for exercise and Walter runs around with our shepherds,” Blake said.
All photos were used with the explicit permission of the Walter the orphan from Oatman's happy new life Facebook page.
Walter’s story has clearly drawn a number of fans. His Facebook page, “Walter the orphan from Oatman’s happy new life,” has almost 50,000 likes. Because of his following, the Blake family makes sure to keep his fans updated. Walter is also somewhat of a public figure in the Arizona community, working with a number of charities and volunteering his time to be an emotional support donkey.
“We never imagined how much Walter would change our lives for the better,” Blake said.
What do you think about Walter and his new family? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to pass this along to friends and family!