Holiday photos with Santa Claus usually capture joy—or at least a few tears—but a recent image shared by a Connecticut animal shelter stopped viewers in their tracks when a dog’s sorrowful expression told a much heavier story.
A December 7 Facebook post by Stratford Animal Control shared the heartbreaking story of Walter, a 2-year-old “gentle giant.” Walter was discovered tied up outside the shelter, left alone with a note saying he had been found abandoned at a local dog park.
Hoping to lift his spirits and catch the attention of potential adopters, shelter staff posed Walter for photos with Santa Claus. Instead of holiday cheer, however, the images captured a dog whose eyes reflected heartbreak after his life was suddenly turned upside down, leaving him staring at the camera, scared and confused.
Despite his somber expression and unfortunate circumstances, Walter has proved to be nothing but a giant ball of love waiting for a forever home.
The Facebook post said that Walter loves snuggling, calling him a “true mush.” The team is still learning more about his personality as he settles into a new routine and said it is unsure how he feels about other animals.
Walter has since received a clean bill of health after being vaccinated, microchipped and tested for common diseases. Now, shelter staffers say, the only thing left for him is a family to call his own—hopefully in time to enjoy the holidays. The time of year will hopefully be on Walter’s side.
An article from Shelter Animals Count says dog adoption rates consistently peak during the final quarter of the year. In 2023, fourth-quarter adoptions reached 55 percent, compared to 53 percent or 52 percent earlier in the year.
Walter’s droopy eyes in the photo quickly pulled at people’s heartstrings, and as of Wednesday, the Facebook post had been shared nearly 200 times with 352 likes and 31 comments.
“Poor guy! I hope he finds a family who will love him soon,” wrote one user.
Another said: “He looks so sad, praying he finds a wonderful forever family to love and cherish him.”
A third person commented: “Soft and mushy. I bet he’s a winner.”
Newsweek reached out to Stratford Animal Control via email for additional information.
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