Walter the donkey was heartbreakingly rejected by his mom because she was too young to bond with him and nurse.
The Bureau of Land Management and residents of Oatman, Ariz., tried for almost half a day to get her to attach to him, but everything they tried didn’t work.
So Kelly and Brad Blake were contacted to see if they might help. Wild burros regularly roam around Oatman, but the Blakes have a soft spot for animals that need a boost.
“Nothing was working, so we were called and asked if we would like to adopt him. Of course, we said yes!”
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Facebook/Walter the orphan from Oatman’s happy new life
Walter the donkey arrived at his new home dejected and forlorn. His own mother wouldn’t accept him and now he was somewhere strange and new. He was wide-eyed and frightened.
His three German shepherd siblings fell in love with him and they bonded surprisingly well … so well in fact that Walter the donkey started picking up on some of their habits and behaviors while he was growing up.
Facebook/Walter the orphan from Oatman’s happy new life
He arrived at their home malnourished and neglected. But the couple showered their sweet donkey with tons of love and Walter truly connected with his hoomans. For whatever reason, he really gravitated toward his new dad.
Life at his new home was beautiful. Walter the donkey grew to a healthy 150 pounds and lives in their home just like one of the dogs.
“We have three German shepherds and they all took to baby Walter from day one. They have helped us raise him and teach him house manners.”
Facebook/Walter the orphan from Oatman’s happy new life
In fact, Walter comes galloping up to his Dad, skirts in a circle around him, hops up and down, then nuzzles him just like a dog.
“Walter acts as though he is a dog. 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. Every night we all go on our walk into the desert for exercise and Walter runs around with our shepherds as though he is one of the pack.”
Facebook/Walter the orphan from Oatman’s happy new life
His parents share Walter’s antics with the world on his own Facebook page. People love seeing what he’s up to.
“We never imagined how much Walter would change our lives for the better.”
See how absolutely adorable Walter is when he lays eyes on his dad who’s finally home from a business trip. Who knew a donkey could act like this? He’s so cute!
