His history before intake is unknown.
There is also no verified information explaining how long the shoulder mass has been present or when Walter began becoming weaker.
Nothing provided establishes previous abuse, neglect, abandonment, or mistreatment.
Those details should never be invented to explain his behavior.
In particular, Walter turning toward the wall should not automatically be presented as evidence that someone harmed him.
His past is unknown.
The behavior happening in his kennel is what can actually be documented.
The Scene Repeats When Someone Stops
Walter may already be lying near the gate when someone approaches.
He hears or notices them.
Slowly, the old Boxer begins pushing himself up.
His weakened legs straighten.
His body rises from the floor.
Then Walter turns.
Instead of pressing himself against the kennel bars, he faces the wall.
The visitor sees his back.
Walter stays that way.
Then comes the small movement that makes people stop a little longer.
His tail taps the floor.
Walter does not turn his head.
The tail moves again.
Sometimes the quietest behavior inside a shelter kennel can be the one people remember.
For Walter, it is not barking or pawing at the gate.
It is an aging dog using some of his limited strength to stand when someone arrives, turning his face away, and then quietly wagging anyway.
Walter May Require Significant Medical Care
Anyone considering helping Walter needs to understand that his medical needs are not yet fully described by the information available.