walker

Walker is living in a foster home. Please submit an application and email dogs@heartlandanimalshelter.org to see if you're a match.

Scroll through his pictures to see his adorable videos!

Walker is a true southern gentleman. He came to us from our shelter partner in rural Alabama. Back in February, he was found in a zip-tied crate on an abandoned property and brought to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. With more than 20,000 animals in their care and far fewer adopters than animals who need homes, their staff knows that sweet, friendly dogs like Walker have a much better chance of finding their people here in the Chicago area. So Walker hitched a ride to Heartland!

We know it can sometimes be hard to get a sense of a dog's personality from photos alone. That is definitely not the case with Walker. He is exactly what he looks like: easygoing, gentle, and warm.

And then there are his videos. Walker comes off reserved at first, with humans. But dogs are his people. He can hang with dogs of all sizes, personalities, and play styles, and he is what we affectionately call a "helper dog." That's the rare dog who seems to speak fluent canine and can roll with just about anyone. We can pair him with dogs who need a little help learning how to interact appropriately because Walker isn't interested in escalating anything. If another dog tells him to back off, he doesn't take it personally. He simply moves along, confident that they'll come around eventually.

They always do.

While Walker speaks fluent dog, his people skills are still... intermediate. He does genuinely enjoy human companionship and will seek out affection once he's had a little time to warm up to someone new.

Walker doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He is, however, a sensitive and somewhat skittish guy. Fast movements, lots of noise, or a busy environment can send him looking for the nearest escape route. When he first arrived, if we approached his kennel with a leash in hand, he would retreat to his bed, curl himself into a little ball, and tremble.

After only a couple of days he would come to the front of his kennel with a wagging tail because he knows it's time for a walk, or playgroup. He loves our volunteers, and staff.

We know it can be hard to reconcile the timid dog you will meet in a room at the shelter with the Walker we see in the play yard every day—running, jumping, playing, and wearing the biggest smile imaginable on that adorable head.

Thankfully, Walker found the perfect foster home in which to blossom into his truest self. He lives with a couple and their three dogs. He had a couple of accidents the first two days, but none since. His foster mom writes, "Walker is the best boy! He's so sweet with his people and his dog buds. And every dog is Walker's friend! For people, a little patience is needed to make Walker feel safe and earn his trust. But before you know it, he'll be greeting you with little kisses and maybe even some corncob grooming. Walker made progress very quickly in his foster home with the help of canine buddies, acclimating to a lot of household sights and sounds. But he will go to his safe space (a dog bed in the corner of our bedroom) when he's overwhelmed--which happens when the TV or Vitamix turn on, for example.

While he is cautious, Walker is also very curious, brave, and silly! He loves playing chase & tug with his canine foster buddies, and playing with toys in the morning. Walker has the most hilarious zoomies! Walker loves belly rubs, and might just fall asleep while you pet him while doing the cutest snore! Build trust, he will be the perfect companion! He is such a sweet dude. I love him."

Walker’s adoption fee has been generously sponsored. This animal is neutered and up to date on core vaccines.

Like many dogs who come to us from the South, Walker tested positive for heartworm disease. The good news is that heartworm is treatable, and he will receive her treatment through us.

Heartworm disease is common in dogs throughout the United States. It is a mosquito-borne disease and is not contagious to humans or other pets.

Heartworm disease is both preventable and curable. Once cured, a normal quality of life can be expected.

Walker will receive three injections to treat his Heartworm (the first one will be on 10/1/26, with the next two on 10/29 and 10/30). All treatments will take place at our shelter with our veterinarian.

That will complete the treatment, but he will need a quick retest at the adopter's vet 9 months post-treatment to make sure that he is Heartworm-free.