Walter and June have developed a little routine that starts every morning at the shelter.
Walter is a 13-year-old Golden Retriever mix.
June is a 12-year-old Beagle mix.
Both are seniors.
Walter is the quieter one.
He likes sleeping late and taking his time when he gets up.
June has a little more energy.
She likes exploring the kennel and watching everything that happens around her.
But there is one thing June always does.
She checks on Walter.
When the kennel doors open in the morning, June usually stands up first.
She looks toward Walter.
If he is already awake, she waits near the door.
If he is still lying down, she walks back toward him.
She doesn't bark.
She doesn't try to pull him up.
She simply waits.
One morning, Walter was particularly slow to get up.
June walked over to his bed.
She rested her chin on the edge.
Walter opened his eyes.
He looked at her.
June's tail began tapping softly against the floor.
A few seconds later, Walter slowly stood.
June immediately walked toward the door.
Walter followed.
They went outside together.
Their walks aren't fast.
Walter likes to stop and sniff.
June often explores a few feet ahead.
But she always turns around.
If Walter stops, June stops.
If he needs to rest, she waits.
The shelter staff have seen this happen countless times.
June could easily run around the yard by herself.
Instead, she seems to prefer staying within sight of Walter.
And Walter seems comfortable knowing she is there.
One afternoon, Walter stopped beneath a tree.
He was tired after their walk.
He lowered himself onto the grass.
June had been sniffing along the fence.
She noticed him.
She turned around and walked back.
Then she lay beside him.
Walter rested his head near her shoulder.
June stayed still.
They remained there for several minutes.
Nothing happened.
But that was the beauty of it.
They didn't need anything to happen.
They were simply together.
Their relationship continues inside the kennel too.
They have two beds.
But sometimes June moves her blanket closer to Walter.
Sometimes Walter rests his head on the edge of her bed.
At night, they often sleep within a few feet of each other.
And when one gets up, the other usually notices.
At mealtime, they have separate bowls.
June tends to finish first.
But she often waits nearby until Walter is done.
Once he finishes, they return to their beds together.
These little habits have become part of their everyday life.
Both dogs are older.
Walter's muzzle is almost completely gray.
June has gray around her face too.
Their steps are slower.
Their naps are longer.
But they still enjoy their days.
Walter loves quiet walks.