Willi, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, has never asked for much. In fact, all this old pooch wants is a loving home where he can enjoy his golden years.
And so when Willi's dream came true last Christmas, he couldn't have been any happier. But then things changed. After just three weeks in his new retirement home, Willi was back at the shelter.
Willi goes back to the shelter
The unnamed man who took Willi in said he struggled to cope with the dog's unique temperament. Like some older dogs, Willi can be a little set in his ways. And although he's never snapped, Willi sometimes growls at men he doesn't know.
But Willi isn't aggressive. Growling is just his defence mechanism. Willi had a rough upbringing and some bad experiences with previous owners.
"It's just the way he is," said a staff member from the Neuss Animal Welfare Association. "But nothing happened that would have been dangerous in any way."
It's not over for Willi yet
Thankfully, the shelter workers have found Willi the home he deserves and the owner he needs. She is an experienced female owner (Willi is a bit of a ladies' man) who doesn't have any other pets.
She didn't have to teach this old dog any new tricks. Willi is house-trained and well-behaved on a leash. All he needed is someone with a little patience and lots of love.
