Let me introduce you to a dog who has a heart and a bark as big as the state of Texas, meet Tex!

When it’s just us with no other dog in sight, Tex is a gentle carefree and goofy pup!

But this sweet demeanor quickly shutters the moment he catches a glimpse of another dog.

It’s like dogs trigger him and he can’t control it.

The 1st time I walked Tex he didn’t display this side.

Then again when I look back on it, we didn’t encounter many dogs on our 1st walk . . .

When there was a dog he would whimper like he was afraid but there was no aggressiveness behind his bark.

Fast forward on our 2nd and 3rd walk, man he was a totally different pup.

I was surprised when I experienced his ferocious outburst.

• Teeth on full display
• Yanking of the leash

I didn’t know how to handle him in this situation.

I tried petting him a couple of times in hopes it would calm him down.

But my better judgment kicked in; it probably isn’t safe to pet an unknown dog while they’re in such a state.

His barking was unbearable.

How could Tex, a goofy love bug switch to Cujo in an instant? ( I know it sounds like I’m being dramatic but you had to be there to believe me)

With my luck being oh so fabulous, when the dog in Tex’s radar walked passed us we were immediately meet with 4 other pet owners heading our way.

Why of all days were there so many people walking their dogs?

No matter where I turned, a four-legged pet stood in our path.

I could not escape them.

And Tex just barked up a storm.

I’m not one who likes attention so I was way out of my comfort zone that day . . .

I felt like a parent with a misbehaving child in a public place, embarrassed by my child’s antics and worried about being judged by others.

I didn’t know how to control him, so while he was having his barking outburst, I constantly apologized to those who were in his wrath.

Like Cinderella returning to her plain self after the clock strikes 12, Tex returned to his sweet innocent self once no dogs were in sight.

I was physically and mentally exhausted from this adventure . . . he is too much dog for me to handle unfortunately.

I later sent a text to my walking buddy saying if I take Tex out again, I’ll have to give them $1.

With an experience like that, you would think I would never walk Tex again.

But I couldn’t resist his charm.

I prepared for our third walk and tried my best to avoid dogs.

If a dog was in our sight I would quickly distract Tex with treats or turn around an pray that there wasn’t a dog in the opposite direction.

Directing his attention didn’t work too well because when he locked in on a target, he seen red, completely ignored me and continued his barking fit!

Funny enough, I will say this whole experience has helped me grow in an unlikely way.

My embarrassment and self-consciousness about walking him or other dogs that tend to bark at dogs have completely disappeared.

After all I’m not a trained animal behaviorist, I’m just a volunteer walker, who enjoys dogs and nature.

So during this 3rd walk I just let him bark till his heart was content without trying to stop him.

I shrugged and smiled at those he greeted with his significant bark.

As of this writing Tex is still at the shelter, it’s been 2 months and I hope he finds a home soon.

Even with this behavioral issue he is a good dog at heart who deserves a loving home!

If you or someone you know is patient and looking to adopt a dog, Tex might just be the one for you!

Visit here to learn about him and to see more images.

You can find other adoptable pets at the Grand Prairie Animal Shelter.

Don’t live near this city, consider visiting your local animal shelter to receive and provide love to an animal in need.

Our 1st adventure took place on August 24, 2024

Pup update: Tex found a new home in early-November