Sitting With Dogs

Join animal advocate Rocky Kanaka on a heartfelt and authentic journey as he visits scared and lonely shelter dogs, armed with nothing but his iPhone and a deep desire to provide comfort and hope. In this unpretentious series, Rocky quietly sits with these homeless dogs, capturing their stories and unique personalities. Through the simplicity of his approach, he aims to shed light on the challenges they face and help them find loving homes. Experience the power of genuine connection and the transformative impact it can have on both humans and animals in this sincere exploration of companionship and second chances.

1. The Heartwarming Journey of Teddy the Golden Retriever

Meet Teddy—an exuberant 2-year-old male Golden Retriever who was found on the front porch of a couple in the community. They searched for the Golden’s owner, but with no identification it was almost impossible. So they took him on walks in the surrounding area to see if anyone recognized him. The couple eventually took him to the shelter in case his owners were searching.

After he spent some time at the shelter, Dawn, an employee stationed at the shelter’s front desk, couldn’t help but form an instant connection with the spirited canine. Dawn said if she could, she would love to take Teddy home with her.

Enter Rocky Kanaka, who felt an uncanny kinship with Teddy. In fact, Rocky mused that if he were a dog, he would undoubtedly be a Golden Retriever (given his fondness for the breed).

Rocky’s bond with Teddy grew evident as he spent time sitting with the pup in his enclosure, creating a heartwarming scene of camaraderie between man and dog.

However, the shelter environment, with its cacophony of barks and restless energy, weighed heavily on Teddy’s nerves, exacerbating his high anxiety. In a moment of unfortunate commotion when other dogs joined the chorus of vocalizations, Teddy’s anxious movements led to an unintentional scratch on Rocky’s skin. It was a reminder of the stressful circumstances shelter animals often endure.

Despite the challenges, Teddy’s endearing personality shone through. His affable nature caught the attention of prospective adopters, resulting in two separate holds on the enthusiastic Golden Retriever. But fate had other plans, as the first potential adopter failed to materialize, leaving Teddy’s future hanging in the balance.

Just when it seemed that Teddy’s prospects were dimming, a ray of hope emerged from an unexpected source. The very couple who had stumbled upon Teddy on their own doorstep, the ones who had initially brought him to the shelter’s attention, returned with the intent to provide him with a forever home.

Through Rocky and Dawn’s devotion, Teddy’s resilience, and the unwavering commitment of his original rescuers, the story underscores the remarkable capacity for love that exists within the realm of our four-legged friends.

Indeed, the Golden Retriever, a breed known for its exuberant spirit and remarkable beauty, took center stage in this heartening narrative. As Teddy settled into his newfound home, his story served as a reminder that even amidst life’s uncertainties, the unbreakable bonds formed in the presence of compassion can transform a chance encounter into a lifelong companionship.