When a dog named Waffles arrived at a shelter in Wildomar, California, she was terrified. Rocky Kanaka, sensing her extreme anxiety, understood the gravity of the situation. The shelter was just another strange, terrifying environment for Waffles, who had already endured the harsh realities of abandonment and neglect. Waffles had previously been found alone in a dilapidated house, scavenging for scraps of food to survive. Finding herself in such dire circumstances had caused her to become wary of humans and disinterested in food—a worrying sign of her deep stress and trauma.
At the shelter, her reluctance to even eat treats in the same room was a clear sign of her distress. The environment, intended as a temporary area, was not conducive to helping an anxious dog like Waffles relax or recover. Understanding the special needs of such a distressed animal, Rocky, a seasoned animal rehabilitator, decided to take a unique approach to her. He introduced a bowl of scented cat food, known for its strong scent that is often appealing to even the most reluctant of dogs. This sparked a bit of interest in Waffles, prompting her to cautiously try the food, which she surprisingly enjoyed.
However, Rocky knew that nurturing alone was not enough to heal her spirit. To soothe and comfort her, he began to sing. “The sun will rise tomorrow” from the musical Annie. Waffles seems indifferent at first, but as Rocky continues, she begins to show signs of engagement. Gradually, the music draws her closer to him until, eventually, she rests her head on his lap.
Encouraged by this breakthrough, Rocky then accompanied Waffles to a vet check-up, where they learned more about her background. Her background check revealed that the puppy’s name was Shiro Cuma, which means “white bear” in Japanese. It was clear that Waffles had been taken care of. However, her owner had disappeared without a trace, leaving her fate in the hands of the shelter.
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Rocky’s visits continued, and although her former owner never returned, Waffles began to show marked improvement. Her progression from a fearful, growling puppy to one who could appreciate the comfort of music marked a significant change. With Waffles still wary of new people and other animals, her adjustment to a more normal life was still a work in progress. But the foundation for a new beginning had been laid, and it was only a matter of time until she was ready to find a new home – one where she could feel safe and loved constantly. Here’s a shortened version of Rocky singing to Waffles.
Waffles, remember, your new life is just a day away! “You have to try to get to tomorrow, no matter what happens! Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow! You are always a day away
The video below is longer but well worth watching! The change in Waffles’ attitude is nothing short of magical!
Click ‘play’ below to watch Waffles’ full story. She’s an amazing dog! Thanks Rocky for all you do! And please, don’t forget to SHARE!
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