A Shelter Story That Found Its Way to the Bestseller List
When Rocky Kanaka first sat quietly beside a trembling, neglected dog in a shelter kennel, he didn’t know that moment would lead to a book connecting with readers across the country. But that’s exactly what happened with Sitting With Dogs, now a New York Times bestseller.
Rocky writes in the book, “You didn’t deserve any of it,” as he comforts one fearful dog. “All these things that you’ve had to go through, they’re not your fault.” That quiet, powerful moment became the foundation of his storytelling philosophy.
From YouTube Feeds to Hardcover Pages
Before the book, Rocky was already known for his hands-on work with shelter dogs and emotional rescue videos that reached millions. The move from screen to page was a natural extension of his mission to help people see what rescue really looks like up close.
In a post announcing the news, Rocky said, “I kept checking the list because I almost didn’t believe it. To think that stories about rescue dogs could reach this far is incredible.”
The Dogs That Started It All
It all began with Flip, the boxer who changed everything. A rescue himself, Flip taught Rocky what patience and second chances truly mean. When Flip passed, his legacy became the heartbeat of Sitting With Dogs and the philosophy behind it.
Then there’s Bean, the scrappy blue heeler puppy with a broken leg and a fearless spirit. His recovery and adoption became a fan favorite, proving that resilience doesn’t depend on size — just heart.
Each story in Sitting With Dogs carries that same message: healing starts with compassion and the courage to sit still long enough to let it happen.
Why the Book Resonates
Sitting With Dogs isn’t just about dogs. It’s about what happens when you stop trying to fix everything and start showing up. For many Gen X readers, it’s a reminder that empathy doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, it just means sitting down and listening.
These are stories about trust after trauma, finding peace in small moments, and rediscovering connection in a disconnected world.
What This Means for the Rescue Community
When a book like Sitting With Dogs hits the New York Times bestseller list, it proves that rescue stories matter. They aren’t side notes or niche interests. They are universal reminders of what it means to care, to rebuild, and to hope again.
The Man Behind the Stories
Rocky Kanaka is a pet rescue advocate, pet chef, Emmy-nominated TV host, and New York Times bestselling author of Sitting With Dogs. His work spreads awareness about pet adoption, fostering, and volunteering, with the goal of inspiring people to help animals in their communities. He’s also dog dad to a blind Cane Corso named Kobe.
