Man Only Adopts ‘Unadoptable’ Shelter Dogs — His Reason Will Make You Cry!
Rocky Kanaka has been raising awareness for shelter animals for years through his YouTube channel, a hit Netflix show, and community outreach and volunteering. An incredible advocate who has helped countless dogs find forever homes and motivated other animal lovers to get involved in rescue, Rocky doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to the importance of animal rescue—he also fosters and rehabilitates dogs and runs a dog sanctuary called Flip’s Farm.
An experienced foster, Rocky doesn’t shy away from the tough cases. When Rocky is searching for a new dog to foster, he often focuses on dogs on their last legs who really need help and are at high risk for euthanasia.
“I’ve been fostering for a while, so I’m really looking for the ones that are broken and scared or don’t have much time left,” says Rocky, describing the kind of dogs he takes on as fosters. Rocky considers dogs that have been in the shelter for a while, and aren’t any closer to getting adopted. He also considers disabled dogs, or dogs with more advanced medical care requirements who might be less “adoptable” because of their needs.
Dogs that shut down in the shelter are similarly disadvantaged—people can’t see their true personalities because the shelter is so scary, so being chosen for a foster home gives these dogs a chance to decompress and be more themselves when they meet potential adopters.
Why Choose High-Risk Foster Dogs?
With millions of dogs in the shelter system, it can seem impossible to choose just one to help. What Rocky considers is which dogs need the most help. Some dogs are adopted extremely quickly after entering a shelter. Social dogs, young dogs and puppies, and dogs that are purebred or a “desirable” mix often get adopted right away. These dogs don’t need fosters, because they can get adopted all on their own.
On the other hand, fearful, shut down, or reactive dogs in the shelter are often passed by. These dogs struggle to show their positive attributes with the stress of shelter life, and may be euthanized simply because no one saw their real personality. When these dogs enter foster homes, they enjoy a much more relaxed experience and can put their best paws forward when they meet potential adopters.
Similarly, dogs with disabilities or complex medical needs can become more stable and healthy in a foster situation, making it much easier for a potential adopter to consider taking on this responsibility.
As you gain more experience as a dog foster, consider choosing these more high-risk dogs—they deserve a chance, and your work can help transform them from unadoptable and slated for euthanasia to someone’s new best friend.
