Watch Shelter Dog’s Reaction To Hearing His Name Once Again 🥹
When I sit down with a young, nervous dog, there’s always this little voice inside me that says: we can help, we can let them know they matter. That’s exactly what I felt when I met Bagel. And yes—you read that right. His name is Bagel. And just wait until you hear about his shy roommate, Silvia.
Bagel’s Story: A Puppy Surrendered
Bagel is just six months old, and when I first met him at the San Diego Humane Society’s Oceanside campus, he was nervous, hungry for treats, and full of potential.
His backstory? He actually had a home. But when his family found out they were expecting a baby, they decided his puppy energy might be too much to handle alongside a newborn. They surrendered him properly—no abandonment, no cruelty. Just people overwhelmed by life and doing the right thing by bringing him to a safe place.
It’s not the villain story we sometimes hear. And honestly, I respect that. They left helpful notes too: Bagel is good with kids, friendly with other dogs, and terrified of the ocean (which, ironically, is where he ended up—Oceanside).
Breed Breakdown: What’s in a Bagel?
Looking at his speckled paws and freckled coat, Bagel is likely an Australian Cattle Dog / Australian Shepherd mix. That means:
- Smart—like “figures out where you hide the treats” smart.
- Energetic—this pup is going to need playtime, jobs, or puzzles to keep his brain busy.
- Loyal—these herding breeds bond deeply with their humans.
His giant paws told me right away: this boy is going to grow into them.
Training Takeaways: Nervous vs. Happy Tail Wags
One of the biggest lessons from Bagel? A wagging tail doesn’t always mean happy.
At first, his tail wagged low and stiff—classic nervous wag. Combine that with lip licking, lowered head, and avoiding eye contact, and you’ve got a dog telling you: I’m not ready yet.
But after some treats, patience, and letting him move at his own pace, that tail softened into a loose, happy wag.
⚡ Training Tip: When working with a fearful pup, go slow. Eye contact, hand movements, even how you offer a treat—all of it matters. And if your dog chomps your fingers while taking a treat? It’s usually a sign they’re young or haven’t practiced polite treat-taking yet.
Bagel Loves Treats (Maybe Too Much)
This boy went full-in on my hand when I first offered a treat. But with repetition, he started taking them gently, even offering some licks in between. For me, that’s gold—because it meant he was learning to trust.
And trust me, when a dog goes from chomp to lick, that’s a milestone worth celebrating.
Silvia’s Story: The Shy Roommate
Now here’s where things get interesting. Bagel has a roommate—Silvia. She’s timid, beautiful, and most likely from Tijuana, where stray populations can run feral for generations.
Unlike Bagel, Silvia hasn’t had much human interaction. Dogs like her often grow up scavenging, learning to survive with little more than a quick food handout. They don’t show well in shelters—they don’t rush to the front wagging their tails. Instead, they hide.
That doesn’t mean they’re broken. It just means they need someone willing to give them space, time, and patience.
When Bagel Met Silvia Again
The staff reunited Bagel and Silvia, and let me tell you—it wasn’t Hollywood fireworks. Bagel bolted into her kennel like, “Hey, I told them about you!” while Silvia stayed tucked in her safe spot.
And that’s okay. Because the goal here isn’t to force transformations. It’s to show these dogs they matter, whether they run into your arms or hide in the corner.
Who Should Adopt Bagel or Silvia?
- Bagel: Perfect for an active family or individual who loves adventures (just not ocean swims). He’ll thrive with training, structure, and plenty of playtime.
- Silvia: Needs a patient adopter, ideally someone with experience and no small kids. She may take months—or longer—to truly trust, but when she bonds, she’ll be one of those once-in-a-lifetime companions.
Next Steps
If you’re anywhere near San Diego County, adoptions costs are 50% off through August at the San Diego Humane Society. Bagel and Silvia are both looking for their forever homes right now.
- Think you’ve got the energy (and cream cheese) for Bagel the Everything Pup?
- Or maybe the patience and quiet strength to help Silvia bloom?
Either way, these two are counting on us to share their stories and spread the word.
Because as I always say—there’s no such thing as a dog too far gone.
