Man Caught Abandoning His Husky, Here’s what Happened Next…
Koa, a stunning but frightened Husky, found herself at the shelter in the most heartbreaking way. Tied up outside the facility by someone who walked away without looking back, her story quickly unraveled into a confusing mess of ownership disputes, false addresses, and unanswered phone calls.
The shelter’s team discovered she had a microchip, which led them down a frustrating trail of misleading information. First, a man abandoned her. Then, the registered owner—a woman—claimed she never had Koa. When pressed, she said her ex-husband had gotten the dog for her. Then, suddenly, the number for her ex was disconnected, and the address given for Koa’s supposed home led to an empty street.
Through all of this, Koa sat in her kennel, scared and unsure, waiting for someone to tell her what would happen next.
The Reality of Huskies in Shelters
Huskies are one of the most common breeds found in shelters today. Their intelligence, independence, and high-energy nature make them a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. Many people adopt them without realizing just how much time, training, and patience they require. Add to that their escape-artist tendencies and their impressive ability to ‘talk’ back, and you have a recipe for frequent surrenders.
But no dog should have to experience what Koa went through.
The Breakthrough Moment
When I first met Koa, she wouldn’t take treats. That’s always a challenge because food is such a powerful tool for building trust with nervous dogs. But I had a hunch. Instead of tossing her a treat, I offered one directly from my hand.
And it worked.
Something about the gesture—the connection—was enough to encourage her to accept it. This small breakthrough was the first step in gaining her trust, and it showed me there was hope for her recovery.
Why Talking to Dogs Matters
A lot of people wonder why I talk so much to shelter dogs. They assume silence would be better. But here’s the thing: when you talk in a calm, steady voice, it takes the pressure off. The dog isn’t forced into eye contact or immediate interaction. Instead, they get to just be—to listen, to observe, and to decide when they’re ready to engage.
Think about human interactions. When we’re stressed, sometimes the best comfort is just having someone nearby, talking about anything but the problem. Dogs are no different. They pick up on tone, body language, and energy more than the actual words.
So, I talked. And I gave Koa space. And eventually, she leaned in.
The Power of Small Steps
Koa had been placed on the dog-walking program at the shelter, but the stress of the environment was shutting her down. If she couldn’t be walked, she’d lose that opportunity entirely. That’s why I needed to test her reaction to the leash.
Instead of forcing it on her, I introduced it slowly. First, she just had to accept the presence of the lead. Then, I used it to encourage small movements. Huskies are built to run, but even just a few steps forward was a victory for her.
That’s the thing about working with nervous dogs—small steps lead to big progress. You don’t have to fix everything in a day. You just have to keep moving forward.
The Grooming Session That Changed Everything
One of the biggest hurdles for shelter dogs is grooming. Many people assume every dog gets regular grooming in the shelter, but with limited staff and resources, that’s just not possible. For a Husky like Koa, proper grooming was crucial—not just for her physical health, but for her mental well-being.
She had mats, overgrown nails, and patches of skin issues that needed attention. With patience and gentle handling, we were able to get some of that undercoat out, making her feel just a little bit more like herself again.
Finding the Right Home for Koa
Koa’s future depends on finding the right adopter—someone who understands Huskies and is ready for the responsibility. She’s not just a pretty face; she’s a dog who has been through heartbreak and needs stability, patience, and love.
Huskies are talkers, escape artists, and full of energy. If you’re thinking of adopting one, be ready for the commitment. They thrive with structure, exercise, and a strong bond with their person.
Koa may have started her journey as an unwanted dog, but I refuse to let her story end that way.
She deserves more.
If you think you can be Koa’s forever home, visit RockyKanaka.com to learn more. And if you’re not in a place to adopt, share her story—because the right person is out there, and they just need to see her.
Bonus: A Tiny Chihuahua in Need
While working with Koa, I also met another dog—a Chihuahua-Terrier mix with a story just as heartbreaking. She was left in the night drop at the shelter, which is a designated area where people can surrender dogs when the shelter is closed. Someone had found her wandering near a Circle K and brought her in, but with no microchip and no information, she became just another anonymous case.
@rockykanakaofficial Her melting at the end 🥹 What should her name be?!
♬ Killswitch Lullaby (Slowed + Reverb) – The Lonely Tree & Flawed Mangoes
For five days, this little dog had been labeled aggressive. She would snap and growl anytime someone tried to approach her, making it impossible for the staff to perform a health check. But watching her closely, I saw something else—fear. Pure, raw fear.
So I did what I always do—I slowed down, removed the pressure, and gave her a chance to decide whether she wanted to engage. And slowly but surely, she started to soften. Her body relaxed, her eyes lost some of their panic, and for the first time, she allowed herself to accept kindness.
She just needed someone to believe in her.
Now, I need your help. This little girl doesn’t have a name yet, and I want the community to come together and help me choose one. If you have a suggestion, drop it in the comments. Let’s make sure she gets the fresh start she deserves.
Every Cup of Flip Coffee Helps
If you love dogs and want to support their rescue and rehabilitation, Flip Coffee is one of the best ways to help. Every purchase goes directly toward funding vet care, shelter fees, and training for dogs like Koa and our little Chihuahua friend. Plus, it’s incredible coffee—roasted to perfection, with blends crafted for true coffee lovers.
