I'm addicted to this YouTube channel, where Rocky Kanaka sits with shelter dogs and talks them into a less nervous state. Here's yesterday's video with Asher, a white German Shepherd:

Animal Control officers discovered a 1 ½ year old Shepherd mix wandering alone. The male dog, exhibiting signs of fear and apprehension, was brought into Animal Friends of the Valleys, a shelter in Wildomar, CA. His fearful demeanor initially made it challenging for the shelter staff to approach him, particularly for essential procedures like scanning for a microchip. Lacking a collar, it was evident that he was a stray, lost or abandoned.

The situation took a positive turn when Rocky intervened. Spending time with the dog, Rocky was able to gradually gain his trust. This breakthrough allowed Rocky to scan the dog for a microchip, an essential step in possibly reuniting him with any previous owners. Unfortunately, the scan revealed that the dog did not have a microchip, increasing the likelihood that he had been living as a stray.

In a gesture of warmth and compassion, Rocky nicknamed the dog Asher, a name that signifies ‘blessed’ or ‘blessings’ in Hebrew. The choice of name was particularly poignant, given its timing around Thanksgiving, or as Rocky playfully calls it, ‘Barksgiving.’ This naming symbolized a new beginning and hope for Asher, marking a significant departure from his previously uncertain life.

The story culminates with Rocky and Asher sharing a peaceful meal together, a simple yet profound act underscoring the trust that had been formed. This moment of tranquility and companionship not only highlighted the dog’s journey from fear to trust but also served as a reminder of the impact of kindness and patience in the lives of animals like Asher, who find themselves in shelters.