Animal cruelty is a horrifying thing to witness. Animals have feelings too, sometimes more than us. This cute German shepherd was subjected to terrible suffering for five years by his owners. Herschel was restricted with strong metal chains and relegated to the backyard. In all seasons of Los Angeles, the poor dog stayed outside. It didn’t matter how hot or how cold it was. His owners just didn’t care enough to share the house with him. Why would anyone buy such an adorable German Shepherd and turn him into a CCTV camera for the backyard? They never took the time to walk him or play with him. He was maltreated and unhappy, but luck decided to fall in his canine favor.
Herschel’s day out in the snow
Herschel was eventually abandoned by his cruel owners, and he wound up at an animal shelter. It was a tough ride getting anyone to adopt him. He had suffered so much neglect that he jumped around happily and barked whenever people were in sight. This reaction was always misinterpreted to be aggression and violent behavior. Herschel became categorized as an unadoptable dog. It wasn’t his fault. His teeth were all chapped down terribly, evidence that he’d spent a lot of time chewing on his chains, trying to break free. Unfortunately, no one understood him. He was on a straight path to being put to sleep.
Luck smiled on Herschel when a non-profit organization named Found Animals came to his rescue [1]. They took him to their store, Adopt and Shop while they searched for a new family that would love and understand him. Soon enough, he was adopted by a family based in Washington State. Before he left L.A, Herschel got to have the time of his life.
Herschel was selected to be on Dog’s Day Out, a Rocky Kanaka show that takes dogs out into the heart of freedom, fun, and laughter to have the best day of their lives. Rocky is an American actor, TV host and pet rescue advocate who travels across the country saving homeless pets [2]. Herschel had so much fun playing in the snow and sharing love.
“He got to see snow for the first time, and he got to give free teddy bear hugs to be shown love,” Rocky said. “And that day got him enough awareness that now we’re taking a road trip from Los Angeles to deliver him to his new forever family that lives in Washington state.”
After his amazing day out, it was time to take him home to Washington.
Herschel’s day at the ocean
Herschel was taken on a road trip from L.A to Washington State. Rocky was determined to give him a great time exploring the world. For the first time, the excited German Shepherd got to enjoy himself with a good burrito, a relaxing puppuccino. He had a great road trip company from Rocky and his new mom, Kim.
When Rocky took Herschel to the beach to play around, his reaction when he saw the ocean was nothing short of captivating. He was so happy that he nearly dived in and took off with the waves. He’d never seen water so large and unending before in his life, and he was more than fascinated by the charm of the ocean.
“He was biting the waves, and jumping in and out like a dolphin,” Rocky said. “I don’t know if he’s dolphin or dinosaur, or Chewbacca or teddy bear, but I do know this: it brings happy tears to my eyes knowing that he’ll now be loved forever.”
Herschel played around so much he wore Rocky out. He got sand between his paws and frolicked with the teasing waves. He thoroughly enjoyed the feel of the water on his body. He couldn’t believe something so magically amazing was in existence.
Herschel a wonderful day out and an awesome road trip. He now lives in L.A with a family who thinks that having him is like “winning a lottery.”
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