Shelter Dog’s Heartbreaking Kennel Behavior Shows He’s Slowly Shutting Down

This video features a dog named Roger who needs to be adopted and leave the shelter really soon. The Australian Cattle Dog is only one year old and has been at the Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire for just six days. He has tried to cope with an environment that seems frightening at every turn, but he is struggling to adjust. The caregiver shared that Roger is extremely terrified and is completely shutting down. All he wants is a chance to feel safe, experience love, and finally have a family of his own.

Shelter dog showcases painful kennel behavior despite just being there for six days

The video shared by @sunnierdaysnetwork shows a one-year-old dog named Roger who has spent six days at the shelter. Shelter environments can be overwhelming for some dogs, especially those who have had a challenging life before. Not every dog feels comfortable with the unfamiliar noises, surroundings, and people around them. The same seems to be happening with Roger, who, according to his caregiver, is extremely scared.

While some dogs bark or show aggression when they feel uncomfortable, Roger responds to fear by shutting down. The clip shows him sitting inside his kennel with sadness and fear in his eyes. He tucks his tail, freezes in place, and displays clear signs of anxiety. His fearful “whale” eyes and trembling make it clear just how uncomfortable he feels.

Taking him out of the kennel doesn’t seem to help either. He doesn’t yet know how to walk on a leash and needs someone to carry him outside. Even when he is out of his kennel, instead of exploring his surroundings, he simply lies there, frozen.

The caregiver shared that Roger needs a quiet and patient family who is willing to let him move at his own pace. He needs a calm home where he can slowly come out of his shell and eventually show all the love and affection he has to offer. Beneath all that fear is a dog waiting to emerge and show his playful side. Pet lovers online came together to show their support for Roger in the comments section, hoping that he finds his forever home soon.