Human Sees Shelter Dog ‘Worse for the Wear’ & Her Maternal Instincts Take Over

You can sometimes tell when a shelter dog needs a little extra care just by looking at them. Kangaroo Jack was one of those pups when he arrived at a Brooklyn shelter, extremely thin and with noticeably weak back legs. But as staff members spent more time with him, they discovered a sweet dog who simply wanted to be noticed and loved.

Shelter dog becomes a favorite among humans with his kennel behavior

Kangaroo Jack, a seemingly 2-year-old Husky mix, has quickly become a favorite among the people caring for him. A video shared by @boroughbredinbrooklyn shows the 34-pound shelter dog resting in his kennel, where staff have developed “strong maternal instincts” toward him. It is easy to understand why.

Kangaroo Jack was apparently wandering alone in Brooklyn by a Good Samaritan and arrived at the shelter “worse for the wear.” He was extremely thin, his coat was scrawny, and his back legs had very little muscle. The lack of muscle may have been caused by spending too much time in a crate or not receiving enough nutrition, according to the caption.

Still, his appearance is not the only thing that has drawn people toward him. Kangaroo Jack is an “incredibly cute” dog who enjoys leaning his face toward people when he wants pets. In those moments, the shelter worker said he can look like a “tiny fox or raccoon.”

His behavior inside his kennel has also become a source of affection. One moment in the video shows the dog sitting at the front with his paws crossed neatly in front of him as he watches the activity around the shelter. The video explains that he waits in that position hoping someone will notice him and spend some time with him.

For the staff, those interactions have become opportunities to watch Kangaroo Jack slowly come out of his shell. He is beginning to feel more comfortable around shelter handlers, and the rescue says he is learning what it feels like to receive love and care.

He is currently available for foster or adoption through a New Hope rescue partner. Until the right person comes along, shelter staff are continuing to give Kangaroo Jack the care and reassurance he needs.