Shelter Dog Finds Himself Starting Over in a Tiny Kennel After His Family Leaves Him Behind

The shelter dog, Canella, in a tiny kennel, has learned to find comfort in her shelter family despite the painful circumstances that brought her there. Still, her caregivers worry that her calm nature hides just how difficult her life was before she arrived. After someone abandoned her, likely when they no longer wanted her for breeding, Canella now spends her days waiting for someone to see the gentle, easygoing dog beneath her complicated history.

Shelter dog’s family leaves him behind for a heartbreaking reason, so he has to start over

Unlike many dogs who struggle with shelter life, Canella appears surprisingly content in her kennel. The video caption reads, “POV: You’re one of the few shelter dogs who doesn’t destroy things.” Staff and animal control officers make sure she has a large, comfortable bed, while @adoptables.tc.wa provided a donated bear-skin “rug” and a frozen slow bowl to give her some extra comfort and enrichment.

The video shows Canella exploring her bed and interacting with the items around her. She appears relaxed as she settles into the space, suggesting she has finally found a place where she feels safe.

But that apparent comfort has left her caregivers with a heartbreaking question: What did Canella’s life look like before she reached the shelter?

According to her caregivers, Canella was dumped and left in a vulnerable state, possibly after someone no longer had a use for her as a breeding dog. People noticed her when she arrived in poor condition and severely underweight.

Yet now that she has received care and become relatively healthy, her situation seems to have changed. The attention she once received has faded, leaving her still waiting for someone to step forward.

Finding the right home for Canella may take some patience because she does have a few requirements.

She will likely do best as the only dog in the household, and she is reportedly not particularly comfortable around children. Her caregivers also believe she may have allergies that need further attention. Her caregivers describe her as the kind of dog who would make an ideal couch potato companion.