Every dog is a good boy or girl, regardless of their breed, age, or appearance. Every dog deserves to hear those magical words every single day. But what if I told you that some dogs never get to hear them? Heartbreaking, isn’t it?
It’s even more heart-wrenching to witness a dog’s reaction like Bear’s when he finally heard someone call him a good boy.
Bear was a good boy. Unfortunately, he lived with people who never appreciated him. Bear’s life was filled with sadness, but surrendering him to the shelter marked a turning point. His future started to brighten when he arrived at Animal Friends Of The Valleys in Wildomar, California, where he finally heard the sweet words: “You’re a good boy, Bear.”
The First Time Someone Told Him He’s Good
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
When someone repeatedly tells you that you are something, you begin to believe it. Bear was never told anything sweet. He was always tossed aside, yelled at, and told he was worthless. And Bear began to feel that way.
When rescuers found him near a Chick-fil-A in Wildomar, he was rummaging through garbage bins for food. Severely malnourished, terribly neglected, and desperate for love, Bear’s spirit was broken. If only someone could restore the smile on his face.
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
At the shelter, things initially went rough, and Bear sank deeper into depression. Surrounded by other dogs with similar sad stories, he couldn’t find happiness. He worried if his misery would ever end.
But things took a positive turn for this gorgeous Vizsla. When you’re at the bottom, the only way is up. Rocky Kanaka came along, and Bear’s universe shifted, promising him better days.
Bear joined Rocky’s project, “Sitting With Dogs,” designed to help nervous dogs with traumatic pasts desensitize, resocialize, and heal, one step at a time. Rocky took things slowly, recognizing the pain Bear had endured. Bear had developed a “kennel nose” from pushing against the bars.
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
As Rocky handed treats to Bear, they started to disappear one by one. The first step to breaking Bear’s guard was taken. He got up from the corner, started sniffing around, and even gave Rocky a lick. Bear was full of love, eager to share it with someone who would listen. Rocky listened.
For the first time in his life, Bear’s behavior changed completely when Rocky called him a good boy. Halfway through the video Rocky posted, Bear wagged his tail, perked his ears, and his eyes sparkled. He felt those words. Bear knew he was a good boy all along. He just needed someone to remind him.
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
Bear didn’t let his past trauma scar him for life. Despite being malnourished and neglected, his body and soul healed. Rocky was certain that with some TLC, Bear would be the ideal candidate for adoption.
My Hooman Calls Me Good Boy Every Day
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
Not only did Bear find a new human dad, but he also got a baby sister, a new name, and a fresh start. Bear’s new dad saw him at the shelter and Rocky’s video. He knew he had to bring that Vizsla home. As a previous Vizsla owner, his dad, Mats, knew how to care for this wonderful breed. In the right hands, Bear, now Shadow Moon, began to blossom.
Even after just two weeks with Mats and his sister, a Husky named Sigyn, Bear’s transformation was evident. He was a brand-new dog, starting his life over with a clean slate.
With a little help from Mats and Sigyn, Bear became an Internet sensation. His video with Rocky garnered millions of views. Everyone witnessed his reaction to those sweet words: “You’re a good boy, Bear.”
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
Bear, now Shadow Moon, leads a life filled with love and canine adventures. His owner tells him he’s a good boy every day. This dog went from being all skin and bones to hearing he’s a good boy for the very first time. Bear, or Shadow Moon, is finally showered with the love he deserves.
Mats even showed Shadow his video reaction to being called a good boy. Priceless? Absolutely! Everything about this sweet canine soul is priceless. And you can see it for yourself on Shadow Moon’s Instagram account.
