Fear is a powerful emotion, often paralyzing us and halting our actions. It hinders us from taking risks and fully embracing life’s opportunities.
When Waffles arrived at the shelter in Wildomar, California, she was just another terrified dog. Her fear was palpable, and Rocky Kanaka sensed it immediately. The situation was dire, but Rocky believed he could reach her soul.
He did so by singing.
Rocky Kanaka Sings to Dogs
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
Rocky should rename his project from Sitting With Dogs to Singing With Dogs because what he did for Waffles was extraordinary. When he entered her room, the anxiety was overwhelming. Waffles was under immense pressure, coming from a harsh past into an unknown world.
Rocky waited for Waffles to make the first move. The concerning thing was that Waffles wasn’t eating. Despite a treat being in the room, she didn’t touch it, a clear sign of her extreme stress.
No wonder why. Waffles was abandoned in a desolate house, surviving on scraps. She was left to starve, heartbroken and determined never to trust humans again. The stressful environment of the shelter wasn’t helping her decompress.
Waffles needed a miracle, and Rocky provided one: the miracle of a song!
The Healing Power of a Song
Photo Credit: rockykanaka
Rocky had a trick up his sleeve: pungent-smelling cat food. The aromatic scent enticed Waffles, and she finally showed interest. She tried the food and loved it! But Rocky needed her to relax more, so he did what felt natural: he sang to her.
As Rocky began singing “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” from Annie, Waffles initially seemed indifferent. But as the lyrics continued, Waffles’ ears perked up, she came closer, and started listening to Rocky.
By the time he sang, “Tomorrow, tomorrow, I’ll love ya tomorrow, you’re only a day away,” Waffles rested her head on Rocky’s lap, feeling safe for the first time in years.
Was it Rocky’s singing or Waffles’ love for the song? We might never know. But what’s clear is that Waffles will give her future a chance.
Someone Will Love Her Tomorrow
“You’re a good girl, Waffles. You’re safe now, and everything is going to be okay,” Rocky assured her.
After a health checkup, they discovered Waffles was a senior Labrador Retriever, previously named Shiro Cuma, meaning white bear in Japanese. Her former owner’s whereabouts were unknown, and why she was abandoned in such a state remained a mystery.
The good news is that Waffles was healthy. She would stay with Animal Friends of the Valley in Wildomar, California. With her previous owner not showing up, Waffles would soon be available for adoption.
Waffles is still cautious around new people and animals, but she’s slowly finding ways to unwind and relax. Her transition from a distrustful dog to one that trusts humans is ongoing. She’s changed significantly from the growling pup she was to a dog who loves Annie tunes.
Dear Waffles, your new human will come… tomorrow, one day…
“The sun’ll come out tomorrow, so ya gotta hang on ’til tomorrow come what may.”
