Man Starts Singing And This Abandoned Dog’s Reaction Will Bring Tears To Your Eyes
When Waffles arrived at a shelter in Wildomar, California, she was overwhelmed with fear.
Everything about her—her posture, her eyes, even how she stayed frozen in one spot—made it clear: this dog was deeply scared.
Rocky Kanaka, an animal advocate known for helping shelter dogs, noticed right away how tense she was. Her energy filled the room with stress.
Instead of rushing in, Rocky waited. He sat nearby, quietly offering his presence, letting Waffles decide when she was ready.
But she didn’t move. She didn’t eat. Even a treat placed right next to her went untouched—something that told Rocky just how shut down she really was.
Left Behind And Forgotten
Waffles’ backstory explained everything. Rescuers found her living alone in an empty, damaged house.
Source: Rocky Kanaka
She had been abandoned with barely anything to eat. Heartbroken and weak, she had learned to survive on scraps. Over time, she gave up on people completely.
At the shelter’s transition space, where stressed dogs wait before being moved elsewhere, Waffles stayed locked in that fearful state.
Source: Rocky Kanaka
She didn’t bark, didn’t growl, but she also didn’t trust. She was simply… surviving.
Rocky knew this space wouldn’t help her. What she needed was something softer. Something different.
So, he offered her a song.
Music Breaks Through
Rocky had seen it before—music could calm dogs in ways that nothing else could. But first, he needed her to eat.
Instead of a typical dog treat, he offered something most pups can’t resist: a spoonful of smelly, soft cat food.
Source: Rocky Kanaka
The strong scent finally caught Waffles’ attention. She hesitated… then took a bite.
It was a small step—but a good one.
Then, Rocky started singing “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow,” a familiar tune from the musical Annie. At first, Waffles didn’t react. But slowly, something changed.
Source: Rocky Kanaka
Her ears perked up.
She edged closer.
And then, in a quiet, beautiful moment, she laid her head gently on Rocky’s lap.
That moment of trust said more than words ever could.
A New Chance At Life
“You’re a good girl, Waffles. You’re safe now, and everything is going to be okay,” Rocky told her softly.
When she was finally calm enough for a vet check, they learned more about her.
Waffles was a senior Labrador Retriever. She even had a previous name—Shiro Cuma, which means “white bear” in Japanese. Her microchip showed she had once been registered… but her owner never returned for her.
Source: Rocky Kanaka
Waffles stayed at Animal Friends of the Valley in Wildomar while she continued healing.
Rocky came back to visit her a few days later, and she was already a little different—still cautious, but more open.
Soon, she’ll be ready for adoption.
She’s still working on trusting new people and animals, but she’s come a long way from the trembling dog who couldn’t even look anyone in the eye.
And though the road ahead will still take time, Waffles is learning that not all people will hurt her.
Her new family may not have arrived yet—but they will.
Maybe not today.
But tomorrow?
Definitely tomorrow.
