Hershel, a very fluffy German Shepherd, had not had an easy life and had been looking forward to the day he finally found his permanent family. Fortunately, his wishes came true in 2018, along with a number of other “firsts” that were all documented on camera.
After his owners neglected him and eventually abandoned him in their yard, Hershel was rescued and actually adopted twice, but both times he was returned to the shelter.
YouTube | Rocky Kanaka
Unfortunately, his heartbreaking beginning to life appears to have left this poor teddy bear of a dog with some emotional scars, making him a tough dog for some owners to accept.
But all changed when the animal charity Found Animals took him in and began a passionate effort to find Hershel the proper family.
Around this time, the pup was brought to the attention of TV personality and animal rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka, who selected him to to appear on his show, “Dog’s Day Out”.
YouTube | Rocky Kanaka
The goal of the presentation is to offer deserving dogs the most wonderful day possible while also highlighting them for potential adoption.
And it’s safe to say Hershel had one spectacular day out.
Thanks to Kanaka, this pup was able to enjoy a whole host of new experiences that he’d never been able to before.
YouTube | Rocky Kanaka
Hershel was able to roll about and play in the snow for the first time that day, as well as try his first burrito and Starbucks Puppuccino.
To top it all off, he was able to give as many “Free Bear Hugs” to passersby as they could manage, which undoubtedly helped him gain the attention of potential adopters.
At the end of his fantastic day, Hershel had warmed the hearts of so many people that the adoption applications started pouring in.
YouTube | Rocky Kanaka
Eventually, the charity found the ideal family for this worthy canine. All that remained was for him to go from Los Angeles to his new home in Washington, and Kanaka was more than willing to help.
But the TV host decided there was one more “first” Hershel needed to experience before leaving the Golden State: the ocean!
YouTube | Rocky Kanaka
Kanaka filmed the moment this dog, who had spent his entire existence brutally confined to a backyard, first set eyes on the vast, blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean in a video posted on YouTube.
And to say he was excited is a huge understatement.
Right away, Hershel began jumping, whining, and vocalizing his joy at watching the waves crash and roar along the shore.
YouTube | Rocky Kanaka
Such genuine joy was only heightened as he was led along the beach to dip his paws in the ocean.
“He was biting the waves, and jumping in and out like a dolphin,” Kanaka shared in the video. “It brings happy tears to my eyes knowing that he’ll now be loved forever.”
Watch the full clip below!
Two years later, I’m happy to report Hershel is still *pawsitively* smitten with his forever family, a love made possible by Kanaka deciding to take a chance on a homeless dog.
Now he gets all the food, belly rubs, and affection he spent so long living without. Truly a happy ending!