A Troubling Pattern

Bobby’s situation is all too common for his breed, yet deeply concerning. At just one year old, he’s already been through the shelter system three times, all within the past month. Each time, he was found wandering, picked up by strangers, and returned to the same concrete kennel. Despite being microchipped after his first visit, his owner never came back.

For those unfamiliar with basset hounds, this pattern isn’t entirely surprising. These dogs possess the second-best sense of smell in the canine world, with approximately 220 million scent receptors compared to humans’ mere 6 million. They were bred for scenting work, and without proper training and exercise, that incredible nose can lead them miles from home before they even realize they’re lost.

The Medical Concern

But Bobby’s challenges extend beyond his wandering tendencies and excessive barking. During our time together, I noticed he was favoring one of his front paws, sometimes walking on it, sometimes not. The shelter staff confirmed they’d observed the same limp when he first arrived.

This medical issue likely contributes to his behavioral problems. A dog in pain or discomfort can’t be expected to behave perfectly, yet without proper veterinary care and diagnosis, potential adopters only see the barking and the limping. These are red flags that keep them walking past his kennel.

The Adoption Challenge

Basset hounds make incredible family dogs, but they’re not for everyone. They require dedicated owners willing to provide proper exercise, scent training, and consistent behavioral guidance. Too often, people adopt them because they’re adorable: those long ears, droopy eyes, and bodies that seem stretched like cartoon characters. But when the reality of owning a scent hound sets in, these dogs end up back in shelters, sometimes repeatedly.

Each return chips away at their ability to trust, making it harder for them to bond with a permanent family. Bobby’s three shelter visits in 30 days exemplify this heartbreaking cycle.

A Shelter Worth Praising

I want to address something important about Chula Vista Animal Services. When I posted about Bobby, some commenters criticized the shelter’s concrete kennels and conditions. But having visited shelters across the country, I can tell you this facility is doing exceptional work under challenging circumstances.

They’re operating at 150% capacity, with all foster homes full. Yet they’ve kept dogs for over 400 days, fighting for each one when other shelters might have given up. Those concrete floors aren’t cruelty; they’re necessity. Municipal shelters need surfaces they can properly disinfect with the constant turnover of animals.

The appearance of a shelter often reflects the resources available in its community. Wealthy areas have pristine facilities; communities with fewer resources do the best they can. Chula Vista falls into the latter category, but their dedication to these animals is undeniable.

The Decision

Standing in that kennel with Bobby, I faced a familiar internal conflict. My brain listed all the logical reasons not to take him: we’re at capacity at the farm with Pumpkin, Lily, and the two boxer rescues Harley and Diesel. We’d need to quarantine him. The veterinary care for his paw could be expensive. The behavioral training would take time and patience.

But my heart had a different answer.

I called Angelica, who helps manage the farm, to discuss logistics. Could we move the boxers to make room? Set up temporary space in the house like we did before? The challenges were real, but so was Bobby’s need.

After walking out of that kennel to think, I realized I’d been in this position before: called to help someone in need when everything in my brain said it would be easier to walk away. And every time, my heart has led me to the right decision.

Bobby is coming to the farm.

The Road Ahead

We don’t have everything figured out yet. We’ll need to determine what’s wrong with his paw. Is it broken? Sprained? Nerve damage? The diagnostics and treatment won’t be cheap, but thanks to the support of our community and the success of our supplement line, we can provide Bobby with the medical care and behavioral training he desperately needs.

He deserves guidance, not abandonment. He deserves a chance to learn that homes can be permanent, that people can be trusted, and that his incredible nose can be an asset rather than a liability.

Progress with the Boxers

In better news, Harley and Diesel (our two boxer rescues) just received a clean bill of health from the vet. No distemper, no kennel cough. We were so worried they had kennel cough, but they’re completely clear.

Diesel isn’t deaf, as we’d suspected given her white coat and multi-colored eyes. She just jumps at every sound, a sign of her fearful past. Both dogs are slowly adjusting to farm life. They’re running, playing fetch, and Diesel even took a treat from me, which is a major milestone. Harley’s been giving kisses, and while they’re still jumpy and healing will take time, they’re making real progress.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition

Getting these dogs healthy starts with what we feed them and how we support their recovery. I’ve put Harley and Diesel on high-quality food and my custom supplement regimen, which I haven’t talked much about because I’ve been obsessing over getting the formulations just right.

I’ll be honest: my supplements are a little pricier than most on the market. But when you read the ingredient deck, you’ll understand why. Most supplements out there infuriate me because they’re just marketing speak. You’re really just throwing your money away. I refuse to do that to people who’ve put their trust and loyalty in me.

I see firsthand the results these supplements have on rescue dogs: improvements in their skin and coat, their overall healthiness. You can feel it and see it.

Results may vary, obviously, but here’s what makes them different:

Gut Health Support: If the gut’s off, everything’s off. You’ve probably heard that before, but I see it firsthand when dogs come in for rehabilitation. Their gut is always compromised. My supplements support the microbiome in its purest form. They’re in powder format, not pills, which takes extra time to add to food but means they’re not cooked or processed. This ensures maximum effectiveness and immediate results.

Joint Support: A lot of dogs I bring in, whether seniors or not, already show signs of joint issues. My joint support goes much deeper than just glucosamine. I’ve added green-lipped mussel, which helps with inflammation. I don’t care how much glucosamine you give; if the inflammation is still there, the problem won’t go away. For senior dogs, it’s crucial. But if you start with a dog that’s three, two, or even a puppy, they’ll be so much further ahead when their joints start wearing out.

Skin and Coat Support: These rescued dogs need it desperately. Harley and Diesel have been bathed, but their coats are still so coarse. It’s a visible sign of their previous neglect and poor nutrition.

I know most supplement commercials show dogs bouncing around at their happiest, full of joy. But I think it’s important to see them in their current state, still scared, still healing, because this is where they start. Where they end is in a happy home, hopefully staying healthy the entire time because they’re getting supported with great diet and supplements that keep them well-rounded.

I could go on, but I don’t want to put you to sleep. Just check them out. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Visit RockyKanaka.com/supplements.

How You Can Help

The biggest way to support Bobby and dogs like him is simple: subscribe and follow along on this journey. Watch as we diagnose and treat his paw, work through his behavioral challenges, and help him become the incredible companion he was meant to be.

We’ve got lots of cool stuff we’re doing that gives back to the farm and to the dogs. Every purchase of our supplements, every bit of support from our community, it all goes toward helping dogs like Bobby get the second chances they deserve.

Because every dog deserves someone willing to see past their problems to their potential. Every dog deserves someone whose heart speaks louder than their brain’s logical objections.

Bobby deserves that someone. And now, he has it.