Neglected Dog Sees Ocean For The First Time And His Reaction Is Priceless
Herschel spent the first five years of his life tied up, underfed, and left without the kind of care every dog deserves. By the time rescuers found the giant German Shepherd, he had already worn down his teeth chewing on the chain that kept him in place.
After finally getting a chance at a better life, Herschel bounced through two homes before landing in a situation that actually fit his big, affectionate personality. Then came the beach, and that is where everything changed.
His reaction to the ocean is the kind of thing people do not forget easily.
Meet Herschel
Eventually, an animal rescue organization, Michelson Found Animals, came to the rescue. They heard about Herschel’s awful story and were determined to ensure he would never experience neglect or rejection again.
Rocky Kanaka, the host of Dog’s Day Out, was the perfect person to introduce Herschel to an audience in order to increase his chances of finding his forever home. And that’s exactly what happened.
Fresh Mountain Air
A viewer in Washington State saw the episode about Herschel and fell in love with the sweet German Shepherd. Her name was Kim, and she was eager to meet Herschel and adopt him into her family.
Rocky and Herschel were in Los Angeles at the time, so getting him to Kim meant they would have to go on a road trip to bring Herschel to his new home.
Snow Day!
Before bringing him to his forever home, Rocky thought about all the things they could do on the long drive ahead. Herschel had five years of being chained up to make up for, and Rocky wanted to ensure he got to experience some of the best things in life while they had time together.
Their road trip started with a mountain adventure to play in the snow. Herschel truly enjoyed playing in the cold, fluffy snow.
No one could get enough of him
With the snow adventures completed, they continued on, making a pit stop so Herschel could experience and enjoy unconditional love and affection. They had friends holding signs advertising Free Teddy Bear Hugs, with Herschel being the Teddy Bear, of course.
Treats Galore
Afterward, they stopped to enjoy a custom “Dog Day Out” cupcake, slurped on a puppuccino, and gobbled down a burrito from Chipotle.
Beach Time, Babes
However, according to Herschel, the number one experience was seeing the ocean for the first time.
That is when Herschel's big day really took off.
It’s the same “never gave up” energy as the dog adopted after 2,381 days in the shelter.
The *Moment* That Went Viral
Seeing the ocean for the first time absolutely blew Herschel’s mind.
First Time Swimming
He couldn’t contain his excitement; he began barking and yelping with joy and curiosity. He was jumping and running at the end of his leash, desperate to get into the water as soon as possible.
Jumping, Splashing, Eating Waves
Once he got into the water, he was elated, splashing around, running, and trying to catch the waves.
He was having the time of his life, and everyone watching could tell.
Can't. Get. Enough.
Herschel’s pure, unbridled excitement led Rocky to joke, “I’m not letting go of the leash; he might swim off to San Diego for all I know.”
Finally, Meeting Mom
When they arrived at Kim’s house, Herschel’s new home, Kim was just as excited as Herschel was to meet him. Kim sat on the ground with him, giving him lots of love and belly scritches.
He's found his forever home.
Check Out the Video That Captured It All!
After Five Years of Neglect, Herschel Got a Chance to Truly Enjoy Life.
Herschel was given an incredible adventure that he’s sure to remember for the rest of his love-filled life. He experienced all different types of treats, brisk snowy mountain adventures, warm sandy beaches, car rides, and a forever home.
If this story warmed your heart, brought a tear to your eye, or just made you smile on the inside, give your pet a hug for me and share this with your family and friends.
For another heartbreaking-to-happy moment, watch the dog who saw the sea after lifelong chains.
Share this article:
