Have you ever locked eyes with a dog at an adoption event and instantly thought, “Yep. That’s my dog. I’m taking him home.”?
And then a few weeks later you’re standing in your kitchen going, “Okay… I may have made a very bold choice. This dog is not the vibe I expected.”
No?
Well, allow us to introduce Canelo, Nebraska’s most convincing little heartthrob. He’s a Huskydoodle with movie-star looks and a face that screams “perfect angel,” but trust me, he is not exactly what he’s selling.
Honestly, once you meet the real Canelo, you might rethink everything you assumed at first glance.
‘A Frat Boy Disguised As A 65lb Huskydoodle’
Sweet, great-looking, and definitely one of the dreamiest breeds you’d ever come across — this was exactly my first thought when I saw the photo of Canelo!
Is it true? Yes.
But is there more to the story? Definitely!
Turns out, Canelo, now officially a four-time adoption fail, is sometimes too much to handle, at least for the first time dog owners.
According to his caregivers at Nebraska Humane Society (NHS), he’s a big-time chomper, and he doesn’t give up on the habit, ever!
In a funny, playful, sincere, and now a viral Facebook post, NHS explains Canelo’s biggest red flag: his chomps.
“Canelo is a frat boy disguised as a 65lb huskydoodle, and he has the emotional regulation skills of a toddler on a sugar high. The good news is he’s very affectionate – the bad news is his affection comes in the form of chomps,” the Nebraska shelter shared.
To be honest, Canelo’s chomps are not aggressive at all. They’re basically his way of communicating his emotions.
But here’s the thing: Canelo will make you think his chomps are his love language. They’re not. They’re just who he is.
“Chomps aren’t his love language – they’re just his language. Excited? Chomp. Bored? Chomp. Nervous? Chomp. You blinked? Chomp. He will gaslight you into thinking you like being chomped on,” NHS added.
In the second part of the post, the shelter emphasizes the importance of matching Canelo with the right family. He needs a place where he would be the only dog, with no kids around, and someone who “has the patience of the saint.”
Canelo Just Needs The Right Family
Leah Naomi Surgent, one of the shelter’s volunteers working in behavior, explains that Canelo would definitely thrive in a proper environment. What he needs is a home with his own space, preferably a male owner, lots of toys and a pool, as Canelo is all about water!
“Canelo would THRIVE having his own doggy proof space in a house, for when he becomes rowdy he can go into his area for quiet time,” Leah wrote in the comment of the post.
She also states that Canelo behaves well in the car and gets along with other dogs most of the time. What he needs is someone who will teach him to decompress, and give him structure and routine.
While the NHS plea for Canelo is meant to be funny and sincere in the first place, the truth is, Canelo is a truly affectionate dog. He just needs the right direction.
He’s motivated to learn and can’t wait to meet someone who matches his energy.
“He is food motivated and ready to learn. Instead of liking this guy for his appearance, he needs someone who can meet his “special needs” equally!! (Don’t we all). He is a project dog and that’s okay,” Leah concludes.
Good luck, Canelo!