Just because a dog appears big and imposing doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel fear. In fact, giant dogs can be just as deeply affected by trauma as any other—and Bobby is living proof.
When this gentle pup first arrived at a shelter in Pennsylvania, he was completely shut down. Curled up in the back of a cramped kennel, Bobby froze in place, too scared to move or face the unfamiliar world around him.
After being discarded by a commercial breeder, Bobby had lost everything he knew. Once he was no longer “useful,” he was cast aside like he didn’t matter.
He’d never experienced the simple joys of companionship, regular walks, or a comforting daily routine. All Bobby ever knew was isolation and neglect. But that was about to change.
Overwhelmed By Shelter Life
Thanks to the efforts of the Animal Law Enforcement Team at Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR), Bobby—an incredibly sweet Norwegian Elkhound—was rescued from a careless breeder in the nick of time.
At just two years old, Bobby stepped paw into a shelter for the very first time, and it was anything but easy. The noisy, crowded setting sent him into a state of panic, and he instantly retreated to the back of his kennel, frozen with fear.
“This sweet, docile 2-year-old Norwegian Elkhound is so gentle that the chaos of the shelter overwhelms him completely,” the Pennsylvania shelter wrote in the video.
Despite his large size, Bobby was a timid soul. He trembled constantly, scared of the world around him and unsure of who to trust.
“Bobby is a quiet soul who wants nothing more than to be calm and loved. The noise, the constant movement, the unfamiliar faces—it’s all so much for him,” the rescue added.
The video showing Bobby huddled in his kennel quickly struck a chord with viewers online.
His sorrowful gaze toward the door captured the hearts of hundreds, sparking an outpouring of empathy and support.
And soon enough, that emotional response led to something wonderful.
A Life-Changing Turnaround
The team at MLAR worked tirelessly to share Bobby’s story, describing the kind of home he needed: a peaceful, patient environment where he could slowly begin to feel safe and learn to trust.
“He deserves a home where he can rest in peace, a family that will be patient and understanding as he learns to trust again. Bobby doesn’t need a lot—just the kind of environment where he can feel safe and slowly open up,” MLAR wrote.
It wasn’t long before the perfect family came forward. A couple who already had a Norwegian Elkhound saw Bobby’s story and knew they had to help.
When Bobby realized he was finally going home, it was as if a weight had lifted. After countless sleepless nights and a past filled with heartbreak, he had finally found his place—with a loving family that truly cared.
Today, Bobby enjoys adventures and cozy naps with his new dog sibling, far away from the cold walls of that tiny kennel.
He’s finally living the life he always deserved.
Happy tails, Bobby!