Just because a dog is large doesn’t mean it’s immune to fear. Big dogs can carry deep emotional wounds too and Bobby is proof of that.
When Bobby first arrived at a Pennsylvania shelter, he was completely shut down. Curled tightly in the back of a small kennel, he froze, too frightened to move or face the unfamiliar world around him.
Discarded by a commercial breeder, Bobby had lost everything familiar. Once deemed no longer “useful,” he was cast aside without a second thought.
He had never known the comfort of companionship, daily walks, or a stable routine. His life had been defined by isolation and neglect. But things were about to change.
The Shelter Was Too Much For Him
Thanks to the efforts of the Animal Law Enforcement Team at Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR), Bobby, a gentle Norwegian Elkhound, was rescued just in time from a negligent breeder.
Only two years old, Bobby entered the shelter for the first time, and the experience overwhelmed him. The noise and constant activity sent him into a panic. He retreated to the back of his kennel, frozen in 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Despite his size, Bobby was timid and withdrawn. He trembled constantly, unsure of his surroundings and unable 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 of Bobby curled up in his kennel quickly resonated with viewers online.
His sorrowful eyes staring toward the door touched hundreds, sparking a wave of compassion and support.
That emotional response soon led to something extraordinary.
A New Life Begins
The MLAR team worked hard to spread Bobby’s story, describing the kind of home he needed—a quiet, patient space where he could feel safe and begin 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.
Before long, the right family stepped forward. A couple who already had a Norwegian Elkhound saw Bobby’s story and felt compelled to help.
When Bobby realized he was finally going home, it was as if a heavy burden had been lifted. After endless nights of fear and uncertainty, he had found a place where he belonged with people who truly cared.
Now, Bobby spends his days exploring and napping beside his new dog sibling, far removed from the cold confines of his former kennel.
He’s finally living the peaceful life he was always meant to have.
Happy tails, Bobby!