Shelter Dog Is Too Scared to Leave the Kennel After Siblings Get Adopted, and It's Heartbreaking
Dogs who are abandoned often come with a lot of past trauma. These canines land in shelters with fears and insecurities that need time and patience to unravel, where they can finally feel safe and let their guard down.
Dolly is a 10-month-old dog who was discovered with her two siblings. She's currently at the Maui Humane Society and struggling now that her siblings have their forever homes, leaving her at the shelter on her own.
@cassondrachristman Seeing Dolly come in happy and excited about life with her siblings then now after being at the shelter for months she's falling apart. She climbs fences to escape when volunteers take her out. she wants so badly to go back to her kennel she doesn't enjoy leaving it. She was so scared in her meet and greet for foster she hid in the corner of the yard the whole time. After they left she wouldn't even go near the chairs they were in. She's on anti anxiety medications. And given daily enrichment. She's always paired with another dog in her kennel which she loves. They play together, play with toys together and snuggle on dog beds (her fave) once she knows you she is incredibly affectionate and sweet. Loves to gives kisses and is very food motivated (was found starving) Dolly is now 10 months old. What she needs is out of the shelter. She'll be sent with a tracking collar since she is a big flight risk meaning she will dash out the door climb the fence escape if she can until she settles in. Dolly can't keep living in fear at the shelter. It is heartbreaking. She's not even a year old. No real background on cats. No pretty drive because she's so terrified. Kids are a no she is too scared. Other dogs are a yes. Let's get this puppy into a home and seeing what life is all about. Fostering (Maui based) is free. All supplies provided. Dolly is at Maui humane society with her buddy Lars. Adoption interest form in my bio for off island adoptions (other Hawaiian islands mainland USA and Canada if you can pick up at nearest US airport) #fyp#hawaiitiktok#maui#adoptdontshop#adoptme
original sound - cassondra christman
The TikTok from @cassondrachristman told Dolly's story and how she's handling the shelter environment.
"She was found on Molokai with her siblings back in April," the onscreen text explained as Dolly stuck close to her two fur baby sibs in their kennel. "They were only 8 months old and the only home each other knew."
Dolly's siblings soon got adopted, leaving her behind on her own. The separation has been traumatic for the canine cutie.
"Without them, she became pretty scared," the story continued. "The only place she feels safe is her kennel."
The abrupt split from her siblings caused Dolly to be fearful of people. She's become a flight risk, which makes it difficult to get her adopted.
"She climbs fences to escape when volunteers take her out - she wants so badly to go back to her kennel," the caption explained. "She was so scared in her meet-and-greet for foster, she hid in the corner of the yard the whole time. After they left she wouldn't even go near the chairs they were in."
How to Help a Fearful Dog Feel Secure
Many shelter dogs come from traumatic backgrounds and need time to learn how to trust again. Some tips to keep in mind during this process include:
- Identify their triggers so you understand what you're dealing with and how to proceed.
- Provide safety and encouragement through soft, calm verbal affirmations and a quiet environment.
- Use positive reinforcement with praise and treats every time your dog takes a step of progress, no matter how small.
- Don't force your dog to take on a challenge they aren't ready for or are too anxious to attempt.
- Never punish fear - your dog needs to know that you are their safe place.
- Be extremely patient and go at your dog's pace.
Dolly is currently on anti-anxiety medication, and the Maui Humane Society staff is committed to helping her conquer her fears. The precious pooch shares a kennel with her bestie fur baby Lars, and loves being around other dogs. When she feels safe, Dolly is a total love bug who snuggles, gives kisses, and plays with toys.
Dolly just needs a patient parent to give her the time and love she deserves. Hopefully, this sweet pup will soon have a forever home.
For more information on Dolly or the Maui Humane Society, visit their website.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 8:10 AM.