Imagine meeting a dog at an adoption event and instantly feeling, “Yes, this is the one I’m taking home!” But after a few weeks together, you realize, “Oh no, this dog is nothing like I expected!”
Meet Canelo, Nebraska’s most charming rascal. With his dashing looks, this Huskydoodle might seem like a dream come true, but there’s more than meets the eye.
Canelo, now facing his fourth unsuccessful adoption, is certainly not for the faint-hearted, especially those new to dog ownership. Staff at the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) reveal his mischievous side—he loves to chomp and he’s not shy about it.
In a humorous and now widely-shared Facebook post, NHS humorously pointed out Canelo’s defining habit: chomping.
“Canelo is like a frat boy trapped in a 65-pound huskydoodle with the emotional regulation of a toddler hyped up on sugar. He’s affectionate, sure—just that his affection is expressed through chomping,” the shelter shared.
While Canelo’s chomps aren’t aggressive, they’re his way of communicating his feelings. Surprisingly, this behavior might make you believe that chomping is a sign of love, but it’s just Canelo being himself.
“Chomps are not his love language—they’re simply how he communicates. Feeling excited? Chomp. Bored? Chomp. Nervous? Chomp. You blinked? Chomp. He might even convince you to think you enjoy being chomped at,” NHS elaborated.
The shelter stressed that Canelo needs a very specific environment to flourish: a home where he’s the sole pet without children, and an owner with immense patience.
Volunteer Leah Naomi Surgent elaborated that Canelo would thrive in a home where he has his own space, ideally with a male owner, ample toys, and access to a pool since he adores water.
“Canelo would do exceptionally well having his own secure area in a house. When he gets too lively, he can retreat to his space to calm down,” Leah commented.
She added that Canelo is good during car rides and usually gets along with other dogs. What he truly needs is a family that can help him decompress, while providing structure and routine.
Although the NHS’s appeal for Canelo is both humorous and heartfelt, it’s clear that with the right guidance, Canelo’s affectionate nature can shine through. He’s eager to learn and ready to meet someone who matches his vivacious energy.
“He thrives on food motivation and is ready to learn new things. Beyond his looks, he needs someone who understands his ‘special needs’. He’s a project dog, and that’s perfectly fine,” Leah concluded.
Wishing you the best, Canelo!
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