Sitting with Dogs: Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved

by Rocky Kanaka

Heartwarming stories of loss, rescue, and love from social media star and dog-rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is known the world over as a dog rescue advocate. His millions of fans follow along each week as Rocky visits shelters and finds dogs in need. He often finds the most hopeless cases—dogs that have been abandoned because they're sick or their owners can no longer care for them, or they've never had a home and have been living on the street—and helps them find their forever homes. Through patience, kindness, and love, Rocky helps dogs trust and love again, even if it's just for the short time Rocky visits with them in the shelter.

Sitting with Dogs is a collection of stories about ten rescue dogs that each got off to a rough start but found their way into Rocky's arms. From the story of Flip, Rocky's first rescue and his inspiration for dedicating his life to saving lost and abandoned dogs, to Macy, who was so emaciated when she arrived at the shelter that no one thought she would survive, Rocky's stories will tug at your heart and bring a smile to your face. And they might even inspire you to give a little of your own time and attention to a dog that just needs a hug and a little love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs, Animals, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Teri Rider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to discover that Rocky had written a book. I've been watching his videos for a long time and just love the stories and how dedicated he is to helping the dogs that might never be adoptable. I was fortunate to meet him in person at his book launch in Del Mar, CA. He is every bit as heart-centered and genuine as he appears in his videos. The stories in the book will warm your heart and inspire you to do more good for dogs. This will be my top gift this holiday season for all my dog-loving friends.

[Becky Q. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting With Dogs by Rocky Kanaka is a nonfiction book about Rocky who works with shelter dogs, and he tells the stories of some of the dogs he's worked with. Omg. MY HEART. I cried A LOT. Happy cry, hopeful cry, my soul HURTS cry, angry cry (because wow humans can be awful). Every single dog's story in this book had my full attention. I loved learning their histories, where they came from, how they're doing now...and I wish I could know how they're doing right NOW this EXACT moment. This book was incredibly emotional but also informative even for me, a lifelong dog owner! I felt like I learned so much without feeling like I was being taught, if that makes sense. It was like I was just talking to someone who works at a shelter, and they were just giving me some tips and tricks. Rocky's love for dogs is soooo evident throughout this whole book and if you've watched his videos, you already know how genuine he is and reading this just made me admire him soooo much more. I feel like it has motivated me to do better for dogs, to advocate harder, and it has definitely made me want to foster someday in the future. I know it's something that we all already know, but Rocky reiterating the fact that no matter what dogs go through or deal with, they still love us unconditionally...and learning how badly some of these dogs were treated but they still just want to be loved...MY HEART CANNOT HANDLE. If you love dogs, uplifting stories or just want proof that good humans still exist, this book is seriously such a gift. I loved every single story, and I finished it feeling sooo inspired and grateful!

[ANNA]

I can't wait to read this book! Love seeing Rocky with the dogs on YouTube!

[Nancy Ragsdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an impact on lives

What an amazing life healing the damaged and scarred bodies of pets abused and left with no hope. Rocky gives helpful advice for helping furkids, fostering, adoption and how to select breeds. It is so interesting how he reads each critter…not rushing but providing the love and care the pet needs to start to move forward. He has links to each story as well as merchandise, coffee and his baked goods. I think of how Kelly & Rocky are raising their young kids to grow up knowing to treasure all lives in one happy,active home while preparing fosters for a permanent, safe home.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touches your heart in so many ways. Keep Kleenex handy.

[Gary Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting book about shelter dogs and what each of us can do to help regardless of experience or education. This book reminded me of The Divinity of Dogs book!

[Gayle Siems · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocky is such a great guy and I love watching his shelter videos. It was interesting to read about his background and how he ended up where he is today...helping dogs, running Flip Farms, Flip Coffee and his other companies. He and his wife wife, Kelly, are true angels 🥰

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already wanted to save every dog, and now I still want to save every dog.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am hooked on watching Rocky Kanaka's Sitting With Dogs videos. The book is a compilation of several of the dogs' stories that were presented on his YouTube show. There are lots of photos and he goes more into depth on the dogs stories. Being a dog lover, I enjoyed reading the back story of the dogs, Rocky, and Flip's Farm. Keep up the good work, Rocky.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not me ugly crying through this whole book…

[Steff Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever cried more while reading a book.

Full review to come.

[Julia Buschbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt stories and great advocacy for shelter dogs 🥹

[Gail Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

We lost our dog a month ago and I have been watching Rocky’s videos for awhile. His book just touched my heart and I am thinking of volunteering at a local shelter or rescue. Beautiful stories!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book to read, or listen to the author read. It is so interesting and too short, in this follower's opinion. Rocky gives the reader an understanding of his background, his personal struggles, his becoming a rescuer of dogs, his entrepreneurial spirit and endeavours, and relates amazing and heart-rending stories about several of the most needy dogs he has been able to help. It is inspirational.
I chose this book for the 2026 52bookclub challenge, prompt "Author's bio mentions their dog."

[Fen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been fan of Rocky's YouTube channel for ages, so of course I had to preorder his book! I've been reading just a little bit every day and finally finished up this evening. What a wonderful and insightful look into everything that goes on with his show and his efforts to help get dogs adopted!

[Anna Williams Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh so good I love dogs

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one to read, not necessarily listen to… If possible to get your hands on the full color so you can see all the cute pictures of dogs

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started following him on Facebook. While I enjoy watching him sit with dogs, I loved reading stories start to finish in this book.

[Shannon Rohrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, cover to cover.

I've been watching Rocky's "Sitting With Dogs" series on YouTube for at least 5 years now, and I've always loved and appreciated how he's such a huge advocate for animal welfare. I was familiar with many of the stories, though there were some that slipped under my radar (or that I'd seen the beginnings of, but had missed updates regarding).

Rocky is probably one of those few, genuinely good souls out there trying to make the world a less bleak place--and knowing he has such love and compassion for our four-legged friends, seeing them as equal in his eyes (as well he should) makes me appreciate what he and his team do all the more.

Because I know that a dog isn't "just a dog". I know we can love and mourn their loss as much (sometimes even more) than we do other humans; there's nothing wrong with that, and Rocky gets it in a way so many people don't. I see in his videos and in these pages a kindred spirit. His words, his stories, his background--it was all so raw, so vulnerable and heartfelt. This is a man that lives life as openly and true as he can; a difficult feat, and yet he does it just the same.

If you love animals--and have a particular soft spot for canines--I definitely encourage you to read this.

[Lynette Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to read Rocky Kanaka’s book: Sitting with Dogs: Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved.

I have been a loyal watcher of the YouTube Sitting with Dogs show; and marvelled, right from the first show I watched, at the transformation and the connection Rocky is able to make.

As he says in the book, dogs are smart, forgiving, and even having suffered rough treatment and/or abandonment earlier in their lives; are willing to give the human race a second chance.

Whether you’ve seen all of Rocky’s shows or you’ve never heard of Rocky Kanaka, I believe you’ll enjoy reading “Sitting with Dogs”.

As he does when he meets a new dog, Rocky comes to this book with his full and true self. That shows through in his writing, and all the actions he’s taken (along with his amazing wife Kelly, and their extended team of supporters) to help the many many dogs who are out there, searching for their forever homes.

Buy the Book!
Buy the Coffee!
Investigate your local shelter!
Do what you can and you’ll be sure to get so much more out of helping these 4-legged heroes than you invested.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across Rocky's Youtube channel when I he shared Bean's (The Blue Heeler featured in this book's) Story and I became a member of the channel as I became inspired by all the work he and his organization put into sitting with the dogs that are harder to adopt and even bringing some onto the farm or to rescue Organizations for rehab and later adoption. Prior to this book I did not know his backstory including the Fact that his Soul Dog, Flip was there when Rocky had a Stroke and alerted Rocky and his wife to the fact something was wrong and Rocky Dedicates what he does to Flip (even naming the Rehab farm he built to be Flips Farm). I was also pleased to hear that the Proceeds from this book went to Fund more dogs to be helped to rehab and have successful pet adoptions. He also talks the many ways people can help animal rescue. I loved reading all of the stories featured in this book. While not all endings were 100% happy they were real and inspiring. One of the best Nonfictions books I have read this year. I highly recommend this book!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen to the audiobook. Narration was very good. Any book that helps dogs get adopted and highlights shelters and rescues is 5 stars for me. The issue with this book is that I don’t think it translated well in words. I never watched any of Rocky’s videos however I’m certain they were much more effective visually as opposed to reading about what he did. Also I was very disturbed about Flip’s story. Rocky adopted the boxer “on impulse” ( never a good idea) from Zack who owned a dog rescue. Flip ended up having distemper which costs him almost $1,000 to treat. Distemper is highly contagious and Rocky states Flip had just been seen by a vet from the rescue. How could a vet miss a diagnosis like that. How could a rescue not test for that before exposing all the other dogs to this disease? Thankfully it worked out for Flip but the story was told way too casually. This could have been disastrous for another adopter and the rescue.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story not only about how Rocky was inspired to help shelter dogs but also several of the dogs he's come in contact over the years, including two that he ultimately adopted with his wife.

All of the stories really pulled at my heartstrings and sadly one of them was not able to live a long life but did have a happy couple of months the last of its life.

I'm so glad that most of the dogs have found their forever homes and I hope that more shelter dogs will continue to find their forever homes.

Here's hoping Pumpkin will soon find his forever home!

Highly recommend this book especially if you have watched some of the episodes of Rocky visiting shelter dogs on his YouTube channel.

Trigger warnings: dog death, dog abuse (assumed due to the conditions soem of the dogs were found in)

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kanaka hosts "Sitting With Dogs" on Youtube which is worth watching. This is a beautiful book with lots of pictures of dogs, stories of dogs and how he came to be sitting with dogs. I don't imagine that with at least three or four dog related businesses, growing coffee, rehabbing dogs, product development and a lovely growing family that he has any down time. He makes it clear to me that the resilience of dogs is almost unbelievable, that they can (mostly) recover from unbelievable hardship to provide humans with unconditional love given people like Kanaka and so many who work in rescue. We have had four rescue dogs in the last 20 years. Our next rescues will be older dogs....as we ourselves are getting really old. (Hats off to the Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter in Danielsville, GA!)

[Nancy Childers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warms the heart

I have become addicted to the videos on Youtube, wishing I had the money to adopt them all. There is something wrong with people who abuse dogs, and Rocky will receive his rewards in heaven for taking care of these sweet animals. His patience and tenacity in never giving up on showing these sweet animals that they are loved and are worthy of love knows no bounds. I loved the links to the videos in the book. I preordered the book as soon as it was announced, and when it appeared on my Kindle, I couldn't stop reading it. The stories warned my heart, and some made me cry. I hope that Pumpkin is able to go to his forever home soon. I hope Rocky never gives up "sitting with dogs", because it truly is his calling.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

I found Rocky on YouTube many years ago and have been following his Sitting with Dogs ever since. He and his wife Kelly are the perfect example of how we can be Better Humans. I have had and loved many amazing dogs my whole life so I understand his love for rescuing these beautiful animals. I believe dogs, as well as many other animals, are capable of so much more than we can imagine so I hope that anyone who loves dogs will take the time to read this beautiful book. Some of the stories can be applied in our everyday lives to help these shelter animals as well as each other.

I am so glad Rocky has shared his story and the stories of these dogs with us. It was such a beautiful book, and I hope for more from him in the future. Please keep inspiring us! 😍🐹🐩

[Julie Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watch sitting with dogs and love the way Rocky works such magic with very frightened dogs. He has saved several for a certain death without his intervention.
This book gave his story from a young kid through now as well as several dogs I have seen videos about. I admire him all the more knowing how he developed such compassion for the dogs and people he interacts with.
I purchased this book for my Kindle as it is the only way I can read now days. The pictures are there but my Kindle is black and white. I still enjoyed it and know what the dogs look like in full color.
Well worth your time.

[Christie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Rocky's videos so much. This book was a sort of re-visit of some of his most memorable dog encounters. Using the ebook version, there were links back to posts about the dogs, as well.
Reading Rocky's descriptions of his work was really helpful in understanding the whole process and the valuable of what he does. It also described the raw emotion - the wins, the losses, and the struggles.
I am so thankful for the work he does. I hope this book, and his online offerings, serve as encouragement for others to do something to be part of the solution. Not everyone can do what he and his team do, obviously, but he provides some ideas, large and small, for getting involved.

[Jeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and inspiring

Such an inspiring story . Thank you Rocky. I’ve been following you online and really enjoying your coffee and wonderful candles from your online store. When I saw you were ready to publish the book, I immediately pre-ordered. And I am so glad I did.
I have my own dream of helping animals and have been working out where to start . Your book shed light on many aspects and gave some great ideas . I even hope I can visit your farm and learn from your experience. My friends and I want to have similar place here on East coast .
Thanks again, Rocky , for all you do !

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't listen at work unless your co-workers are accustomed to seeing you cry.

The only downside to this book: I've been following Rocky on social media for quite a while, so I already knew most of the shelter dogs' stories.

Never mind, though. If you like dogs even a little bit, you should read it.

The only thing I would amend about Rocky's message is that cats are also in need of community support to make sure they all have proper care and loving homes. If you want to help at a shelter but are afraid of dogs, come to the feline side. We have purrs and biscuits.