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I wish that I could say that Nico is special; that his story is unique. Unfortunately he represents hundreds of thousands of dogs languishing in shelters every day – alone, scared, waiting, wanting to die but longing for a life never known.
This photo was taken on Sunday , July 26, 2009 at a shelter in South Los Angeles, California. Nico (nameless at that time) was, in fact, trying to will himself away from the 6 years of life that had brought him to this place. Closing his eyes and tucking himself close to the wall, he could almost believe he was somewhere else. Most were afraid to interact with him because of how he looked – a bully breed who didn’t know where to put himself. He was lucky to be deaf that he could not hear the fear in the frantic cacophony of barking and screaming around him, but he could sense it assaulting his eyes, his sense of smell, even through the pads of his well worn paws. His photo was taken by a group of rescuers there to pick up other dogs but Nico’s fate was not to be one of them.
However the rescuer who caught that face wanted it to tell a story – to have his life mean something in its meaningless existence (Mutt Scouts Blog Post). What Nico did not know was that, in wanting to be so invisible, he became more than himself. Hundreds of people’s hearts grabbed onto and wrapped themselves tightly around his battered body. His photo was passed from rescuer to rescuer until it landed on the soul of a rescuer who could make a difference.
“I might go visit him then. Not to pull him, because I can’t keep him here, but to try and love on him before it’s too late for him to be loved on.” – Kelly Gibson
Thus began the story of Nico’s experience of what people should be. Kelly did go up to love on him. And he loved on Kelly, with tender little kisses and a shy and timid demeanor that belied the dirt and the sores and the red-rimmed eyes. He was jumpy when approached from behind. Wouldn’t you be – deaf and abused? However, he looked at dogs passing his kennel with nothing but mild interest. And humans, who he had not any reason to trust, he gave the benefit of the doubt and leaned in. Kelly was entranced with the dog she saw beneath the dirt.
Kelly, a small local rescuer with a limited local network, began making calls as soon as she walked out the door of the shelter. She reached out beyond herself through social networking avenues to let the world know about this dog. Nico, a voiceless sad face in an overcrowded Los Angeles shelter, now had a voice on Facebook and Fundable and through hundreds of emails and photo sharing sites. As miracles often do, this one fell together with surprising ease. The Humane Society for Hamilton County, Indiana, transport rescuers throughout the United States, trainers, vets, and good Samaritans joined hands around Nico’s fate. Hence evolved the name Nico for a previously unnamed dog – “Nico” (NEE-koe) is short for the Greek name Nicodemus, which means “Victory of the people”. Donations and a destination for Nico secured, Kelly headed back up to Los Angeles to start Nico’s journey to what would hopefully be his forever home.
“On the way up to L.A. I stopped at Petco to pick up a collar, leash, ID tag, and tub of freeze-dried liver cubes. This is what I had with me on Friday when I went up to visit him and he liked it so much I thought it might be helpful for the vet to have some on hand while they try to treat and groom him. The collar & leash are red, the tag is a blue bone-shaped one, and he (will be) white…because after all, this IS his own Independence Day.
I had to sign my life away at the shelter because I was adopting a dog that everyone said would bite me. 20 minutes later the guy who was pulling him out of the kennel asked me for the collar I brought and, when I asked him if he would like some of the treats too to distract Nico, just in case, he shook his head and said “No, he’s a sweet boy.”" – Kelly Gibson
He only looked forward...
And a sweet passenger he was, as he offered Kelly gentle thank you kisses throughout the 3 hour ride to Animal Medical Center in El Cajon, CA. He rode like a gentleman, as if he had been chauffeured all his life. Happily he watched the stench of death fade behind him and the aroma of life stretch out before him. The further they journeyed from the shelter and the streets of Los Angeles, the bigger his smile grew.
It did not matter that he was headed somewhere where he would be kenneled again for a couple of weeks. It didn’t matter that his skin hurt and the places where bones poked through were worn raw. It did not matter that he had picked up a nasty cough which shook his body as it rattled through. It did not matter that he had been labeled savage, purely because of how he looked from years of living on the streets and not through any actions of his own. It did not matter that his poor deaf ears had been savagely cut, probably with kitchen shears, when he was very young, probably to make him appear tough and likely to reinforce someone else’s image of themselves. He was alive and I think he knew that he had been saved. He only looked forward in his ride to San Diego…he only looked forward.
This is only the beginning of Nico’s story – a story of rescue that is still happening and will be shared with you as it unfolds. Nico has been rescued from the shelter and begins his long journey home now. While one may read this and think that it will be a story about the evolution of a mangy street dog into a family pet, I can tell you that, even though we have just begun, the evolution is not in him, but in my own life and the many whose lives he has and will touch.
As you read this story, Nico’s life is changing… and Nico’s story is changing lives.
- to be continued -
Oh Nico, you’ve gone so far and touched so many lives, including mine. I am in awe. You’ve shown us that we can endure hard times and still be grateful when there is little, to carry on when the odds are against us, and still love unconditionally. May the rest of your life only get better than the past six weeks. I know it will.
With warm regards and lots of ear scritches from the guy you rode shotgun with from Tulsa to Joplin
Kelly is amazing, and this story is one of hope. I keep the shelter picture of Nico on my desktop so that I always remember how important this work is.
I read this and cried the whole while. That shelter picture captured the essence of unwanted and unloved. But it screamed those things so loudly, that Nico was rescued. Misery that deep must needs always call for help. Kelly, you are an angel for getting Nico out of there and on the way to a new life. Kim, you are also an angel for writing Nico’s story. If there is any way to get on a mailing list for updates on Nico’s story, please put me on it. Thank you both. And Nico, thank you for reaching out with your raw agony and hopelessness to touch people’s hearts and allow them to make things good for you.
Kim, May I please post your story on Best Friends Network?
Thnaks for the beautiful story; it has been a joy to be a part of this rescue…your words left us in tears…
Yes – please feel free to re-post with appropriate credits. The more people that see his story, the more awareness we build of both the amazing work that many many people do as well as the amazing need for more people to jump in and do what they can.
What a wonderfully written heartfelt story about Nico; I can’t wait to hear more about his rescue and continued improvement. I have a Yellow Lab named Keely that had been rescued from a puppy mill; she is about 4 years old and afraid of everyone and everything. To see her play with my other dogs and love on us is wonderful but then to see the fear when a stranger comes is sickening. I had no intentions of keeping Keely (Kee Kee is what we call her)but I am afraid to adopt her out for fear she will bite someone and they will put her down. My sweet Kee Kee will stay with us now forever. There are I’m sure lots of great Nico and Keely stories out there; we just need more rescuers and more spay and neuter laws. Good luck to Nico I’m sure he will find his loving forever home and be the best boy ever.
Wonderful story. I have a couple of Nico’s in my home.
Kelly, thank you for making this happen for this special boy. They are special, but hopefully, this one will help change the world of shelters and rescues to something even bigger and more positive.
I would also like to receive e-mails on his journey! I just rescued a pom/chihuahua mix 3 weeks ago and her demeanor screams thank you so much for saving my life! She came to me so broken-hearted and now she’s safe and she knows it. Her name is Papillon, French for butterfly because she is indeed free at last. My other dog, a rescued pug, was a flood victim as we were ripped apart in eastern North Carolina from Hurricane Floyd in 1999 that made national news. I am her 3rd owner & her name is sweet Ginny.
i feel sooooooooo sorry for nico i really feel sorry for him even thaugh im not a big fan of dogs but once shampoo got in cats eye hed stay in a corner alone miauwing for help he looked very depressed
I cried when I saw the first picture of Nico….Kelly, you truly are an angel. I want so much to be kept informed of Nico’s progress……..what a beautiful mug he has!! I would have taken him for sure!! Thank you for being the angels that you are, and we love you, Nico! Can’t wait to see more beautiful pictures of you!!
what a sweet and lovable little soul nico is…i cant wait to hear the next part of his journey…
i work for PETCO 2772. and after this story i have never been more proud to say that,,great job, cant wait to read the rest of NICOS story, if Nico needs a home please let me know.WAT TO GO………………
Thank you so much for rescuing Nico from the shelter and being able to see with your heart that he is a sweet boy in need of help and love. There are so many dogs that deserve the same, and I am so glad that you could be there in this situation. Best of luck, Nico! We know that your life has so much joy and love in store for you. We can’t wait to learn more about your journey.
KIM SMITH !! WHAT a talent you have !!!! Thanks for using ot to help the animals !!! AWESOME !!! Way to go !!
Nico”s story has touched my heart. I will keep him and many like him in my prayers.I can’t wit to know the rest of your story Nico.
I cried myself to sleep the night I first saw this dog on FB. I lay in bed trying to figure out how I would get to CA from Texas or better yet how I could get the dog from CA to Texas. Thank you Kelly, thank you. You, my dear, answered my prayers that night as I didn’t know what else to do as I pet my own little dog hoping for a miracle, I had no idea the miracle would also have a name, Kelly.
Kelly—you are an angel. God bless your caring, loving heart!
Excellent story Kim
I would have adopted that dog in a heart beat! I have had the privledge of adopting two BUllie breeds that knoone wanted and I would have loved to have taken this one in as well. That picture brought a tear to my eye and the second one a tear of joy. God Bless you Nico!
What a great story I cried the whole time I read it. Nico sure is lucky he found you. GL and God bless you both.
Nico, omg how you have touched my heart, i read your story, i saw your picture, i cried my eyes out…. you were so pitiful and sad and the tears rolled down my cheeks as i read your life story so far. But Nico.., now its all changed, you will have a wonderful happy life, with no sore bones, no nasty words, no scavaging for food, darling its all going to be good from now on you will be loved dearly, spoiled rotten and have everything you deserve from now on. I cant wait to hear the next installment of you life story. Your a wonderful boy and i wish everything in the world for you darling. Love Diane xxxxx
So glad I became a facebook fan of Petco and learned about Nico and Kelly. Nico’s story is so powerful and Kelly you will be rewarded for rescuing one of God’s children. The picture of him against the wall in the shelter will be forever with me. I hope to see lots of happy pictures of Nico and his new family.
Thank you for sharing. I hope all the stories have happy endings.
Dogs ability to forgive humans for what we do to them is God like. The human that gets picked to give Nico her “forever” home will be in for a love of a lifetime. Nicos lifetime thanks to her rescuer. Thank you for sharing Nicos love with me…Hugs to Nico…Robyn
What a beautiful boy! I know he will bring joy to everyone he meets.
This is so heartwarming. When I first saw the picture, I was afraid to read because so many don’t have this ending. I go to the local shelter weekly to help save as many as possible, but it’s not enough, never enough. They all deserve to be saved, no matter what their physical appearance or size is. They’re all gifts from our Heavenly Father and it’s up to us to see that they’re protected. Until humans “get it” and take responsibility, it will never change. I’m trying to get laws in place to “require” responsibility, but I doubt I’ll see it in my lifetime. I know there are plenty of young folks out there who care and will continue the struggle. Never give up!!! It’s part of the order from above. Peggy Harrell, President, SPCA Alliance of NC
That picture is heartbreaking. I’m still tearing up just thinking about it…. I’m glad Nico’s future has brightened considerably since this was taken. The Animal Medical Center in El Cajon is phenomenal and my dog’s regular vet is there. Good on you, Kelly – thank goodness there are people like you in the world.
What a beautiful write up about Nico. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting him and helping in the transport to his new home. He is the sweetest boy and I’m so glad that he is finally getting the life and love he has always deserved. Thank you Kelly for everything selfless thing that you do.
What a wonderful story. My heart goes out to Nico on so many levels.
If we can all help just one….
We need more Kellys in the world. This proves how animals need two simple things in life, just as people, food and love. Way to go Kelly and Petco for putting this story up.
I’m the owner of 3 rescue dogs, my most recent being a pretty bad abuse case. I was told it may not be possible to bring him back to dealing with the world in a positive way. I never take no for an answer and Charlie is 8 weeks later playing with his sisters, going for walks, and giving all the love he has like nothing had gone wrong. Not all dogs with a breed they have no control over get a second chance. Charlie is a Rottweiler/GSD mix that would have been most likely have been put down otherwise. I love to see these stories and see the work done by other extreme dog lovers that go out of their way to help the few lost souls. I am proud to work for Petco 1224. Looking forward to seeing more of Nico’s journey to a loving forever home.
Thank you for sharing Nico’s story. The pictures say everything. My heart brakes for all of the little ones still in shelter pens (or worse) wanting somebody to take them out of their situation and give them the love and attention they ALL deserve.
I have 3 dogs and 4 cats that I rescued. I wish I could help all the animals like Nico. Thanks to wonderful people like Kim and Kelly Nico will have a home and good life. We all can make a difference by working together. All the comments sent in demonstrate how the caring and love will spread throughout our country and universe because of this one special dog.
This is so great Kim. Good work! Just that brief time I got to spend with him in the car in driving thru Indianapolis to Noblesville has really stuck with me. I’ll never forget the way this dog just looks you right in the eye, and as weird as it sounds, you can almost feel him trying to tell you something. And then he just gives you a big fat kiss. haha! He has only great things ahead of him. He’s the classic example of what I admire so much about dogs– He isn’t concerned with what used to be or what should have been… he is grateful and happy for what IS. We can all learn a lot from Nico.
This IS a beautiful story, and I look forward to updates. Kelly is indeed an angel. We have never met. I’m in OH, and she is in CA. She has helped me move German Shorthaired Pointers all over the U.S. and to Canada, so they could find safe haven in the arms of foster and adoptive parents. I’m just one of many whom she helps through volunteer rescue transport coordination. Thank you, Kelly….for all you do for us, and for the dogs. And Kim, thank you for sharing this story.
This is so moving. So beautiful! We rescue dogs and cats in our family. Every story haunts me. For every one who rescues one of these precious little souls, THANK YOU!
that is one of the saddest photo’s i have seen in a long time. bully breeds are bully’s because people make them that way. my rescue was so gentle we called her baby. I have five more and they are looking at me right now wondering why their mom is crying. he looks like a sweet,proud boy driving in the car.
Thank you Kelly for having such a big heart and making sure Nico finally found a real home. If you hadn’t kept going back to the shelter to visit him, I hate to think what might have happened to him.
That picture of Nico at the shelter sort of reminds you of a person in a mental institution who has no hope.
Thanks to you Kim for writing Nico’s story. You have done an outstanding job.
Last, but definitely not least, thank you Louann for giving Nico a new lease on life. I think the way I read it, you are now the proud owner of Nico. You are both extremely lucky.
thank you so much for posting this story. All my animals or kids as we call them are from the shelters. I do not buy animals from private parties. I get from the shelters! Nico’s pictures touched my heart. I am so glad that he is doing much better and is on his way to his forever home! Thank you Nico for the lessons that we humans can learn from you!
hello hi …..I love hearing news like that, that there are still people who care for animals ….. God bless
The picture is what cought my eye. I cried, but out of joy. The look on his face in the second picture you know hes waited for that moment to go home.
I would also like to contribute to Nico’s care. Please email me with instructions on how I can donate dollars that will help this special dog.
Since Nico represents the hundreds of thousands of animals out there that need our help, we encourage you to donate to the PETCO Foundation. We have raised/donated over $53 million over the last 10 years to the rescue organizations with the greatest need – http://www.petcofoundation.org
However if you are interested in contributing for Nico specifically you can donate through the Hamilton County Humane Society site. http://www.hamiltonhumane.com
I know the outcome was good because I read the travel story first but this preface just made me sob like a baby. God bless these saints that work so hard for these animals. For you are reserved the highest levels of heaven.
Kelly, I am so proud to know you! Thank you for believing in Nico! What a great story!
Emilie in TN