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| Name: |
Nico
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Age: |
One and a half years old
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| Gender: |
Male |
Breed: |
German Shepherd
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| Home: |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
Last
December I received an email from a friend that would change my life
forever. The email included a description of an "aggressive" shepherd at a
local animal shelter who was scheduled to be put down in a few days. My
friend knew my love for the breed and also my inability to say no to an
animal in need. After confirming he was still at the shelter, I
immediately went to meet this "aggressive" dog, that was not in the public
kennels, was never temper tested, had no interactions with the other
kennel dogs and had no specific reasons as to how or why he was aggressive.
Immediately upon meeting him I knew there was no way I could let anything
happen to him. After spending an hour or so with him and helping him
discover his love for toys, I took him back inside and said I would be
back the next day with my female Shepherd and that I would be taking him
home to foster, until we could find his forever home. As promised, I was
back after work with my female for their introductions. A staff worker at
the kennel brought him out and he did nothing but bark at my female with
no correction from the shelters staff and him wanting to just throw them
into a pen together. Although the barking was not unfriendly, I ended the
visit shortly after, fearing the workers lack of knowledge may lead to a
problem between the two. The very next day I brought my female back for a
correct introduction. After a positive three hour walk together, we
scheduled him to be neutered and went to pick him up a few days later.
Upon arriving at the shelter, I was told there was someone wanting to meet
him and it was requested I stick around for a few minutes before I took
him home. I had no problem with this, as my focus was still on just
getting him out. Upon meeting the potential adopter, she told me of her
volunteer work on a local Search and Rescue Team and how she trained her
dog in it. She then requested her dogs be able to meet him and expressed
her interest in adopting him. We both went inside and told the staff what
had been discussed. The staff member said to keep her updated, but she was
sending the dog home with me that day and had me sign paperwork stating it
would be an adoption at no charge, which could be switched over at any time.
Nico went home with me that day and I began looking on the internet for
more information about Search and Rescue. After finding a local team, I
went to a meeting and really felt like I had found our calling. An
evaluation was set up after I attended a few trainings and he did amazing.
He captures everyone's heart so easily and has incredible drive to not
only work, but to please. He stole my heart and our bond is so incredibly
strong. We are proud members of our team and work hard together to make a
difference.
Nico has found his forever home with me, and went from needing rescue, to
helping others in need of the same.
See more images of Nico!
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