Nico

My story

This gentle boy was rescued from a busy DMV site where heavy traffic made it dangerous for a small dog like him to survive. The area is known for large stray dogs, and Nico was especially vulnerable. We don’t know much about his past, but based on his behavior, we believe he was intentionally abandoned. He waited in the same spot every day—for months. A loyal soul, holding out hope for the people who left him behind. Thankfully, one of our amazing volunteers spotted Nico and brought him to safety. He was taken to the vet, received a full check-up, tested negative on his 4DX test, got all his core vaccines, and was neutered. Once Nico started to settle in, the fear in his eyes began to fade—and his sweet, gentle personality started to shine. Nico loves to give hugs and kisses. He’s incredibly patient, gets along well with other dogs, and is very affectionate with the people he bonds with. He’s a quiet little guy who humbly asks for love in return. And yes—he absolutely loves food! 💛 Things to keep in mind: Because Nico was likely abandoned, car rides make him nervous. He must be safely secured in the vehicle, as he tends to crawl or try to jump around. A patient family willing to take things slow will help him get more comfortable over time. We also think he may have been tied up in the past, as he gets anxious when tethered for walks. Slowly introducing short leash sessions in a secure, fenced yard—using a harness—can help build his confidence. He has attempted to escape before, so a tall, secure fence (at least 6’) is a must. Nico would thrive in a home with another small or small-medium dog for companionship. Older, experienced kids (teenagers) would also be a great fit.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Nico, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.