It's been told a photograph says a thousand words. This one united a thousand hearts.
One snapshot captured the desperation of a dog, the state of animal shelters and the fate of too many canines housed there. In a word, the picture of Nico is epically heartbreaking. This six-year-old Dogo Argentino is shown with bowed head, leaning against his kennel wall, looking like a beaten, depressed, dejected and forgotten creature. Perhaps you've seen it. If you have, you haven't forgotten.
The story might have ended there. But when rescue volunteer and photographer Nikki Audet with The Mutt Scouts posted the photograph online to garner attention and hopefully spark someone into action, something amazing happened. Nico's picture went viral, starting with Facebook. Suddenly, he became the unofficial poster dog for homeless canines, reminding rescuers who they fight for every single day. And Nico needed that kind of fight. He was a mess: depressed, malnourished, beaten up, bloody, deaf and a "bully breed" to boot. He also had a large tumor on his back, even more visible due to his emaciated frame. He didn't stand a chance of getting out of the shelter. Until that photo of him went gangbusters.
As also stated in an L.A. Unleashed article written by Orange County journalist Janet Kinosian, a rescuer named Kelly Gibson from San Diego saw Nico's portrait, and acted on it. She operates a small rescue out of her home called Puggles and Pitties and is very active in animal transport. The dogs she rescues are either rehomed by her or transported to other rescue facilities that can adopt them out. Gibson is no stranger to the shelter reality, but seeing Nico's picture affected her deeply.
"So much emotion was conveyed in that picture," she said. "He looked so defeated and had totally given up on life. He had lost all hope. He had a rough life and now found himself in the awful South L.A. shelter. Things were going from bad to worse, and I knew he had no chance of making it out alive. He seemed to know it, too. Plus, the shelter had noted on his record that he was dangerous, a biter, aggressive. But all I saw was a dog that had gotten a really bad chance at life."
She traveled to Los Angeles to meet Nico, armed with plans to adopt him herself, take him to her own vet and have him humanely euthanized.
"I just couldn't stand the thought of no one showing him a simple kindness in his life and thought he deserved to die with more dignity and respect than he would ever be shown in the shelter," Gibson said.
But the minute she walked up to his kennel and looked into Nico's soulful, bi-colored eyes, Gibson knew this dog was not just misjudged, but full of life. He gave her kisses and, despite being sick and filthy, acted sweet as a lamb. Gibson knew right then that this dog needed help, and she was going to make it happen.
"I changed my plan and decided he needed to be given a chance at life and not just put down," she said.
Thanks in part to money raised by Audet, Gibson worked with The Mutt Scouts and bailed Nico out of Los Angeles' South Central animal shelter. He went into veterinary care as he waited for Gibson to coordinate his transportation to the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Noblesville, Ind. She has worked with the shelter's executive director, who has a soft spot for Pits, and together, they arranged for Nico's new life. It took weeks and 45 people to finesse the cross-country deal, but it happened. Nico arrived at the humane society safe and sound. There, he began his training and rehabilitation in search of his forever home.
But who knew his journey to a new life would also inspire so many others along the way?
"He has touched many hearts and he is even changing people's minds," said Deena Hitchens Crouch, a board members with the Humane Society for Hamilton County. "After meeting Nico, [people] couldn't believe how gentle and sweet he was, especially after what he had experienced."
And what he experienced was a terrible life of neglect and abuse on the streets. Scary enough for any dog, but for a deaf dog, the days and nights must have been endless. Thanks to his foster care through The Invisible Fence company, Nico worked extensively with trainer and foster mom Julie Case to get him acquainted with rules, manners and commands. Showing what a smart dog he is, Nico picked up his lessons quickly.
In November 2009, Nico was nearly ready for a forever home. The majestic boy had come so far. He looked like a different dog from the one that sparked his life-saving Internet campaign. Many people, having seen that photo, wanted to adopt Nico, but the one who eventually did had no idea that this dog was a celebrity of sorts.
Meet Bridget Swan of Indianapolis. She and her partner Melissa Garris were looking for a special-needs bully-breed dog to adopt, and so a co-worker sent Swan the Hamilton County Humane Society's page on Nico. It was the first Swan had seen of this survivor. She immediately fell for him.
"I always root for the underdog," Swan said. "Seeing [Nico's] picture and reading his story on the HSHC website made me want to rescue him and provide a good, stable environment for the rest of his days. When I called and asked if I could go for a visit, I could not believe he was still available. He has a spirit about him and I think that is what attracted me to him once I actually met him."
Swan raced down to the shelter the next day to meet him and fill out paperwork. She was surprised when, initially, the shelter was not keen on adopting Nico out. The staff feared he would be pursued based on his popularity, so they made sure Swan wanted Nico, not just Nico the Internet Dog ("He has a Facebook page," Swan added with a laugh). Once they realized she was legit, Nico was hers. And they've all been bonded ever since. Swan and Garris work with a vibration collar so they can "call" his name; he'll immediately trot over to them and sit right down.
"He has been trained, and is still training, with hand signals," said Swan. "He is doing so well!"
Even though he faced mistreatment and abuse in the past, Nico holds no grudges in the present.
"[Despite] Nico's scarring and the condition he was found in, he has forgiven man for everything that has happened to him," said Swan. "He is truly an example of a happy ending, even though this just our beginning."
On one side, Nico behaves like a true gentleman. Yet on the other, he's still just a big guy.
"He loves to sleep, snore, play in the snow, cuddle, snort and pass gas," Swan joked. "He is so amazing and has added so much stinky love to our lives!"
He adores the snow, chewing, sleeping and his baths. Oh how he loves his baths! But perhaps the best thing Nico loves to do is snuggle.
"He and I have started snuggling in the morning," said Swan. "It is so cute, I cannot put it into words."
Nico is an original, and his story is a success. From street dog to death-row dog to rescued canine to adored family member. But everyone involved in his journey knows that there are lots of other Nicos in shelters all across the country, just waiting for their happy endings.
"When someone goes to a shelter to find a pet, they are looking for the cute, well-maintained, spunky pet," said Swan. "They walk by the defeated, mistreated, infected and rough-looking dog. Maybe because they think the dog will misbehave, be aggressive or is not cute enough for them.
"Nico represents a dog that, given a chance, can give more love to a home and his humans because he is more grateful to have them. I want people to see that all pets need love and a home that fits them."
Comments
The Dogo is such a fascinating breed.
What a great fascinating story. I had never heard of Nico or seen his photo before but I am so happy that he finally found a loving home. I loved this article as well, really well written!
Nikki Audet and The Mutt Scouts have brought much joy and love into our lives with two amazing dogs! Mr. Pip and the Chief!
What a wonderful story. When we read about all the unsung heroes in the world, it gives everyone hope for the future of mankind.
I think people who mistreat any and all animal's should face felony charge's. I love happy ending's. I take in unwanted animal's any kind! cat's dog's squirrel's etc. I find them home's or turn them back into the wild, when healthy. Keep up the good work!!!
poop
You should send this article to Pima Animal Care. The first picture looks just like their kennels.
That photo - his absolute defeat from abuse and misery, and loneliness. Thank goodness for the "AFTER" photo, and thanks for your great article featuring the courageous and compassionate rescuers who make all the difference in so many dog's lives. Bravo for our rescuers - Angels of condemned innocent pound dogs.
What a beautiful story - happy to see those gorgeous "after" photos! Lucky, lucky dog :)
God Bless Kelly Gibson.
Thank you so much for this amazing story. I wish more people could see pictures like his so that fewer pups got to that point or past it. I imagine my dog and all of my fosters like that and it is heartbreaking. People need to see these pictures to realize how the spirits are broken, but they are not bad dogs. His after pictures are wonderful as is every person involved in this story, including you. Thank you.
Nico is such a handsome boy, who in their right mind would want to do anything to him? He is very special to be given a second chance in life. I wish that all stories like his could end that way.
Let's make all the animals on FB famous!!!!
You go Nico,live the good life for now on!
The internet may be the best ally we have in finding homes for animals that need them or need special care. I always share urgent requests on my facebook page and share them with my "animal friends" distribution list.
awesome story...what a great gal, great dog and great ending...good boy, good boy!
beos
Calamity Cate
Thanks for a wonderful article. Nico is a very expressive dog. Lucky for him that came through in the picture and people stepped forward to meet him where he was and bring him the rest of the way home.
nico represents everything we do
to make abused dogs deepest
wishes come true
to connect them with
people who will do
their best
to give them the lives
they deserve
so they can forget
the rest
This is a fantastic step forward for the fair treatment of PitBull's AmStaff's and Staffy's because, despite their wonderful disposition they are frequently ignored in professional dog shows, which is a travesty because the best thing that could happen to the breed would be to make it less a symbol of physical power and more a symbol of fantastic loyalty and beauty. This shift would only occur if a Bull Terrier were given a fair share of best in breeds over a span of time or a separate body would need to be established strictly for the purpose of promoting the TRUE standards of the Bull and Sporting Breeds. -Thank you for your time
Thank you for sharing this inspiring story of people willing to take a chance on a dog down on his luck. If only more people would do the same, how much nicer the world would be.
First, great article. I'm the Orlando Animal Rescue Examiner :) so we share a common bond.
Second, I'm a friend of Kelly Gibson. I've driven dogs for her here in Orlando - her reach as a transport coordinator is across the country and BACK!! Actually used her in a TV News story about dog transport :) She's HEAVILY involved in rescue on the West Coast.
Finally, I'm so glad when there's a positive story about Bully breeds. Thanks for putting it up!!! I"m going to send it around and around!
Lisa
To Karen above what great words, I second that. What a great touching story. All of you who were involved are phenomenal and I hope you know that and carry on someone give a pat to dear, sweet Nico.
I would love to rescue more than anything in the world - my heart aches for animals and how caught up in human evil they get. YEAH for Nico....and all the others like him.
Awesome article and what a wonderful happy ending! Thanks for great read with such an uplifting outcome!
What a magical pic!
A really hard story but a great ending. Makes me want to adopt again even though I have a young son and it would cause a divorce. G-d Bless all that were involved in turning this dogs world around and hopefully forget the past. Nico you rock Shelter dogs I feel are the best.
I am so happy to read this story. I had a slightly similar situation with my Dogo Finnigan. More people need to realize that there are a lot of great rescues out there.
that is a lovely story, i wish all dogs and cats in pounds had the same happy ending. The first picture just breaks your heart i have seen similiar pictures so often of dogs in pounds, bless their little souls xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
What a beautiful touching story, so happy for this sweet dog.
As a so-called civilized society we must realize that we should have never allowed a fellow species that we have been put in charge to care for on this earth to drop to such depths and be allowed to feel that way in the first place.
The same pictures could have been taken of my dog Slappy. Thank god these pictures are making it into the news. Pit bulls are the victims not the aggressors :(
Great article and I am so happy Nico has made to be loved. Congratulations!
WHAT A GREEEAAAT STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU DOG NAMED NICO, YOU HAVE COME SOOO FAR, AND YOU ARE A GRRREEAAT
EXAMPLE FOR DOGS WHO NED LOVING,CARING,SAFE HOMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I AM SOOOO HAPPY YOU ARE IN YOUR LOVING,CARING,SAFE FOREVER HOME WITH LOVING,CARING,SAFE PEOPLE WHO WILL LOVE,LOVE,LOVE,LOVE YOU, TAKE CARE OF YOU, PROTECT YOU,GUIDE YOU AND FEED YOU ALL UNCONDIIONALY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HERES TO MORE PEOPLE STEPPING UP AND SAVING ANIMALS EVERY WHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a great dog who was saved from a farmers bullet due to his soft nature and good looks. Whilst he was no good as a working dog he is brilliant with children, on New Years Day a friends 9mth old stuck her fingers to the second knuckle up his nose and he sat there with a wtf look on his face until she extracted her digits. Most other dogs would have eaten her face. It's a pity people are stiil allowed to clip dogs ears and I presume dock their tails in your country, it's unnatural and cruel and all about making the dog look more aggressive. Campaign against that, please.
I had been following Nico's story from a while ago. When I saw posted on facebook that he was now battling cancer after all he had gone through...I was so sad. I wanted to help him and I knew that sending his info to Duke Taylor's facebook page would be the way to go. Duke has so many loyal followers and the motto is WWDD(what would Duke do?) and through them I knew Nico maybe could find some help, again. His story needed to be told far and wide! Thank you for doing a story on him.
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