Stray dogs live on the streets and do whatever they can to survive, but they also want attention and a roof over their heads.
When they are rescued and taken to a shelter, their hearts are filled with hope that someone will stop by the kennel and decide to take them home. Nicholas, a cute puppy at the shelter, also wanted to be adopted because he stood in front of the kennel door every time he heard visitors come into the shelter.
The most amazing thing happened when Nicholas began to lose hope of having a forever home.
Nicholas wanted to go home
sad dog sitting in the doghouse
Source: Orange County Animal Services
Nicholas was a flighty, shy puppy when he was rescued by Orange County Animal Services, a rescue service based in Orlando, Florida.
Once he knew he was safe and well cared for, he relaxed and fell in love with all the staff and volunteers at the shelter. Nicholas hoped that every time potential adoptive parents came to the shelter, one of them would look at her and give her a chance to win their heart.
He was happy to see visitors and wagged his tail to let them know how much he missed them. Unfortunately, the days passed without anyone noticing.
Nicholas saw many other villagers leave the orphanage and be placed into the arms of his forever parents. After many disappointments, he gradually began to lose hope of ever being able to leave the orphanage.
All He Needed Was A Chance
Seeing that the sweet pup was constantly overlooked, the shelter staff was heartbroken. People preferred adopting smaller dogs. They were more desirable.
Nicholas loved being outside. Although the shelter volunteer took him for a walk every day, it wasn’t enough. After a walk, Nicholas didn’t want to go back to his kennel. He needed more time to play.
His shelter friends were convinced that Nicholas would get adopted if potential adopters gave him the opportunity to meet them and spend some time with them.
“We knew what kind of dog he was, we knew he was amazing. He’s one of those dogs that just likes people. He likes attention. He wants to snuggle. He wants to be on your lap,” said Bryant from Orange County Animal Services.
Grateful For All The Love
Nicholas was the longest shelter resident, and yet he never became bitter. He was happy whenever he had the opportunity to interact with his human friends. The delightful pup loved them very much, and he appreciated their friendship.
His shelter friends loved him, too, and they rooted for him to get the home that he longed for. Although they posted his story on social media, and even put his story on the local news, Nicholas’ situation remained the same.
Nobody came to meet him and give him a chance.
The shelter members had the idea of organizing his big adoption day. They called it Pick-Nick Saturday. They wholeheartedly hoped that one of the visitors would come and pick Nick.
A week before they hosted the event, a woman came and she fell in love with Nick.
“She just genuinely came in and fell in love with the dog organically. She met him and she liked him and she couldn’t stop thinking about him,” said Bryant.
Nicholas was overjoyed to have finally found a home.
Unfortunately, his mom was unable to spend more time with him and help him adjust to the new environment, even though she loved him. When Nicholas was left alone in the apartment, he got scared and he barked more than usual.
Nicholas’ mom had to return the sweet dog to the shelter in Orlando, Florida, because her neighbors issued a complaint due to his barking.
The Happy Ending He Was Waiting For
Nicholas’s human friends were sad when they saw him enter the kennel once again, but the adorable pup didn’t realize that he had been given up. He was overjoyed to see his old human friends.
His shelter friends didn’t give up, and they kept posting about Nicholas on their social media platforms.
On April 29th, in 2023, Orange County Animal Services shared the happy news that Nicholas found his forever home.
His friends were emotional when they had to say goodbye to Nicholas, but they were very happy that their adorable boy would ride into the sunset with his forever family.
Nicholas’ dad came to take him home, and the charming dog wiggled his tail, and with a wide grin on his face, he hopped into the car. His family promised him that they would love him forever, and that they would never give him up.
I’m over the moon that Nicholas finally found the happiness and love he had searched for for so long. This sweet dog deserved to get his happy ending.
