On a bitterly cold January morning, the team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) embarked on what would become their first rescue of the year—a rescue that deeply touched their hearts. The harsh winds carried a sense of urgency as they approached the scene: an emaciated dog huddled against the foundation of a house, seeking refuge from the unforgiving weather. His frail body told a story of abandonment and hardship, but his eyes revealed a glimmer of hope as the team moved closer.
“He was just waiting for someone … anyone … to be kind to him and help him,” SRSL shared on Facebook. Donna Lochmann, chief life-saving officer, led the approach with gentle encouragement. The pup, though initially uncertain, quickly realized they meant no harm. As soon as they were within reach, the dog, later named ‘Nico New Beginnings’ or Nico for short, surrendered to their kindness, leaning into their arms as if to say, “Thank you.”
The rescuers were struck by Nico’s immediate trust and sweetness despite his clear suffering. “We walked up to him, and he instantly came to us, so thankful someone finally stopped to help him,” they shared. Weighing just 32 pounds—half of what a dog his size should weigh—Nico was severely underweight but otherwise in good health. He would require a carefully managed feeding schedule to regain his strength.
When it came time to transport him to safety, Nico surprised everyone. Most rescues require gentle coaxing with a leash, but not Nico. “We didn’t even need a leash,” SRSL wrote. “He let us pick him up and put him right [into] the rescue Jeep.”
Once at the SRSL headquarters, Nico soaked up every bit of affection from the team. His love for cuddles quickly became legendary. “If you open his doors, he just shoots out into your arms at lightning speed,” SRSL shared. “[H]e just can’t get close enough to us.”
Nico’s road to recovery began in earnest when he moved into a foster home with a caring family. Since then, he’s been steadily gaining weight and showing off his playful, puppy-like personality. His foster mom reports that Nico’s favorite activity is giving kisses.
Today, Nico enjoys lounging in cozy sweaters, reveling in the warmth and love of his foster home. SRSL is eager to find him a forever family once he’s fully recovered, but for now, they’re thrilled to see him thriving.
“This is one special boy …” SRSL later wrote. Nico’s journey from despair to hope is a testament to the transformative power of love and compassion. Since this article has been published, Nico is no longer listed as available for adoption on SRSL’s site. That’s awesome news! Nico, here’s to your new life filled with lots of love!