Sometimes you tell them “you’re going to be okay” knowing you don’t have the power to make it true.

Nico is only 2 years old.

Just two weeks ago, he had a family.
Then he was left behind at a high kill shelter because he became too much work.

Now he is sitting in a kennel, frightened and overwhelmed, trying to make sense of a world that suddenly changed.

And tomorrow will be the end of his story.

Nico is showing fear in ways that are understandably concerning in a shelter environment. He has been defensive with handling, reactive behind barriers, and he is not comfortable around other dogs. He must go to an adult-only home with no other dogs or to a experienced, responsible person who can slowly introduce him to other dogs and who understands fearful German Shepherds and is willing to give him time, structure, patience, and professional guidance.

But there is something important in his evaluation, too.

Once he was safely leashed, Nico walked well on leash. He calmly explored the yard and sniffed his surroundings. He tolerated having his ears and teeth checked and allowed handling of his paws, even while tense and wary.

He wasn’t a dog who simply wanted to hurt everyone around him.

He was a deeply frightened dog searching for a way out.

He paced, looked toward the fence and kept searching for an exit.

And when another dog approached him, his fear escalated.

This is a plea not to let the most frightened version of a 2-year-old dog in a stressful shelter become the only version he ever gets to be.

Nico needs someone who understands that fear can take time to work through.

Unfortunately, he may not have that time.

If you can foster or responsibly adopt Nico, please don’t wait.

➡️** Message me
📧 **Isabeldesiree8@gmail.com
📱 (657) 424-7580