Rescuers with Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) have seen more than their share of heartbreaking situations, but their very first save of the year struck a deeper chord than usual.
On a freezing, windy January day, the team spotted a severely malnourished dog curled up in a stranger’s front yard. The skinny pup was pressed against the home’s foundation, trying to stay warm as he watched the rescue team cautiously approach. Unsure at first, he studied their faces — and then something in him softened.
“He was just waiting for someone … anyone … to be kind to him and help him,” SRSL shared on Facebook.
Led by veteran rescuer Donna Lochmann, the team moved slowly, speaking gently to reassure him. When they got close enough to offer a soft touch, the dog simply melted. His entire body relaxed against them, as if letting go of fear for the first time in a long while.
“We walked up to him, and he instantly came to us, so thankful someone finally stopped to help him,” SRSL wrote.
No one knew how long he’d been surviving alone, but one thing was immediately clear: despite his suffering, he was incredibly loving. The team named him Nico New Beginnings — a fitting name for a pup so eager to leave the past behind.
Before heading to the Jeep, Lochmann smothered him with gentle hugs and reassuring words. They assumed they’d need a leash to guide him, like most rescues. Instead, Nico surprised them — he didn’t need convincing at all.
“We didn’t even need a leash. He let us pick him up and put him right into the rescue Jeep,” SRSL wrote.
You can watch footage of his rescue here:
At headquarters, an urgent medical check revealed just how dire his situation was. Nico weighed only 32 pounds — barely half what a dog his size should weigh. He needed a strict feeding plan, but miraculously, he was otherwise healthy. And despite the trauma he carried, he had endless affection to give.
“If you open his doors, he just shoots out into your arms at lightning speed,” SRSL shared. “He just can’t get close enough to us.”
Nico stayed at the shelter under close watch until he was strong enough for foster care. Thankfully, a loving foster family stepped up immediately — and Nico has been flourishing in their home ever since.
He still has a long journey ahead, but each day brings progress.
“He’s been slowly and safely gaining weight in his foster home,” SRSL wrote. “His foster mom says his favorite thing to do is give kisses! He’s the sweetest angel boy!”
You can see him thriving in his foster home here:
These days, Nico can be found prancing around in warm sweaters, his puppyish personality blossoming more and more. He’s safe, loved, and happier than he’s likely ever been.
Once Nico reaches a healthy weight, SRSL hopes to find him the perfect forever home. Until then, they’re simply grateful to see him thriving.
“This is one special boy …” they wrote.
You can inquire about adopting Nico New Beginnings through SRSL, or support their work by donating to help dogs just like him.
