Nicholas

Hello everyone: 

I thought you might enjoy hearing this happily-ever-after story. It's a reminder of why we do what we do; why we go through all the work, tears, heartache and frustration that rescue often brings. This is what it's all about. 

Nicholas is a 10-year old golden fellow who came to us just before Christmas. You may remember him from the website. He had been abandoned on a remote farm road in Stanislaus county, in a blinding rainstorm, where he sat patiently waiting for his people to return, for the better part of a day. He ended up at the shelter, was rescued by Amy Smith with Homeward Bound, and was transported to the sanctuary by Golden Taxi driver Mike Foley. 

Nicholas clearly had a wounded heart and broken spirit when he arrived. He would scarcely lift his head. When I heard from Jody that we had a sweet old senior boy with a broken heart, I left my office immediately to go pick him up as my new foster. After a few days, lots of cuddling, reassurance and love, his tail perked up and began to wag. After a week or so, his beautiful smile emerged. 

We worked through some health worries, all of which amounted to nothing much. Although he was severely arthritic, he was finally declared ready for adoption. You might think that the prospects for adoption for a senior dog with arthritis and a weak back end would be grim. Well, you might be right, but a miracle emerged in the form of Fran and John Peace. 

One Saturday I headed for the Adoption Center to help with adoptions. I elected to leave Nicholas at home, since there had been no interest in him thus far, and since I had grown pretty attached to him. Despite my many reasons why he should stay "just a little longer," my wise and patient husband, Whitney, "encouraged" me to take Nicholas with me. So off we went. The afternoon flew by. Lots of dogs went home, but Nicholas remained. We were about to head for home when John and Fran arrived. 

This wonderful couple had adopted Angel (now Annie), one of our senior girls, last summer. They had decided she needed a pal and came to meet dogs up to 7-8 years old. As we chatted, Nicholas walked up and leaned against John's leg. He looked up at him as if to say, "Here I am. Let's go home." As I watched the connection form between the three of them, I knew my sweet Nicholas had found his forever home. A short time later, off they went -- John driving, and Fran riding in the back of the vehicle with Nicholas, to reassure him and keep him company. 

Annie and Nicholas are now the best of friends, sleeping curled up together and having grand adventures with their loving humans. I receive periodic updates, with photos. In every one Nicholas has a big golden smile on his face. Thanks to the Peaces, this beautiful, gentle fellow has found a soft place to land, lots of love, fun new experiences, and his very own Easter basket. The attached photo tells the story. This is but one of the many, many happy new beginnings that occur as the result of the commitment and compassion of so many of you. I'm so proud to be part of this organization. Thank you all for everything you for these wonderful dogs. 

Lea Kachler-Leake