He gets along great with other dogs but is a little scared of cats.
CANYON LAKE, Texas — Our “Forgotten Friends” series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.
This week’s Forgotten Friend is a friendly 2 1/2-year-old Shepherd mix named Nick, who was pulled by the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society (CLASS) from another shelter about seven weeks ago. Staff say that Nick had been at the other shelter for over a year with nobody showing any interest in adopting him.
“When we visited this facility a while back to meet another dog, Nick was so sweet and friendly,” said Stacie Shmidl, CLASS. “We knew he deserved better, so we brought him to CLASS in hopes that his forever family could finally find him.”
He has the softest brown eyes, a sweet and gentle smile, and one adorably wonky ear that just adds to his cuteness.
Nick gets along great with other dogs but is a little scared of cats. “He has done well with every dog he has met, playing with some and just peacefully hanging out with the rest,” said Stacie. “He’s scared of cats, but we think he could coexist with kitties that are ‘dog-friendly.'”
He’s a great match for dogs who prefer a more relaxed pace. Even around high energy pups, Nick remains calm amidst the chaos, preferring sit back and observe the action. Kind of like he’s a designated audience member at a doggy comedy show, perfectly content to cheer from the sidelines.
Like most dogs, Nick loves treats and is slowly learning basic training. He doesn’t know many commands yet, but he’s trying. “Structure is new to him, and he’s doing his best to figure it out,” said Stacie. “He has learned that when he hears “Nickolas,” he’s been caught doing something naughty and stops right away.”
What he lacks in obedience, he makes up for in charm and heart. And his personality is a mix of mellow and playful. Most of the time he’s laid back and calm, but when the mood strikes, he becomes a goofy puppy again.
“Nick is not the type of dog who wants to hike mountains or go for long jogs,” said Stacie. “He’s more of a backyard, couch, and kiddie pool kind of guy.”
This good boy loves the water, too. So if you have a pool, that would be a bonus for Nick. He likes to go for a swim, play with toys, and can be silly about rolling in blankets or tossing around a towel, as if it’s a toy. A kiddie pool will work just fine as well. “On hot days, he’ll hop right in and chill like it’s his personal spa,” said shelter staff.
Nick is really healthy overall, but might be considered a bit overweight at 59 pounds. CLASS says he came to them a little on the “thick side,” but they’ve been working to help slim him down for swimsuit weather.
“He would do well with just about any type of family, but he may not want a super active family,” said shelter staff. “He’s playful and has spunky moments, but is overall a lazy and what we call a ‘velcro dog.'”
One thing that Nick does require is a home that will provide him all of the pets and love that he craves. “And the belly rubs, oh man, he has no shame in plopping down right in front of you for belly rubs,” said Stacie.
This boy is almost shameful in his need for affection, wanting to touch or be touched. Whether that’s lounging on the couch next to you or leaning against you while out for a walk.
“On walks, he presses himself against you, weaves between your legs, or flops over mid walk for pets,” said Stacie. “It’s equal parts adorable and ridiculous, but probably not the best fit for someone with mobility concerns. He is absolutely perfect, though, for someone who wants a shadow with four legs, no personal space, and endless love.”
Nick is heartworm negative, neutered and on monthly prevention for fleas.
“Nick has waited so long for someone to notice him,” said Stacie. “All he wants is to be loved and included. After missing out on two years of cuddles, he is ready to catch up on every single one. Maybe the person he has been waiting for is you!”
If you’d like to adopt Nick, please contact the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society. To fill out an application, visit their website here.
For whoever adopts Nick, Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free “Glow Up” Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy’s most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!
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Playful Shepherd mix named Nick keeps getting overlooked | Forgotten Friends
Visit CLASS at 2170 Old Sattler Rd. in Canyon Lake Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Call them at (830) 899-2527.
The normal adoption fee for dogs and cats is $150 and that includes:
- Spay/neuter prior to adoption
- Age appropriate vaccines
- Microchip
- Flea/tick prevention
- Heartworm test and prevention
If you’re not ready to adopt but want to make a difference, visit their website by CLICKING HERE. The shelter says they can always use dog walkers, dog washers, folks to help with cat socialization, dish washers, help with laundry, and giving the pets enrichment items.
You can also order from their Amazon wish list CLICK HERE.
Or even make a cash donation using their Pay Pal link CLICK HERE.
They always need help with food supplies, and could really use your support. The shelter is also always in need of animal-loving volunteers. Stop by and see how you can help out!
Maybe Nick is not the kind of dog you are looking for, but you are ready to adopt. Visit their website to check out some of the other pets available.
Follow them on Facebook @CLASS.Canyonlake.2013 and on Instagram.
Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives… the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.
If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a “furr-ever” home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.
Bonded pair Trixie and Pixie are still available to adopt at AWS Freeman Fritts Animal Shelter in Kerrville. Read more about them here.