🐾 Basics
Dog’s Name (include nicknames – we know you have them!): Nico (I like “Ghost” for him or maybe “Snow” given his beautiful white coat)
Age / Size: 18 months old, 40 lbs
Rescued in Texas, he was surrendered by his family there when their situation changed.
✨ Personality Snapshot
Describe in 3–5 words: Gentle, quiet, cautious, curious
Energy level: Moderate to High
More people-oriented or independent? Independent but definitely still checks in for reassurance and pets on walk or at the park
How do they handle new situations? Gentle and cautious at first, shy and a bit skittish- opens up with time and patience. He has also just arrived from Texas, so all this is new to him.
🐕 Social & Home Life
How are they with people (adults/kids/new people)? Friendly and incredibly gentle with everyone he's met; a bit shy initially but warms up. Doesn’t like to stay in once place for more than a few seconds, so will do a quick “drive by”, give someone a sniff/hello and then keep trotting along to the next thing/person
How are they with other dogs? Very good- has met many dogs at the park without so much as a growl or tense body, even when other dogs got in fight nearby- he is very independent and happy to just do his own thing around other dogs but not necessarily with them. He’s not especially interested in playing with them, more of a laid-back observer with occasional butt sniff.
Cats or other animals: Not sure yet but I suspect fine, since he hasn’t shown any prey drive (no interest in playing fetch or chase at the park with other dogs)
Behavior when left alone or when guests visit: Goes into his crate on his own and stays there for hours; reserved but friendly with new guests at first. Been watching him on camera in crate and he doesn’t seem to bark or moan so far when gone
🎓 Training & Manners
Potty trained? Yes, no accidents so far
Crate trained? Yes- voluntarily enters his crate and settles very well!
Leash skills: Working on leash manners… he pulls a bit although has improved in just a day of training. He’s easily distracted and redirects attention frequently rather than fixating on one thing. He never pulls to go up to other dogs or people though (he basically ignores them both on walks), he’s just pulling to get somewhere fast but he won’t tell me where!
Commands known: He seems to know “come” and maybe “sit” but I’d classify him as more independent than “obedient” or “people pleasing”
🌞 Daily Life
Typical day with you: Morning walk/park visit, crate time/hanging around (I work from home), afternoon work
Exercise needs: Moderate to high — benefits from off-leash time to burn energy (dog park has been helpful because he doesn’t seem interested in fetch at all, but seems to like just trotting around off leash)
Favorite activities: Trotting around the dog park, jumping up on benches, belly rubs, being pet and hugged. Doesn’t seem that interested in dog toys or playing with dogs yet
🌱 Growth Areas
Still working on: Leash manners (pulls on leash, easily distracted) and general confidence
What helps them succeed: Off-leash environments to release energy; patient handling; time to warm up at his own pace
🏡 Ideal Home
Only dog / With dog / Either: Either- he seems very comfortable around other dogs but not dependent on them
Good fit for apartment living? Yes, with sufficient daily exercise
Best type of household: Ideal is a calm home with dedicated time outside home to get exercise. Ability to give him the time, patience, and love to feel fully at home
Best adopter match: Someone patient and consistent who can work on leash training and give him space and gentle love to come out of his shell a bit more
💙 Foster Note
Nico hasn't barked once since arriving- he's one of the quietest, most gentle dogs I’ve ever met. He is skittish, but he doesn’t seem particularly startled or scared by any city noises (traffic, washer dryer, construction etc). It’s more like he’s sorta nervous and a bit restless so doesn’t want to stay put in the same place for more than a couple seconds and can never decide what he wants to do next. He only just arrived though so I'm sure he will settle once he starts to feel more comfortable.
He’s even more beautiful in real life than in pictures!
His favorite thing might be jumping up on a park bench and just watching the world go by, then jumping off, trotting around, saying quick hellos to a few people and/or dogs, then jumping onto the next park bench. Rinse and repeat!
Would thrive with an adopter who appreciates a calm, sweet presence that just needs a little time and a good walk
While he’s not the most cuddly/physically affectionate dog I’ve ever met, he definitely likes hugs and belly rubs and head scratches once he feels safe. I’m determined to find out how cuddly he can be!
INTERESTED IN ADOPTING?
To adopt Nico, apply on our website www.truenorthrescue.org/adopt and email adopt.truenorthrescue@gmail.com to follow up on your application.
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL TO ASK IF HE/SHE IS AVAILABLE. IF THIS LISTING IS UP, THE DOG IS NOT ADOPTED YET.
Also, we have a very high volume of applications and we are all volunteers. We cannot respond to every application personally. Please make sure your application gives us a good picture of your family and the life you plan on providing a dog from our rescue. We choose a home based on the BEST FIT for EACH dog and approve on a dog by dog basis. Thank you!
KAHLUA
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