Owner let dog suffer when euthanization was denied. Now shelter has him on mend
A dog in Philadelphia has been given a second chance to lead a good life — free of suffering — during his golden years after he was rescued.
Thanks to concerned citizens, law enforcement and a shelter, sweet Nico will soon be on the hunt for a new home.
“It is heartbreaking to see senior animals in shelters. These animals have long loved their families, but when they need that love in return and a little extra help, they are too often discarded in a shelter,” the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in an April 18 Facebook post.
“For 12-year-old German Shepherd Nico, the situation was more complicated.”
It was apparent to shelter workers and officials that the senior dog had lived a hard life when they stepped in.
“Just recently, our Animal Law Enforcement received a call from a concerned citizen about a dog in the backyard of a home in Lehigh County. They reported that the dog appeared to be missing hair and had eye issues. Our officer responsible for that county responded to the property. That’s when we met Nico,” the shelter said.
“Nico’s owner explained they had attempted to have Nico euthanized, but were informed a veterinary exam was required first. Without the finances, they had left him to linger for what we believe were months. Rather than providing necessary care, they allowed him to suffer.”
While what the owner said was concerning, Nico had more issues plaguing his already weakened body.
“The officer was told Nico had difficulty walking, was losing hair, and was very itchy,” the shelter said.
“However, our officer noticed more concerning issues – severely overgrown nails, crusting and flaking skin, inflamed paw pads, and an odor of infection. Nico’s skin had thickened and become leathery, something that hadn’t happened overnight.”
The shelter noted that Nico was taken to the shelter hospital in Philadelphia where they were able to put him on a path to get healthy.
“He immediately began receiving multiple medications to combat infection and alleviate pain. He also receives gentle therapeutic baths to soothe his skin and, perhaps most importantly, experienced love and kindness for the first time in a long while,” the shelter said.
“We are hopeful for his full recovery, and while certain aspects of his body will never return to those of his younger days, he deserves to spend whatever time he has remaining in a forever home.”
While he’s not up for adoption just yet, those who are interested in taking him in are urged to visit the shelter’s website or contact it.
This story was originally published April 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Owner let dog suffer when euthanization was denied. Now shelter has him on mend."