‘Energetic goofball’ is one of Florida shelter’s longest residents. ‘Let’s get him home’

Nicholas the “70-pound puppy” is once again looking for a home after he was adopted and returned to a Florida shelter.

The 3-year-old “energetic goofball” spent almost 100 days at Orange County Animal Services in Orlando and was one of its longest residents until he was adopted March 24, according to the rescue organization.

But Nick was only at his new home for 28 days before he was returned to the shelter.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we report poor, sweet Nicholas was returned to our shelter yesterday,” shelter staff said in a Facebook post.

The adopter returned him because her apartment building did not allow dogs of his size, and he barked when he was alone, leading her neighbors to submit noise complaints, the organization said.

Shelter staff urged prospective adopters to carefully research restrictions at their homes and buildings, and fully understand the requirements of caring for a dog before adopting one.

“All we ask is simply this: if you’re not ready for a lifetime commitment, please, don’t choose adoption,” the shelter wrote. “But if you’re ready to take a chance, please, make sure all the boxes are checked off. Make sure you’re willing to make the sacrifices necessary and accept the good and the bad that comes with adopting a pet. Because these animals deserve every chance they can get.”

Shelter staff said they hoped Nicholas wouldn’t be back in the shelter for another 100 days. So on April 29, they plan to host “Pick Nick Saturday” — a day dedicated to getting Nick adopted.

They hope that by spending the day “playing in the pool, running around after toys, napping in the sun,” people will get a chance to get to know Nicholas and understand that, even though he’s “big and strong,” he’s “all wiggle and love.”

“We want everyone to see Nicholas the way we see him,” they said. “We want them to see the playful pup, the sweetness, the yearning for attention. The yearning for love.”

The shelter encouraged even those who weren’t interested in adopting to stop by and visit Nick or share his story with others.

“Let’s get him seen,” the shelter said. “Let’s get him home.”

Orange County Animal Services, an open-admission shelter that receives an average of 50 animals per day, had a total of 1,165 animals impounded in March, including 655 dogs, according to shelter statistics.

This story was originally published April 28, 2023 at 1:13 PM with the headline "‘Energetic goofball’ is one of Florida shelter’s longest residents. ‘Let’s get him home’."