METRO DETROIT, MICHIGAN: After roaming the streets for months with nowhere to call home, a dog has been rescued and will start life anew with a loving family. Nikki, a German Shepherd, was on the streets probably because of the death of her owner. She was rescued after her photos were passed on among animal rescuers in the area of Metro Detroit.
One such rescuer is Gail Montgomery, Almost Home Animal Rescue League's co-founder, who saw the pup’s pictures. She told PEOPLE, “I got some private messages and pictures of this dog carrying her stuffed toy, and it was raining in downtown Detroit. It was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking.”
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'She's got heartworm disease'
Soon, Montgomery decided to work to get Nikki back in shape and contacted volunteers at South Lyon Murphy Lost Animal Recovery for assistance. Eventually, she was found with her toy and was taken to a hospital for a check-up. The rescuer revealed, “We took her to an emergency hospital, and they treated her. Unfortunately, she's got heartworm disease and other internal problems. They found plastic bags, twigs, and bones in her stomach.”
Now, Nikki has reportedly been living with her foster family as she continues to be treated for her problems. Describing the pooch’s days on the streets, Montgomery said, “She was just totally stressed out. Her body wasn't really functioning properly because she was on the roads for so long.”
'I think that this is really a wake-up call for people'
However, now that Nikki is doing well, Montgomery noted, “She doesn't even need her stuffy anymore. She's constantly hugging her foster parents. She still kind of sleeps on it, but she's not obsessed with it like she was in Detroit when she was walking around. They're giving her so much incredible love.”
“I think that this is really a wake-up call for people. I think people see this, and it makes people realize that dogs are out there. Nikki's not the only dog that's wandering around Detroit. She just happened to have her stuffy with her, and it was raining. It was a perfect storm,” Montgomery added.
'Thank you so much for saving her'
The non-profit shared a post about Nikki on its Facebook page early in May, writing, “Nikki is safe and sound. She's resting comfortably with her stuffy. More love to come. It’s been a long day…..” The post received a lot of love as a user commented, “Wonderful!! If I lived closer, I'd LOVE to have her. I just lost my husky Hannah (20 years old) Nicki would be the only exception for another dog right now. What a precious girl!” Another user wrote, “When I saw Nikki’s story on Twitter, my heart broke for her, seeing the picture of her wandering around carrying her much loved stuffy toy in her mouth. Thank you so much for saving her. Sending prayers, lots of love and many cuddles for this darling precious girl, Nikki is beautiful, bless her heart.”
“I'm so glad she's off the streets and I pray she gets the loving stable home she so desperately needs after her tremendous loss,” a person shared. Another one added, “We have a shepherd so this gal just broke my heart…. Especially with her caring her stuffy!! so glad she’s safe!!”
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