Dog Arrives at Shelter Too Injured to Open His Mouth. Now He is Looking to Leave with a Smile on His Face

A puppy found amid the wildfires in Los Angeles is looking for his forever home after spending weeks in an animal shelter recovering from a jaw injury. 

Nicky, an approximately 18-month-old shepherd-mix, was located earlier this year by Best Friends Animal Society and brought to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in West L.A. from L.A.’s East Valley Shelter.

When the pup arrived, he was unable to open his jaw more than a few centimeters due to a traumatic injury of unknown origin. 

Even though he could barely open his mouth, Nicky became known for being a “rockstar” in play groups with other animals and generally a very sweet dog.

Best Friends worked with Nicky to get him the special medical care he needed. He was connected with a specialist veterinary dentist and underwent surgery to help him use his jaw once again. 

It took approximately five weeks for him to recover from surgery. He is still the playful pup he always was, but improved.

Since then, Nicky regularly goes to playgroups with other dogs. He enjoys playing with toys and prancing around like an adorable deer. He is a fun and active pup and would keep any home well entertained with his goofy personality. 

The perfect home would be one with a loving owner who is active and able to provide Nicky with ample playtime and walks, but can also cuddle with him at the end of the day.

He would also appreciate a home with other dogs, but this is not a requirement.

Best Friends created the No-Kill Los Angeles (NKLA) initiative and then the NKLA Coalition to save the lives of homeless dogs and cats, and adoption helps further their cause.

Adoption fees for dogs are $100 for canines older than six months. The process begins with a matchmaking survey. Additionally, the shelter often has special promotions, such as waived fees for senior dogs and cats. 

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People can also foster pets as a short-term option to save animals from shelters.

Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and anyone interested can reach out to bestfriendsla@bestfriends.org.