"From now on, I will always rescue." (Customer Submitted Story)

Since I can remember I have always wanted to rescue a dog. I wanted the responsibility of taking care of an animal that loves unconditionally. The feeling of coming home to a wiggling, wagging, smiling dog. One I could teach awesome tricks, and have a cuddle buddy when im sad or sleeping. And to have just someone to talk to. And the main reason was to rescue a helpless animal. Unfortunately, I was not able to get one until a few months ago.

I went to Nevins Farm Animal Shelter on March 29, 2014, to get an idea of cost and their adoption policy. I told the staff what kind of dog I would be looking for and they showed me 2 young dogs. I would have taken them all home if I could! The first two I fell in love with but deep down I knew they would not be the best match for me. The staff went to get the third dog they would like me to meet. I began to feel overwhelmed and that maybe getting a dog was a lot harder than I thought. I felt discouraged.

A few minutes later out comes this goofy looking tan and white pitbull. He was introduced as Niko. He immediately came trotting over with that big smile. We took him outside for a walk and he would not leave my side. When we reached the grass area all he did was run in circles around me. The whole time he was spinning. His lean was so great all I could think of was a motorcycle taking a sharp turn. We walked back inside and they were about to bring him back. I began to rub his jaw muscles and he instantly dropped his 55 pound self into my lap and fell asleep. Despite all the dogs barking and scratching and distractions around he was sleeping! I knew right there that he was the one. I looked up at my friend Sarah and said get me the application.

At this point I knew I needed the approval from my roommate and my landlord. They had no clue I was even here! I had one day to put Niko on hold.

The whole way home I was freaking out. It was a battle between excitement of being so close to having him to telling myself to calm down and that theres a big chance I might not get him. I mean come on...being able to have a pitbull in an apartment? no way I thought.

So I got home and spoke to my landlord, he was weary but agreed to meet him and then decide. His education of Pitbulls was that of most. Vicious, attack dog. I did my best to educate him. Then I went upstairs and talked to my roommate. She said the exact same thing. That night I went to sleep and prayed that I could get him but also that if I cant to not be upset.

It was March 30th. My roommate and I met our landlord at the shelter at 12.00. Out comes Niko! running at me the second he sees me. We take him outside and my landlord does not look happy, until Niko put his charm on. He went over and sat right on his feet and looked up and smiled. My landlord then rolled his eyes with a big smile and said fine! you can have him, and my roommate agreed. I have never been so happy in my life! During the paper work tears ran down my face. it was the best day of my life; not for my bank account though.

Niko is an amazing dog - from his smile to his diva attitude. He is everything I could have asked for in a dog. Hes energetic, loves all dogs and people, he is the best cuddler I have ever met! hes smart, and wears sunglasses and clothes. He refuses to go out in the rain, so now he wears my raincoat... he is my best friend. The fact that this amazing dog was in the shelter for a year baffles me. From now on I will always rescue. This was the best decision of my life.

Photo & story submitted by Erin James