The 'anniversary’ of my son’s death sent me looking for another pup to help. Enter Nick, my first feral. He sat in the back corner of his cage in the crowded, loud, chaotic shelter. He snarled and growled when I approached. I asked to do a meet and greet and was told, “okay but you can’t touch him and his leash needs to stay on so we can get him back in the kennel”. We sat in a small room for over 30 minutes. He sat as far away from me as possible. I couldn’t coax him with food or treats. I was to soon find out that he had been confiscated from a severe hoarding situation. He was found in an abandoned school bus on condemned property, no heat or a/c with 60 other dogs. I knew then he wasn’t going back to that kennel. I filled out paperwork and grabbed my transport crate. The staff laughed and said, “no way you’ll get him in there”. We walked him out to the car with his leash and thankfully he jumped inside. He pushed himself up against the door and growled at me the whole way home. I made him a safe space and had to leave his leash on for weeks to be able to get him in and out to potty. He arrived with severe flea dermatitis and skin conditions likely due to exposure.  With tons of patience, time, quality food and treats he finally came around. It took over seven weeks before I could touch him. Nick now sleeps with me every night. He bonded with a few of the dogs already here but has to ‘muscle’ any newcomer. He’s a true softie but to this day will not tolerate any other human. That is why I refer to him as my “Sidekick Nick”. I am so incredibly grateful I gave this guy a chance. I know we saved each other. Needless to say, Nick is a permanent resident here at Ant’s and I couldn’t be happier.