Pick Nick (again): Longtime Orange County shelter dog returned, seeks forever home

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Nick is back looking for his forever home after being returned to Orange County Animal Services less than a month after he was adopted.

Shelter officials planned a “Pick Nick” day in March after Nicholas, a 3-year-old, 67-pound pup, earned the title of the shelter’s longest resident. He’d lived there 95 days when an adopter swooped in the day before the event, taking Nick home.

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Sadly the shelter said Nick was returned to OCAS on April 21 after the adopter cited landlord issues and noise complaints.

“When our staff loaded him into the adopter’s care back in March, we were hopeful that this was the last time we would see him,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. “After 95 days here, we thought he had finally landed that right home, with someone who would treasure him for years. We’re heartbroken to see him returned and want to ensure his next home can commit, so this sweet boy never has to step foot in the shelter again.”

Read: Pick Nick: Orange County shelter hosting adoption event for longest resident

Nicholas was initially brought to OCAS on Dec. 18, 2022, after someone found him loose at a nearby intersection. No owner ever came forward, so Nicholas’s background remains a mystery.

“With him being here for a longer period of time, we’ve had the opportunity to get to know him, his likes and dislikes,” Summers said. “He loves walks, playing with toys, is easily handled, loves treats, and is motivated by them to learn. We do believe, based on the reaction he’s shown to other dogs, he would do best as the only dog in his future home.”

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During this Saturday’s “Pick Nick” event, the shelter will place Nicholas in its front play yard, inviting guests to interact with him directly. The shelter last hosted a similar event, Blue Diamond Day, in May 2022 and the event led to the adoption of the featured pet.

Nicholas is available for adoption for $25. He is already neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped and is ready to leave with his new family. More information about the shelter’s adoption process can be found here.

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Nicholas Nicholas, a 3-year-old, 67-pound pup, has called the shelter home for 95 days, making him the shelter’s longest canine resident. (Orange County Animal Services)

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