In March, a terminally ill New Yorker who went by “Mr. Spencer” shared a final wish: That his beloved German shepherds would go to a loving home.
According to CBS News and WCBS, a local nonprofit called NYC Second Chance Rescue took custody of his dogs — Bowie and Nikki — soon after he was hospitalized.
When he asked to say his final goodbyes, the rescue granted his wish, bringing them into his hospital room for an emotional farewell.
“It was a tearjerker, seeing them get so excited to see their owner,” Jennifer Brooks, the founder of NYC Second Chance Rescue, told WCBS. “They laid near his bed. We stayed for quite a while.”
For months, Bowie and Nikki shared a kennel together under loving care at NYC Second Chance Rescue. Although Nikki was friendly with other dogs, Bowie needed to be homed in a place without pets, which made it difficult to adopt them out together.
Every month, NYC Second Chance Rescue would share updates on the duo and remind followers that they were up for adoption.
“Nikki is 10. Bowie is 4. Both are incredibly well-trained, people friendly, well-mannered, and deeply loving dogs who have clearly been cherished their entire lives,” the rescue wrote in an Instagram post.
“Truly, they are all the companionship anyone could ever need. Calm, loyal and incredibly devoted, they bring comfort simply by being beside you.”
Bowie was finally adopted in July after he was highlighted on the rescue’s “Second Chance Spotlight” on Instagram.
“Bowie found his forever home last weekend and, given the love he’s received online, I’m posting about his journey settling into his new home,” his new owner, Wendy, commented. His journey continues on the social media account @bowie_thegsd.
At the time of publication, Nikki was in hospice foster care, still looking for her forever home.
“Nikki is a beautiful German Shepherd with a gentle soul and kind eyes that tell a story of loyalty and love,” NYC Second Chance Rescue wrote for Wagtopia, an adoption website. “Nikki is a loving and devoted companion who enjoys human connection and thrives in a caring environment. She has a calm demeanor and a warm, friendly nature that makes her a wonderful addition to a home looking for a loyal and steady presence.”
“If you’re ready to open your heart to a truly special dog, Nikki is ready to return that love tenfold and become a cherished part of your life.”
On August 24, NYC Second Chance Rescue gave an update on Nikki.
“Nikki is in a loving hospice home being spoiled for the rest of her time with some doggie foster siblings,” a representative from the rescue told Good Good Good. “She was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, which will progress, so she will start using a wheelchair soon to help keep her mobile for as long as possible.”
Interested in adopting Nikki? Reach out to NYC Second Chance Rescue.
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Featured Image: NYC Second Chance Rescue
