Nido

Behind that smile that is learning to trust again lies a very sad story.

Nido, formerly called Bienvenido, lost his family. He was adopted by an elderly couple who, in a short time, both fell ill: he passed away and she was struck by a degenerative disease that progressed rapidly. Other family hardships followed, and Nido became the least of the relatives’ concerns.

He was a much-loved, much-adored, much-spoiled dog — like any of the dogs in our homes right now, though perhaps even more so. He was utterly pampered.

After the illness and death came abandonment. Nido lived for weeks in the doorway of that family’s home, waiting for them to return — something that never happened. Some neighbours, uncomfortable with his presence, wanted him gone.

Then a podenco called Ruth arrived in the area. She lived on the street and befriended him, so Nido ventured out of his “safe place” and for a while was happy with her — a little romance. Everyone in the village knew the pair, and for good reason: she soon showed signs of pregnancy.

Our friend Santi, who had been keeping an eye on them, made room at home for Ruth so she could give birth when her condition was unmistakable. Bienvenido was not so fortunate.

He ended up somewhere he was again deprived of freedom, love, and affection — a temporary place that became a longer stay than intended.

Now he has come to us. We cannot say his story has improved much, because honestly he is still kennelled. He has regained some weight, and although his latest vet visit showed his leishmaniasis has worsened since it was last checked, we hope that soon, with treatment, affection, good food, walks, and socialising with his kennel neighbours, both his physical and emotional health will improve.

We will never replace the family he once had. What we can do is help him find a family who will love him, give him time, and let him be happy again.

He is a noble, good dog, good with other dogs and children, and sociable. One look at his face, knowing everything he has been through, shows his innocence — he still trusts people.

We are in Málaga, but Nido could travel to any province in Spain.

Leishmaniasis is a disease spread by sandflies when dogs are not properly protected with parasite prevention. In most cases it is lifelong but can be managed with a daily pill costing around €3 per month. It is not contagious to people or other pets in the household, and dogs can live a normal life.