German Shepherd Spotted Alone in the Rain Clutching Stuffed Animal Is Rescued with Her Toy

After enduring months exposed to the elements, Nikki, along with her beloved stuffed animal, finally found solace in a warm and dry home.

The journey to recovery for this German Shepherd began in early May when pictures of the pup began circulating among various rescues in the Metro Detroit area. Gail Montgomery, the cofounder of Almost Home Animal Rescue League, vividly recalls the moment she first laid eyes on Nikki’s images.

“I received private messages and pictures of this dog clutching her stuffed toy while it was raining in downtown Detroit. It was truly heart-wrenching and deeply saddening,” Montgomery shares with PEOPLE, describing the impact Nikki’s photographs had on her.

The images depicted Nikki standing alone in the rain, tightly holding onto her plush toy. Fueled by a surge of emotions, Montgomery immediately sprung into action, determined to help the German Shepherd in need.

In her quest to rescue Nikki and provide her with a safe haven, Montgomery reached out to her contacts at South Lyon Murphy Lost Animal Recovery for assistance. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Montgomery’s trusted expert in capturing elusive animals stepped up to the challenge.

With remarkable skill and dedication, this adept individual successfully retrieved Nikki from the streets, ensuring that her cherished stuffed animal remained by her side throughout the rescue operation.

Montgomery later discovered the heartbreaking truth about Nikki’s circumstances. The canine had been fending for herself for several months, likely as a result of her owner’s passing. Nikki survived by relying on the kindness of neighbors and scavenging for food scraps.

When Nikki was taken to an emergency hospital, the extent of her hardships became evident. The medical team provided her with the necessary care, but unfortunate findings revealed that she was afflicted with heartworm disease and other internal issues. During the veterinary examination, it was discovered that Nikki had ingested plastic bags, twigs, and bones, further adding to her health concerns, according to Montgomery.

Following her initial medical treatment, Nikki found herself in a foster home provided by Almost Home, a foster-based animal rescue league committed to a no-kill policy. In this nurturing environment, Nikki continues to receive the ongoing care and treatment she requires as she bravely battles her health challenges.

Describing Nikki’s condition during her days before rescue, Montgomery shares that the poor pup was overwhelmed with stress. The prolonged time spent on the streets had taken a toll on her overall well-being, causing her body to struggle with functioning properly.

However, under the care of her dedicated foster family, Nikki’s road to recovery has been transformative. Nourished with a healthy diet consisting of chicken and rice, and showered with abundant love and care, Nikki is not only healing physically but also blossoming emotionally. With each passing day, she reveals more of her unique personality, demonstrating the resilience of her spirit.

Remarkably, Nikki’s attachment to her stuffed animal has lessened since her relocation. While she occasionally still sleeps with it, she no longer exhibits the intense obsession she once had while wandering the streets of Detroit.

Since finding her new home, Nikki has enjoyed pampering sessions at the spa and is truly living a life filled with comfort and joy.

Montgomery expresses her awe at the incredible amount of love Nikki is receiving from her foster family. She highlights the heartwarming transformation Nikki has undergone, explaining that the more kindness and affection Nikki experiences, the more she reciprocates with her own affection and kindness.

As the cofounder of Almost Home, a nonprofit organization started alongside her daughter, Montgomery hopes that Nikki’s story will serve as an inspiration for animal lovers to consider the countless other pets who may not make headlines but still require assistance and care.

“This serves as a wake-up call for people,” Montgomery emphasizes. She believes that Nikki’s story serves as a powerful reminder that there are many dogs like Nikki out there, wandering the streets of Detroit and beyond, in need of help and support.

Nikki’s unique circumstances, carrying her stuffed animal in the rain, served as a poignant example of a situation that captured public attention. However, Montgomery emphasizes that there are numerous other dogs facing similar challenges, and their stories also deserve attention and assistance.