[Notepet] An abandoned dog so skinny that its bones were showing was rescued by a rescuer who approached it and held it in his arms, American animal media outlet The Dodo reported on the 10th (local time).

Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL), an animal rescue organization in St. Louis, Missouri, found a emaciated dog in the front yard of a home on a cold and windy day in January. 

The dog, so skinny that it looked painful, was leaning against the wall of the house as rescuers approached.

At first, the guy wasn’t sure who the people approaching him were. But soon he realized they were there to help him.

“He was waiting for someone…anyone…to be kind and helpful to him,” SRSL wrote on Facebook.

The rescue team, led by Donna Lochmann, slowly approached the dog and spoke to him gently. When they finally got close enough to pet him, he immediately jumped into their arms.

SRSL couldn’t tell how long the dog had been living alone without care, but one thing was certain: he was a loving being, and he longed to be loved and cared for more than anyone else.

Lockman tried to use a leash to get the dog, later named Nico, into the car like he did with other rescue dogs. But he was surprised to find that Nico didn’t need one. He was held gently by the rescuer and enjoyed being petted as the car moved.

Lockman took Niko to SRSL headquarters and had him treated immediately. Surprisingly, Niko weighed only 32 pounds (about 14.5 kg), half of his normal weight, but fortunately, he was in good health except for being emaciated from prolonged starvation. Niko was taken into SRSL’s care and soon earned a reputation as a ‘hugging dog.’

“When you open the door, Nico is in your arms at lightning speed,” SRSL explains.

Nico is now living a happier life than ever in a foster home, slowly and healthily gaining weight.

SRSL said, “Nico’s foster mom said his favorite thing to do is give kisses. He is the most sweetest angel boy.”

SRSL said they plan to find Nico a forever home once he reaches a healthy weight.