Are you looking for a professional snuggler who treats a belly rub like a winning lottery ticket? “I’m not a big dog; I’m just a very large, mobile pillow that requires snacks for fuel." — Niko’s Resume. Niko is the ultimate vibe check champion, a soulful, observant guy who has officially retired from the fast lane to pursue a career in professional lounging. He bonds deeply with his people; once he knows you’re his, he transforms into a 78 lb puddle of love who will gravity flop for a belly rub the second you make eye contact. He isn’t looking to run any marathons; he’s just searching for a best friend to share a soft rug, a quiet afternoon, and a very serious commitment to seeing how many naps can fit into one Sunday. Want to see those tail wags in action? Check out Niko’s audition tape for Best Boy 2026 in his adoption video below! https://youtu.be/SU-T52zwq_g Niko is the ultimate low speed, high snuggle specialist who has officially retired from the hustle and bustle. He’s a professional shadow who likes to keep you in his sight and know where you are, but he isn't going to bounce off the walls to get your attention. A soulful guy who bonds deeply, Niko is perfectly content just existing in your bubble but of course he’s going to ensure he’s always within petting range. If your ideal Saturday involves a book and a snack, Niko is already scouting out the best rug nearby, ready to provide the moral support (and the heavy leaning) you didn't know you needed! Niko is a 78 lb professional heart throb whose DNA is a total mystery, we’re reasonably sure he’s part German Shepherd and at least 50% Weighted Blanket. While we can’t say for sure what his family tree looks like, we do know he is a sturdy, big bodied gentleman with a heart that definitely matches his footprint. Niko isn't exactly a pocket sized companion you can tuck under your arm for errands; he’s more of a magnificent, deluxe sized soulmate who takes his job as a floor warmer very seriously. Niko is currently living the good life in a foster home, and he’s proving to be an A+ student! He is both crate trained and potty trained, which is basically the "Golden Ticket" of dog adoption. He’s a polite houseguest who understands the rules of the indoors! He’s a fan of the simple life, just wants to know when dinner is served and where his favorite person is. Niko is a total social butterfly, The low speed kind! When it comes to other dogs, he’s a gold medal winner in the Peaceful Coexistence category. He’s a soft, submissive fellow who definitely appreciates a fellow canine sibling who understands that napping is a competitive sport. If you have a resident dog who prefers slow motion strolls and communal rug snuggling over rowdy wrestling matches, Niko will fit right in! Of course, if you’re looking for a solo superstar, he’s also more than happy to be your one and only deluxe sized shadow. Niko met a feline friend and, well, let’s just say he was very fascinated! He didn't give chase, but he seems to think cats are just very small, funny looking dogs that deserve a lot of his attention. We believe he is willing to share his kingdom with a kitty, but he will have a kitty sleepover as a trial run to ensure they can officially become the bestest of buds! Niko is a gentle giant who would thrive in a calm, easygoing home. Even though he’s a big dude, he’s definitely not training for the Olympics; he's much more like a couch pillow… just a much bigger one. An apartment or quiet condo suits him just fine, as long as there’s a comfy spot to lounge and a human nearby to hang out with. Niko might take a minute to warm up, but once you’re in his circle, get ready for the sweet stuff. Belly rubs will be happily accepted and very much appreciated. Niko is a resilient, sweet soul who is ready to leave his past behind and become the center of someone's world. He’s potty trained, polite, and has a belly that isn't going to rub itself! Ready to give this big guy the happily ever after? Click the link below to start your application! https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/699f54c2f45780ba6b0b32b6 Questions? Email Cynthia@threelittlepittiesrescue.org We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travels safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page! Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience! The adoption fee is $1,200.00 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship! We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews: https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process. At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress! We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog. Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet. It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS: Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training 70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription Coupons for a fun visit to Petco 20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup! The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another. Follow our journey and stay connected! 🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org 📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue 📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need! *Due to rising transportation costs, a $87 surcharge applies. DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing. NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.