Heroic Senior Dog Who Took Bullet For His Owner Looking For Hero Of His Own

Kiko is a dog whose had his share of ups and downs in his life. But one thing is for sure, the reserved 14-year-old Pit Bull has a courageous heart. Back in 2012 Kiko became a hero when he defended his owner from a home invasion. A man pretending to be a UPS delivery driver tried to break into Kiko’s home in Staten Island, New York and when the man pulled a gun, Kiko sprung into action and was shot in the head. Miraculously, he survived and recovered.

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Photo credit: Mighty Mutts

Sadly, when Kiko’s owner fell on hard times a few years ago, he was forced to give up Kiko. When the volunteer-run no-kill animal rescue, Mighty Mutts, heard Kiko’s story, they knew they needed to help the elderbull. They soon realized that Kiko had one special need – he is deaf.

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Photo credit: Mighty Mutts

The rescue has been searching for a suitable home for Kiko for over 18 months now and are hoping someone special will see it in their heart to rescue the heroic senior dog. Mighty Mutts recently shared this wonderful description of daily life with Kiko written by his foster mom:

“He loves having his ears and butt scratched and usually when he lays down he he makes a cute little grunting/sighing noise. He is very food motivated, and smart. He loves looking at himself in the mirror (he obviously knows how handsome he is) and when we go on walks sometimes he stops to look at himself in the store windows. When he has extra energy he likes to roll around on the floor and wiggle back and forth. Whenever I catch him doing this he stops and just looks at me. (I’m assuming it’s like the equivalent of someone catching you while you’re dancing). He gets excited for his walks and gently steps into his harness and waits for me to open the door patiently.

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Photo credit: Mighty Mutts

“His favorite way to show affection is to come over to you and stare at you until you pet him. Then he buries his head into you and gives little happy grunts when you scratch his head just right. He also checks in with you to see where you are and if everything is ok. Because he’s deaf giving him visual reassurance that everything is ok is really important in making him feel calm and secure. I usually smile at him and give him a thumbs up. Then he goes back to sleeping or eating.

“He sleeps like a log, but is very particular about his bed. He usually circles it several times before he chooses which position to lay in. He loves meeting new people, although I’m always careful to check in and see if he’s showing any signs of anxiety when new people come over to him. He has quickly become a favorite in my building and neighborhood. We’re constantly getting pets from people who recognize him from our walks. I’ve had several people over to my apartment and after I make the proper introductions he usually ignores them unless he wants food or affection.

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Photo credit: Mighty Mutts

“He has no food aggression at all, and hasn’t made a move for any of my furniture or rugs as chew toys. He also has no anxiety in the elevator which is great because we’re looking for someone with an elevator or minimal stairs to adopt him.”

Mighty Mutts is looking for a local adopter who is within 2 to 3 hours driving distance from New York City. They are looking for a home with no kids and no cats, and a home with no dogs is preferred, although a home with a calm, older dog may be suitable.  To find out more about Kiko and Mighty Mutts visit their website.

News Update:

Kiko did find his forever home! Although he only spent a few months with his adoptive family before he passed away, he made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

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