ABOUT NICK K9S
Who was Nick K?
Nick was an amazing, funny, bright, and busy kid growing up. He was active, had love & support from his family, and had a lot of friends who looked up to him.
Nick started using drugs during his sophomore year of high school and by his senior year was deep into his addiction.
It was at the age of 18 when Nick checked himself into rehab. For the next few years, he was in and out of recovery facilities and sober living homes, seeking hope and healing from anyone who might have been able to extend a helping hand.
Nick lost his battle with addiction in 2016.
HOPE & HEALING
Open communication is a crucial aspect of the recovery process and unfortunately Nick, like many others struggling with addiction, was uncomfortable talking about his feelings and challenges.
After he passed away, we learned that the times Nick would open up the most in therapy sessions was when his therapist would bring her dog along.
As we researched the inclusion of therapy dogs throughout the recovery process, it became obvious that dogs proved to be highly beneficial for long term healing and sobriety.
At that time we committed ourselves to carry on Nick's legacy... To build awareness to addiction and to provide therapy & support to those looking for hope & healing in their recovery journey.
THE FOUNDATION
Nick K9s is a non-profit 501(c)3 that provides vulnerable youth struggling with substance abuse the opportunity to benefit from pet therapy - an empowering & healing experience which has proven to build a foundation for trust and ultimately contribute to sustained sobriety & recovery.
We facilitate and coordinate connections between certified pet therapy teams and addiction recovery centers/sober living facilities, to allow struggling youth in our communities the opportunity to build trusting relationships with others - creating hope, healing & acceptance of themselves.