Most of us can agree that protection is just one facet of the relationship maintained between those who live on the streets and their beloved pets. In addition to guarding their owners against danger, dogs also become their inseparable companions. Most people consider dogs to be their only partners in whom they can fully place their trust. And dogs, in return for all the affection and love they receive, give their human friends unwavering loyalty that seems to have no limits.

Surely the world would fall apart for either of them if they were separated and that’s exactly what happened to a homeless man named Jimmy Nicholos and his dog named Boots.

Jimmy was heartbroken after his service dog disappeared on New Year’s Eve in Sherman Oaks. Feeling desperate, Jimmy Nicholos was pleading with the public to bring his best friend Boots back home for a $10,000 reward (which was funded by the public and the Start Rescue Resale Store’s owner where Jimmy worked at) even after the police report was filed.

On a New Year’s Eve of 2020 a homeless man named Jimmy Nicholos lost his service dog called Boots

Nicholos is homeless but works part-time at Start Rescue Resale Store, a Sherman Oaks thrift shop that funds pet rescue adoptions outside of Los Angeles. Last year, on New Year’s Eve, a woman walked into the store and offered to groom his dog. Nicholos said the woman had groomed his dog once before, so that’s why he didn’t think anything of it and agreed to let her take the dog.

A woman walked into the store and offered to groom Boots. Nicholos said the woman had groomed his dog once before, so he didn’t think anything of it and agreed

After that Boots never returned and the said woman claimed that she took the dog out to the park but he ran away instead

Jimmy Nicholos was pleading with the public to bring Boots back home for a $10,000 reward (which was funded by the public and the Start Rescue Resale store’s owner)

In a press conference, Jimmy talked about his dog: “He is my baby. I got two kids I never got to raise and when that happened, he was the only thing that kept me sane. He never asked for nothing only a little love. I am at a loss for words.”

“The START team sent out hundreds of flyers, hired a private investigator, had an attorney file a lawsuit, and worked 24 hours a day to find Boots.” said Jimmy

He also thanked his colleagues and boss for all of the support they were giving

After two weeks with Boots missing, Jimmy was approached by a local TV station

Minutes after the show aired, a person called and said: “I have your dog”

The reunion took place at the Van Nuy police station and although Jimmy could not believe it, his beloved Boots was there

The story came to a happy ending

Jimmy said it was all thanks to the solidarity of so many people who were kind enough to help him

Boots and Jimmy are now as happy as ever after their recent reunion