Nieko, the gentle giant with lion’s feet, has an extremely playful yet calm disposition. This poor guy got dumped at the Williamsburg humane society a few weeks ago when his previous owners downsized to an apartment and decided to keep their other two dogs and leave Nieko behind. Apparently Nieko was just too big for the apartment. Sadly, it was those very owners who let him become some twenty pounds overweight, a condition that helped create a severe case of hip dysplasia. His left femur rests above the hip because its socket has degenerated and can no longer hold the leg in place. Despite what must be an extremely painful condition, Nieko loves brief walks outside and goes up and down a few stairs as needed. He desperately wants to run and play fetch, throwing to his humans anything they might throw back at him for a quick game: tennis balls, pine cones, rocks, sticks, plastic baseball bats, squeaky toys, and stuffed animals. He doesn’t let anything keep him down! Nieko is trustworthy in the house and great with dogs and people of all ages. If you place a high value on a dog’s friendship and have a loving home and even a ranch-style house, Nieko won’t disappoint. This gorgeous guy will only go to a very special home! Is that home yours? dGRKVA  Adopted 4-25-10.