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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